Monday, August 30, 1999

HEREFORD United tossed away another two Nationwide Conference points at Edgar Street last night when they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Telford United.

It was a case of yet more poor defending with the Bulls conceding nine goals in their last four games.

Ironically, last season's problem was scoring goals - this year it's preventing them. They have yet to keep a clean sheet in six leagues matches this term.

It was particularly disappointing as it was Hereford who scored first. Gavin Williams set it up, skipping past two defenders in a surging left-wing run before delivering a low cross for striker Steve Piearce to apply the finishing touch from close range in the 30th minute.

A one-goal lead always looked a tenuous advantage, however, as keeper Andy Quy had to pull off a couple of fine saves to prevent Jim Bentley and Scott Huckerby from opening Telford's account. And it took a superb interception by Matt Clarke to avert another highly dangerous situation.

Unchallenged

Soon after the restart Piearce was only an inch away from prodding Craig Hanson's centre into the net but, on 66 minutes, Rob Elmes had better fortune, holding off Bentley's challenge to head in Clarke's centre.

That should have sealed Telford's fate. But two minutes later substitute Martyn Naylor, who did his YTS training with Hereford,crossed to Gez Murphy who, unchallenged, rammed the ball home.

In the 76th minute the home defence, without injured skipper Ian Wright, slipped up again as Tony James failed to deal with a run-of-the-mill through ball from Maurice Doyle and Murphy charged through for his second goal.

It could have been even worse as Quy had to dive smartly to his left to deny Steve Palmer. And, when a misplaced header by James gave Bentley a clear run on goal, he shot wide with only Quy to beat.

Hereford United: Quy 7, Clarke 8, Wall 6, James 5, Sturgess 6, Hanson 6, Taylor 6, Snape 7, Piearce 7 (May 73), Elmes 7, Williams 7. Subs not used: Lane, Jones, Cotterill and Shirley.

Star man: Matt Clarke

Attendance: 1,910.