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It's over thirteen years since Hereford United last played Newport County and it wasn't a 'League' game but the final of the Herefordshire Senior Cup.
Firstly the report:
Hereford United 0 Newport County 1: Herefordshire Senior Cup
VETERAN striker Carl Dale's fourth-minute goal was enough to give Newport the Herefordshire Senior Cup in the invitation final at Edgar Street this evening.
It was United's first defeat in four pre-season matches and the first time that they had conceded a goal.
The goal was inadvertently set up by former Northern Ireland, Celtic and Blackpool left-back Anton Rogan, who was being given a trial outing by United director of football Graham Turner.
His feeble attempt at a headed back-pass to keeper Andy Quy fell into the path of Dale. It was the sort of gift the former Cardiff City striker gobbles up and he gave Quy no chance as he lobbed the ball over him from 10 yards out.
After that County, newly promoted to the Dr Martens League Premier Division, rarely looked like surrendering their lead and deservedly collected the silverware.
It was a decidedly ragged performance by the Bulls, however, and Turner said: "We were lethargic, undisciplined in defence and overall it was a pathetic performance.
"If I had to find a reason why, I can only think that after a hard programme of training and matches some of the players needed a rest. But, as we have four key men nursing injuries, I wasn't able to do that."
Neither side created many chances but, a few minutes after scoring, Dale had the opportunity to make it 2-0. This time, however, he directed his header straight at Quy.
Too often Hereford tried to make headway with aerial attacks which were easily combated by County's tall defenders, Danny Hill and Danny Hunt.
The one time United put together a really constructive move on the ground in the first half they almost equalised. Chris Lane, Ian Rodgerson and Rob Elmes exchanged passes to move the ball the length of the ground. Lane then crossed to Craig Hanson who headed over after making a surging run into the penalty area.
After the break Paul Fewings' cross-shot was cleared off the line by Hunt but, otherwise, County's goal was seldom threatened.
Hereford: Quy, Lane, Rogan, Snape, Wall, James (Clarke 46 min), Rodgerson, Taylor, Elmes, Hanson, Williams (Fewings 53 min). Subs not used: Jones, Cotterill, Palmer.
Attendance: 839.
And secondly a follow-up:
August 5th 1999:
NEWPORT County have banned 12 supporters from their matches after trouble at Edgar Street in the HFA Senior Cup Final. They got into the Meadow End, and sparked fighting between themselves and the United fans. The stewarding at the club was slammed by the Bulls fans, who said they were inaffective during the incident.
FORMER soccer star Garry Spink told last night how he was "devastated" at being banned for life from Newport County Football Club.
The ex-Newport player said he was "made the scape-goat" after 12 County fans brawled with home supporters at Hereford.
A Newport spokesman said: "We have banned him because we don't tolerate people who cause trouble."
Albion Rovers coach Spink said: "I did throw a punch which connected but it was self defence. I wasn't the ringleader."
