Saturday, August 16, 2003

A BRACE of goals from Ben Smith led table-topping Hereford to a comprehensive win over much-fancied Morecambe at Edgar Street in the Nationwide Conference on Saturday.

Marksman Steve Guinan also found the net for free-scoring Hereford who recorded their first victory over their Lancashire rivals since 1998.

Jimmy Harvey's Shrimps finished runners-up in the Conference last season but were powerless to prevent a creative and energetic Hereford side from deservedly securing a third consecutive league win.

Although Hereford made a bright start, Morecambe created the better openings early on with Garry Thompson's header forcing Matt Baker into a smart save.

Morecambe also tested Baker with a couple of long-range efforts in the opening 10 minutes and he needed to react quickly to push wide a skimming drive from Adriano Rigoglioso.

The visitors almost opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Thompson got in front of Paul Parry but his downward header was well saved by Baker.

And, perhaps, the reprieve stirred Hereford into action because the Bulls broke the deadlock a minute later with an outstanding move which started in their own penalty area.

Tony James found Ryan Green who surged 45 yards before slipping the ball to Parry on the left flank. The Welshman picked out Smith inside the area and the midfielder drove a shot which cannoned into the net via the inside of the far post.

United extended their advantage 10 minutes later when a long ball out of defence by Jamie Pitman was picked up by Guinan who shrugged of the challenge of one-time Hereford target Jim Bentley.

Guinan charged into the area and, with just Craig Mawson to beat, fired an unstoppable low drive inside the near post for his fourth goal of an impressive start to the season.

Guinan should have added to his tally soon afterwards when he hooked a shot wide of the far post.

But Thompson had a glorious chance to reduce the deficit on the stroke of half time after he dispossessed Michael Rose, and shot across the goal.

Parried

Hereford sealed the points seven minutes into the second half from another slick move in which Rob Purdie slipped the ball through to Guinan.

Guinan's low shot was parried but Smith slotted home his fourth goal of the season from close range.

Smith said: "This has been my first start to a season in three years and it could not have gone any better."

Hereford manager Graham Turner was pleased with the performance of his side and the quality of football on display which has now seen them score 11 goals in their first three matches: "It was a magnificent team performance.

"Morecambe have a number of very useful players but in the second half when we expected them to come back at us our covering and tracking back were excellent.

"The quality of football on display spoke volumes for the Conference."

Baker 7: A couple of early saves lifted his confidence.

Green 7: The right-back looks an outstanding addition to the squad.

Rose 7: A solid performance, although a slip near half time almost proved costly.

Pitman 7: Covered acres of ground in another hard-working performance.

Tretton 8: Never stopped running and snuffed out Morecambe's aerial threat

James 8: Mr Reliable was strong as ever at the heart of the defence.

Williams 8: Showed neat touches going forward and some gritty defensive duties.

Smith 9: Netted two goals in a man of the match display.

Guinan 7: Scored the second goal and linked up superbly with Purdie (Carey-Bertram 65, 7).

Purdie 8: Full of energy, creativity and selfless running Brown 78)..

Parry 7: Played an important role in setting up the opening goal.

Subs not used: Scott, Teesdale, Craven.

Goalscorers: Smith 18 (1-0), Guinan 28 (2-0), Smith 52 (3-0)

Cards: None

Attendance: 2,941.

Referee: Mr G Chapman (Stroud).

Morecambe: Mawson, Perkins, Bentley, Drummond, Rigogilioso, Howell, Thompson, (Zico Black 79), Lane, Swan (McKearney 32), Collins (Curtis 46), Stringfellow. Subs (not used): Carlton, Walmsley.