Tuesday, February 27, 2001

HEREFORD United managed to keep their dream of an FA Umbro Trophy final appearance alive at Edgar Street last night -- but only just.

After being outplayed for almost all of the 120 minutes, Graham Turner's men managed to get through the shoot-out with scarcely a blemish.

After the match finished 1-1, Morecambe failed with the first three of their penalties and the small crowd seemed reasonably relaxed as Jimmy Quiggin stepped up to fire United into the quarter-finals.

Hereford had been on the back foot for the first 15 minutes when they were fortunate not to fall behind as the Shrimps went close on several occasions.

But the Bulls gradually fought back and Tony James and John Snape went close with long range efforts before the tie finally saw a goal in first-half injury time.

Ian Rodgerson was felled in the penalty area by John Hardiker and Bulls' top scorer Gavin Williams stepped up to drive a perfectly-struck spot-kick into the corner of Mark Smith's net.

But if the watching United fans thought that this would be the prelude to a commanding second-half display from their side they could hardly have been more wrong.

Yes there was an excellent second- half display, but it came from the visitors and the only mystery was that they failed to win the game in normal time.

Fine work by goalkeeper Scott Cooksey kept the Bulls in the hunt until the 71st minute when the former Shrewsbury stopper had no chance with Stewart Drummond's 20-yard drive.

Not even the introduction of Steve Bull could improve United's fortunes and part-time Morecambe even showed up their full-time opponents by finishing considerably the stronger of the two sides.

But matters took a downward turn for the visitors immediately the shoot-out started.

Phil Eastwood, who had replaced Hardiker in the last minute of extra- time, presumably because of his expertise from the spot, hit the first penalty against the post.

Williams then put Hereford ahead and the Bulls advantage was further secured when Cooksey saved Andy Fensome's kick. Tony James netted easily for Hereford and when Mark Quayle missed the target with Morecambe's third kick, the quarter-final tie with Burton truly began to beckon.

James Wall's miss and, finally, a success for Drummond, meant that university student Quiggin had to score to send Hereford through.

The youngster's firm drive beat Smith to spark off jubilant celebrations among the United team and fans.

Hereford: Cooksey 8, Clarke 7, Sturgess 7, Robinson 6, James 6, Wall 6, Quiggin 6, Snape 6, Elmes 6, Williams 7, Rodgerson 6 (Bull, 77 min,6). Subs (not used): Baker, Shirley, Gardiner, Giddings.

Attendance: 1,373.