Hereford were bundled out of the Endsleigh Trophy by holders Morecambe in extra-time at Edgar Street on Tuesday, writes Laurie Teague.

A two-legged semi-final tie against Doncaster Rovers or Northwich Victoria beckoned when Steven Cowe and Garry Cook put the Bulls two up before half-time.

But after that their game fell apart. Goals from Darren Lyons and John Norman forced extra- time, Lyons firing in the winner in the first period.

United dominated the first half, but the withdrawal through injury of Mark Taylor and Gavin Williams at half-time had a dramatic effect on their play.

Taylor and Robbie Dennison had dictated the midfield exchanges for the first 45 minutes but it was Morecambe who controlled the rest of the game.

After seeing his side bow out, director of football Graham Turner said: ''We all knew it was going to be a difficult season, but it is turning out to be a nightmare.''

Cowe had headed in Matthew Cross' pass to give United the lead in the 16th minute with his first goal for the club.

Cook made it 2-0 in the 35th minute with an angled drive, but in the 59th minute the home defence got in a tangle and Lyons beat keeper Andy Quy with a powerful 15-yard drive. Seven minutes later John Norman snapped up his 22nd goal of the season to take the tie into extra-time.

Lyons then rifled in the winner in the 99th minute, while Dennison twice had chances to equalise in the second period of extra-time.

Hereford: Quy, Lane, Evans, James, Cross, Taylor (Dyer 45 mins), Dennison, Parry, Cowe, Cook (Rodgerson 80 mins), Williams (Shirley 45 mins).