The opening game of the new Alliance League season presented Hereford United with the short journey to Cheltenham Town in weather more suited to November than August.

United gave an Alliance debut to striker Josh Hunt, but were missing Ben Thomas and Dean Lee through injury.

Within three minutes Hereford were reminded of the more direct approach of this league, unlike the last friendly at Stoke City. Home striker David Waters raced past the Bulls' centre-backs and cleverly chipped the oncoming Mat Gwynne.

This put the Bulls very much on the back foot and there hosts then ran the game for the first quarter of an hour.

Gradually, United forced their way back into the game and were unlucky not to score following several off-target shots from Jack Biggs, Laurie Marsh and Kyle McCarthy.

With the mid-point of the half approaching Hereford gained a deserved equaliser when a cross from Josh Hunt was turned in by Josh Wildig.  United continued to press for the second goal but despite good approach play failed to find the target before the half-time whistle.

Unfortunately, the second half did not see the same sort of performance, and the home side were very much on the front foot and bullied the young Hereford side out of the game. 

After two near misses Waters again found himself free at the back post and he proceeded to net his second goal. This set the tone for the rest of the half and the lively Waters wreaked havoc with his movement and Hereford's failure to clear their lines resulting in Matthew Croose scything down an attacker in the box to concede a penalty which was converted by Ethan Moore.

At the other end a low driven free-kick by Laurie Marsh was spilled by home keeper Barnfather, but none of the many yellow shirts could react to turn the ball home.

Another attack saw the home side increase their lead to a flattering 4-1 which proved to be the final score.

The Hereford coaching staff decided to have a heart to heart discussion after the game in a behind closed doors meeting between players and coaches.

The Cheltenham coaching staff had commented that this is one of the best Hereford teams they have faced, and yet the scoreline suggested nothing has changed.

On a more positive note Kyle McCarthy completed his first full game in the Youth Alliance since his horrific injury on the same ground last October.

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Teams

Hereford United: Gwynne, Lemar, McCarthy, Loughman, (Savage 66) Croose, Matapo, Wildig, Brimble, Biggs, (Lattibeaudire) Hunt, Marsh

Subs not used Brook, Firkins

Cheltenham Town: Barnfather, Rawlings, Brwon, Hitchings, Williams, Fawke, Egan, Turley, Moore, Waters, Morgan