Tuesday, November 2, 2004

Hereford goalkeeper Craig Mawson produced a spectacular debut as the Bulls pulled off another LDV Vans Trophy penalty shoot-out success last night.

The Bulls, who knocked out higher-ranked Scunthorpe United on penalties in the previous round, dumped League One opponents Doncaster Rovers out of the competition in the second phase.

And ex-Oldham and Morecambe man Mawson made a superb start to his one-month contract, saving a spot-kick from Hereford old boy Michael McIndoe in extra-time to keep the score at 1-1.

Then the 'keeper pulled off two more remarkable saves, one a world-class stop, as the tie was decided 3-1 on penalties.

Mawson dived to push away Dave Morley's effort and then threw himself far to his left to get a hand to a well-struck strike from Nick Fenton.

He then watched Adriano Rigioglioso's effort slip past an upright, allowing veteran Lee Mills to settle the tie.

Mawson's opposite number, on-loan Michael Ingham, had been no less heroic, saving Hereford penalties from Tony James and Mark Robinson.

But he was unable to keep out spot-kicks from David Brown, Simon Travis and the crucial final one from Mills.

Earlier, Hereford had more than matched their higher-graded opponents as they set up the shock of the round.

In an even first-half, Danny Williams was unlucky to see a left-foot drive come back off a post shortly after Brown had volleyed straight at Ingham following a fine move.

Mawson was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty early in the second period when he charged out of his goal and appeared to bring down Chris Beardsley but he certainly had no chance with Doncaster's goal on 59 minutes.

A McIndoe corner was met on the volley by Rigoglioso from 25 yards to send the ball scorching into the back of the net. Few goalkeepers would have had a chance with such a shot.

Ingham excelled himself to push away a shot from the lively Adam Stansfield before Hereford drew level on 72 minutes.

Rob Purdie skipped down the left and into the area before dragging the ball back for Williams to produce an accomplished finish.

Ingham saved brilliantly again late on from Tamika Mkandawire to send the tie into extra-time when Rovers looked set to win the game after Robinson's clumsy challenge on Ben Jackson.

Mawson, however, dived low to block McIndoe's penalty and provided a taste of what was to come.

Hereford: *Mawson 9, Travis 8, Mkandawire 7, James 8, Robinson 7, D Williams 7, Hyde 7 (Pitman 106), Stanley 7, Purdie 7 (Mills 83, 7), Stansfield 8 (Green 101), Brown 7. Subs not used: Scott, Smith.

Attendance: 1,375.