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KIDDERMINSTER (home) 25/03/06 Any slim chance Hereford may have had of pipping Accrington Stanley to the Conference title have now all but disappeared after a disappointing home defeat to local rivals Kidderminster Harriers. Hampered since the first half by the dismissal of midfielder Andy Ferrell, United wasted some good chances before falling to a sucker punch fifteen minutes from time, with Michael Blackwood's twenty-five yard shot beating Wayne Brown thanks to a wicked deflection. From the beginning the Bulls looked to use their side's pace to break down the visiting defence, but as they became more frustrated by their inability to utilise these tactics, more aimless long balls were used. Stewart Fleetwood was the victim of a couple of close offside calls, before he had Hereford's first worthwhile shot of the game, beating the offside trap but snapping his shot just wide. It was Kidderminster who created the clearer cut chances, with Brown making a superb stop from Johnny Mullins' header from point-blank range, and also keeping out efforts from Luke Reynolds and Gareth Sheldon. At the other end, visiting keeper John Danby was not called into serious action as Hereford failed to test him. The Bulls' cause was not helped when they were reduced to ten men after thirty-five minutes. Kiddy midfielder Terry Fleming made a rash, two-footed lunge at Ferrell, who appeared to kick out at his opponent in retaliation, and the referee saw fit to dismiss Ferrell whilst only showing Fleming a yellow card. Whilst a red was perhaps harsh, Ferrell really should not have retaliated, although in mitigation it was a terrible challenge from Fleming that only a saint would not have reacted to. Following the red card, the game became more niggly, with Craig Stanley being the chief wind-up merchant for the home side. News came through that Accrington had fallen behind at York, and the home fans now got behind their team more. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Hereford toiling to break down the visiting defence. Daryl Taylor flattered to deceive, showing some good turns of pace, but often his control and passing let him down, especially against an opponent in Jon Harkness found it difficult to contain him. Harkness had made a number of poor challenges on Taylor and Andy Williams, and was perhaps a little fortunate to escape with just one yellow card. Williams worked hard in attack on his own - with Fleetwood dropping back into midfield - but often without reward. However, the Bulls' top scorer really should have done better than to slice his shot wide from ten yards with just Danby to beat. Kidderminster then broke away and scored what proved to be the winner in the next move of the game. Blackwood received Sheldon's pass from the right and hit a speculative shot from distance that hit Tamika Mkandawire and completely wrongfooted Brown. With news coming through of Accrington taking the lead at Kit Kat Crescent, there was an air of inevitability about the result that was to come. Adam Stansfield, making an earlier-than-expected return from a broken cheekbone, looked lively when he came on, and showed a great deal more invention than some of his colleagues. It was Stansfield that created a last-gasp opportunity that Williams failed to convert, heading over from close range in injury time. Kidderminster's spoiling tactics worked a treat, as Hereford were never allowed to settle into their routine passing game. However, following the sending-off, a number of heads appeared to drop, and there was little in the way of cohesive passing movements. Fleetwood looked out of sorts when asked to fill in on the left wing, and the introduction of Nicky Nicolau could have made the difference. Today's game was symptomatic of Hereford's season to date: the 49 goals they have managed this season is significantly lower than any of the other sides in the top eight. Although the defence was admirable, more goals will be needed if this is finally going to be the year the Bulls escape from the Conference. Team and ratings: Brown (7), Green (7), Mkandawire (6), James (5), Jeannin (6), Taylor (5) (sub Pitman), Ferrell (6), Stanley (6), Purdie (5), Fleetwood (5) (sub Stansfield (5), Williams (7). Subs not used: Mawson, Beckwith, Nicolau. Star man: Andy Williams
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