AFTER forming the deadliest partnership in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West last season, John Mills and Pablo Haysham are repeating the feat at Hereford FC, writes Matthew Bruce.

The Abingdon-based pair notched 70 goals between them last term for Didcot Town before decamping to newly-formed Hereford during the summer, where they have continued their fine form.

Mills, scorer of a remarkable 57 goals for Didcot last season, is well on his way to smashing that record with 38 so far for the Midland League leaders, with Haysham contributing a further 17.

“It was probably the best footballing decision of my career to come here,” said Mills.

“I’m playing in front of 2,000-3,000 fans every week, which is something any amateur footballer dreams of.

“My target at the start of the season was always to get as close as possible to the 57 goals I scored last season and I think I might get more than that.”

Herald Series:

  • Pablo Haysham falls as he scores one of his three goals for Hereford FC against Continental Star Picture: James Maggs/Hereford Times

After a highly impressive campaign in their final season at Didcot in which Mills’ goals – many of which were created by Haysham – earned plenty of headlines, both players had opportunities to progress up the leagues.

Instead, they opted to take a step down to join the new side which formed after the demise of Hereford United in December 2014.

“It was a big decision to make,” admitted Haysham.

“I spent pre-season at Oxford City on trial.

“But when that didn’t work out I spoke to John, who told me about his talks with Hereford and that they were looking for another striker.

“After a couple of conversations between me, him and the people at Hereford it became clear that it was the right thing to do and we had no hesitation signing.

“I really feel I fell on my feet with that one and I have to thank John for it because he took care of everything.”

The move kept alive a partnership which has been flourishing since youth football.

“I’ve played with John for years, right back to when we were in the Abingdon United youth team together,” said Haysham.

“I think I’m more of a creator than a goalscorer like John and that’s why we work so well together.

“We’ve played in the same teams plenty of times before and we know each other outside of football, so we get on really well.”

Mills added: “Pablo still lives just down the road from me in Abingdon, so it’s a perfect arrangement.

“We’ve played together since under 15 level, with only the odd season apart.

“We formed a good partnership during that time and we’ve stuck together ever since.”