Friday, September 19, 2003

TABLE-topping Hereford United's eight-match un-beaten run came to a sorry end last night with a 4-1 drubbing at Burton Albion in the Nationwide Conference.

Striker Robbie Talbot was the Brewers' hero, firing in a clinical hat-trick as the Bulls were gunned down at Eton Park in front of more than 700 travelling fans.

Although the scoreline flattered a hard-working Burton outfit who took their chances well, United will rue some poor defending and their lack of spark in attack.

United midfielder Jamie Pitman, who had a good game, said: "We conceded some bad goals tonight and the lads are very disappointed with the performance.

"We had been excellent until tonight and we will need to bounce back and make amends against Telford on Tuesday."

United thought they had made a dream start after seven minutes when Danny Williams swept the ball into the net but his effort was ruled out for off-side.

Burton hit back to take the lead on 19 minutes after Aaron Webster's long throw was flicked on and headed in at the back-post by Talbot.

Hereford goalkeeper Matt Baker made a stunning tip-over save to keep out Jon Howard's point-blank header but the Brewers extended their advantage just two minutes before the break. Good work from Glenn Kirkwood set up the scoring chance for Howard who coolly drove the ball into the corner of the net.

The Bulls made a bright start after the interval with Rob Purdie having a header tipped over.

But United were caught out again in the 57th minute after Anderson slipped the ball inside to Talbot who turned Andy Tretton to fire a low drive inside the far corner.

Paul Parry gave United renewed hope in the 74th minute, slotting the ball through the legs of Duke after combining well with substitute Daniel Carey-Bertram.

Hereford threatened a late revival until Talbot punished a defensive mistake from Tretton to complete his treble in the 79th minute.

Hereford: Baker 6, Green 5, Rose 5, Pitman 7, Tretton 5 (Teesdale 86), James 6, Williams 5, Smith 5, Guinan 5 (Carey-Bertram 73), Parry 5, Purdie 5 (Brown 59, 5). Subs (not used): Scott, Craven. Attendance: 2,502.