Torquay 1-0 Hereford
We left a wet Hereford heading for the English Riviera to play Torquay United.
The weather had greatly improved by the time we reached Paignton and we were excited at the prospect of playing on the brand new Astro Turf surface.
We started the game in bright fashion and in the third minute of the game Aidan Thomas forced a fine save out of keeper Aaron Ibbotson.
In fact for the first 15 minutes we took the game to the home side. Then disaster struck when a weak kick by keeper Gwynne was quickly returned to the home striker who ran in to put the ball past the hapless stopper.
This was followed by the home sides' best play of the match as they sensed a second goal. We withstood the pressure and gradually the midfield of Lofus, Brimble, Lee and Hackett exerted their influence on the game.
Thomas again broke free only to see his shot miss the far post and Brendan Hackett was unlucky not to score when Ibbotson turned his shot onto the post and behind for a corner.
Masimba Matapo also joined in and fired over from the edge of the area. The other full-back Will Loughman saw a powerful shot flash past the post.
The half time whistle went with the one goal between the sides.
The second half saw us increase our grip on the game as the lads relished playing on such a true surface.
The defence tightened their grip on the long diagonal ball that had troubled us in the first half and the midfield enjoyed a large share of possession.
As the half progressed we started to open up the home defence with both wide players Hackett and Dean Lee getting behind their full-backs, the two combining well only for Hackett to side foot over the bar.
Chris Hyde starting his first game of the season also sent in a low cross that just evaded Thomas's outstretched leg.
It summed up the strikers day as he failed to convert three one-on-one chances with the keeper.
Although the third chance was saved on the line at the second attempt. Hackett then returned the favour to Lee but he was thwarted by the keeper who picked up an injury and wanted to come off until it was pointed out that the home side had used all three substitutes.
Zac Brimble was now enjoying his role in midfield and was the starting point for attacking moves and skipper Joe Loftus was seen making several runs into the opposition box.
Dean Lee's pace was terrifying his full-back but still we could not find the killer touch.
The game ended with an undeserved win for the home side emphasised by the fact that they were led straight off the pitch without cooling down for discussion on their performance behind the dressing room door.
Another good performance not reflected in the result.
Hereford United: Gwynne, Lemar, Matapo, Loughman, Croose, Brimble, Lee, Loftus, Thomas, Hackett (Marsh 87) Hyde (Lattibeaudiere 84).
Subs Not Used: Savage, Godfrey.
Torquay United: Ibbotson, Milton, Parish, Clark, Palmer, Taylor, Hemming, Beattie, Spear, Wearne, Halpin, Friend, Roe, Lang.
