After an hour of slow, slow, quick- quick slow, it was all "Zippety Doo Dah" in the final half hour as Hereford fought back from two goals down to earn a deserved point on Tuesday evening at Gigg Lane.
Manager Graham Turner named an unchanged team following the impressive victory over Notts County on Saturday. The travelling Bulls fans were heartened to see that the bench included young striker Andy Williams who had been the subject of considerable speculation during the few days prior to the game. Williams was reported as confirming that he had declined the offer from Bristol Rovers and was joined on the bench by keeper Karl Lewis, Beckwith, Sills and Luke Webb.
The game started with the Bulls attacking the away end and looking bright for the opening ten minutes. On five minutes a Purdie cross found Alan Connell in an aerial challenge with Fitzgerald with the latter clearing at the expense of a corner. The set piece was taken short to McClenahan who hooked the ball into the danger area where it almost fell to the feet of Steve Guinan. Fortunately for Bury, Chris Brass was on hand to make a desperate clearance. Shortly afterwards, the industrious Jennings released Travis on the left and the strawberry blonde delivered a hard low cross which was met by the advancing Purdie whose crisp effort whistled just wide of the upright. As The Shakers worked their way into the game, a Nicky Adams corner found the head of Dave Challinor but the ball was scrambled clear with Bulls keeper Wayne Brown being clearly impeded by ex York City striker Andy Bishop. In the 27th minute a Guinan flick-on found Ben Smith in an advanced position but his snap shot was tipped round the post by the fingertips of keeper Warrington. Just a minute later however, Bury took the lead. Paul Scott launched a ball into the visitors box which the Bulls defence failed to deal with effectively and although Brown blocked the first attempt Richie Baker was on hand to force the ball over the line. As the half drew to a close, Mkandawire collected a yellow card, which, it is understood, will mean a short suspension. From the resulting free kick Glyn Hurst's sloppy header was dealt with by Brown. HT Bury 1 HUFC 0
Shortly after the break, McClenahan tested Warrington but a quick counter attack saw Baker drag his shot wide of Brown post. On 14 minutes Bury doubled their lead. Again, there appeared to be uncertainty in the visiting back division when a ball looped into the box. Hurst got a touch to direct it goal wards and Simon Travis' attempted clearance sliced off his boot into the roof of the net. Seventeen minutes into the half, the Bulls had the ball in the net only for Alan Connell to be ruled offside. However, just a minute later Hereford dragged themselves back into the contest. Following a period of pressure the ball arrived at the feet of Ben Smith who's swift sidestep just outside the box created the room for his rasping shot at goal. There appeared to be a second contact before the ball settled in the net and Guinan's celebration seemed to indicate the he, rather than a defender, may have got the touch. As United took control of the game, Purdie's probing became more effective and his short corner found Jennings but the Tranmere loanee could only fire over the bar. With 15 minutes of normal time left on the clock, Turner introduced Andy Williams at the expense of midfielder Jennings. Connell moved to a deeper position and just 4 minutes after his entrance Andy Williams picked up the ball and from fully 30 yards unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot that scorched into the net leaving Warrington grasping thin air. The locally born youngster stood facing the bench with his arm raised as Hereford and Worcester's Keith Hall screamed "look what you missed Bristol Rovers"! It was truly a goal to remember and shortly afterwards only a blatant foul when Adams hauled him to the ground prevented Williams getting clear when in full flight towards goal. Fitzgerald also dragged Connell back towards the end as the Bulls pressed for the win but despite an added three minutes the game ended a draw when referee Eddie Ilderton signalled the close.
Full Time Bury 2 Hereford United 2
MOM Rob Purdie, he was all over the pitch.
Attendance 1775 (Approx 200 visiting fans including Craig Mawson !)