Monday, April 21, 2003

A REMARKABLE late strike from substitute Albano Correia earned Hereford United a hard fought 2-1 win over relegation-threatened Southport in a lively Nationwide Conference clash at Haig Avenue.

The unpredictable 21-year-old amazed most of the 1,103-strong crowd when he struck the winner from an acute angle with just three minutes remaining, giving Hereford only their second victory in seven matches.

Correia escaped the attentions of defender Martin Clark, cut inside from the right and, with no apparent route to goal, hit an unstoppable 20-yard rising shot with the outside of his right boot which soared past Southport's Steve Dickinson into the far corner.

Hereford's 53rd-minute opener was also a memorable effort, resulting from a slick move which had involved five United players.

Richard Teesdale triggered the attack from his own half and after, neat exchanges between Jamie Pitman and Ben Smith, John Grant sent Danny Williams racing clear and the midfielder drilled a low shot beyond Dickinson into the bottom corner.

Hereford's lead, however, was short-lived and the strugglers hit back through Steve Pickford in the 59th minute.

Dean Howell tricked his way past Teesdale and set up the shooting chance for Pickford whose initial effort was blocked by Ian Wright. But the rebound fell kindly to Pickford who placed his shot beyond Hereford goalkeeper Matt Baker.

Southport belied their lowly league position and almost took the lead on 77 minutes when Pickford streaked clear only for Baker to fist away the goal-scorer's well-struck shot.

And the outstanding Baker denied Southport a precious point in the first minute of added time.

Lee Ashcroft broke away from the Hereford defence but goalkeeper Baker came to the visitors' rescue, pulling off a fine block.

Hereford, who lost skipper Ian Wright with a cut above the eye late on, made a flying start and could have taken a second-minute lead. Karl Hawley got behind the home defence only to have a goal-bound shot pushed out by the diving Dickinson.

Steve Soley had a close-range shot well saved by Baker in the 22nd minute, while Steve Jones (bruised ribs) was carried off for the home side on the stroke of half time.

Hereford: H Baker 8, Rose 6, Wright 7 (Purdie 83), James 7, Pitman 6, Smith 6, Grant 6, Williams 7, Teesdale 7, Guinan 6, Hawley 6 (Correia 74). Subs (not used): Griffiths, Sawyers, O'Kelly.

Attendance: 1,103.