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Hereford United dominated throughout as they eased past Hyde United in the F.A. Trophy fourth round at Edgar Street this afternoon. Hyde held out in the first half, surviving an early onslaught by Hereford, but conceded three second half goals as the home sides' fitness and class shone through.
The Bulls were unchanged from the side that defeated Aldershot Town 2-0 last Sunday but Ryan Green was back on the bench following a hamstring injury. Rob Purdie was again chosen to partner the in form Danny Carey-Bertram in attack.
Hyde very rarely threatened Craig Mawson's goal, and when they did the 'keeper was not made to work very hard. He denied Matty McNeil's early effort before Craig Stanley fired United into action with a powerful first time effort that slammed against a defender. Carey-Bertram layed on for Stanley to drive wide before good work by Danny Williams and Simon Travis led to Carey-Bertram hitting a goal bound effort, which was turned away by Mullock in Hyde's goal.
On twenty five minutes Stanley arrived unmarked in the area to meet Travis' cross, but he managed to head wide what was Hereford's best chance of the first period. The game then became scrappy, with a booking for both sides, though Jamie Pitman's caution was a tad unfortunate. Williams forced another good save with a low shot as the half came to a close before Stanley shot again, but it was caught with ease.
The second half started perfectly for Hereford; Stanley fed Anyinsah a pass down the right, and he nutmegged his opponent before seeing his near post effort turned behind. Under a minute later, the deadlock was broken. Purdie crossed from the left and Mkandawire, up from the corner, glanced a header in at the near post. The Bulls sat back for a few moments after, but when Dean forced Mawson into a save at full stretch they woke up again.
Williams had a good chance to double the advantage before Carey-Bertram succeded where he failed. Stanley lifted a pass to Travis on the right flank, and his pin point cross was nodded in at the far post by Carey-Bertram. Williams went very close again, this time Mark Robinson crossed and Williams met it with a volley that crashed against the underside of the bar.
Man of the match Anyinsah made yet another good run down the wing before crossing for the onrushing Purdie, who headed wide at the near post. Williams cut in from the left and shot from the edge of the box, but his effort was palmed away. However, Pitman was onto it quickly and he cut back for Purdie who fired in from inside the six yard box. The goal was credited to Purdie although it looked to have taken a slight touch off the head of Carey-Bertram.
The result was safe at 3-0 and so both managers made changes. David Brown and Green came on for Hereford in place of Carey-Bertram and Travis. Williams was later taken off for Graham Hyde. Robinson was booked late on just before Purdie paced clear on a counter attack, that resulted with Hyde's low shot being saved.
The 113 away supporters were a credit to their side, offering plenty of vocal support. They will not be dissapointed with their sides efforts who put plenty of effort in trying to deny Hereford. Most of the crowd of 1,575 though, will be happy that their side got a job well done and now have a place in the fifth round of the trophy.
Hereford Team: Mawson, Travis, James, Mkandawire, Robinson, Williams, Pitman, Stanley, Anyinsah, Purdie, Carey-Bertram. Subs: Green, Smith, Scott, Hyde, Brown.
