Continuing BN's look back at this weekend ten years ago here's a report on the FA Cup-tie that took place on November 18th 2001.
Hereford United 1 - 0 Wrexham
The Bulls had captain Ian Wright to thank for their victory with the only goal coming on nine minutes. However, performance of the day went to goalkeeper Matt Baker who ensured progression to the second round.
Hereford boss Phil Robinson named himself in the centre of midfield in place of the suspended Scott Goodwin, whilst John Shirley was drafted in for Matt Clarke, also banned. Scott Voice got the nod in attack ahead of Rob Elmes, who started on the bench alongside Alex Kevan, a youth player.
Wrexham, languishing at the bottom of Division Two and managed by Denis Smith, were without star striker Lee Trundle and defender Brian Carey for the trip to Edgar Street, where the opposition were graded two divisions lower.
John Motson, Gary Lineker and the Match of the Day team were evident as the player's car park was full with equipment providing live coverage for BBC1 TV. A makeshift studio was erected under the Blackfriars End scoreboard, and a huge balloon filmed from above the Meadow End.
The early pressure was caused by home side and as early as the second minute, Paul Parry, who came so close to scoring against Leicester City in the third round two years ago, hit a free kick in from the left hand side. The ball met with Scott Voice, who's header went inches wide of the far post causing much consternation in the Wrexham following of around five hundred.
Hereford continued throughout the early stages to create most of the attacking play but Trinidadian Hector Sam hit wide from twenty five yards after five minutes.
Ian Wright got the game's only goal after nine minutes when, following a corner from Paul Parry, he hit a shot past goalkeeper Kristian Rogers after a Gavin Williams effort had rebounded off the crossbar.
United were creating more as Wrexham looked lacklustre in defence and poor in attack. Phil Robinson, after twelve minutes, created a good opening for Gavin Williams and his cross was clutched by the goalkeeper. A minute later, though, a promising Wrexham opening concluded disappointingly as Sam scraped his shot wide of the near post.
Wrexham then started to exert pressure. Hector Sam had a good opening but fell over the ball before Hereford's Scott Voice headed over from close range. Then with nineteen minutes on the clock, Sam was released by a through ball and from twelve yards hit a low shot onto the post before it rebounded to safety.
Winger Martyn Chalk was next to go close for the Red Dragons when he headed over whilst being pressurised by Ian Wright, but Hereford hit back on twenty three minutes when Gavin Williams showed off some trickery from a counter attack before being tackled on the edge of the Wrexham area.
The BBC's Alan Hansen must have been having a field day describing the poor defences as both sides looked weak and Matt Baker in the Hereford goal had much work to do as the game progressed. With twenty minutes of the first half left, Craig Falconbridge tested the ex-Hull City stopper with a drive and after a good save, John Shirley cleaned up. Further efforts came from Darren Ferguson, Robin Gibson and Hector Sam as Wrexham searched for an equaliser.
With five minutes of the first period remaining, Steve Roberts angled a header across goal which was agonising to watch as any touch could have gone in. Defender Keith Hill headed over soon after and Craig Faulconbridge shot straight at Matt Baker's legs when it looked easier to score!
The second half was, to be fair, a largely Wrexham attacking show. However, they could not break down a resiliant Hereford back line in search of an equaliser. With four minutes of the half on the clock, Wrexham had appeals for a penalty turned down by the Football League-standard referee Barry Curson from Walsall who coped well with the proceedings, allowing the game to flow. Scott Voice and Gavin Williams both had efforts to test goalkeeper Rodgers at the other end, but to no avail.
On sixty five minutes, Hereford replaced Voice with Rob Elmes, their top scorer for the past two seasons. The change, however, made little impact as Wrexham were the ones attacking and causing the problems. Gavin Williams came off for treatment after a knock seven minutes later and despite continuing, he didn't look to be fully fit.
Wrexham needed a goal. Manager Smith made a change whereby Michael Blackwood was replaced by Andrew Morrell and Hereford were tiring. Wrexham's superior fitness leves and the fast pace of the game were taking their toll on the Bulls.
With ten minutes left, Craig Faulconbridge hit a promising opening way over from twelve yards out and Matt Baker was quite simply keeping Hereford in the game. He was outstanding.
Late efforts from Hector Sam which went wide did little to boost confidence, and then with six minutes left, Matt Baker was called into action again. When one-on-one with Andrew Moralee, Baker saved his shot with his legs and then managed to cope with the resultant pressure exerted by Wrexham. Four minutes later, Baker saved again from Moralee and Hereford looked to have wrapped up the tie.
That was until the fourth official indicated five minutes of added time. Could the Bulls hold on? The pressure by Wrexham was more half-hearted as continual disappointment in attack was taking its toll on their morale. Substitute Dennis Lawrence had a late, late shot which was straight at Baker and time ran out.
Hereford can now add Wrexham to their list of league scalps and it was a team effort that won the game today. The Bulls will now go and meet Swindon Town in the next round, the game at the County Ground to be held on Saturday, December 8th.
Hereford United: Matt Baker, John Shirley, Tony Capaldi, Phil Robinson, Ian Wright (captain), Tony James, Jimmy Quiggin, John Snape, Scott Voice (off, 66 minutes), Gavin Williams, Paul Parry
Subs: Rob Elmes (on, 66 minutes), Lee Evans, Steve Piearce, Daniel Davidson, Alex Kevan
Yellow cards: Tony James (58 minutes, foul)
Scorers: Ian Wright (9 minutes)
Man of the Match: Matt Baker
Attendance: 4,107
Referee: Barry Curson (Walsall)
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Marine At Edgar Street On Saturday 9th November At 3.00pm