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EXETER (away) 10/01/04 Hereford are left to concentrate on the league after losing this FA Trophy tie with Exeter City. Five goals were scored in the last fifteen minutes as the Bulls just missed out on a replay. Dean Craven started on the left side of midfield following Paul ParryÕs exit to Cardiff City. David Brown returned from suspension to partner Mark Beesley in attack, with Rob Purdie dropping back into midfield to replace the suspended Danny Williams. Exeter had more of the ball initially, but were unable to carve out many clear-cut chances, thanks mainly to some excellent defending from Anwar Uddin. Three times the on-loan centre back made crucial tackles to prevent Exeter getting a shot at goal. Gareth Sheldon was the first player to have an effort, which comfortably went wide. Minutes later, the same player had an even better opportunity when James CoppingerÕs low cross picked him out, but from ten yards out he hit the crossbar; he should probably have done better. Hereford did not manage to create many chances in attack. Dean Craven had the best opportunity when after beating a player he shot into the side netting. David Brown also had an attempt that went over. Overall however, both teamsÕ defences were on top, with Uddin and Tony James both playing well for the Bulls, and Brazilian Santos Gaia enjoying a good game for the Grecians. The half closed with Dwane Lee scuffing a long-range shot well wide. The second half started in a similar fashion to the first, with the home side doing the bulk of the attacking. Just like in the first half, not many chances were created, although it was UnitedÕs David Brown who had the best chance, shooting wide from eight yards. Exeter did eventually manage to fashion out some chances, with Sheldon shooting wide and Matt Baker making a fine save. At the other end, Ryan Green had a long-range effort comfortably gathered by stand-in goalkeeper Martin Rice. It took until the 75th minute for the first goal to be scored. Gareth Sheldon picked up a loose ball in the United penalty area, and passed to top scorer Sean Devine, who made no mistake from twelve yards. Just two minutes later, the home side were two goals in front, and a safe passage through to the fourth round seemed a formality. It was Coppinger who scored it, rounding off a fine personal display by beating two defenders and chipping the ball over Matt Baker from the edge of the box. Within five minutes however, United had somehow managed to pull level. Firstly, substitute Danny Carey-Bertram rounded a defender and shot into the top corner. Minutes later, the former West Brom man had turned provider for Rob Purdie, who fired home a powerful shot from the edge of the area. In between the two goals, Rice had to save Michael RoseÕs low, skidding 25-yarder. Just when it appeared that the two sides were destined to meet for the fourth time in nineteen days in an Edgar Street replay, Exeter scored again with minutes left. Anwar Uddin gave the ball away on the edge of the area, and Sheldon made up for his earlier misses by firing home, sending the home fans mad. As soon as the goal went in however, Exeter goalkeeper Martin Rice turned to the Hereford fans and flashed the v-sign at them Ð a completely stupid and unprofessional act. Having got back into the game, it was disappointing that Hereford managed to throw it away. United defended well for long periods, with Anwar Uddin in particular having an outstanding match. In midfield however it was a different matter. The United midfield did not manage to create many chances for their strikers, and it was obvious that they missed the now-departed Paul Parry. As hard as Dean Craven tried, he does not look to be the quick, skilful winger that will replace the Welshman. The Bulls therefore missed out on a trip to KingÕs Lynn in Round 4. However, with such a small squad, it may prove to be a blessing in disguise. Team and ratings: Baker (6), Green (7), Rose (6), James (8), Uddin (8), Purdie (7) (sub Teesdale (2)), Smith (7), Pitman (7), Craven (6), Beesley (5) (sub Carey-Bertram (7)), Brown (7). Subs not used: Scott, Wells, King.
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