VETERAN striker Carl Dale's fourth-minute goal was enough to give Newport the Herefordshire Senior Cup in the invitation final at Edgar Street on Tuesday.

It was United's first defeat in four pre-season matches and the first time that they had conceded a goal.

The goal was inadvertently set up by former Northern Ireland, Celtic and Blackpool left-back Anton Rogan, who was being given a trial outing by United director of football Graham Turner.

His feeble attempt at a headed back-pass to keeper Andy Quy fell into the path of Dale. It was the sort of gift the former Cardiff City striker gobbles up and he gave Quy no chance as he lobbed the ball over him from 10 yards out.

After that County, newly promoted to the Dr Martens League Premier Division, rarely looked like surrendering their lead and deservedly collected the silverware.

It was a decidedly ragged performance by the Bulls, however, and Turner said: "We were lethargic, undisciplined in defence and overall it was a pathetic performance.

"If I had to find a reason why, I can only think that after a hard programme of training and matches some of the players needed a rest. But, as we have four key men nursing injuries, I wasn't able to do that."

Not surprisingly, Newport's Herefordshire-based manager Tim Harris was much more upbeat. He said: "We weren't at full strength and I was particularly pleased with the way we held on to our lead. We have some bright youngsters coming along, have also signed a few experienced players, and I think we will do well in the Premier Division."

Neither side created many chances but, a few minutes after scoring, Dale had the opportunity to make it 2-0. This time, however, he directed his header straight at Quy.

Too often Hereford tried to make headway with aerial attacks which were easily combated by County's tall defenders, Danny Hill and Danny Hunt.

The one time United put together a really constructive move on the ground in the first half they almost equalised. Chris Lane, Ian Rodgerson and Rob Elmes exchanged passes to move the ball the length of the ground. Lane then crossed to Craig Hanson who headed over after making a surging run into the penalty area.

After the break Paul Fewings' cross-shot was cleared off the line by Hunt but, otherwise, County's goal was seldom threatened.

Hereford: Quy, Lane, Rogan, Snape, Wall, James (Clarke 46 min), Rodgerson, Taylor, Elmes, Hanson, Williams (Fewings 53 min). Subs not used: Jones, Cotterill, Palmer.

Attendance: 839.