Tuesday, February 3, 2004

TOP scorer Steve Guinan marked his return to action with the goal that handed Hereford United a point in a 3-3 draw at Scarborough last night.

But it was 'keeper Matt Baker who was the real hero of the Nationwide Conference clash.

Baker produced a string of fine saves to make sure the Bulls came away from the McCain Stadium with something to show.

The hosts made the better start, but a lack of concentration at the back allowed the Bulls to open their account after just seven minutes.

A long ball from the back caused chaos in the home defence when Matt Redmile nodded past his own 'keeper Leigh Walker.

Walker managed to scoop the ball off the line, but it fell straight to the feet of David Brown, who made no mistake from eight yards.

Straight after Brown scrambled through a mass of players and rolled the ball to Mark Beesley, but his shot hit the side netting.

After extended pressure the home side hauled themselves on terms after 30 minutes. Clint Marcelle wriggled free of two challenges, took the ball past a stranded Baker and slotted into the net.

But Hereford ended the half the better side, Chris Palmer bringing the best out of Walker with a dipping shot and Ben Smith nodding just wide.

A five minute period at the beginning of the second period saw Scarborough bag two quick-fire goals through some deadly attacking football.

First Glen Downey strode forward from the back to power a header past Baker, before Redmile made up for his earlier error to nod in off the bar after a scramble in the penalty area.

United never gave up, and within minutes Brown knocked the ball down from a lofted free-kick and Anwar Uddin smashed home.

The introduction of Guinan with 30 minutes remaining added a new zest to Hereford's attacking play, and despite a two-month absence, still had the goalscoring touch which had seen him net 18 times in 26 games.

Guinan found space with 20 minutes left and didn't hit the best of shots, but it still crept over the despairing dive of Walker and trickled into the bottom corner.

Baker still had time to make his name in the final stages as the hosts pushed on, making point-blank saves from Karl Rose, Chris Senior and Jimmy Kelly.

Hereford: Baker 10; Green 6, Uddin 7, James 6, Craven 7; Williams 6, Smith 8, Pitman 7, Palmer 6 (Purdie 59, 6); Beesley 7 (Guinan 59, 8), Brown 9. Subs not used: Scott, Carey-Bertram, Teesdale.

Attendance: 1,459.