Despite starting the day just a few places in front of Hereford, Northampton Town came to Edgar Street and completely out-classed The Bulls. The game ended 2-0 to The Cobblers, with the goals coming from the impressive Danny Jackman and Ryan Gilligan early in the second-half in front of 3051 supporters.
Lionel Ainsworth returned to United and the starting line-up, replacing Sam Gwynne who was injured. Richard Rose, Richard Jackson and Bradley Hudson-Odoi were also handed starts with Kris Taylor, Stephen O'Leary and Andy Williams making way. The visitors had England Under 21 international Frank Fielding in between the sticks, whilst experienced striking duo Leon Constantine and Scott McGleish led the line.
Jackman volleyed past the post in the opening stages from 25 yards as the visitors created all the early opportunities whilst Luke Guttridge effort lacked power and Matt Murray gathered with ease. A lack of marking was nearly to blame when Jackman found space on the right after a quick free-kick and a cross into the danger area was met by Constantine who headed over from close-range. A neat switch of play allowed the energetic Paul Walker to control and strike goalwards but Murray wasn't troubled.
The Bulls came into the game mid-way through the first interval with Hudson-Odoi controlling a quick-throw and seeing a blocked shot fall to Ainsworth who tried his luck from 30 yards with a dipping half-volley but it fell over the crossbar. A neat turn from Ben Smith allowed the former Weymouth midfielder to play a pass through to Steve Guinan who shot first time, aiming for the top corner but Fielding plucked the ball out of the air. Smith then sent a half-volley just past the post after a Rose throw-in whilst Jackson ventured forward on the right and sent a cross into the area which Guinan struck goalwards but Fielding again made a straight-forward save. Jackman's good vision sent Constantine away on the left, but a last-ditch tackle from Jackson denied him whilst the former Leeds' striker cut in from the wing after a switch of play from Guttridge found him but he shot over.
The interval gave both teams time to re-group and try to grab that all important first goal and it was Northampton who did just that. Smith gave away a free-kick 25 yards out and Jackman showed an interest. The midfielder, who played in a similar work-man like fashion to David Perkins, struck a left-footed curler around the wall and just out of Murray's reach to open the scoring, much to the delight of the 387 away fans. Clint Easton's cross was touched down by Guinan to Smith who shot with his right-foot but Fielding didn't have to move as it went straight at the 'keeper. Easton then sliced a shot into the Meadow End after Toumani Diagouraga had held the ball up for him before the visitors doubled their lead. McGleish took a quick-throw and caused panic in the Bulls' back-line; Jackson's attempted clearence hit Karl Broadhurst and fell to Gilligan inside the box, who touched past Dean Beckwith before sliding past Murray and into the net.
Nick Chadwick replaced Hudson-Odoi, whilst minutes later, Matty Done and Williams followed with Easton and Guinan making way. Welshman Done curled a free-kick to the back post where Rose helped it back into the danger area and Broadhurst headed goalwards but was denied by a close-range save from Fielding. Reading loanee Nicholas Bignall came on for McGleish and nearly had an instant impact with a strong forward run but the finish didn't match it, trickling past the far-post. In the latter stages, Murray denied Bignall with an excellent reaction save after the young striker had poked goalwards following a scramble in the area. Walker's powerful runs down the right wing was a highlight of the visitor's play and the Sheffield United loanee nearly made it three with a cross that hit the bar. Giles Coke replaced Guttridge with a few minutes remaining before Chadwick's clever pass allowed Ainsworth to poke goalwards but Fielding again denied United.
Following the good win against Cheltenham last weekend, United have been bought back down to earth with two consecutive defeats. In truth, there isn't enough class up front for Hereford. Ainsworth was well-marked and looked tired towards the end of the game whilst Hudson-Odoi too often was out-muscled up top. Northampton looked tidy, with Jackman running the show in the middle of the park. Next up for United is a tough trip to Milton Keynes Dons, who had an excellent 3-0 victory at Walsall this afternoon.
Hereford: Murray, Jackson, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Rose, Ainsworth, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Guinan, Hudson-Odoi.
Subs: Samson, Taylor, Done, Chadwick, Williams.
Northampton: Fielding, Walker, Crowe, Hughes, Davis, Dolman, Guttridge, Jackman, Gilligan, Constantine, McGleish.
Subs: Dunn, Coke, Henderson, Holt, Bagnall.