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An excellent Stockport County performance saw them overcome Hereford United at Edgar Street this afternoon. County strikers Tes Bramble and Anthony Elding both netted in the first half to hand the away side their fifth straight victory. The result was a reverse of the 2-0 win that Hereford gained on the opening day at Edgeley Park.
The Bulls were unchanged from the mid-week draw at Bury, with Andy Williams starting on the bench, despite his "Rooney-esque" goal at Gigg Lane. Stockport's side included former Bull Michael Rose at left back. The game got off to a lively start with Tes Bramble testing Wayne Brown's reactions with a snapshot in the area, but the former Chester shot-stopper was equal to it, parrying away from danger.
Steve Guinan put a weak effort over the bar, before M. Rose gave the ball away to Alan Connell, who saw the keeper off his line and tried an ambitious effort. However, his shot didn't trouble the keeper, ending up wide. Steve Jenning's nearly opened the scoring for Hereford, after a good run through the midfield ended up with the on loan Tranmere midfielder shooting low from 25 yards, but Wayne Hennessey dived to his right and stopped the ball, which was heading in the corner. Guinan had a volley easily saved by Hennessey before Stockport took the lead.
Former Stevenage star Elding won the ball in the air above Richard Rose, and Bramble shot low from 15 yards past Brown. The ball appeared to go under Brown's body and "Superman" will be dissapointed that he failed to save. United's task was tough enough before the goal, with Stockport keeping six clean sheets in their past seven league games, and Bramble's strike made the task much harder. Jennings again burst from midfield, but this time, his low shot went wide off the post.
With seven minutes remaining of the half, Elding delivered another blow to Hereford's chances when he excellently headed past Brown, after a fine whipped cross from the right by Jason Taylor. With half time fast approaching, Bramble could have possibly put the game to bed when he powerfully headed a M.Rose corner just over the bar at the front post. Hereford went into half time two goals down, but with memories of Bury still fresh on the mind, there was still a belief the Bulls could get back into it.
However, the difference between Tuesday and today, was that the opponents were two completely different sides. Stockport were superbly organised in defence, and they carried this on into the second half. Bramble was subbed off at the interval, and replaced by the pacy Adam Proudlock. After a slow start to the half, Andy Williams was introduced for Jennings, as United tried to look for a way back into the game.
Yet, Stockport's defence wasn't giving anything away, leaving United best chances coming from long-range efforts, Rob Purdie struck well wide after a Simon Travis throw in. Connell hit a free-kick against the wall, before Hereford had their best chance of the half to get a goal back. Guinan held up well, before laying off to Andy Williams, who struck right footed from 20 yards, with the ball flashing past the post. Stockport never looked threatened after this, and played some impressive counter-attacking football. Connell made way for Tim Sills, as Hereford looked for more threat in the air.
Despite the introduction of the two strikers, it was Stockport who came closest to grabbing the next goal, after a poor Purdie clearence, Elding found himself with a golden opportunity to make it three. Indecision though plagued Elding as he weakly tried to lob Brown from close range, and Brown plucked it out of the air. Trent McClenahan headed a Purdie free-kick just wide off the post as a poor second half drew to a finish. County could have made it three once more near the death, as again Elding squandered a good chance. This time County sub Anthony Pilkington played his team-mate in, but Elding struck inches wide with a lob.
The result comes as a major set-back to Hereford's play-off ambitions, with The Bulls now lying nine points off both Wycombe and Stockport, both who occupy the final play-off positions. Despite the defeat, United should not be too disappointed as they came up against an excellent Stockport side, brimming with confidence. Organised throughout, with power and quality up front, Stockport are looking good for a play-off place now. Credit must also go to the away supporters, who throughout the game, were excellent with their vocal support, which would of helped their side claim in the points. Sometimes, supporters can be that 12th man.
Next up for Hereford is an away trip to old Conference rivals Chester City. United now lie equal on points with the Cheshire side, who were victorious today at Accrington Stanley. However, Chester do have a game in hand. For Graham Turner, there should be some decisions to be made, especially regarding the defence, as they has now conceded 12 goals in its last 5 games. Many supporters may also like to see Andy Williams return up top and see how the youngster fares with Guinan.
Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Travis, Mkandawire, Gulliver, Rose, Purdie, Jennings, Smith, Connell, Guinan.
Subs: Lewis, Beckwith, Webb, Sills, Williams.
Stockport: Hennessey, Clare, Williams, Owen, Rose, Poole, Taylor, Gleeson, Griffin, Bramble, Elding.
Subs: Spencer, Dinning, Pilkington, Dickinson, Proudlock.
