Saturday, September 8, 2001

MARKSMAN Rob Elmes struck twice in Hereford United's convincing 3-0 Nationwide Conference defeat of bottom club Dover Athletic at Edgar Street on Saturday.

The tall striker pounced in each half and was brought down for a penalty kick from which Mark Williams grabbed his first goal for the club.

The vastly-improved Bulls dominated for long periods and deservedly recorded their first win in four games.

Man-of-the-match Paul Parry was a constant menace to the Kent club's defence, rattling a post in an almost faultless individual display.

And goalkeeper Matt Baker, returning after suspension, pulled off three magnificent stops to ensure United registered their most emphatic win of the campaign.

Hereford director of football Graham Turner said: "There were some good moments, with Parry, Gavin Williams and Kristian James all doing well. Baker also made some fine saves. We needed a win today and it was pleasing after a disappointing performance in our previous match."

Hereford, who had failed to score in their last two outings at Edgar Street, made a flying start, with Gavin Williams heading a Parry cross over the top.

Elmes hooked a shot wide of the target before he bagged a delightful opener in the 14th minute. Parry's long cross from the right found Elmes unmarked at the far post and last season's leading-scorer planted a firm header past Dover goalkeeper Paul Hyde.

Experienced midfielder Paul Webb blasted a right-foot drive inches wide of an upright after fine interplay between Kristian James and Gavin Williams.

Only a brilliant reflex stop by Baker, however, diving to left, prevented Keith Scott's close-range effort giving Dover an unlikely leveller just nine minutes before the interval.

Midfielder Kristian James blazed high and wide with the goal at his mercy only seconds after the restart, but a crucial second blow for the Bulls was not far off.

Elmes was tripped inside the box by Jake Leberl following a goalmouth melee and former Rotherham man Williams confidently fired the 59th minute spot-kick into the net.

United pushed men forward and were nearly caught out twice when Tommy Tyne broke free and forced Baker into making a couple of fine stops.

Undeterred by those escapes, Hereford continued to threaten. Parry hammered a shot against an upright before in the 88th minute, Elmes spun to volley home a Mark Williams knockdown for his fourth goal of the season.