24 years ago this week Hereford United were knocked out of the FA Cup.
A look back to October 17th 1998.
HEREFORD United 2 Newport IOW 3 (report by Peter Povall)
Hereford
United's FA Cup run came to a very early close today as Newport
recovered from a two-goal deficit to win the match in the closing
minutes.
United had started the better team and maintained a strong grip on the game for most of the first half.
The
first 10 minutes were edge of the seat (or step for those of us
standing) stuff as United held the ball in the Newport half and pushed
hard for an early opener.
They were rewarded when Tony James had
a dig from the edge of the box in the 8th minute. The ball stayed low
and curled under the diving keeper.
This should have opened the
flood gates, but United found problems in getting past the Newport
defence. Direct attacks down the middle failed almost everytime and
crossing from the wings left a little to be desired.
Newport did
have a succession of changes during the first half as they gained 3
corners but failed to capitalise on any of them.
United missed
far more chances though. Two of the best coming within 5 minutes of each
other. The first was a free-kick from just outside the area which was
taken to the front post but poor finished allowed it to be cleared.
The second was a stunning diving header from Gavin Mahon which struck the post and was again cleared.
Gavin
Williams also had a chance with his long range drive from at least 25
yards which was heading for the top corner but was saved quite easily.
Newport
were still in the fight though and gained a free-kick outside United's
area towards the end of the first half. The resulting shot skidded over
the bar for a goal kick.
United almost gained a lucky second
when a mis-hit shot bounced over the keeper, then bounced on the bar and
fell back into the keepers grateful arms.
The second half should have seen Newport being dismissed quickly.
It
started with a weak shot from Newport which Quy dealt with easily. The
resulting break allowed Gavin Williams to get on the wing and fire a
powerful cross across goal, but the Newport keeper made a great
interception.
Seconds later and Williams was back. Gavin Mahon
had taken the ball into the left corner and was gradually working his
way back through the defenders. Once in space, he crossed the ball
perfectly for Williams to fire past the keeper. A cracking goal...
Five
minutes later and United should have gone 3-up, but following a
goal-mouth scuffle, the ball landed in the back of the Newport net and
was disallowed due to a foul.
The seemed to start the rot.
Newport
immediately came back with a great run down the wing, finished with a
perfect cross to the box. Thankfully Quy was waiting and made a great
save to deny the Newport forward.
His goal-kick allowed the ball
to be played through the Ian Rodgerson who suddenly found himself open
with only the keeper to beat. He snapped at the shot and Newport's
keeper made a great save high to his left.
Newport then found
the luck they were looking for. A substitution brought on No. 15 who
promptly beat the United defence and side-footed the ball across Quy and
into the back of the net. A well placed goal which gave them heart.
United fought on but the lack of finishing earlier in the match had given Newport a chance and they were going to take it.
The
quality of play degenerated into more of a scrap and hoof set of
tactics which we know cause United a great deal of problems.
With
just 4 minutes remaining, the crowd could see the inevitable drawing
nearer. A great ball into the United box allowed Newports No.8 to fire
home and equalise the match.
I was still not prepared to consider my travel arrangements for the reply and was confident that United would regain the lead.
We
gained two corners and failed to use either of them. Newport on the
other hand gained a corner just into extra time and sent the ball to the
back post where it was hammered into the back of the net.
Some of the United supporters invaded the pitch to chastise their own team.
I
am still suffering from the shock of exiting the FA Cup so early... but
then again, when you consider the clubs current situation, this was
bound to happen.