Guinan inspired by Schumacher

Another article on Saturday's game by David McVay from the Telegraph.

In a parallel universe, or at least with the help of an HG Wells contraption, this fixture could have stirred the emotions to gladiatorial levels.

Back in the Seventies, a divot on the pitch teed up Ronnie Radford to arrow a searing shot towards the top corner, only for Teletubby goalie Dickie Guy to defy both gravity and his frame to save.

Indeed, both Hereford United and MK Dons, or Wimbledon in their previous incarnation, can reflect on derring-do and FA Cup glory when top-flight giants were put to the sword and mercilessly slain.

These days, the only blood shed at Edgar Street emanates from the adjacent cattle market. But at least the defiance of a home side depleted to 10 men was commendable before a late Mark Wright volley secured a 1-0 victory, a ninth win in succession for the Dons, who extended their cushion at the top of League Two. Time machines are not required to evoke the past at Edgar Street, where the 'bookend' stands behind each goalmouth resemble temporary shelters for Stig of the Dump hosting a dinner party for a platoon of eco-warriors.

Progress may be protracted but new plans to regenerate the area include a renovation for the old place that has been home since 1924. Chairman and manager Graham Turner has also presided over an upward spiral since regaining League status two years ago.

They remain in a play-off position despite this defeat and despite a slightly patronising credit in the Dons programme the previous Sunday, a reference to the club being unable to climb much further up the league ladder, which clearly irked Turner as he saw Lincoln City battered 4-0.

Perhaps it was pinned on the dressing room wall to inspire Hereford, but their cause suffered appreciably when Steve Guinan was dismissed seconds before half-time. In his profile, Guinan admits that his other job ambition would be a Formula One driver, and his collision with Lloyd Dyer, reckless and ruthlessly premeditated, certainly had the Michael Schumacher stamp of approval.

"He [Guinan] was caught out," Turner admitted. "It was cynical and it goes on in the game. We don't condone it, but it was a yellow card. I was staggered when he [the referee] produced a red."

On the day Hereford embraced the anti-racism theme that football is championing, Paul Melin demonstrated a Henry Ford-like determination to promote colour. "You can have the card in any colour – as long as it's red," seems to be the Surrey official's slogan. He has now ordered off seven players in eight games this season. Just four to go and he can start on his second XI.

---