Friday, October 11, 2002

Hereford United last night failed in their attempt to equal a post-war record of six consecutive away wins when they suffered a 2-0 defeat at lowly Burton Albion in the Nationwide Conference.

Nigel Clough's side profited from two first-half defensive mistakes to shatter United's record bid and deservedly register their first victory of the season at a rain-swept Eton Park.

The Bulls, who had won their previous five away matches, produced a below-par display against a Burton side that was inspired by former Liverpool midfielder Clough and grew in confidence after taking the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute.

Hereford full-back Matt Clarke could only divert a dangerous right-wing cross from Craig Dudley back across the danger area and Burton's leading-scorer Christian Moore headed home the opener from six yards.

However, the crucial blow which knocked the stuffing out of Hereford arrived just two minutes before the interval when an uncharacteristic weak pass from Tony James fell straight to the feet of the dangerous Moore about 20 yards out.

United goalkeeper Matt Baker slipped on the greasy surface as the front-man advanced towards goal and, seizing the opportunity, Moore struck the ball into the corner of the net from the edge of the area for his ninth Conference goal.

The home side almost increased their advantage in the 61st minute when Stuart Reddington's header beat Danny Williams on the goal-line but struck the outside of a post.

Disappointed Hereford boss Graham Turner said: "We opened promisingly but they looked a bit sharper and brighter after they got the early goal. We got the ball into good areas but we did not pass the ball very well.

"We did not create many clear goal-scoring opportunities and we were caught out twice when we could have cleared."

Turner added: "Our impressive away run has now come to an end and the players are very disappointed with the result and the performance. We have to pick ourselves up for Tuesday's important home game with Northwich."

Although the Bulls had plenty of possession, they lacked a cutting edge in the final third and home goalkeeper Matt Duke was only tested on a couple of occasions.

Substitute Rob Purdie had Hereford's best chance in the 85th minute, flashing a shot into the side netting after Duke had pushed the ball way from the feet of the onrushing substitute, James Fox.

Hereford: Baker 6, Clarke 5 (Fox 80), Rose 5, Tretton 6, Wright 6, James 5, Parry 6, Pitman 7, Williams 6 (Purdie 71), Guinan 6, Galloway 6. Subs (not used): Griffiths, Teesdale, Sawyers.

Referee: Mr G. Lewis (Chesterfield).

Attendance: 2,149.