Saturday, October 23, 1999

HEREFORD United Director of Football Graham Turner delivered a withering condemnation of his side after they were beaten 2-0 by lowly Hayes in their Nationwide Conference clash at Edgar Street.

"We were an utter and total shambles," was Turner's verdict on United's performance.

"After Paul Parry set up a couple of chances early on we lost our shape in midfield.

"At half-time I told the players we were only in the game thanks to a couple of saves by Mark Jones. Then we give away two horrendous goals."

When Hereford have played badly this season they have been appalling and this was one of those occasions.

Their goal machine -- which tops the Conference scoring list with 29 -- failed to function, and for the first time this term they failed to net at Edgar Street.

Overall, Hayes were far more focused on the game and as one of their players said afterwards: "Hereford did not look up for it today."

Hayes goalkeeper Matt Hodgson was only troubled on two occasions, each by Ian Rodgerson. He had to beat away the veteran midfielder's third minute shot and then made a superb diving save to deny him what would have been a 60th minute equaliser.

In the 28th minute Rob Elmes sent Gavin Williams through the visitor's defence but he shot tamely at Hodgson.

Towards half-time Jones made those vital saves to keep his goal intact and denying Lee Flynn twice and Steve McKimm.

In the 49th minute, however, he had no chance of preventing Hayes taking the lead. Errol Telemaque raced on to a through ball from Lee Charles, as the Bulls tried to play him offside, and slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

Hayes went two up in the 62nd minute when the home defence were caught ball-watching as Barry Moore played a short pass to Charles who rammed it past Jones from ten yards.

In the closing stages Mark Taylor headed over Hayes goal and substitute Leroy May headed wide from a good position.

This Saturday Hereford take on York City in the FA Cup and skipper Ian Wright said: "If York had anyone here today he will go home happy. But we may have lured them into a false sense of security!"