Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Hereford United produced one of their most sparkling performances of the season to march into the LDV Vans Trophy northern semi-finals for the second successive season, writes Richard Prime.

First-half goals from Adam Stansfield and Tamika Mkandawire gave Hereford a victory which could have been even more convincing.

"The first-half was about as well as we could have played," said Bulls director of football Graham Turner. "The only disappointment was that we hadn't killed them off."

Hereford produced a scintillating first-half display that stunned their League One visitors, scoring twice, hitting the woodwork three times and having a clear penalty denied.

The Bulls took the lead on 16 minutes when Tom Evans parried a Rob Purdie shot and Stansfield rifled home his third goal in three games.

Guy Ipoua blasted a first-time shot against a post on 18 minutes while, on 36 minutes, an inswinging Alex Jeannin corner came out off a post.

Five minutes later, a flying volley by Purdie hit the bar and went over.

Hereford got a deserved second goal two minutes before the break when Mkandawire rose unchallenged to head in Purdie's corner.

After the break, Hereford understandably eased off but still had the better of the openings.

In the closing stages, Craig Mawson pulled off two brilliant saves from Billy Sharp and Lee Ridley in quick succession but Hereford were comfortable and deserved winners.

HEREFORD: Mawson; Travis, Mkandawire, James (Beckwith 46), Jeannin; Williams, Pitman, Ferrell, Purdie; Stansfield (Evans 90), Ipoua (Brady 71). Subs not used: Lewis, Stanley.

ATTENDANCE: 1,452.