Saturday, March 22, 2003

GOALKEEPER Matt Baker remained optimistic after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Underhill left Hereford's Nationwide Conference play-off chances hanging by a thread.

The former Hull goalkeeper saved his second penalty in as many matches but he was still beaten twice as United slipped to their third defeat in four games in an exciting clash.

Once again some of Hereford's defensive work looked unconvincing and they must find a swift response to keep their end-of-season aspirations alive.

"We conceded some sloppy goals and you cannot afford to do," said Baker after the final whistle. "Although we replied and pumped a lot of balls into their box, we didn't create too many clear-cut chances."

He added: "We are very disappointed to lose. But while there are points to play for, there's still every chance that we could make the play-offs. There is no reason why we cannot win our remaining six matches."

Seeking revenge for a 4-0 drubbing in November, the Bees made a dream start when they silenced the travelling fans after just five minutes.

A ball played into the Hereford area reached the unmarked Neil Midgley who had the simple task of knocking it past Baker from close range.

Even before the goal, Danny Williams and Steve Guinan could have put sixth-placed Hereford in front but instead shot weakly at Danny Naisbitt from good positions.ereford held firm after falling behind and deservedly drew level through the impressive Paul Parry on 21 minutes.

The home defence struggled to clear a throw-in and the ball broke to Parry on the edge of the area and his low, left-foot drive flew past Naisbitt into the far corner.

A bullet header from Matt Clarke flashed inches wide as Hereford gained the upperhand in an end-to-end encounter before Baker came to the visitors'

rescue in the 39th minute, diving to his left to push away Wayne Purser's penalty, awarded after Ben Smith had tripped Midgely inside the area.

Guinan should have put the visitors ahead in the 62nd minute when Michael Rose's free-kick broke kindly to him inside the area.

However, the former

Shrewsbury striker snatched at the shot and it sailed harmlessly over the bar.

The miss proved costly because Barnet scored the winner within six minutes.

An excellent through ball from Keith Rowland sent Mark Gower careering down the left and his low cross was slotted home by second-half substitute Junior Agogo.