O'Leary stars for Hereford

The last time Hereford United gained a victory in the third tier of English football Abba's single 'Take a Chance on Me' was still riding high in the music charts!

Back in March 1978 the Bulls hammered Exeter City 4-0 at Edgar Street, but yesterday United took a chance of their own by introducing the relatively unknown Stephen O'Leary for his home debut.

And what a debut it proved to be.

O'Leary excelled by not only scoring United's opener but he was constantly prompting and probing right across midfield, providing the Bulls with much needed vision and movement.

Hereford boss Graham Turner had signed the ex Luton Town playmaker on a one year contract earlier in the week in an effort to 'freshen up' the Bulls midfield.

He also rang the changes with Darren Randolph restored between the sticks, while Kris Taylor replaced the on-loan Liverpool player Robbie Threlfall at left-back.

Matty Done took over from Clint Easton on the left wing and in the fifth and final alteration to the side, Bradley Hudson-Odoi partnered Steve Guinan up front.

In an evenly contested first half Tom Pope threatened to put Crewe in front on two seperate occasions but was denied each time by Randolph.

Taylor went close in a frantic opening burst but saw his ambitious 30-yarder fizz past the post.

Then in strode O'Leary centre stage.

In the best move of the match, Richard Rose scampered down the right latching onto a Guinan through ball. His overlapping run ended with a terrific cross which picked out O'Leary who had ghosted in at the far post.

Unfortunately, he could not keep his header down and the ball flew over the crossbar.

Back came Crewe in a throughly entertaining match and after skipper Ben Smith gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box in the 35th minute, the Railwaymen almost broke the deadlock.

Left-back Billy Jones rifled in a free-kick but Randolph was equal to it, smothering the ball at the second attempt.

Some of the end-to-end football at this point was a delight to watch and from one of Hereford's rapier thrusts forward Hudson-Odoi's cross caused consternation in the Crewe defence but the ball somehow eluded Smith as he raced in, and the Railwaymen cleared.

Crewe claimed a penalty five minutes before the break when Pope was fouled by Beckwith but the referee said the incident took place outside the box. However, from the resulting Michael O'Connor free-kick only a wonder save by Randolph kept the scoresheet blank at half-time.

Indeed, defender Julien Baudet put the ball in the back of the Hereford net right on the stroke of half-time after getting on the end of an Anthony Elding flick-on, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

After the interval United's confidence received a double boost with two second half goals.

O'Leary's superbly curled 25 yarder put United in front in the 48th minute. O'Leary picked his spot after a Smith cross had been partially cleared. This was a picture goal which fairly flew into the top right hand corner of the visitors net giving keeper Steve Collis no chance whatsoever.

Ten minutes later Hudson-Odoi should have doubled the Bulls lead but skied over the bar after a Matty Done corner had only been partially cleared by the beleaguered Crewe defence.

However, United had their tails up at this stage and the former Fulham striker crisply finished off a three-man move involving Taylor, O'Leary and Hudson-Odoi to put Hereford two-up.

Dean Beckwith's 68th minutes header almost made it three, but this time keeper Collis was able to fingertip the ball over the crossbar.

There was no sign of nervousness from the Hereford defence towards the end, although Rose had to clear a Baudet header off the line with quarter of an hour remaining.

However, United showed good discipline to run down the clock thereby securing the vital three points.

So, United are off and running thanks to a sleek and spirited victory.

Final Score: Hereford United 2 - 0 Crewe Alexandra

Hereford United: Darren Randolph, Richard Rose, Sam Oji, Dean Beckwith, Kris Taylor, Bradley Hudson-Odoi (Simon Johnson, 70 min), Stephen O`Leary, Ben Smith, Toumani Diagouraga, Matty Done (Clint Easton, 85 min), Steve Guinan. Substitutes not used: Craig Samson, Robbie Threlfall, Moses Ashikodi.

Crewe Alexandra: Collis, Woodards, O`Donnell, Baudet, Jones, Moore, Bailey, O`Conner (Schumacher, 66 min), Grant, Pope (Donaldson, 66 min), Elding (Zola, 85 min). Substitutes not used: Rix, Miller.

Referee: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire).

Attendance: 2,894 (428 from Crewe).

STEPHEN O'LEARY

One of the best home debuts made by a Hereford United player in many years. Enabled the Bulls to dictate play from midfield.

His intelligent movement on and off the ball enabled United to best-use a balanced side which saw Matty Done's creativity down the left, and Hudson-Odoi's pace on the right.
The wonder save from an O'Connor free-kick was the highlight, but commanded his area for the most part. Kicking was excellent too! Are you watching 'Superman'? That's more like it! Alert and aggressive in the tackle. Glad to see the 'Old Rosie' is back. A fine return to the side. Linked up perfectly with Matty Done down the left flank. Often available on the overlap, and has a fine range of passing. Another major plus point. Much tighter marking evident against Crewe than in any previous game. The solid, reliable and dependable Beckwith was right on the money. Super. A sharp, pacy, and enthusiastic performance. A good foil for Guinan on this display and gets into good goalscoring situations. Message to GT: Ensure Tony Ford gets him on the weights for better upper body strength! Worked himself to a standstill. Appeared to thoroughly enjoy playing alongside the mobile O'Leary. One-touch passing was a delight. What can you say about the engine room? Dynamic. Tremendous. Appeared to have been given the freedom to roam right across the midfield. Ghosted into the box with some lovely late runs and could easily have had a hat-trick. Showed the fighting spirit necessary right from the kick-off. With Hudson-Odoi and Done stretching the Crewe back-four Guinan was able to play his natural game. Provided terrific balance down the left touchline. Is prepared to take defenders on and as a result will frighten many this season. Must retain his place. Replaced Matty Done late on and showed good discipline in the closing stages. Was unable to impress during the final 20 minutes. One player who needs a spark of inspiration from somewhere to kick-start his season.

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