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Hereford United claimed their first away victory since the opening day with a fine 3-1 win over MK Dons at the National Hockey Stadium. Early goals by Alan Connell and Rob Purdie gave United a half time lead, before Izale McLeod pulled one back. Stuart Fleetwood then struck in stoppage time to wrap up the points.
Alex Jeannin came in on the left hand side for Simon Travis, who failed to recover from a knock. John Eustace also returned in the heart of United's midfield, whilst injury victim Tim Sills was replaced by Andy Williams up front.
The Bulls nearly took the lead as early as the opening minute when Fleetwood ran into the box from the left hand side and fired a powerful shot at MK Don's 'keeper Adolfo Baines tipped out, Fleetwood followed up but once again saw his effort saved by Baines. Seven minutes later, and Fleetwood was again involved as United took the lead. Tamika Mkandawire blocked a McLeod effort, and the ball fell nicely to Fleetwood. He ran into the Dons half, and past the last defender but his low shot was tipped out by Baines. Luckily, the ball fell to the onrushing Connell who stabbed home to give Hereford the narrow lead.
Trent McClenahan's return to his former loan club ended prematurely, after he came off worse in a strong challenge with Dean Lewington. He was replaced by Rob Purdie who took up a role of right wing back. Shortly after coming on the pitch, Purdie was the man to put Hereford further in front. Williams chased a long ball and was bought down by Baines. The ref awarded a penalty, and Baines was booked. Purdie stepped up to cooly slot home his seventh penalty of the season and give Hereford a comfortable lead.
Martin Allen saw the need for a change soon after, huge striker Conal Platt was bought on for Paul Mitchell. There was an improvement in the home side's game and McLeod's left foot volley was easily gathered up by Wayne Brown. Mkandawire was then on hand to head off the line after Ben Chorley's powerful effort. Jon-Paul McGovern volleyed just wide after some good link-up work, but despite this pressure, it was at the other end where there should have been a goal. Purdie played a ball into Connell's feat, and a cheeky flick found Fleetwood unmarked with only the goalkeeper to beat. Perhaps, in disbelief at not being offside, Fleetwood stopped for a moment, he then rounded the keeper but the angle was too tight and he could only put the ball in the side netting when really, it should have been three. McGovern then fired over a free-kick just before the ref blew up for half time.
The second half started slowly, with the MK Dons changing things once again ten minutes in, bringing on Scott Taylor and Leon Crooks for Aaron Wilbraham and Jamie Smith. The inevitable pressure from the home side then started. United failed to clear properly, and McLeod was on hand to collect in the box, use his pace and strength to get in a shooting opportunity, and take it, beating Brown with a low shot across the goal to make it 2-1.
United were holding on, Brown made a fine scrambling save from McGovern's deflected shot, with "Superman" picking himself up again to kick out for a corner before the oncoming striker was able to collect the ball. The Dons controversial manager Martin Allen was then sent to the stand, after being infuriated by the referee, who booked five United players. Brown was once again on hand to stop a fine effort, this time from Keith Andrews, who powerfully struck a well worked free-kick but Brown beated it clear.
Connell had Hereford's first effort of the half, mid-way through with a hopeful lob after a poor kick-out by Baines, the ball narrowly going over the bar. With the long ball being used by the home side throughout the game, Phil Gulliver, Dean Beckwith and Mkandawire dealt with the threat well despite the aerial threat of Platt and McLeod. Yet, in the 70th minute, it was Drissa Diallo who nearly claimed the equaliser with a towering header form a corner, but his effort was superbly denied by Purdie on the line. The ball found its way to Lloyd Dyer who struck a superb effort from around 30 yards. It was heading on target, and Brown was troubled, but luckily for Hereford, the ball hit one of his own players and went away from danger.
Dyer was again involved when he hung a cross for Platt but his powerful header was sent just past the crossbar. Hereford had soaked up the pressure from the home side, and were finding more space on the counter attack. Williams should have done better when he cleverly turned the defender, but his effort was tipped out by Baines.
More long balls were aimed hopelessly by the home side, and Hereford looked to have done enough to get the points. Dyer combined well with McGovern, and they set up a chance for Andrews, but his shot sailed over Brown's bar. It was the last attempt by MK Dons, as Hereford sealed victory in stoppage time. Brown's long goal kick was chested down by Williams to Fleetwood, who beat one defender before placing a powerful low right footed shot past Baines and sent the away following into raptures.
Keeper beaten, ball in net, Fleetwood celebrating, 3-1 Hereford (Click to enlarge)
A fine reward for Fleetwood who has been playing well of late, but hadn't netted since his famous hattrick against Coventry.
Fans will be hoping that today's impressive win will be a turning point in Hereford's season, beating a promotion chasing side. The goal for Fleetwood will hopefully kick-start his season and with the boost of having Eustace in the middle, things are looking brighter for The Bulls. With Conference Champions Accrington to come at home next Saturday, United will be looking to make it two wins out of two. A decent away following of aprox 500, in a crowd of 5609 saw Hereford take the points.
Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Jeannin, Beckwith, Gulliver, Mkandawire (C), Eustace, Rose, Connell, Williams, Fleetwood.
Subs: Thompson, Ferrell, Wallis, Purdie, Webb.
MK Dons: Baines, Smith, Diallo, Chorley, Lewington, McGovern, Mitchell, Andrews, Dyer, Wilbraham, McLeod.
Subs: Bankole, Edds, Crooks, Taylor, Platt.
