This Weekend In 2004

A look back to this weekend in 2004.

Hereford United were away at York City In The Conference League.

United cruise to victory

Hereford United kept their unbeaten start to the season intact with a 3-0 victory over York City at Bootham Cresent this afternoon. The result sees Hereford jump two places up the table into second position. Dagenham & Redbridge lead the table and are the only team with a 100% record.

Graham Turner named the same squad to the one that claimed a point in midweek at Crawley Town. The Bulls took the lead thirteen minutes into the game, although York City had started the brighter and were unlucky not to score in the fifth minute. Paul Robinson powered a header goalwards from sixteen yards but Johnathan Gould dived to his left and tipped the ball over. Danny Williams scored with what was Hereford's first notable attempt on goal. Adam Stansfield skinned the left back and cut the ball back to Williams, who was on hand to power into the top corner from little more than six yards.

Craig Stanley went close from twenty five yards minutes later and was again involved in a nice move with Stansfield that resulted in a late sliding challenge by player-manager Chris Brass who was punished with a booking. The resulting free kick was taken by Williams who crossed for David Brown, who headed United's second on the half hour mark. Stansfield had a glorious chance to make it three before half time after 'keeper Paul Crichton spilt a long range effort from Mark Robinson. However, Stansfield volleyed over from inside the six yard box. Stansfield then turned provider for Brown, but this time his shot was deflected for a corner two minutes before half time.

United started the second half much brighter than they did the first. Simon Travis played Stansfield in on goal but as the goalkeeper rushed out the ex-Yeovil attacker chipped inches wide. On fourty nine minutes Brown grabbed his second and Hereford's third. Crichton, in goal for York, rushed out of his box to clear but took a touch on his chest and was unaware of Brown approaching from behind. Brown stuck a foot in, disposessed the goalie and chipped into an open net.

Stansfield then forced a corner with a powerful effort from a tight angle after fifty minutes. United's then chances came in numbers, Tamika Mkandawire had a header saved from a Williams corner before Brown and Stansfield had a chance for a fourth.

As the half wore on, the Bulls started to take their foot off the gas. Graham Hyde and Lee Mills were introduced for the impressive Williams and man of the match Brown. The two subs combined to see Mills head just wide from a Hyde corner. The Minstermen rarely threatened Gould's goal as when they had chances they were off target. Andy Bishop had the best opportunity when the ball fell to him in a one on one position with United's 'keeper, but he dragged his shot inches wide.

Hereford's overall performance was brilliant and York will have to improve significantly if they want to push for a play off position. United should have scored more than they did; the finishing let them down on occasions. The total of twenty four goal attempts for the Bulls reflects this. However, neither Graham Turner nor the 459 Hereford fans in a crowd of 2602 will not be dissapointed with an away victory of 3-0.

HUFC Team: Gould, Travis, Tretton, James, Mkandawire, Robinson, Williams, Pitman, Stanley, Stansfield, Brown. Subs: Smith, Scott, Purdie, Hyde, Mills.

Travis salutes the fans

The 459 Hereford fans gave the lads such a lift said Simon Travis after today's win at York.

Interviewed by Terry Goodwin for BBC Hereford and Worcester, Travis said;" It's a twelfth man for us. It's a long way to travel. They're dedicated and we appreciate it more than they will ever know."

Travis, in particular, noticed some of the songs that the Hereford supporters came up with this afternoon. One about York had him visible smiling and acknowledging the fans.

Talking about the game Travis said that after the Bulls had weathered the storm of the first five or ten minutes they got into the game.He then spoke about the first goal.

"The ball went wide and it was cut back in and Danny (Williams) had a good first-time finish into the far corner. A very good goal."

He also recalled the third goal.

"I think the keeper just got the ball tangled at his feet. Brown did ever so well to track back and win the ball off him and produced a great chip into an empty net. It was a very good finish."

Meanwhile Chris Brass, the York player/manager, praised Hereford performance this afternoon.

"You have to give Hereford a hell of a lot of credit. They're a very good side. I'm sure they will continue to cause problems this year," Brass told BBC Radio York.

"They are going to be there or thereabouts, as will Aldershot, at the end of the season.

"Graham has brought in one or two welcome additions but you can see that the nucleus of the side has played together for a while.

"You have to match them in the work rate and commitment, but today Hereford bettered us.

"Two of their goals came from our mistakes and the third (the middle one) from my free-kick. All of their goals could have been stopped."