MANAGER Pete Beadle has hit out at “harsh” supporters who booed Hereford’s players off the pitch in their FA Cup clash against old foes Alvechurch.

A chorus of boos reverberated around Edgar Street when the referee blew the half-time whistle.

But the Bulls boss believes the fans’ reaction might have fuelled his side’s second-half comeback as they showed character to hit back from 2-0 down to win the preliminary round tie 4-2.

“People are entitled to their opinions — they pay their money and come to watch but I was disappointed with their reaction at half time with their booing,” said Beadle.

“At the end of the day, no-one goes out there with the intention to play badly and the group of players showed last season the character they have got and they showed it again in second half.

“I felt the fans’ reaction was a little bit harsh — but that’s football,” said Beadle.

“We took it on the chin and it could have spurred us to go and do well in the second half.”

Beadle continued: “I am picky and fussy and I expect us to be perfect every week.

“Our character is one thing that has never been in doubt until the first half.

“And maybe that’s why the fans were disappointed and because we were up against a team which we knew so much about from last season.

“We always try to win every game but sometimes we are going to come unstuck.”

Alvechurch manager Ian Long enjoyed the banter with the Hereford fans.

“They always give me some stick when I come here,” said Long, whose side were pipped to the Midland League Premier Division title by Hereford last season.

“I don’t think they liked something I said after the first game when I mentioned that I was a bit wary of referees giving penalties to Hereford.

“I was trying to get into the minds of the referees so they would not give any soft decisions in favour of Hereford last season.”