Saturday, November 27, 1999

AFTER the euphoria of their FA Cup triumph over Hartlepool, Saturday's FA Umbro Trophy second round tie against Barton Rovers at Edgar Street could have been a banana skin for Hereford United.

It very nearly was. Only goalkeeping heroics from Mark Jones and a 59th minute goal by veteran midfielder Ian Rodgerson saw the Bulls escape with a 1-0 victory.

Ryman League division one club Barton dominated the first half to such an extent that the corner count was 11-2 in their favour.

Jones was called into action within two minutes of the start, diving to his right to turn Carl Drew's shot for Rovers' second flag kick.

All Hereford's attempts to respond were confidently dealt with by a solid Rovers defence which gave the home attack little space in which to work.

Barton threatened again when Gordon Guile got on the end of a Martin Young cross and Jones excelled to keep out his header.

The only time visiting 'keeper Brad Gillham was tested came when he tipped a shot from Paul Parry over the bar.

As half time approached Barton forced a spate of corners and Jones made three super saves to deny Guile twice, and Drew.

In the 17th minute United Director of Foot-ball Graham Turner was forced to send on James Wall for skipper and central defender Ian Wright who suffered a calf injury. Striker Paul Fewings was also replaced at half-time, Gavin Williams moving up to partner Rob Elmes and Rodgerson taking over in midfield.

Almost immediately Rodgerson got in the act as his shot was blocked on the line by Guile and Gillham also did well to save Wall's header.

In the 59th minute Rodgerson had better fortune. A Mark Taylor cross was partially cleared to the midfielder who netted with a perfectly struck 20-yard half-volley.

Rovers were always capable of snatching an equaliser and Hereford tried hard to get another goal. But Gillham was in good form, saving well from Tony James and Elmes.

Turner admitted that after 15 minutes he was keeping his figures crossed that his side would not concede a goal before half time.

He said: "We were pathetic in the first half. The plan was to play in the same areas as we did against Hartlepool but half the team wanted to do their own thing.

"This season however the team does have some character and we managed to get the result we wanted."