Stand-in skipper Tony James headed in a superb winner to keep Hereford United’s play-off hopes alive as they beat Fulham 1-0 at Edgar Street this afternoon.
The Bulls’ fourth consecutive home win came courtesy of a well-worked set piece routine nine minutes before half time. James nodded home a fine free-kick from Kevin Lloyd, which was controversially awarded for a foul against Terry Angus on home forward Steve White. He was also named man of the match for an outstanding display at the heart of the home defence – with his return to the starting line-up coming as a real boost after a year on the sidelines through injury.
Hereford haven’t lost a home game since November 23rd and have turned Edgar Street into a real fortress. Fulham struggled for much fluency in their play with Mike Conroy and Rob Scott missing chances they had fashioned for themselves. Clear cut openings for the visitors were far and few between.
Hereford’s director of football Graham Turner was pragmatic after another gritty win. “In our push for a play-off place, we are having to grind out the results,” he said afterwards. “A win is more important than the performance at this stage of the season.”
HEREFORD UNITED (5-3-2): MacKenzie; Watkiss, Lloyd, Brough, Pounder (Hargreaves 76), James, Stoker, Wilkins, White, Cross, Pitman. Subs (not used): Smith, Steele.
BOOKED: Brough, Pitman, Stoker.
GOAL: James (36).
FULHAM (5-3-2): Lange; Jupp (Hamsher 84), Herrera, Morgan, Mison (Brooker 58), Angus (Thomas 69), Blake, Simpson, Cusack, Conroy, Scott.
BOOKED: Angus.
REFEREE: Kevin Breen (Liverpool)
ATTENDANCE: 3,276.
