For today's archive article a look back to September 2001.
Hereford United 3 - 0 Dover Athletic (September 8th 2001)
HEREFORD United's dreadful home form came to an abrupt end this afternoon as Graham Turner's side swept away bottom side Dover Athletic, and also those fans who doubted the teams' ability.
After two successive 0-0 draws at Edgar Street, United got back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory as Turner recalled Matt Baker after suspension, and also drafted in Christian James onto the left wing. Paul Parry moved to the right whilst Gavin Williams and Rob Elmes were fielded in attack.
Dover, managed by former Wolves player Gary Bellamy, had won just one game this season so far but got their first three points last week with a 3-2 defeat of Hayes. However, the Kent club made two changes to the side with Jimmy Strouts and John Elliott dropping to the bench for Robert Codner and Neil Le Bihan, who scored twice at Edgar Street last season.
The game kicked off at 3pm exactly for a change, and from the start Hereford were dominant. In the first minute, Paul Webb hit over Paul Hyde's crossbar and from then on, it was United all the way. Gavin Williams and Rob Elmes also went close in the opening period as Hereford made it known to Dover that they wanted all three points.
The inevitable goal came in the thirteenth minute at the Blackfriars End of Edgar Street. A Paul Parry cross from the far post was well executed by Rob Elmes as the striker headed home from close range.
Paul Webb then went close again from thirty yards as hit shot which looked destined for goal went just wide, and Gavin Williams hit into the arms of Hyde. Dover's limited attacks create one chance of note midway through the half when Robert Codner, the former Barnet midfielder, shot at Matt Baker.
Matt Baker was called into action with ten minutes of the first half left and did well to keep out a shot from Keith Scott, who had managed to go one-on-one with the former Hull 'keeper. Robert Codner also tried his luck from long range but to no avail, as Hereford dealt with everything Dover could throw at them.
At the end of a Hereford-dominated first period, the home side had a deserved lead and Dover looked like their league position suggested - rock bottom. The second half continued in a similar vein with Hereford on top. Christian James should have done better after two minutes of the half following a Paul Parry pass, but the youngster could only hit it over into the Meadow End. Rob Elmes then went close, but Dover held on.
Exactly fourty five minutes after the first goal, United were awarded a penalty. After a scramble in the box, Rob Elmes was tripped in the area when attacking the Dover goal by Jake Leberl and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Mark Williams who was cool in sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to gain his first goal for the club.
Hereford continued to go close with Paul Parry's effort blocked by team mate Rob Elmes, and then Gavin Williams had a shot cleared by Lee Shearer, the midfielder heading the ball away. Dover's only real opening came when Tony Tyne went one on one with Matt Baker, but the goalkeeper came out ahead and saved the resulting shot.
Paul Parry should have made it three goals to United when his attack on the right side of midfield allowed him to cut inside and fire a superb shot goalwards. However, it bounced off the post to save Dover's blushes.
Rob Elmes got his fourth of the season with two minutes left and extended the Hereford lead to three goals when, from close range, he beat Dover stopper Hyde from close range. His shot came after a swift turn, and rebounded in off the post.
Several half chances followed but Hereford will be delighted to have gained their second home win in four games to push them to fourth place in the table. The Bulls also haven't conceded at home since the opening day which is another proud record, and looked much better than against Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday.
No one had a bad game for United. Paul Parry, Christian James and Paul Webb all shone in midfield, and even John Snape's passing was improved! The defence and goalkeeper was solid but tested little, and the attack capitalising on enough opportunities for the win to be convincing. All in all a good day at the office for Hereford United.
As for Dover, it's looking bleak for them at the bottom after just seven games. Something has to change quickly, especially at the back, or one of the trips to deepest Kent will be lost for next season, assuming, that is, Hereford don't leave the division!
Hereford starting XI: Matt Baker, Mark Williams, Matt Clarke, Paul Webb, Ian Wright(captain), Tony James, Christian James, John Snape, Rob Elmes, Gavin Williams, Paul Parry
Subs: Scott Goodwin, Lee Evans, Steve Piearce, Danny Davidson, Jake Sedgemore
Yellow cards: Paul Parry (28 minutes, foul)
Scorers: Elmes (14, 88), M. Williams (60, pen)
Man of the Match: Paul Parry
Attendance: 1,544
Referee: Mr. M. Mullarkey (Exeter)
HEREFORD United's dreadful home form came to an abrupt end this afternoon as Graham Turner's side swept away bottom side Dover Athletic, and also those fans who doubted the teams' ability.
