Saturday, April 12, 2003

Hereford United's faint play-off hopes were finally ended in a scrappy Nationwide Conference clash with former Football League rivals at The Shay.

A scrambled goal from Halifax's Brian Quailey five minutes before the interval sealed a 1-0 win as the Edgar Street outfit slipped to a fourth consecutive away defeat.

Needing a victory to keep alive their top-five dreams, the Bulls rallied after a very disappointing first-half showing but struggled to carve out clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.

Hereford's best effort fell to Ben Smith who connected well with a cross from Karl Hawley but his 73rd-minute header was brilliantly tipped around the post by former Aston Villa goalkeeper Lee Butler.

A double substitution at the start of the second period which saw Jamie Pitman and John Grant replace the ineffective duo, Rob Sawyers and Albano Correia, breathed new life into the Hereford cause.

Just after the hour-mark, Michael Rose lined-up an inviting free-kick 20 yards out but the former Manchester United youngster failed to strike the ball with his usual ferocity and Butler made a comfortable save.

Striker Grant showed glimpses of his ability, causing problems for the Yorkshire's club's defence and hammering a 25-yard drive narrowly over.

For all United's endeavor after the interval, however, the home side should have sealed the points in added-time when unmarked substitute Ian Fitzpatrick slid the ball wide from point-blank range.

Hereford, without the injured Paul Parry, were fortunate not to fall behind in the 13th minute when the lively Andy Farrell cut inside and his shot took a deflection before striking the top of the crossbar.

And, within 40 seconds, Hereford needed the intervention of the linesman's flag, with Quailey's effort ruled out for offside.

Hereford suffered a blow on 18 minutes when defender Andy Tretton was taken off with an ankle injury and the outstanding Ian Wright was joined by substitute Tony James.

Hereford's best effort of the first half saw Hawley's curling shot from the edge of the box pushed wide by Butler in the 33rd minute.

Disaster struck for Hereford seven minutes later after Farrell seized onto a loose ball, cut inside before driving the ball low across goal where it fell to the feet of Quailey who bundled it past United goalkeeper Matt Baker.

HEREFORD: Baker 7, Clarke 7, Rose 6, Tretton (James 18, 6), H Wright 8, Smith 6, Sawyers 5 (Pitman 46, 7), Purdie 7, Guinan 6, Correia 5. (Grant 46, 6),