Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Hereford United's strike-pairing of Steve Guinan and David Brown helped themselves to a goal each as the Bulls beat Exeter City 2-0 to move into the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy and a home tie against Northampton Town.

But Hereford were equally indebted to another fine display by Matt Baker, who made another clutch of excellent stops to ensure victory against the in-form Grecians.

Ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie at Harrow Borough, Hereford boss Graham Turner took a chance to give Jordan King his Bulls debut in place of Ben Smith and also gave a start to Richard Teesdale in place of skipper Tony James.

Hereford took until the 17th minute to produce their first opening. Guinan raced down the left and cut the ball back to Danny Williams, whose shot was blocked by Santos Gaia and Brown put the follow-up over the bar.

Five minutes later, at the other end, Baker produced his first fine save of the game when he parried a powerful drive from Barry McConnell.

Jamie Pitman appeared to be brought down in the penalty area just before the break and on the stroke of half-time, Brown struck the outside of the post after a fine end-to-end move.

Brown's luck changed within seconds of the start of the second period when, although he failed to get a good connection with Guinan's cross, the ball bobbled into the net.

A well-timed tackle by Ryan Green rescued United as Sean Canham was bearing down on goal and then Baker produced a string of fine saves in quick succession. He palmed away Gareth Sheldon's 25-yarder, pushed out a shot from Glenn Cronin and tipped over a drive from Les Afful.

But three minutes from time, United substitute Dean Craven slipped a pass to Guinan and his 20-yard shot def-lected off Alex Jeannin into the net.

Pitman might have added a third late on when his 20-yarder was pushed around a post by Martin Rice.

Hereford: BAKER 8, Green 6, Mkandawire 7, Teesdale 7, Rose 6, Williams 6 (Craven 61, 6), King 6, Pitman 7, Parry 6, Guinan 7, Brown 6 (Carey-Bertram 73). Subs not used: James, Scott, Moon.

Attendance: 1,513.