Hereford Lads Club have had quite a few days. Promotion confirmed to the Hellenic League Premier Division, followed up by lifting the County Challenge Cup for the first time in nearly 40 years with a 4-2 victory over local rivals Westfields at Edgar Street.
In truth, it didn’t look likely early on, with Westfields taking an early lead thanks to an own goal. Even the most positive of Lads Club supporter would’ve feared the worst but the character then came through. Bendall fired Lads Club level when the goalkeeper spilled the ball to send the loud and proud Lads Club fans into bedlam.
Things soon got even better with Hockey finishing well to make it 2-1 at half time.
In the second half, Lads Club had the wind behind them and Westfields defence struggled with the wind throughout the game. Hockey swung in a corner which evaded everyone and ended up in the back of the net to make it 3-1, surely game over?
Not quite, Westfields weren’t going to just go away. They were awarded a penalty for a handball, but Steve Bell made a fantastic save to keep the scores at 3-1. Westfields did get their goal a few minutes later to make it a nervy last few minutes.
However Lads Club didn’t just sit back and in added time, Hancocks finished the job to make it 4-2 to Lads Club. Danny Moon’s side therefore crowned as Herefordshire FA County Challenge Cup Winners and nobody can say they didn’t deserve it.
Photos by Andy Compton – Your Herefordshire.
