FIRST Division Tranmere conjured up their first goals in five games to end Vauxhall Conference Hereford's gallant FA Cup run and deny them a fourth round home tie against Sunderland, writes LAURIE TEAGUE.

Before their largest crowd of the season of 7,473 900 from Tranmere Hereford went down to their biggest FA Cup defeat at Edgar Street since losing 5-2 to Bristol City in 1961-62.

But no-one could complain there was any lack of effort by the Bulls to cause an upset. Rovers, however, had done their homework on United and devised a game plan that worked without a hitch. Their defence, three central defenders and two wing backs, who had not conceded a goal in three previous games, lay deep and gave Hereford little scope to get behind them.

Then, in virtually Tranmere's first attack of the game, Gary Jones put them in front in the 14th minute. David Kelly flicked on Kenny Irons' cross for Jones to net from six yards. For the rest of the half Hereford industriously held territorial advantage but Rovers' 18-year-old keeper Steve Simonsen was only extended once, stretching to his left to tip Murray Fishlock's cross-shot away for a corner. At the other end Jones headed against the bar and Ian Rodgerson cleared off the line from Andy Parkinson.

Half-time hopes that United could stage a fight-back were swiftly shattered when Tranmere snapped up two goals in six minutes. In the 52nd minute Jones rifled in his second with a shot from the edge of the box and six minutes later 19-year-old substitute Clint Hill, playing his second first team game, forced the ball home after Jones had hit the bar.

Tony Agana went close to claiming a consolation goal, shooting just wide, while Neil Grayson lobbed the ball onto the top of the net. United director of football Graham Turner said: ''In the first half our approach work was good but we could not produce the final telling pass or decisive cross.

''The big crowd was magnificent. It shows just how important a football club is to the community.''

Hereford: de Bont, Rodgerson, Brough, Walker, Fishlock, Pitman, McGorry, Mahon, Hargreaves, Grayson, Agana. Subs not used: Warner, Withington, Cook, McCue, Mansell.