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LEIGH (home) 19/04/03 Hereford's terrible recent run of results continued, as a single first-half goal by Leigh RMI condemned the Bulls to their sixth defeat in eight matches. Although the home side were weakened with various injuries, there can be no excuses for a terrible performance where the Whites never looked like scoring. Tony James made a welcome return in the centre of defence, replacing the injured Andy Tretton. Rob Sawyers was dropped to the bench and, with no Paul Parry, Danny Williams filled in on the left hand side of midfield. Steve Guinan again occupied the right flank, with John Grant replacing Albano Correia up front, the Portuguese being relegated to the bench also. Injuries also meant that the Bulls had to name Richard O'Kelly as a substitute. From a Hereford point of view, the match had a typical end-of-season feel to it, and their Lancashire opponents needed the three points to have any hope of avoiding relegation. A classic was not likely, and with a poor pitch this proved to be the case. Neither side dominated and neither created many chances with both defences playing well. It was Leigh that carved out the first opportunity, with Neil Prince turning a defender before firing the ball only just wide. Prince was involved in the move that led to the only goal of the game after 38 minutes, when his cross from the right was not cleared. The ball dropped to the feet of Phil Salt, who from 20 yards expertly lofted the ball over Baker and into the net. Hereford had not many chances but should have done better with the chances they did create. Danny Williams put in an excellent low cross, but Leigh goalkeeper Stuart Coburn came out and made a fine save at the feet of Karl Hawley. John Grant picked up the loose ball, but hit it straight at Coburn. Jamie Pitman had the only other notable opportunity of the first half, firing inches over the top from the edge of the box. In the second half, it was the same story that we have become used to over the last few weeks; Hereford had plenty of possession but once again could not do anything with it and could only carve out a few chances. In fact it as Leigh that should have extended their lead, with Neil Campbell - not the most popular man on the field - tapped home after being set up by goalscorer Salt, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Hawley also had the ball in the net, but the ref had stopped the game due to an extremely dubious foul in the build-up. From a corner, Guinan came closest to a goal when his header was well saved by Coburn. In injury time, John Grant fired over an open goal after Guinan had had his shot charged down by the goalkeeper. Overall, it was a poor performance from Hereford and they got what they deserved - nothing. The midfield was practically non-existent and the forwards wasted what few chances that were created. For me, the best player was the hard-working Jamie Pitman, who was at the back breaking up attacks as well as getting forward doing his best to create something for his team-mates. Hereford: Baker, Clarke (sub Teesdale), Rose, Wright, James, Guinan, Purdie (sub Correia), Pitman, Williams, Grant, Hawley. Subs not used: Griffiths, Sawyers, O'Kelly.
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