Tuesday, October 8, 2002

Hereford United recorded their fifth consecutive away win with a comprehensive 2-0 victory last night over lowly Leigh RMI at Hilton Park in the Nationwide Conference.

The Bulls produced a professional and hard-working display and were rewarded with goals in each half from full-back Matt Clarke and marksman Paul Parry.

Striker Steve Guinan, defender Richard Teesdale and on-loan midfielder Mick Galloway each impressed as United continued their outstanding run away from home and climbed to fourth in the table.

Hereford made a dream start when Clarke opened the scoring in the fourth minute with his third goal of the campaign.

A superb cross-field ball from Michael Rose picked out the on-rushing Clarke whose crisp first-time shot sailed past Leigh goalkeeper Stuart Coburn and into the top corner of the net.

The Railwaymen responded brightly and came close to drawing level a couple of minutes later when a cross-shot from Stuart Whittaker struck Matt Baker's upright.

But Hereford then stepped up the tempo and were unlucky not to extend their advantage in the 24th minute.

Parry set up a chance for Danny Williams, who held off a challenge on the edge of the box before firing a shot which struck a post.

Hereford controlled the first half for long periods and passed the ball with a great deal of confidence and, as the half wore on, Leigh were limited to just a couple of long-range strikes from Dino Maamria and substitute Ged Courtney.

Hereford nearly doubled their lead in the 56th minute when a cross from Williams just evaded the head of Clarke but the home side also looked dangerous on a couple of occasions and a deep centre from Paul Williams almost brought some reward.

The Bulls looked more likely to score, however, and they made sure of the points in the 71st minute.

Midfielder Jamie Pitman delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right wing and Parry rose at the back post to plant a firm header past Coburn into the roof of the net.

Hereford: Baker 7, Clarke 7, Rose 7, Tretton 7, James 7, Pitman 7, Parry 7, Williams 8, Teesdale 7, Guinan 9, Galloway 8. Subs (not used): Voice, Griffiths, Sawyers, Purdie, Fox.

Attendance: 425.