Tuesday, January 18, 2005

Hereford United's best performance for several weeks earned them a home tie in the fourth round of the FA Trophy and left boss Graham Turner well satisfied.

Turner said: "It's been a good night's work and we could have scored more goals.

"When the draw came out of the hat it was always going to be a very tough tie and we have done the job very professionally. The players have done extremely well over the two games."

Although Hereford were already leading thanks to Adam Stansfield's 16th-minute strike, the game's key moment came 11 minutes later when Accrington defender Mike Flynn was red carded for bringing down the Bulls' top scorer.

United went on to exploit the extra space and made full use of their numerical superiority to dominate the remainder of the game.

Danny Carey-Bertram's looping shot forced a fifth-minute save from visiting goalkeeper Paul Crichton and it was no surprise when, after controlling the early play, Hereford took the lead.

Craig Stanley's pass split the Accrington defence for Stansfield to race in and net with a crisp shot -- his 17th goal of the season in all competitions.

Danny Williams' fine effort from the free-kick awarded at Flynn's dismissal came back off the bar but Hereford stretched further away on 34 minutes.

Following a Williams corner, the ball reached Carey-Bertram and he smashed in his third goal in eight days.

Ian Craney should have reduced the arrears but blasted wide in the 41st minute and the miss was fully punished three minutes after the break.

Williams' corner was flicked on by Stanley and defender Tom Smith arrived at the back post to nod home his first senior goal.

On 66 minutes, Hereford moved further away from the visitors when Simon Travis broke away down the left and crossed into the goalmouth.

Centre-back Robbie Williams completely missed his clearance, leaving Carey-Bertram with a chance he could not miss from four yards.

The Accrington defender redeemed himself with a fine challenge to prevent youngster Andy Williams but Hereford wasted a number of other fine chances.

The Bulls now entertain the winners of the all-Unibond Premier League replay between Hyde United and Whitby Town at Edgar Street on February 5.

Hereford: Mawson 7, Green 7, James 7, Smith 8, Travis 8, Anyinsah 7, Pitman 7 (Hyde 69, 6), Stanley 8, D Williams 7 (A Williams 83), Stansfield 8 (Purdie 50, 8), *Carey-Bertram 9. Subs not used: Scott, Robinson.

Attendance: 740.