Tuesday, October 18, 2005

MATT Bailey scored the only goal as Hereford United dumped Coca-Cola League Two basement boys Mansfield Town out of the LDV Vans Trophy.

Bailey struck after 12 minutes of last night's northern section first round tie at Field Mill to hand Graham Turner's Conference side only their third win over the Stags.

Mansfield had a chance as early as the fourth minute when Adrian Littlejohn took advantage of a defensive lapse from Tony James but fired wide from 20 yards.

Hereford went ahead with their first attack of the game through Bailey. The on-loan striker was on hand to prod home from six yards following Rob Purdie's tame effort.

Bailey almost doubled the lead on 27 minutes when he turned over Jon Brady's cross.

At the other end, the ball ricocheted to Littlejohn but the former Sheffield United man was denied from 12 yards by Bulls goalkeeper Craig Mawson.

Littlejohn had another chance late in the half when he went close with a 25-yard drive.

Two minutes after the re-start, a last-ditch Alex Jeannin challenge prevented Callum Lloyd from equalising for the hosts. Mawson then tipped Stephen Dawson's effort around a post.

Hereford's best second-half chance saw Jeannin blast a 25-yard free-kick over the top. The visitors later replaced Bailey with Guy Ipoua and Andy Williams with Graham Evans.