Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Hereford United snatched a dramatic 3-2 win last night over struggling Kettering Town in an exciting Nationwide Conference clash at Rockingham Road.

Marksman Steve Guinan was the Bulls' hero, heading in a stoppage-time winner from point-blank range to secure the club's fifth away victory in six matches.

After Guinan's late effort, however, the Northamptonshire club almost salvaged a point in the fourth minute of added time.

First, central defender Andy Tretton made a last-ditch defensive clearance and then from the resulting flag-kick Danny Williams came to United's rescue, smothering a shot on the goal-line before Guinan hacked the ball to safety.

A jubilant Guinan said: "I was delighted with my goal and it was an excellent left-footed cross from Ian Wright."

He added: "Although we conceded an early goal, we always thought that we could score ourselves."

Indeed, United were again slow out of the blocks and the Poppies opened the scoring from a simple corner-kick routine in the second minute, Niall Inman knocking home a Brad Piercewright flick.

The early set-back stung the Bulls into action and, after John Grant appeared to be tripped inside the area, Michael Rose was floored by Wayne Diuk in the 17th minute and the referee had no option but to point to the penalty spot.

Home goalkeeper Ian Bowling pushed out Tony James' penalty kick but the rebound fell kindly to the Welshman, and with Bowling still grounded, he calmly headed the ball into the empty net for his first goal of the season.

Hereford dominated the rest of the first period but failed to add to their tally until Diuk scored a spectacular own goal on the hour, the defender volleying home Guinan's cross aimed for Rob Purdie.

Kettering thought they had rescued a point in the 84th minute with Richard Butcher's angled header at the far post but fifth-placed Hereford, and Guinan in particular, had the final word.

Hereford: Baker 7, Tretton 8, James 7, Wright 7, Pitman 7, Clarke 7, Rose 8, Grant 7 (Purdie 46, 7), Parry 9, Williams 7, Guinan 8. Attendance: 1,434.