Saturday, April 5, 2003

Hereford United kept alive their outside hopes of securing a Nationwide Conference play-off spot with a deserved 4-0 victory at Edgar Street on Saturday.

The Bulls dominated for long spells and a three-goal burst in 31 minutes paved the way for their second win in five matches.

Steve Guinan's switch to a midfield role paid dividends for the home side and the former Shrewsbury striker led the way with a brace.

Karl Hawley, on loan from Walsall, and Albano Correia snapped up their maiden club goals as Hereford moved to within four points of fifth-placed Dagenham.

United coach Richard O'Kelly said: "I thought that the shape, balance and performance of the team was excellent. Rob Purdie gave a very disciplined display in the centre of the field and kept things moving for us."

Seeking to avenge a 2-0 defeat at Eton Park in October, United made a flying start and silenced the 255 travelling fans after just eight minutes.

Correia sent Guinan streaking down the right and his run-and-cross found Ben Smith, whose scuffed shot fell invitingly for Hawley and the Walsall player tapped the ball into the net from six yards.

The powerful Hawley shrugged off a defender's challenge in the 20th minute but Burton 'keeper Matt Duke blocked the shot with his legs and it was no surprise when United doubled their lead seconds later.

Paul Parry swung in an incisive cross and Guinan rose to glance in his 13th Conference goal in the 22nd minute.

United continued to torment the Burton defence and extended their advantage in the 31st minute when neat interplay between Hawley and Correia set up a chance for Guinan who fired a superb 20-yard angled drive inside Duke's near post.

Matt Baker made an excellent reaction save to deny Jon Howard on the stroke of half time, while Hawley, Parry and captain Ian Wright all had chances to stretch Hereford's lead after the break.

Duke did well to keep out a low drive from Parry but Hereford scored their fourth goal from the resulting corner with 20 minutes left. Michael Rose fired Parry's corner in the box and the ball broke nicely for Correia to lash a low shot into the net from close range.

There was still time for Correia to hit the bar with a header, while the woodwork also came to Hereford's rescue, keeping out Howard's header.