Green finds the extra edge to put Hereford on cloud nine

In the end, a left-foot stab from Ryan Green ensured Hereford United, Conference runners-up for the past three seasons, finally made it back into the Football League after nine years.

Graham Turner's side just about deserved this victory - but having twice gone behind, Hereford had to fight for it.

In the opening quarter of an hour, it was Halifax who posed the greater threat and should have been at least a goal up following a clear penalty shout.

A sixth-minute corner from captain Martin Foster was flicked on by Halifax striker Ryan Sugden and then clearly handled by Tamika Mkandawire. But referee Dean Whitestone failed to blow. Then the Hereford captain appeared to employ a more legal method to deflect Danny Forrest's effort on to the bar. Halifax thought they should have had a corner. Again Mr Whitestone differed.

Driving rain allowed comparison with the conditions in Paris for the Champions League final and the opener produced by Halifax's Lewis Killeen after 27 minutes would have illuminated that game.

Following a poor clearance by Dean Beckwith, possession, via some pinball, fell to the former Sheffield United striker. His instant shot from 25 yards allowed Wayne Brown no chance. Now there was a contest, with the teams stretching the game and the greater possession and chances Hereford's as they forced themselves forward for the equaliser.

That took just seven minutes. Adam Stansfied was allowed time to cross and his delivery sucked Halifax defenders towards the ball and allowed Andy Williams a free header.

Then John Grant, who broke his leg during a spell at Hereford, appeared to have spoiled Turner's summer, when the 66th-minute substitute expertly turned Killeen's ball home.

Turner, though, had his own answer, bringing on Guy Ipoua, who needed just four minutes to level, with his header taking proceedings into extra time.

Walkers Stadium 15,499

HALIFAX Kennedy; Haslam, Quinn, Young (Bushell 61), Doughty (Senior 76); Foster, Atherton, Thompson; Killeen, Sugden (Grant 65), Forrest Subs not used Butler, Smikle

HEREFORD Brown; Green, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Jeannin; Travis, Ferrell, Stanley (Pitman ft), Purdie; Stansfield (Fleetwood 94), Williams (Ipoua 75) Subs not used Mawson, Carey-Bertram

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