Tuesday, October 15, 2002

Hereford United skipper Ian Wright last night suffered a suspected broken arm in a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Northwich Victoria in the Nationwide Conference.

The former Bristol Rovers defender could now face a lengthy lay-off after taking the full impact of a fiercely struck free-kick in the dying minutes.

The injury to Wright is a massive blow for the Bulls who slipped to their third home defeat, despite playing some of their best football of the season in the first-half.

Hereford boss Graham Turner said: "It looks like Ian has badly broken his arm. It looks like he could be out for months rather than weeks."

Kevin Street, once on trial at Hereford, was the Northwich hero with a well-taken brace, including the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

But Hereford will feel aggrieved that they failed to collect at least a draw after creating a glut of chances.

Substitute Rob Purdie missed a glorious chance to put Hereford 2-1 ahead, shooting high and wide from 12 yards with the goal at his mercy.

Within seconds, Northwich hit the winner. Greg Blundell knocked the ball into the path of the unmarked Street, who netted from close range.

The match was delayed for 15 minutes after Northwich were caught in traffic congestion and when play got underway Danny Williams had a goal-bound shot blocked.

The visitors shocked the Bulls in the ninth minute, Street weaving his way into the box and beating Matt Baker.

Michael Rose twice fired wide, a Matt Clarke header bounced over the bar, Williams volleyed over the top and Andy Tretton shot at Matthew Parry after beating the off-side trap.

Hereford deservedly drew level in the 41st minute through Paul Parry, who was outstanding in the first half. Wright flicked Mick Galloway's free-kick into the path of Steve Guinan, whose effort was blocked by the 'keeper and bounced to Parry who instinctively lashed the ball home.

Although Hereford struggled to find their rhythm after the interval, Parry forced a reaction save out of the visiting 'keeper. Northwich improved vastly in the second half and were denied when Tretton scooped John Allen's toe-poke off the line.

Hereford: Baker 6, Clarke 6, Rose 7, Tretton 6, Wright 6 (Teesdale 88), James 7, Pitman 6, Parry 8, Williams 6 (Purdie 75), Guinan 6 (Fox 84), Galloway 7. Subs (not used): Griffiths, Sawyers. Attendance: 1,400.