Visitors Swansea Without Manager

Tuesday evening sees the visit to Edgar Street of manager-less Swansea City. Yesterday the Swans won their first friendly at Port Talbot 2-1 but the Hereford game will be a more of a challenge as both clubs are likely to start with a stronger line-up than they did yesterday.

Chairman Hugh Jenkins has had around 50 applications for the vacant mangerial position. Jenkins appear to favour former Welsh international Gary Speed, however the players choice is reported to be Graeme Jones who is the assistant manager. Currently Alan Curtis and Colin Pascoe are in charge.

Meanwhile the last time Swansea visited Edgar Street was on April 23 2002. Here's a report:

Two late goals from substitute Steve Piearce ensured the Herefordshire Football Association Senior Invitation Cup remained in its rightful place - the Edgar Street trophy cabinet - as the Bulls overcame third division Swansea City 2-1.

Hereford named a slighty understrength side in preparation for Saturday's trip to Stevenage Borough. Matt Baker and Gavin Williams were left out of the squad, with Stuart Jones and Rob Elmes replacing them. Ross Diamond was also named in the starting eleven as Scott Goodwin dropped into the full-back position. John Shirley also started with Dean Barrick and Richard Holmes both missing. On the bench, Ian Rodgerson returned and Mark Lowery made his first Hereford appearance.

Swansea, under the management of Nick Cusack, played a fairly strong side. Hereford fans welcomed the return of ex-Bulls attacker John Williams.

The opening goal came after just two minutes. Scott Goodwin allowed John Williams through on the Swansea right of the box and as he approached Jones, the ball was cut across. Steve Watkin had no problems tapping it into an empty net from close range.

A couple of minutes later, Hereford had a superb chance to equalise. A long cross ball from Ross Diamond was picked up by Jimmy Quiggin, who cut in from the left before smashing the ball onto the bar. It bounced down and was cleared away by Swans captain Kristian O'Leary.

From then on, the first half was a rather disappointing affair. Swansea should have gone two goals up when a Williams cross ran behind Jonathan Coates, but Hereford had the better of the play. On the half hour mark, Diamond wasted an opening at the other end when his angled run from the left ran across the area and just wide of the far post.

Both sides made use of their five allowed substitutes, with Hereford making four over the whole evening. Graham Turner's final change came twenty minutes from time when Rob Elmes fell to the floor, rolling around in agony. He had appeared to have injured his upper leg and the stretcher was called, although he hobbled off. The ex-Halesowen attacker is now expected to miss Saturday's trip to Stevenage, and Mark Lowery came on to replace him.

With seven minutes left, Hereford were on top. A long pass from John Snape proved the catalyst for a superb run by Paul Parry on the left. He ran inside before crossing a low ball which substitute Steve Piearce converted easily. Swans goalkeeper Jason Jones appeared stunned by the goal!

As the rules read, the teams were set for a penalty shoot-out. Hereford continued to surge forward, with Parry smashing the ball over the bar from a Chris Rowell cross. Then, in added time, Piearce cut in from the left as the Swansea right-back fell over, before send a low shot from close range into the back of the net. In the ninety second minute, Hereford had the lead.

There was little more action on a night which saw Hereford pick up their first Trophy since 1995/96, when they last won the competition. Since then, Bristol City, Shrewsbury Town and Newport County have all won the prize, so it's good to have it back where it belongs - at Edgar Street.

Hereford United: Stuart Jones, John Shirley, Scott Goodwin, Phil Robinson, Ian Wright (captain, off, 56 minutes), Tony James, Ross Diamond, John Snape, Rob Elmes (off, 73 minutes), Jimmy Quiggin (off, 67 minutes), Paul Parry
Subs: Steve Piearce (on, 56 minutes), Lee Evans, Ian Rodgerson (on, half time), Chris Rowell (on, 67 minutes), Mark Lowery (on, 73 minutes)
Scorers: Steve Piearce (83 minutes, 90 minutes)
Man of the Match: "The team!"
Attendance: 435
Referee: Mr. S. Moggs

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