Tuesday, July 30, 2002

SUBSTITUTE John Grant struck a late winner for Hereford United in a 2-1 victory against Bromsgrove Rovers last night.

The home team took an early lead in a lively friendly at The Victoria Ground after only four minutes.

Richard Burgess sprinted into the penalty area from the right and placed a low cross to the near post for Kevin Banner to convert from close range.

Chris Taylor, back in the Bromsgrove goal after several seasons away from his home club, saved well from Robert Purdie before the Bulls equalised on 14 minutes.

Trialist Steve Guigan brushed aside several challenges on the edge of the are before firing a low shot past Taylor.

Guigan saw a shot miraculously saved by Taylor and then volleyed just wide of the right hand post following a great left wing run from Michael Rose as the visitors dominated the remainder of the first period.

Burgess attempted to chip Griffiths at the start of the second period which was punctuated by the obligatory raft of substitutions and also heavy rain.

The deciding goal came on 77 minutes when Richard Teasdale skipped past a static Jon Ford on the right and delivered a perfect cross for substitute John Grant to convert at the far post.

Rovers joint manager Gary Hackett was pleased with the match and the display of Taylor in goal and revealed the club have offered him a contract.

"It was a very good game of football, a good workout and I was pleased with our shape," he said.

"Chris was excellent and he is obviously a keeper of the highest calibre. We would love to sign him but he is speaking to other clubs, however if we could get him it would be a major capture."

Bromsgrove: Taylor (Smith 75), Clifton, Banner, Pope, Ford, Brighton (Loyden 62), Burgess, Southwick, Palmer (Frost 75), Danks (Broad 57), Beckett.

Hereford: Griffiths, Clarke, Rose (Pitman 60), Tretton, Teasdale, James, Williams, Purdie (Grant 60), Guigan, Perry (Parry 60), Garity (Smith 60), Smith (Benbow 70).