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SCARBOROUGH (home) 18/09/04 A string of excellent saves from goalkeeper Jonathan Gould secured Hereford a second home win of the season and moved them back into the top five. The Bulls at last produced some of the superb passing football that was their trademark at home last season, but in the end were indebted to Gould and the woodwork. With Ryan Green injured, Simon Travis moved back to right wing-back, with Mark Robinson regaining his spot on the left following a spell on the bench. Tom Smith started in the centre of defence, following the continued absence of Tamika Mkandawire, and there was a first start in attack for Lee Mills in place of Adam Stansfield, whose height and strength were a constant worry for their Yorkshire opponents. After a scrappy opening, where Mark Hotte prevented a possible chance for the Bulls by cutting out a Travis cross and calmly heading the ball back to goalkeeper Leigh Walker, it was the visitors who took the game by the scruff of the game and created some chances. A free-kick was only partially cleared, and Scott Kerr's long-range volley was tipped over the bar by Gould. From the resulting corner, the ball was not sufficiently cleared, and David Pounder's shot hit the outside of the post and went wide. Veteran midfielder Neil Redfearn was causing many problems for Hereford, with his intelligent passing and eye for goal, sending two good attempts narrowly wide of the goal. Another powerful drive from just outside the area forced Gould into a fantastic save, diving full length to push the ball away from the top corner. Hereford eventually got back into the game, with Craig Stanley's determined run from midfield seeing him go past three defenders before having his low cross cleared, and the two wing-backs, Travis and Robinson, were giving the Scarborough defence plenty to worry about. However, the Bulls took the lead with their first worthwhile effort on goal. Following some excellent build-up play involving Andy Tretton and Danny Williams, Jamie Pitman played the ball out wide to Travis. His cross from the right was met by a glancing header from David Brown, which just clipped the inside of the post on its way into the back of the net. Brown had another shot go well wide before the end of the half, and having beaten the offside trap, Lee Mills should probably have scored from a narrow angle. Having taken the lead against the run of play, Hereford proceeded to dominate the start of the second half, with impressive displays from most of the midfield. Mark Robinson's runs gave Steve Baker plenty to think about, and the skill and trickery of Danny Williams caused plenty of problems. Robinson had a long-range effort narrowly clear the crossbar, and Jamie Pitman's powerful volley was blocked by Walker. Mills missed the target with a header, and a Williams free-kick hit the wall. Brown's header forced Walker to scramble across his goal-line and claw the ball to safety. Despite the good football Hereford were playing, Scarborough seemed to get through their defence with ease on occasions, and almost always managed to get a goalbound shot away. Chris Senior had a couple of attempts, one going straight to the grateful Gould, the second, more telling, attempt hitting the bar and going over. The Seadogs were also a threat from set pieces, with Hotte and Colin Cryan both heading over the bar when it looked easier to score. Gould however was equal to everything thrown at him, making confident catches from crosses and corners, and commanded his area well. Scott Kerr broke from midfield and his shot forced Gould into a good save low to his right. With Gould grounded, the ball broke to Senior. There was nothing wrong with his effort on goal, but Gould somehow got to his feet and leapt to deny Senior, who could not believe he hadn't scored. It was not one-way traffic by any means, with Stanley having a shot go wide and the runs from deep were causing many a problem. From one of these, substitute Adam Stansfield was cynically chopped down from behind from Mark Hotte. As the last defender, and having already been booked, he could have no complaints about being sent off. Referee Rob Lewis - a lot less whistle-happy and pedantic than he has been in previous matches he has officiated with the Bulls - elected to show the defender a straight red. Danny Williams' resultant free-kick drew a smart save from Walker. Three minutes of nerve-wracking injury time followed, but Scarborough were unable to get past the Hereford defence and - perhaps undeservedly š left with nothing. Despite Scarborough having so many chances, Hereford defended well for long periods, with Tom Smith showing the form he did at the end of last season. As well as this, the midfield played some excellent passing football, and Mills was a constant threat in attack. However, United are indebted to Jonathan Gould's saves. His form since joining on loan has been fantastic, and it would be a huge bonus if he were to sign permanently. His athleticism is superb, even at the age of 36, and he commands his area a lot better than his predecessor, Matt Baker. The victory sets up an intriguing top-five encounter on Tuesday night, when the Bulls meet Aldershot for the first time since their heartbreaking play-off elimination last season. Team and ratings: Gould (9), Travis (8), Robinson (7), James (7), Tretton (7), Smith (8), D. Williams (8), Pitman (7) (sub Hyde (5)), Stanley (7), Brown (7) (sub Stansfield (6)), Mills (7). Subs not used: Scott, Carey-Bertram, A. Williams.
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