Tuesday, July 23, 2002

A CONTROVERSIAL stoppage-time strike from Danny Invincibile gave Second Division Swindon Town a 3-2 win last night over Hereford United in an entertaining pre-season friendly at Edgar Street.

The majority of the 778-crowd were visibly aggrieved at the final whistle after Hereford-based referee Steve Moggs had overruled his assistant's offside flag and allowed the Australian's 91st minute winner to stand.

In truth, the manner of defeat was harsh on an improving United side, who had led twice in the match, through former Swindon Town midfielder Jamie Pitman and a rasping left-foot shot from newcomer Michael Rose.

Indeed, United looked set to beat the higher-graded visitors when they held a 2-1 advantage with only five minutes remaining.

However, the Wiltshire club hauled themselves level in the 86th minute when lively trialist Sam Parkin beat United's substitute goalkeeper Kenneth Griffiths with a rising shot from close range.

And just seconds from the final whistle Invincibile sealed an unlikely victory for the Robins, firing home a low drive from the edge of the area which sailed through a crowd of players and beyond the despairing dive of United's new signing Griffiths.

Pitman had opened United's account in the 31st minute, coolly looping a header over visiting goalkeeper Craig Farr after his initial shot was parried.

The Wiltshire club levelled in bizarre circumstances in the 52nd minute when the pacy Invincible seized upon a weak defensive header by Tony James and then rounded United's first-choice goalkeeper Matt Baker to set up a simple chance for Eric Sabin.

But Hereford responded well and Rose restored United's lead within seven minutes, bursting from midfield before hammering a fierce 25-yard drive into the roof of the net.

Hereford: Baker (Griffiths 79), Pitman, Jones (Giggs 68), Tretton (Teasdale 53), Wright, James, Rose, B Smith (Benbow 79), D Smith (Harry 81), Williams, Parry (Grant 46).

Attendance: 778.