Hereford United progressed into the HFA Senior Cup quarter final this evening against a hard-working Pegasus Juniors side at Old School Lane. The game ended 4-1 to the visitors, despite an early opener from Simon Gwynne. Nick Chadwick scored from the spot, and again soon after to send United into half-time with a narrow lead. Simon Johnson then added to the score before Chadwick completed his hattrick in the final moments.
Without the guidance of Graham Turner, John Trewick took charge with Steve Guinan also looking to have a notable influence from the sidelines. There were mass changes in the starting line-up, with many 'fringe' players gaining run-outs, and there was also a place for youngster Joel Edwards in the side.
Pegasus shocked the League One side when they took the lead early on in the game, after some sloppy defending from Jack Macleod allowed Gwynne in after a cross-field pass and he struck past Craig Samson and in off the post. MacLeod nearly made up for his defending with his attacking as he linked up with trialist Tyrone Berry down the right-hand side, but a low shot was blocked by the home 'keeper's legs. A neat through ball from Johnson was latched onto by Matty Done, who went round the 'keeper before he was tripped. A penalty was awarded, and Chadwick smashed into the middle of the net to equalise. Soon after United were in front, and Chadwick again grabbed the goal. He linked up superbly with Johnson, playing a one-two before lobbing the 'keeper with a well-placed finish.
The second-half was a fairly poor affair with Pegasus going close in the early stages after a counter-attack down the left-hand side saw a cross into the box. The home attacker controlled but blasted over from close-range. Done had a long-range effort pushed aside, whilst Berry also went-close inside the box with the 'keeper making a good save before United added two relatively late goals. Firstly, Chadwick won an aerial dual and released Johnson with a header, and the former Leeds man turned the defender before firing past the helpless goalie. In the final minute, Done broke through the middle, and rounded the 'keeper but couldn't find an opportunity to shoot; instead, he got his head up and played in Chadwick who completed his hattrick.
Hereford were made to work hard by Pegasus, who battled well although fitness, as always, played a part in the latter stages. Trialist Berry failed to impress, although the strike-force of Chadwick and Johnson complimented each other nicely. Down the left-wing, Done had the beating of his defender but far too often, his final ball let him down. Next up for United is another cup game with Dagenham visiting Edgar Street in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Hereford: Samson, Macleod, Beckwith, Breen, Edwards, Berry, Jones, O'Leary, Done, Johnson, Chadwick.
Subs: Freddi, Weir, Evans.