Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Hereford United remain in pole position for the Nationwide Conference play-offs after a 2-1 win at Southport last night.

But the Bulls' eighth away league victory of the season did not come without a fight against their bottom-of-the-table hosts.

Goals from Tamika Mkandawire and Andy Ferrell gave Graham Turner's side a 2-0 lead at the interval.

But Neil Robinson's penalty on 59 minutes gave Southport renewed hope in their relegation fight and they exerted plenty of pressure.

Hereford's steely defence, with Tony James and Alex Jeannin returning, held out although sub Kevin Leadbetter struck the woodwork with a great chance and Robinson could not turn home the rebound.

The Bulls named 48-year-old coach John Trewick as a substitute with both Dean Beckwith (calf) and Rob Purdie (knee) joining their injury list.

But Trewick was not needed as the visitors enjoyed a strong start and centre-half Mkandawire rose high to bury a downward header from Nicky Nicolau's corner on nine minutes.

Mkandawire's sixth goal of the season was built on in the 43rd minute when Ferrell nodded in Craig Stanley's right-wing cross.

Ferrell and Stanley forced further saves from 'keeper Steve Dickinson but Southport hit back with Robinson's spot-kick after handball by Mkandawire.

Second-placed Hereford now have an 11-point cushion over Grays in sixth position but are 13 behind leaders Accrington Stanley.

HEREFORD: Brown; Green, Mkandawire, James, Jeannin; King, Stanley, Ferrell, Nicolau (Pitman 78); Fleetwood, Williams (Carey-Bertram 61). Subs not used: Mawson, Gwynne, Trewick.

ATTENDANCE: 1,057.