From the Archives - Elmo's Goal Enough For Bulls

Leading A Hereford Bull Around The Ground

With Getty releasing images from the game, BN looks back to November 1999 when Hereford United played Hartlepool in the second round of the FA Cup.

Praising The Swede 

Swede In Hand

This game was meant to be a Bulls victory. Hartlepool hadn't reached the third round for six years, and Hereford had the home fans, home ground, and the swede hit the back of the net. It took a bit more than a swede to beat the third division side, however. A desperate defensive performance created some hairy moments, but it finished with Hartlepool failing to break down the Bulls defence.

Upfront, Hereford were strong, and Elmes, Fewings and the midfielders created some good openings, but only one chance beat the Hartlepool goalkeeper Hollund. When the goal eventually came, schoolteacher Robin Elmes knocked the ball above the goalkeeper into the net. A defender on the line could do nothing to stop his attempt.

John Snape Mistimes His Challenge

The first period of the match was all Hereford United. Good chances lead to several openings in the penalty area, and link play gave Hereford the advantage. Star player Tommy Miller was booked for Hartlepool on fifteen minutes for a foul. As the half progressed, Hartlepool came back into the match and Graham Turner was pleased that his team had come out of the first half without conceding. Mark Jones saved well with his leg from former Tranmere striker Gary Jones to prevent the Football League side going 1-0 up.

The second half began, and brought a fresher look to Hereford. The goal came on 54 minutes. Robin Elmes challenged the goalkeeper for a ball, and headed over Hollund.

Celebration Time

Then Hartlepool desperately tried to equalise, which resulted in a scrappy 35 minutes. Hereford midfielder Mark Taylor was booked for a challenge on the substitute Stephenson. Shortly afterwards a corner was swung in by Taylor. It was knocked on, but Fewings couldn't quite turn it into the goal at the far post.

Paul Fewings

During the match, Hartlepool made 3 subs - Vindheim for Stephenson, the former Millwall striker; Mason, on loan from Manchester City for Henderson; and Gary Jones for Ian Clarke. Hereford took Elmes off with five minutes to go for Leroy May, as Graham Turner bowed to the pressure of the fans.

Hereford should have secured the victory on 90 minutes, when Rodgerson's long range shot rattled the outside of the crossbar. Soon after, Leroy May was also booked for playing on after the whistle had been blown by referee A R Leake. Hereford just deserved the win. Mark Jones, Ian Wright and Paul Sturgess were rocks at the back, resulting in the man-of-the-match award for Strugess. Taylor, Parry and Williams played well in midfield, with Elmes creating a few chances upfront. In the battle of the two Turners, experience counted as Graham's Hereford beat Chris' Hartlepool to earn a place in the FA Cup third round.

Hereford Fans Surround Hero Elmes

Attendance = 4,914

Man of the match - Paul Sturgess

Hereford - Jones, Lane, Sturgess, Snape, Wright, James, Parry, Taylor, Elmes, Williams, Fewings.

Sub(s) who came on - Rodgerson, May

---