The Cup Win at Dover

In the previous article on BN Graham Turner talked about the FA Cup win at Dover which probably helped save Hereford United from possible bankruptcy.

A young Gavin Williams scored the only goal of the game which this report of the game noted.

Gavin's goal puts Bulls through

Dover Athletic 0 - 1 Hereford United

Hereford United reached the first round of the FA Cup following a 1-0 win over Dover Athletic at the Crabble this afternoon.

Dover boss Gary Bellamy couldn't take his side through to the first round for the first time in eighteen years (since their reformation) as Phil Robinson's team worked hard for their win.

There was just one change to the line-up that beat Scarborough 6-0 last week with the on-loan defender Tony Capaldi dropped, through suspension, and replaced by Kristian James.

The game started in pretty even fashion with Ian Wright heading just over before Dover forced Matt Baker into a save after a mistake by Wright. Both sides went close in the early stages; John Snape hit an ambitious shot over and Baker was tested by a cross which he fumbled from the near side as Dover played from left to right. Chris Allen also went close from close range.

Jimmy Quiggin tested Phil Smith in the Dover goal after nineteen minutes when, following a superb long-range pass from Paul Parry, Quiggin controlled on an angled run before smashing an awkward drive at the goalkeeper. Jimmy Strouts hit a good effort high and wide seven minutes later, as the game was looking more and more likely if it was going to produce a goal.

It inevitably came on thirty two minutes thanks to the superb solo work of Hereford's young Welsh striker Gavin Williams. He picked up the ball just inside the Dover half, beat several defenders before smashing a low ball under goalkeeper Smith to put the travelling side into the driving seat.

Rob Elmes then had two possible chances to double the lead before the break, and a Gavin Williams effort went narrowly wide as Hereford threatened again.

The second half started more evenly with Dover captain Keith Scott, who has netted nine times already this season, hit a strong shot onto Matt Baker's crossbar following good work from Neil Le Bihan. Luckily, the ball rebounded to safety to the relief of the Hereford defence. Dover's ex-Nottingham Forest winger Chris Allen hit a shot just over the bar before limping off just after the hour.

On fifty seven minutes, Paul Parry cut inside with the ball and sent through an impressive cross to Gavin Williams. Williams' rising shot was pushed over by the goalkeeper and, from the corner, the Welshman hit a first time drive from the edge of the box which seriously tested the ability of goalkeeper Phil Smith.

Williams continued to threaten as Dover's defence was run ragged, but Hereford's back line didn't get away scot-free as Matt Baker had to clear up on several occasions after ill-judged decisions from defenders.

Substitute Scott Voice looked to add to Hereford's lead in the final minutes, knocking wide on two occasions. Then in the last minute, sub John Elliott hit narrowly wide as Dover searched for a replay.

The game was fairly evenly matched and well-refereed (and referees don't get credit very often!). Mr. Stoud allowed the game to flow under hard-fought but good-tempered conditions. A crowd of 1,221 watched the game with about 250 from Hereford.

Hereford progress to the first round proper where they take on Wrexham at Edgar Street, the game due to be staged on November 17th.

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