MARK Bower has blasted the 'disrespect' shown by Hereford manager Josh Gowling after Bradford (Park Avenue) came away from Edgar Street with a 2-0 win.

Although, the Bulls boss admitted his team could have done more, Gowling produced a scathing attack on the visitors' negative approach.

Speaking to our sister paper the Hereford Times, he fumed: "The two goals are probably the two worst we've conceded since I've been manager.

"They (Bradford) literally got nine men, sometimes ten, behind the ball and we just played side to side.

"They shouldn't have been in this league this year but because of Covid they were given a reprieve."

Bower responded passionately and feels his players can use this to their advantage.

He said: "Some (of his) comments were quite frankly disrespectful. Having seen their two previous games, where they have certainly game managed, it is somewhat hypocritical.

"When you are two goals in front playing into the wind second half, you are going to sit back and try soak up pressure. To go down there and pick up three points, it was a massive result for us.

"People look where we finished last year and see us as relegation certainties. The challenge for us is to go prove them wrong.

"We have got some personnel back at the club from previous years, they listened to that after the game, and are used to it. We defied the odds to get to the playoffs two year in a row (2017/18 and 2018/19). We can use that attitude against us as fuel and that extra motivation."

Oli Johnson was the star of the show in the West Midlands, bagging a brace, and Bower hopes his form can continue.

He added: "We know what OJ possesses when we can get him somewhere near full fitness.

"If Lionel Messi scores that second goal with the way they worked it, you would be seeing it every 15 minutes on Sky Sports News. It was an outstanding goal.

"He certainly had a positive impact for us, not just from his goals but his defensive work as well. It was nice to see him with a smile on his face."

Out of form Chorley travel to the Horsfall Stadium in tomorrow's rescheduled 1pm kick-off. The Magpies have lost all four of their opening Vanarama National League North matches this term.

Bower added: "I am not reading anything into the defeats. Three out of the four, they have been pretty unfortunate to lose.

"They have got through both Gateshead and York in the FA Cup so they are in a bit of a false position.

"They have lost a lot of their core so it might just be a bit more of a transitional period this season. I certainly expect them to be up there and amongst some of the better teams.

"I am sure they will get going sooner or later. Hopefully, just not on Saturday."