Tuesday, August 22, 2000

CHRIS Lane scored his first goal for Hereford United in some style as the Bulls wrapped up a 2-0 win away at Kettering Town in the Nationwide Conference last night.

The result means Hereford remain unbeaten following their hard-fought 0-0 draw with Southport on Saturday.

Lane, who had previously failed to trouble opposition goalkeepers in his two years at Edgar Street, received the ball 35-yards out and sweetly struck a shot that left Town's keeper Steve Wilson standing as it hit the back of the net.

Lane said he as delighted with his strike and the teams overall performance.

"I'm happy just to get off the mark really, it's something I need to put into my game" he added.

"We were under pressure for the first ten minutes of the second half but we have a great team spirit that will stand us in good stead.

"We defended well and scored the second goal we deserved."

That second goal came late in the last minute and again it was a goal to remember.

Substitute Kerry Giddings had only been on the field for 15 minutes in a Hereford shirt, following his arrival on a part-time contract from Stourport Swifts, before he converted a Gavin Williams cross to double United's advantage.

Up to this point Hereford had worked hard to keep Town -- who had the experienced Carl Shutt and substitute Dale Watkins up front -- at bay.

Kettering forced 13 corners but rarely threatened a solid and committed Hereford defence that kept its second clean sheet in as many matches.

Only Steve Wilkinson, a recent recruit from Chesterfield, forced Scott Cooksey into a save when the United keeper made a fine reaction stop to keep his close-range shot out.

The experienced midfield duo of Ian Rodgerson and Phil Robinson were outstanding with Rodgerson in particular playing some intelligent balls.

He gave Robinson a great chance to open his Hereford account but the former Stoke player had his shot smothered by Wilson and the follow up strike from Elmes was tipped wide of the post.

The only blot on a very professional display from the Bulls was a second half booking for Snape for a foul.

Hereford: Cooksey 7, Lane 7, Clarke 7, Robinson 8, Wright 7, James 7, Rodgerson 9, Snape 7, Elmes 7 (sub Giddins 71), Williams 8, McIndoe 7. Subs not used: Parry, Baker, Gardiner, Moran.

Star man: Ian Rodgerson

Referee: Mr S Bratt

Attendance: 1,406