| home | bolsa | hufc | memories | exploits | resources |
MORECAMBE (home) 16/08/03 Another game, another win for Hereford United, as last season's runners-up Morecambe were convincingly beaten 3-0 at Edgar Street. The Bulls are now one of only two sides with a 100% record after three matches. United kept the same starting XI as the previous two games, with the only change being on the bench where David Brown replaced the injured Rob Sawyers. Morecambe, managed by former Hereford favourite Jim Harvey, included former United defender Chris Lane, as well as Wayne Curtis, who was linked with a move to the Bulls in the close season. In a bright opening, both sides traded half chances, but with Hereford having more of the opportunities. Steve Guinan and Rob Purdie both fired shots straight at visiting keeper Craig Mawson, and United won a succession of early corners as the pressure built. However, it was Morecambe who had the first clear-cut opportunity when, from a corner, Jim Bentley's downward header bounced up and over the bar. Matt Baker then made a fine diving catch to stop another header from the unmarked Garry Thompson. Morecambe won another corner, which was headed out by Tony James. Ryan Green picked up the loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and started a run forward. The former Welsh international continued his run deep into the Morecambe half, before switching play to the left with a pass to Paul Parry. Parry then released Ben Smith in the penalty area, who then turned a defender and hit a shot in off the post with his weaker left foot to give United the lead. Five minutes later, United led 2-0. Again Parry had a hand in the goal, when his cross was flicked on to the unmarked Steve Guinan. From the corner of the six-yard box, Guinan smashed the ball low past Mawson at his near post; quite frankly, the goalkeeper should have done a lot better. That goal was Guinan's fourth in three matches. The rest of the half was quite open, with chances for both sides. Adriano Rigoglioso sent a shot wide, and Baker saved again from another Thompson header. At the other end, Mawson fumbled a cross after Bentley went for the same ball. Guinan gathered the loose ball, but lobbed the ball narrowly wide. Purdie had another chance as the Bulls finished the half strongly. Ten minutes into the second half, the game was over as a contest. An excellent cross-field pass from Michael Rose released Guinan on the right. He cut inside and fired a low ball across the face of goal. Neither Mawson or Bentley dealt with it, and Ben Smith was on hand to thump the ball in off the bar from ten yards; also his fourth goal in three games. Ironically Morecambe now enjoyed their best spell of the match, with Stuart Drummond starting to take control of the midfield. The lightning quick runs of left-winger Dean Howell were also a constant threat, but none of his team-mates managed to take advantage. Tony James and Andy Tretton both had outstanding games in the centre of defence however, with the offside trap beginning to frustrate their opponents. The home side continued to create chances however, with substitute Danny Carey-Bertram lobbing a shot just wide and Danny Williams, who enjoyed another good game in midfield, hitting a shot inches over the bar with Mawson stranded. Carey-Bertram had another chance that went wide of the target, and Ben Smith sent a speculative volley well wide. Morecambe finished strongly, but their finishing was poor. Rigoglioso sent a long-range effort over the roof of the stand, and Tony James did well to head a chipped pass out for a corner with Curtis closing in. Curtis did eventually get the ball in the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside as the Bulls kept their first clean sheet of the campaign. This was another excellent performance from United. Morecambe were a much better side than Forest Green and there were good performances from a number of their players; Drummond, Bentley and Howell in particular had good games. It is a tribute to Hereford therefore that they managed to beat them by such a convincing scoreline. The defence was superb, with Ryan Green looking like he will prove to be an excellent acquisition. The work-rate and invention of Guinan and Purdie up front continually worried the visitors' defence; however, the man who stood out was Ben Smith. Aside from scoring two goals, he ran the midfield, winning tackles and creating chances for his team-mates. It was a good win that was hard to find fault with. However, if we must by picky, United were not much of a threat from corners and set-pieces. We can defend them, but need a big physical presence up front to win headers and flick-ons. At this early stage, it looks like Bank Holiday Monday will see a top-of-the-table clash, as second-placed Aldershot visit Edgar Street. More good results and performances are anticipated however. Good work, lads! Team and ratings: Baker (7), Green (8), James (8), Tretton (8), Rose (7), Williams (7), Smith (9), Pitman (7), Parry (7), Guinan (8) (sub Carey-Bertram (7)), Purdie (8) (sub Brown (6)). Subs not used: Scott, Teesdale, Craven.
|
managed and maintained by hereford web design