HEREFORD FC returned to winning ways against Chorley as a third goal in three games for Alex Babos helped the Bulls secure a 2-1 victory at Victoria Park.
Jack Tolley put the away side in front before Babos doubled the lead in emphatic style to seal all three points for the Bulls, in spite of Jack Sampson’s 79th minute goal.
Hereford dominated possession during the first half without having a cutting edge in front of goal. The Bulls’ first chance fell to Ethan Freemantle in the 31st minute after the Hereford striker was found inside the box by Lassana Mendes, but his snapshot could only find the side netting.
Curtis Pond was on hand to produce a fine save a minute later after a Chorley throw-in was flicked on at the near post, resulting in a looping header that was clawed away by the No.1.
A driving run from Babos in the 35th minute saw the midfielder find Yusifu Ceesay on the edge of the box, who cut inside and fired an effort only inches wide of the post.
A ball over the top of the Hereford defence just before half-time resulted in Justin Johnson being found inside the area, but his close-range effort was well saved by the legs of Pond.
The beginning of the second half saw Chorley create an opening when Billy Whitehouse nodded down for Adam Henley inside the box, but his effort was blazed over the crossbar.
Paul Caddis’ side took the lead slightly against the run of play in the 55th minute after a defensive error from Chorley allowed Freemantle to cross to an unmarked Tolley at the back post who made it 1-0.
Hereford doubled their lead 20 minutes later when a long ball from Pond saw Babos through on goal who proceeded to finish emphatically into the top corner of the net.
Chorley pulled a goal back with 11 minutes to go after a Johnson cross found Sampson unmarked inside the box to head in and halve the deficit.
The returning Jason Cowley had an opportunity to add a third in added time after being played through on goal but a heavy touch allowed goalkeeper Matt Urwin to come and claim.
Hereford: Pond, Skinner, Livingstone, Teixeria (Cranston 90), Ceesay, Babos, Tolley (Arthur 61), Mendes, Southern, Freemantle (Cowley 80), Cameron
Unused Subs: Stanley, Rooney
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