Ainsworth treble gives Bulls win

5:44pm Saturday 17th November 2007

Stockport County 2 Hereford United 3

LIONEL Ainsworth notched his second hat-trick of the season to keep the high-flying Bulls in second place in League 2.

The former Derby youngster, who scored a treble against Yeovil Town in the Carling Cup, had only scored once in the league before the Bulls' visit to Edgeley Park.

But, in an irresistible display, he hit two with his right foot and one with his head to continue his fine season.

Hereford, who included on-loan Wolves youngster Lee Collins for a league debut, took some time to get going in a scrappy opening phase.

Liam Dickinson shot straight at Wayne Brown and then Adam Proudlock headed over as County made the early running.

But Hereford gradually started to pick up the pace and a powerful cross-cum-shot from Ainsworth was grasped by goalkeeper Conrad Logan.

County continued to have plenty of the ball and a fierce cross by Proudlock flashed through the six-yard box with no-one able to get a touch.

Hereford then had a let-off in the 32nd minute when Collins' inexperience showed as he lunged in to a tackle on Adam Griffin.

The County midfielder evaded the challenge and crossed for Liam Dickinson whose header thumped against an upright before being booted to safety by Clint Easton Hereford's goal on 37 minutes, however, was one to savour.

Ainsworth, whose pace and trickery had been a problem already for the County defence, received a pass from Ben Smith and skipped past a couple of challenges before chipping perfectly over Logan and into the net.

Hereford continued to press but were also called upon to defend as the interval approached and the back line did well to block a powerful drive by Adam Nowland.

Two minutes into the second period, an excellent pass by Trevor Benjamin set up a shooting chance for Easton but Logan blocked the effort.

The keeper had no chance with the second Hereford goal six minutes later, however.

A superb pass from Ben Smith sent Theo Robinson scurrying towards the bye-line and his cross was headed in by Ainsworth at the far post.

County pulled themselves back into the game when Robbie Threlfall's clumsy challenge gave away a penalty which Anthony Elding converted.

And then only some astute play by Ben Smith, who kicked an Adam Howland shot off the line, preserved the Bulls' lead.

But, a minute later, Hereford extended their lead when Robinson's pass sent Ainsworth in to complete his treble.

County piled on the pressure in a bid to get back into the game and forced a succession of corners.

From one of these, delivered by former Hereford wing-back Michael Rose, keeper Wayne Brown punched the ball into his own net.

But although County went after another goal to secure a point, it was Hereford who had the better chances in the closing stages with Steve Guinan and Easton missing good opportunities to put the result beyond doubt.

Hereford: Brown; Collins, Rose, McCombe, Threlfall; Ainsworth, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton; Benjamin (Guinan, 79 min), Robinson (Webb, 84 min). Subs not used: Ingham, Beckwith, Taylor.

Referee: David Foster (Tyne & Wear).

Attendance: 5,103 (260 from Hereford).

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