Hereford United 4 Farnborough Town 2
HEREFORD turned on the style in a Nationwide Conference win over Farnborough on Tuesday, writes IAN MORGAN.
Led for the first time by player-coach Phil Robinson, the Bulls struck three times in an impressive first-half display which paved the way for their second win in 10 games.
Gavin Williams sealed the victory with a stunning goal just after the interval, surging 40 yards before flashing an unstoppable drive past Farnborough goalkeeper Steve Farrelly.
But Robinson was quick to point out he was pleased with the efforts from each of his players.
He said: "It was a team effort and the defence was awesome, especially in dealing with corners and free kicks. Williams was fantastic and played with enthusiasm and effervescence, but I made sure afterwards not to single anyone out."
Robinson added: "We did things a little bit differently and I told the players to play football and enjoy themselves."
The Bulls started in top gear and were 2-0 up after just 10 minutes.
Williams collected the ball from deep in the third minute and fired a 20-yard low shot which Farrelly could only parry. Scott Voice was quick to react and tapped in the opener.
Ian Wright doubled Hereford's lead seven minutes later, forcing a brilliant point-blank save from Farrelly before burying the rebound.
But a slip-up by Matt Clarke on the edge of the box allowed Tony Taggart to cross for Gary Crawshaw, who drilled a shot past the helpless Matt Baker in the 14th minute and Darren Annon almost scored an equaliser moments later.
Hereford hit back, restoring their two-goal advantage on the half-hour when John Snape's downward header bounced underneath the crossbar. And Williams put the result beyond doubt in the 53rd minute with a splendid strike after good play from left-back Kristian James.
Although Crawshaw added some respectability to the scoreline, netting his second from close range in the 86th minute, it was Hereford's night.
Bookings - Hereford: Webb (foul), Goodwin (foul); Farnborough: Watson (foul).
Hereford: Baker, Clarke, K James, Webb, Wright, T James, Goodwin, Snape, Voice, G Williams, Parry. Subs not used: Elmes, Evans, M Williams, Gardiner, Quiggin.
Farnborough: Farrelly, Warner, Annon, O'Shea, Harper, C Piper, Watson, Paterson (L Piper 64 mins), Vansittart (Darlington 64 mins), Crawshaw, Taggart (Jones 82 mins).Subs not used: Bunce, Bonfield.
Referee: A Marriner (Coventry).
Attendance: 1,205.
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