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STOCKPORT (away) 05/08/06 Back in 1972, Hereford's very first Football League match ended in a 1-0 defeat away at Colchester United. Thirty four years on, the Bulls first match back in the League was another away fixture, but this time they emerged victorious against Stockport County. In truth it was a fortuitous win, with Stuart Fleetwood's opening strike being the very definition of 'against the run of play'. Prior to the former Cardiff striker giving the visitors the lead, the Hatters dominated possession and created a succession of chances. The lively Adam le Fondre led the majority of Stockport's attacks, shooting wide when well placed and setting up a good chance for Glenn Murray, who likewise fired over the bar. Former Bull Michael Rose made his debut at left back for Stockport and his set piece delivery was as inconsistent as Bulls fans will remember. One from the left flank missed the target by yards, but a second from the opposite wing was more telling. This delivery hit the post before rebounding to Murray, who once more shot wide. Murray was again involved shortly afterwards, forcing Wayne Brown into a save, before a follow-up shot from le Fondre was headed off the line by Rob Purdie, with the third effort in the goalmouth scramble drifting wide. Hereford created little in attack, with home goalkeeper James Spencer's only contribution of the first half being a fine save from a Tamika Mkandawire header. Ten minutes before the break however he was given no chance with the first Football League goal by a Hereford player in nine years. Purdie's through ball was picked up by Fleetwood, who turned Michael Raynes, beat Gareth Owen for pace before curling the ball around Spencer and into the bottom corner. That goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of Stockport, who had dominated the first half yet had nothing to show for their efforts. Having regrouped at half time, they attacked the Hereford goal with renewed vigour. The impressive Keith Briggs ghosted past debutant Richard Rose before forcing an excellent save from Brown. Again, the crisper passing came from Stockport, but the Hereford defence held firm. At the other end, Purdie made his way into the box but was well tackled by Ashley Williams. The full-back then took an age to decide what to do with the ball and in the confusion Purdie nipped in but stabbed the ball wide. Stockport were further made to rue their missed chances when the Bulls extended their lead after an hour. A poor backpass to Spencer was miscontrolled by the goalkeeper, and the ball eventually bobbled out for a corner via a combination of Spencer's chest, arm and foot. Stockport were made to pay for their error, when Mkandawire rose highest to power a header into the back of the net from twelve yards. There was still no let up from the Hatters, and minutes afterwards a free-kick from Briggs was missed by everyone except Brown, who did superbly to clutch the ball one handed low to his right. Then le Fondre again burst through the Hereford defence all too easily, but he too was denied by a goalkeeper in inspired form. However Brown was then forced to leave the fray through injury: his replacement Paul Harrison's first act was to make a sharp stop from an Ashley Williams header. With County pushing more and more men forward, Hereford caught them on the break and had two excellent chances to add a third. Firstly a great ball from Fleetwood reached the furthest man forward, Simon Travis. The former Stockport player is not a renowned goalscorer, and he smashed the ball straight into Spencer's chest. From a similar move towards the end of the game, the hard-working debutant Tim Sills had a good chance but again drew a save from the goalkeeper. Tony Dinning shot just wide, and a header from Briggs found the top of the net as more chances came and went. When finally the ball did end up in the back of the Hereford goal, le Fondre's header was ruled out for offside. It was symptomatic of Stockport's day, having outplayed the League newcomers but having nothing to show for their efforts. Hereford: Brown (sub Harrison), Travis, Beckwith (sub Gulliver), Mkandawire, Rose, Williams, Ferrell, Purdie, Sheldon (sub Giles), Fleetwood, Sills. Subs not used: Connell, Wallis. Star man: Wayne Brown.
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