From the Archives - Bulls put Four past Yeovil

There was no match for Hereford United on this day ten years ago but on December 19th Bulls met Yeovil Town. Poor weather conditions had delayed the match.

Here's a reminder of the game.

Since relegation to the Conference, Hereford United had not once beaten Yeovil Town in any competition, but tonight the Bulls showed their obvious skill with a staggering 4-0 victory over the league leaders in the southern section of the LDV Vans Trophy first round. The tie had been postponed twice already but it was well worth the waiting for the 800+ Hereford United fans at Edgar Street. The win also ended Yeovil's seventeen match unbeaten run.

The home side made one change to the team that drew with Kettering on Saturday, as striker Robin Elmes couldn't make the game through work commitments so was replaced in attack by Kerry Giddings. Yeovil, though, made five changes to Saturday's team which beat Northwich 1-0. Former United goalkeeper Tony Pennock was replaced with Chris Weale, and Anthony Tonkin, Darren Way, Andy Lindegaard and Barrington Belgrave were dropped for O'Brien, Poole, on-loan striker Alex Meechan and Gareth Risbridger.

An entertaining first half saw chances for both sides. United played well with a strong defence as they attacked at Yeovil directly, a tactic not seen at Edgar Street for several matches. Chris Weale in the Yeovil goal played well and commanding authority in his area, but did experience a couple of close shaves! However, Weale made several good saves from the United attacks.

Meanwhile, Meechan and Risbridger tested Cooksey but the former England semi-professional goalkeeper was in top form to keep the current Conference leaders, managed by former United boss Colin Addison, at bay.

Five minutes before the break, United opened the scoring. Paul Sturgess provided a good cross after passing both Piper and Risbridger, which was punched away by Weale. However, the ball fell to Phil Robinson, and he flicked on to striker Gavin Williams. The Welshman turned the ball goalwards from ten yards to make it 1-0 to United.

Two minutes later, United were awarded a free-kick which was cleared by Yeovil. John Snape picked up the loose ball and hit a twenty five yard volley into the back of the net to double the cushion. Chris Weale, who didn't have his best game in the Yeovil goal, was left stranded by the ball which passed through a crowd of people before hitting the net. A good half time lead must have pleased Graham Turner.

Just four minutes had been played in the second half when United netted again. This time a Michael McIndoe corner was headed home by impressive midfielder Matt Clarke from close range. Weale got a hand to the effort from ten yards, but to no avail. Clarke, obviously delighted with finding the net, removed his shirt whilst celebrating with the Meadow End faithful and was booked by referee Mark Warren from Walsall for the offence. Warren, on the whole, had a good night and was one of the best referees seen at Edgar Street this season.

United should have added to their lead but both Williams and Snape had efforts saved by Weale. Two Ben Smith efforts kept Cooksey on his toes, but to be fair Yeovil never looked like getting back into the game. The introduction of strikers Barrington Belgrave and James Bent made no difference as United remained on top. Seven minutes previous to the substitutions, Brad Peters was bought on to replace the injured captain Terry Skiverton, and to shore up the defence on fifty seven minutes, but again the change had little success.

However, Bent forced Cooksey to save soon after coming on, as Cooksey pushed the ball away to his left for a corner. United, though, almost made it 4-0 when Williams' shot was cleared off the line by fullback David Piper, and Weale was forced into several other good saves as the half progressed.

Ian Rodgerson entered the action for the superb John Snape on seventy eight minutes, but had little effect, and Jimmy Quiggin came on for Gavin Williams eight minutes later.

The night was topped off by Jimmy Quiggin three minutes from time when he made it a spectacular four. Quiggin had only been on the field for a minute when Ian Wright headed a ball forward for the youngster to knock past Weale with his first touch.

There were four bookings on the night. Referee Warren cautioned United player-coach Phil Robinson for a foul after fiteen minutes, Tom White of Yeovil on forty one minutes, and Crittenden on seventy three, both for fouls. Also, Matt Clarke was booked for unsporting behaviour, as mentioned previously.

A small crowd of 853 turned out to watch the game, and the ones that missed it most definitely missed out on a superb night of entertainment. United now play Reading in the second round, with the match scheduled for January 9th at Edgar Street.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Rodgerson (78), Quiggin (86)

Man of the Match - Matt Gardiner

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