FOR the second successive season, Hereford FC have been relentless in the league, again notching up over 100 goals and 100 points.

Many people predicted Pete Beadle's men would be challenging for another promotion, but very few would have predicted they would have sealed it with such ease.

Hereford started their campaign with scrappy wins against AFC Totton and Mangotsfield United before Bridgwater Town were thumped 6-0 – the Bulls' biggest win of the season.

Three more clean sheets were achieved in August before the FA Cup took over in September.

The first time Hereford dropped points came on September 24 as they were held to a 1-1 draw by high-flying Tiverton Town.

Slimbridge were also high up in the table by the time Hereford faced them in their next game, but they were easily dispatched 3-0.

Back-to-back defeats against Tonbridge Angels and Salisbury in the FA Cup and FA Trophy respectively meant that the Bulls only really had the league to focus on.

Hereford were moments away from going three games in a row without a win, but a last minute John Mills goal saw them beat Paulton Rovers 2-1.

Another close game followed against Wimborne Town, but Hereford persevered 3-2.

The Bulls were no longer battering teams and a 2-2 draw against Didcot Town – which saw Ryan Green controversially sent off – gave the chasing pack hope that they could hunt Hereford down.

However, Hereford bounced back in fine style by comfortably beating Swindon Supermarine 3-0.

Another win against high-flying Shortwood United was soon achieved and Hereford were in the groove.

Both Bridgwater and AFC Totton were thrashed before they gained revenge for their cup defeat by beating Salisbury 3-1.

Hereford were still unbeaten but amazingly in their next game, found themselves 3-0 down at North Leigh at half-time.

A remarkable turnaround soon them draw 3-3, with Mills on hand again to net a last-gasp goal.

The year ended with wins against Wantage Town, Yate Town and Bishops Cleeve.

A attendance of 4,404 saw Hereford start 2017 with a 2-1 win against Evesham United before Paulton and Mangotsfield were both beaten.

However, the Bulls were no match for Taunton Town, who inflicted their first league defeat of the season on January 14.

Hereford bounced back with three wins on the trot before Wimborne were the next team to come away from Edgar Street with a positive result thanks to a 2-2 draw.

And when Beadle's team drew again against Larkhall Athletic, questions started to be raised – were Hereford about to throw it away?

A comfortable 2-0 win against Swindon Supermarine was needed and another win at Didcot Town was on the cards before crowd disturbances saw the game abandoned.

Another draw – this time at Bideford – followed before Hereford thrashed North Leigh 4-1.

It meant the Bulls went to Salisbury knowing they would be champions if they won and other results went their way.

A perfect afternoon saw Hereford win 4-0, which coupled with Taunton and Tiverton losing, meant they were champions by the end of March.

A party atmosphere followed at Edgar Street for Hereford's next game against Wantage and the struggling side almost pulled off a famous win.

However, two goals in the last 10 minutes saw the Bulls persevere 3-2.

Taunton did become the only side to remain unbeaten against Hereford by gaining a 1-1 draw before Hereford ironically beat Didcot 2-1 in the 'behind closed doors game'.

Barnstaple also drew against Hereford at Edgar Street before Hereford eased past Evesham United 2-0 on Easter Monday.

And their season was complete with a 4-0 thumping of Winchester City.

Photos by James Maggs, Michael Eden, John Rose and Stuart Purfield