Despite a generally unconvincing performance in a game marred by a sending off and some curious refereeing decisions, Hereford eased past Sutton to ensure a place in the second round of the FA Cup.
With Jonny Godsmark returning to the fray, and Edrissa Sonko in the starting line-up, the Bulls started brightly with lower graded Sutton on the defensive. Craig King played some intelligent one-touch football to create early chances for strike partner Mattieu Manset. With Marc Pugh and Godsmark attacking on the flanks, an early goal seemed likely, and duly arrived on six minutes. Kenny Lunt played the ball through to Manset who bundled the ball home from close range with Godsmark in close attendance.
Adam Bartlett dealt comfortably with a couple of long range efforts and a glancing header from Sonny Cobbs. Sutton's main threats resulted from long throws by Billy Hawes. Hereford had one or two promising moves but were unable to supply the finishing touches. Much of the game was being played out in midfield, with some strong tackling, over elaboration and frustrating interpretation of the laws by Mr Rushton.
A game changing incident occurred in the twenty-seventh minute. After a midfield melee, Adam Pouton appeared to tread on a prone Manset, who reacted with the sort of kick up the backside normally employed by clowns a la cirque, and the Sutton player certainly gained top marks for artistic impression. With a spectacular double rainbow over Edgar Street, Mr Rushton engaged in protracted consultations with all and sundry before delivering la carte rouge.
With the main attacking force missing, the nature of the game changed forthwith. James Hawes further incurred the wrath of John Trewick for over elaboration after a coming-together, but this time no action was taken. Half-time arrived with the chance to calm down.
HT: HUFC 1 SUTTON UTD 0
A couple of late tackles by Sam Gargan and Billy Hawes led to free-kicks, though puzzlingly no cards. In no danger, the former Stevenage foe Jason Goodliffe shepherded one ball for a corner and dealt with an awkward bounce by instinctively palming the ball over the line. It was no surprise the offence was not spotted. Midfield dynamo Matt Hann was creating chances for Sutton, including one for Billy Hawes, whose far post shot was punched to safety by Bartlett. Hann himself shot wide when well placed as Hereford's nerves began to show. Despite some good passing in midfield, the final ball and shot eluded them as they tried to put the tie to bed.
Keith Lowe played a terrific ball to Godsmark, whose pinpoint cross was headed for a corner and Lunt wrong-footed opponents with a clever turn, but delayed the pass and two Bulls were caught offside. Sonko was hauled back by Danny Phillips, where upon it became clear that Mr Rushton had a yellow card in his pocket all along. Lowe was again pivotal in the move leading to the second goal. He released Pugh who jinked into the box on eighty-six minutes, and in the ensuing scramble, Goodliffe handled on the ground. Penalty! Much debate. Further showing of the yellow to Pouton for dissent. Ball dispatched to net by Ryan Valentine. 2-0 to the Bulls and game over.
There remained the chance for Gavin McCallum, on as a last minute sub, to embarrass his old colleagues. And we thought it was cold in Canada, so speculation as to the need for the black gloves was rife. A tribute to Danny Williams was one suggestion. In any case he had but one chance, set up cleverly for him by King, but his shot was blocked. Four minutes of added time were played out without incident as the rain poured down.
FT HUFC 2 SUTTON UTD 0
HUFC: Bartlett, Valentine, Blanchett, Jones, Lowe, Pugh (Done 89), Lunt, Sonko, Godsmark (McCallum 89), Manset, King
Subs not used: Adamson, Green, Rose, Tolly, Constantine
SUTTON UTD: Scriven, Hawes, Bray, Goodliffe, Thomas (Perkins 46), Cobbs, Hann, Pouton, McKimm (Phillips 72), Hawes (Joseph 46), Gargan
ATTENDANCE: 1713 with 205 from Gander Green Lane