After two successive 0-0 draws at Edgar Street, United got back to winning ways with a 3-0 victory as Turner recalled Matt Baker after suspension, and also drafted in Christian James onto the left wing. Paul Parry moved to the right whilst Gavin Williams and Rob Elmes were fielded in attack.
Dover, managed by former Wolves player Gary Bellamy, had won just one game this season so far but got their first three points last week with a 3-2 defeat of Hayes. However, the Kent club made two changes to the side with Jimmy Strouts and John Elliott dropping to the bench for Robert Codner and Neil Le Bihan, who scored twice at Edgar Street last season.
The game kicked off at 3pm exactly for a change, and from the start Hereford were dominant. In the first minute, Paul Webb hit over Paul Hyde's crossbar and from then on, it was United all the way. Gavin Williams and Rob Elmes also went close in the opening period as Hereford made it known to Dover that they wanted all three points.
The inevitable goal came in the thirteenth minute at the Blackfriars End of Edgar Street. A Paul Parry cross from the far post was well executed by Rob Elmes as the striker headed home from close range.
Paul Webb then went close again from thirty yards as hit shot which looked destined for goal went just wide, and Gavin Williams hit into the arms of Hyde. Dover's limited attacks create one chance of note midway through the half when Robert Codner, the former Barnet midfielder, shot at Matt Baker.
Matt Baker was called into action with ten minutes of the first half left and did well to keep out a shot from Keith Scott, who had managed to go one-on-one with the former Hull 'keeper. Robert Codner also tried his luck from long range but to no avail, as Hereford dealt with everything Dover could throw at them.
At the end of a Hereford-dominated first period, the home side had a deserved lead and Dover looked like their league position suggested - rock bottom. The second half continued in a similar vein with Hereford on top. Christian James should have done better after two minutes of the half following a Paul Parry pass, but the youngster could only hit it over into the Meadow End. Rob Elmes then went close, but Dover held on.
Exactly fourty five minutes after the first goal, United were awarded a penalty. After a scramble in the box, Rob Elmes was tripped in the area when attacking the Dover goal by Jake Leberl and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Mark Williams who was cool in sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to gain his first goal for the club.
Hereford continued to go close with Paul Parry's effort blocked by team mate Rob Elmes, and then Gavin Williams had a shot cleared by Lee Shearer, the midfielder heading the ball away. Dover's only real opening came when Tony Tyne went one on one with Matt Baker, but the goalkeeper came out ahead and saved the resulting shot.
Paul Parry should have made it three goals to United when his attack on the right side of midfield allowed him to cut inside and fire a superb shot goalwards. However, it bounced off the post to save Dover's blushes.
Rob Elmes got his fourth of the season with two minutes left and extended the Hereford lead to three goals when, from close range, he beat Dover stopper Hyde from close range. His shot came after a swift turn, and rebounded in off the post.
Several half chances followed but Hereford will be delighted to have gained their second home win in four games to push them to fourth place in the table. The Bulls also haven't conceded at home since the opening day which is another proud record, and looked much better than against Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday.
No one had a bad game for United. Paul Parry, Christian James and Paul Webb all shone in midfield, and even John Snape's passing was improved! The defence and goalkeeper was solid but tested little, and the attack capitalising on enough opportunities for the win to be convincing. All in all a good day at the office for Hereford United.
As for Dover, it's looking bleak for them at the bottom after just seven games. Something has to change quickly, especially at the back, or one of the trips to deepest Kent will be lost for next season, assuming, that is, Hereford don't leave the division!
Hereford starting XI: Matt Baker, Mark Williams, Matt Clarke, Paul Webb, Ian Wright(captain), Tony James, Christian James, John Snape, Rob Elmes, Gavin Williams, Paul Parry
Subs: Scott Goodwin, Lee Evans, Steve Piearce, Danny Davidson, Jake Sedgemore
Yellow cards: Paul Parry (28 minutes, foul)
Scorers: Elmes (14, 88), M. Williams (60, pen)
Man of the Match: Paul Parry
Attendance: 1,544
Referee: Mr. M. Mullarkey (Exeter)