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YORK (home) 10/04/05 Hereford's recent good run of form continued with victory over York City at Edgar Street. Although far from being a classic performance from the Bulls, the points are much more important at this stage of the season, and Hereford always looked likely to collect all three. Straight from the kick-off, the ball was played out to Rob Purdie who beat Graeme Law and saw his fierce low cross put behind for a corner with only seconds on the clock. The first goal did not take much longer to arrive. With two minutes gone, Lee Mills flicked a header out to Adam Stansfield, who was bundled over from behind and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Purdie took it, gently putting the ball into the opposite corner to the one keeper Chris Porter was diving towards. Hereford were on top to begin with, and Purdie's shot from a narrow angle was cleared off the line by Kyle Armstrong. Craig Stanley had a shot blocked, and Lee Mills slipped his shot wide after good work down the right flank by Daryl Taylor. York City now had to attack Hereford to get anything out of the game; tactics that suit United perfectly as it enables them to play their own game. This meant however that the Minstermen were now creating chances of theirown, with Lev Yalcin seeing his shot well saved by Craig Mawson, and Paul Robinson beating a defender before firing wide. Just as Hereford had scored early on, they picked another good time to score five minutes from the interval. Purdie's free-kick found Jamie Pitman inside the area, and his left-footed cross was diverted into the net by York's Shaun Smith, who was under pressure from Tamika Mkandawire. There was still just enough time for York to almost force their way back into the game, when the on-loan Ben Jackson found his way past three tackles before seeing Mawson get a hand to his shot. The ball then took an age to creep towards goal, but when it did eventually cross the line it was the wrong side of the post. United had a good chance to increase their advantage ten minutes into the second half when Adam Stansfield found himself through on goal, but goalkeeper Porter came out to make a good save at the striker's feet. At the other end Mawson, who was in terrific form all afternoon, made another good save to deny Robinson, leaping to his left to turn his shot around the post. The introduction of Leroy Williams saw the visiting defence given the run around more than once, with the on-loan Walsall striker confidently taking on players. His first shot, taken first time when put clean through, was reminiscent of Geoff Thomas's miss against France however, although he later forced Porter into tipping his well-struck effort over the bar. The match fizzled out in the last ten minutes, with even half chances at a premium. United therefore extend their clean sheet record to five matches, with the defence now brimming with confidence. Mawson has been playing his best football of the season, Ryan Green is getting back to his normal effervescent self, and, after an initial struggle to overcome the aerial prowess of Paul Robinson, Tamika Mkandawire once again showed what a good player he is. It is also worth pointing out that the Bulls have kept six clean sheets in the seven matches played since Andy Tretton returned to the side. The difference between the sides today were the two defences. Hereford's were generally first to everything, whilst York's were often slow to react to situations and clear their lines. On one occasion, Ryan Green played the ball past Steve Davis and was still able to run on to the ball first despite having a twenty yard disadvantage. The last time York visited Edgar Street was for an FA Cup tie, when Leroy May's goal ensured a shock win for the Bulls. This time, the only surprise was United only scored the two goals: a sign of just how far York have slipped. With the sides at the top of the table getting ever closer together, it is vital that the Bulls pick up another three points at Forest Green on Tuesday. With their opponents struggling in the relegation zone and therefore needing the three points just as much as Hereford, an attacking game is in prospect, which will suit the Bulls fine. Team and ratings: Mawson (8), Green (7), Robinson (6), Mkandawire (7), Tretton (8), Taylor (7) (sub D Williams (5)), Pitman (7) (sub Hyde (4)), Stanley (6), Purdie (8), Mills (8) (sub L Williams (5)), Stansfield (7). Subs not used: Travis, Scott.
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