Stevenage 0 Hereford 2

Last updated : 21 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Two first-half goals were enough to see Hereford cruise to an easy victory at Broadhall Way and consign hosts Stevenage to their fourth defeat in ten Conference starts.

Ironically, Stevenage started the brighter of the two sides and Martin Williams could well have given them an early advantage when he blazed over from close range after just eight minutes. The ever lively Charlie MacDonald forced a fine save from keeper Matt Baker four minutes later as Stevenage continued to press.

But Hereford were to show just how vital it is to take your chances when Matt Clarke put them ahead with their first effort on goal after 13 minutes. Danny Williams created the opening with a pinpoint cross from the left and it was Clarke who guided a looping header over keeper Phil Wilson and into the net.

The goal appeared to knock Stevenage's confidence as Hereford began to run the contest and they came close to adding a second on 25 minutes when John Grant saw a spectacular overhead kick cleared off the line by Jamie Campbell.

Hereford did take a 2-0 lead however and it came courtesy of a 30-yard thunderbolt from Michael Rose as he blasted in a free-kick through a static Stevenage wall after 33 minutes.

Stevenage looked to change formation in the second period with striker Jean Michel Sigere coming on for midfielder Williams at the half-time break. But the change was not enough to alter the fortunes of the home side as Hereford defended well against Stevenage's three-man frontline.

All hopes of gaining anything from the match appeared to fade after 72 minutes when Michael Blackwood saw a shot well saved and Sigere ran in and failed to convert the open goal from close range.

At that point Stevenage boss Wayne Turner threw another midfielder into the fray, but by then Hereford had already done more than enough to claim three well-deserved points