Monday, March 12, 2001

HEREFORD United failed to repeat their FA Trophy heroics at Stevenage Borough last night as they lost 2-1 in the Nationwide Conference.

A goalkeeping gaffe gifted them the lead after just 76 seconds, but they conceded an equaliser just before the break and the winner eight minutes from time.

The Bulls had the perfect start as Matt Clarke's seemingly harmless deep cross was palmed into his own net by goalkeeper Paul Wilkerson.

They went close to extending their lead when Wilkerson atoned for his error by denying John Snape with his legs and brilliantly tipping over James Quiggin's follow up.

But the Bulls conceded an undeserved equaliser two minutes before half-time. A cross from former Welsh international midfielder David Phillips flicked off Tony James and Stevenage top scorer Darran Hay headed home.

After the break the home side were indebted to last ditch-tackles from defenders Rob Miller and Mark Smith to deny Gavin Williams and Quiggin, while Ian Rodgerson's lob sailed just wide.

But Stevenage grabbed a winner in the 82nd minute when Paul Armstrong headed in a Phillips free-kick.

Hereford: Cooksey 6, Clarke 7, Sturgess 6, Robinson 7, Wright 7, James 6, Quiggin 8, Snape 7 (Parry 84), Elmes 7, Williams 7 (Bull 84), Rodgerson 6 (Giddings 69, 7). Subs not used: Wall, Baker.

H Star man: James Quiggin.

Attendance: 1,265.