Saturday, August 23, 2003

A DEFLECTED late strike from former Tottenham player Ian Hendon denied unbeaten Hereford United their fourth straight win in as they drew 1-1 in a hard-fought Nationwide Conference clash at Barnet on Saturday.

The Bees skipper stung the Bulls in the 86th minute with a rasping 35-yard drive which took a slight deflection and soared past United goalkeeper Matt Baker into the top corner of the net.

Central defender Hendon nearly snatched an unmerited victory for a physical Barnet outfit in the final minute when he unleashed a powerful 35-yard free-kick which was scrambled around a post by Baker.

But, in truth, the Bulls will probably feel aggrieved that they failed to take maximum points after controlling much of the second-half and breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 76th minute.

Former QPR defender Danny Maddix clearly tripped midfielder Ben Smith inside the six-yard box and Hereford skipper Tony James, who was outstanding throughout, dispatched the spot kick with ease much to the delight of the 301 travelling fans.

United, though, should have taken the lead earlier in the second half after creating a string of goal-scoring opportunities but failing to put them away.

Curiously, Hereford's joint-leading scorer Steve Guinan had an off day in front of goal against the club whom he fired in a hat-trick at Edgar Street last season.

Although Guinan found space inside the Barnet penalty area he missed three decent headed chances in an eight-minute spell midway through the second half as United took control.

In fairness, Guinan, an injury doubt for the match, found the net in the 62nd minute when he tapped in a cross from Michael Rose but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Smith also sent a dipping half-volley just over the crossbar, while a long-range shot from Rose was tipped around the post by Danny Naisbitt as Hereford carved out numerous chances after the break.

The exciting second-half, however, was in contrast to a disjointed opening period that was riddled with mistakes and sloppy passing from both teams.

Hereford started brightly and had a decent chance to score in the ninth minute when Rob Purdie, who was the victim of an overzealous challenge from Hendon after just seven minutes, tested with a header early on.

Hendon hit back for the Bees when he fizzed a vicious shot across the face of goal and Barnet striker Giuliano Grazioli had the best chance of the half just seconds before the interval with a goal-bound shot that was turned away by the diving Baker.

Hereford: Baker 8, Green 6, Rose 6, Pitman 7, Tretton 8, H James 9, Williams 7, Smith 7, Guinan 6 (Craven 90), Parry 6, Purdie 5 (Bertram 61 (Brown 80)). Subs (not used): Scott, Teesdale.

Attendance: 1,475.