Monday, August 28, 2000

MISSED chances cost Hereford United the chance of changing their useful start to the Nationwide Conference season into a truly impressive one with the 1-1 draw against Northwich Victoria at Edgar Street yesterday.

With four games played, a record of 'won two drawn two' matches should satify most supporters, but few would have expected that the wins would come on opposition territory and the draws at home.

Hereford had the better of most of yesterdya's match but generally lacked the fluidity of passing that brought wins at Kettering and Hayes.

After those two on-the-road successes, they came up against a Northwich team which was workmanlike, but really the sort of side that the Bulls will have to dispose of if they are to maintain serious title aspirations.

United's best two openings, one either side of half-time, fell to midfielder Michael McIndoe and skipper Ian Wright.

When McIndoe signed for the club from Luton back in the summer, director of football Graham Turner intimated that his goal scoring record was something that needed improvement.

Judging by McIndoe's 16th minute effort, there's still some work to be done. The young Scot raced clear of the defence only to fire straight at the legs of Vics' goalkeeper Lance Key.

Key was the hero again when United worked their other golden opening in the 65th minute.

As in the previous home game, against Southport, United's man of the match was defender Matt Clarke who produced some timely tackles when Northwich threatened the home goal.

Hereford: Cooksey 7, Lane 7, Clarke 8, Robinson 7, Wright 7, James 7, Rodgerson 6 (Parry 55 min, 6), Snape 6, Elmes 6 (Giddings 55 min, 6), Williams 6, McIndoe 6. Subs not used: Baker, Gardiner, Moran. Attendance: 2,461.