Hereford United have been reflecting this week on the 'goal' that got away during their televised FA Cup first round clash with Second Division leaders Wigan Athletic at Edgar Street.

Matt Clarke put the ball in the net in the 11th minute but the Bulls jubilation was short-lived and, as the former Kidderminster Harriers defender raced away to celebrate, the assistant referee belatedly flagged for offside. Despite striking the post through Paul Parry and dominating the first half, Hereford's cup hopes were cruelly dashed in the 90th minute when Wigan mid-fielder Scott Green drilled in the only goal from close range.

It was a bitterly disappointing blow for hard-up United whose hopes of a money-spinning run in the competition lay in ruins.

Parry, who struck the woodwork, said "Everyone gave it their best and it was gutting to lose in such a manner. Unfortunately we did not take our chances."

United boss Graham Turner said: "In cup ties you need a bit of luck and unfortunately, we did not get it. There's no bitterness, just disap-pointment, because it was a very harsh way to lose."

He added: "There was some very good individ-ual performances from our players. Our biggest problem is that we can-not score goals at the moment."

Ex-Hereford cup hero Ricky George, a Sky TV pundit for the match, said; "Never at any stage were Wigan the better side. Hereford were much the better side overall. It was a great performance from Hereford. But the defeat was cruel for the players, the fans and for Graham Turner."