Saturday, February 15, 2003

Hereford United are a point nearer the Nationwide Conference play-offs after Saturday's draw at Wincham Park but their 390 travelling fans may well feel that they should have come home with their 10th away win of the season after missing many good chances.

The Bulls were given a flying start by Rob Purdie's 11th minute strike but then conceded twice before half-time and needed a leveller from John Grant on 61 minutes to return with their share of the spoils.

As has often been the case this season, Hereford needed a little time to find their feet but went in front when Michael Rose over-hit his cross and Jay Lovett returned the ball into the centre where Jon Grant headed down for Purdie to volley home.

Paul Parry and Rose had chances to extend the Hereford lead before Northwich began to rally.

Leading scorer Greg Blundell's cross gave David McNiven a good chance but the former Bulls triallist failed to control the ball and Blundell then blasted a chance wide from the edge of the area.

But on 26 minutes, Blundell again got the better of the Hereford defence and this time his cross was guided home with ease by McNiven.

Although skipper Ian Wright, knee injury, limped off to be replaced by Richard Teesdale, Hereford were not thrown out of their stride and Grant should have restored the lead on 37 minutes.

Good work by Parry and Rose set up the chance but the young striker sliced wide from close range.

Grant then headed a Lovett cross wide and Ben Smith shot weakly straight at Gary Kelly before the Vics took the lead in spectacular style.

Paul Teather seized on a loose ball 25 yards out and his right-foot drive positively screamed past Matt Baker into the top corner of the net.

Grant and Smith drove shots wide and a brilliant Gary Kelly save foiled Purdie's header before the Bulls' equaliser arrived.

Jamie Pitman flicked a Parry cross on and Grant, who spent three months on loan at Northwich last season, steadied himself before firing across Kelly into the corner of the net.

Substitute Steve Guinan and Rose went close with long range efforts before Vics staged a last effort to snatch the points. In injury time Baker brilliantly tipped a McNiven effort over. From the resulting corner, Tony James headed into his own net but a push on Baker saw the 'goal' ruled out.