Saturday, October 23, 2004

Hereford United's hopes of ending their five-match winless run were ended by Carlisle's three-goal burst in a six-minute period either side of half-time.

With the Bulls leading thanks to Adam Stansfield's 20th-minute strike, the substantial Hereford following in the 6,772 crowd had high hopes of making the long return journey with at least a point.

But two goals in a minute by Magno Vieira turned things around before the interval and then, with Hereford needing a good start to the second period, Peter Murphy's strike a minute after the break made the challenge too big.

It was unfortunate for Hereford who again produced some attractive football without finding the final killer ball.

With Jonathan Gould recalled by Preston, Ben Scott was given his chance in goal, one of four changes after the disappointing home draw with Woking.

And Scott's Nationwide Conference debut almost had the most disastrous of starts when his scuffed clearance hit

Karl Hawley on just 14 seconds.

But the young 'keeper showed the presence of mind to catch the rebound and made confident saves and clearances in the next quarter-of-an-hour.

After 20 minutes, however, the Hereford attack, little seen in the early stages, was presented with an opening.

A mistake by Peter Arnison gave David Brown a shooting opportunity and although Matty Glennon blocked his effort, Adam Stansfield followed up to net off defender Lee Andrews.

With their confidence boosted, Hereford dominated. A Jamie Pitman shot was blocked and Brown's powerful 20-yarder sailed into Glennon's arms.

But on 40 minutes the hosts levelled when Murphy crossed from the left for Vieira to head home at the far post.

A minute later, Vieira's strike from 25 yards took a huge deflection, completely wrong-footing Scott.

Just after the break, Brendan McGill's cross from the right evaded the grasp of Scott and Murphy slammed the ball home to complete the turn-around.

After this, Hereford's Tamika Mkandawire headed just wide and Stansfield forced a save from Glennon but they could not find a way through.

Hereford: Scott 6, Green 6 (D Williams 56, 6), Tretton 6, Mkandawire 6, Robinson 7, Travis 6, Pitman 7, Stanley 6, Purdie 6, Stansfield 7, *Brown 8. Subs not used: Smith, Carey-Bertram, Hyde, Lewis.