TWO extra-time goals from Leroy May sent Hereford into the second round of the Nationwide Macmillan Trophy on Tuesday, writes LAURIE TEAGUE.

The early rounds of this competition, in all its various guises, have had little appeal to the fans and the attendance was 625. But that figure was well in excess of the gates at the other three matches on the same night.

Birmingham City coach Ian Bowyer, the former Hereford player-manager, was among the crowd but he decided to opt out of extra time. After a drab 90 minutes those he left behind were not exactly relishing another 30 either.

As it happened it was the remaining period which provided the entertainment. The Bulls were down to 10 men as left-back Paul Sturgess limped off before extra time got underway. Hereford director of football Graham Turner had already used all three substitutes.

A replay then looked the likeliest outcome until the 97th minute when Paul Parry crossed from the left touchline for May to head Hereford into the lead.

Four minutes later Parry weaved past a couple of defenders before this time slipping a ground pass to May who had no trouble tucking the ball into the net.

They were May's first goals for the Bulls since he started a second spell at Edgar Street in the summer.

May and Gavin Williams substituted for the rather jaded looking Paul Fewings and Rob Elmes in the 72nd minute and both had chances to settle it before additional time. May had a shot saved by Gareth Howells, drove another wide of the far post, and also just cleared the bar with a volley, while Williams headed just wide.

In the second period of extra time there were a couple of anxious moments for Hereford when Francis Vines missed a sitter after Mark Jones had pushed out a shot from Scott Forrester and then Chris Lane cleared Sammy Winston's effort off the line.

The only other notable moments were a fourth-minute save by Jones from Nko Ekoku's angled drive and an acrobatic tip away by Howells when Taylor powered in a 25-yard drive midway through the first half.

Turner said: "Although it's a low key competition, winning becomes a habit and May's two goals may be a milestone in his season. With Steve Piearce getting back to fitness after his injury, we have five strikers in contention which will give me something to think about."

Hereford are away to Yeovil Town in the second round on November 9.

Hereford: Jones, Clarke (Lane 84 min), Wright, James, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Taylor, Snape, Elmes (Williams 72 min), Fewings (May 72 min), Parry. Subs not used: Chapman, Wall.

Attendance: 625