GOALKEEPER Mark Jones' memory served Hereford United well when they carried off the Doxhill Challenge Cup by beating holders Stoke City Reserves 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at Edgar Street on Saturday.

As Richard Burgess made his way to the Meadow End to get the penalty competition underway, Jones recalled he had taken a spot-kick against the Bulls for Stoke in a Central Conference match last season. The keeper dived to his left to gather Burgess' low shot and give United a precious, early advantage.

Jones said: "I remembered which corner he had aimed for, decided to go that way, and the gamble paid off."

After that Craig Hanson, Mark Taylor, Gavin Williams and Tony James beat Stuart Fraser with their spot-kicks, while Kris Sigurdsson, Jamie Evans and Stuart Scheuber netted for Stoke. Jamie Godbold had to put away the visitors' fifth penalty to keep their hopes alive, but he shot wide.

United were hoping that Stoke would send their first team for the final, held over from last season, but they fielded a complement of reserve and youth team players.

City soon showed they were not going to relinquish their hold on the trophy easily, however. They provided a testing afternoon for the Bulls, who were without the injured Steven Piearce, Ian Wright, Paul Parry and Paul Fewings.

Fraser did well to beat away a fierce drive from James Wall in the opening minutes and then midway through the half Jones was extended to parry shots from Matt Bullock and Burgess for corners.

United dominated the second period during which Fraser saved superbly to deny Hanson, while a goal-bound effort by Williams hit his new team-mate Wall and bounced away for a goal-kick.

Rob Elmes, Hanson and James all went close to breaking the deadlock but there was no score after 90 minutes.

The attendance of 634 was a lot lower than the 1,502 for the previous Wednesday when United pipped Wolverhampton Wanderers Reserves 1-0 at home in a friendly. Elmes scored the goal in the 28th minute after a move by Mark Taylor and Williams.

United director of football Graham Turner said: "I was extremely disappointed with the strength of the Wolves side. However, their youngsters were keen to impress and provided us with the sort of action we required.