Goal-shy Bulls humbled

A resurgent and revitalised Macclesfield proved to hot for a poor Hereford side to handle.

The Silkmen roared out of the relegation places for the first time this season, and such was their domination of the opening quarter-of-an-hour, surely even Hereford's management will concede that purely defensive tactics just can't work all the time at this level.

Bulls' boss Graham Turner made three changes to the starting line up following last weeks defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town. Back came Alex Jeannin at left wing-back, Stuart Fleetwood was restored up front, whilst a debut was awarded to the Tranmere on-loan midfielder Steve Jennings.

Wave after wave of attacks rocked Hereford back in an opening ten minute burst in which the Bulls hardly got out of their own half.

John Miles blasted over a shot from 15 yards inside the first two minutes. Danny Swailes headed narrowly wide, before his second venture forward, for another Jamie Tolley corner, saw his downward header cleared off the line by Rob Purdie.

The blustery wind was right behind the backs of the Silkmen and their tactic of launching over hanging corners into the six yard box caused mayhem at the back for Hereford.

However, Macclesfield almost broke through in normal play on the nine minute mark. John Miles beat the offside trap before powerfully shooting goalwards, only to be denied by a flying save from Wayne Brown. A goal still looked on the cards though as the ball bounced out to Matt McNeil, however, his fierce drive struck the top of the post before flying over.

United's relief was short lived. Another swinging cross - this time from Kevin McIntyre - created the opening goal. McNeil rose to meet the flag-kick powerfully and his header would certainly have crossed the line had it not been for the outstretched arm of Andy Ferrell.

The Geordie was instantly red-carded and up stepped McIntyre to blast home the resulting spot-kick.

Strangely, the goal seemed to lift Hereford into an increased tempo more than the home side, although only long-range free-kicks from Rob Purdie and Alex Jeannin really troubled the Silkmen's back-four.

Hereford re-grouped and battled hard after the resumption, but to no avail. Jennings got through a tremendous workload, and could prove to be a real asset during his forthcoming loan spell, but does he have the necessary support?

Stuart Fleetwood released Andy Williams in the 51st minute, but just as the youngster jinked past his marker, out came the home 'keeper Tommy Lee to deny him a shot on goal.

The match was effectively all over in the 61st minute. My man-of-the-match John Miles blitzing his way through before crossing for John Murphy who buried home a flying header at the far post past a startled Brown.

United's marking at this point went haywire to say the least, and despite Fleetwood striking a post with a well-struck fizzing shot late on, the Bulls just knew they were not to get anything out of this match.

Murphy bagged his second of the match with just seven minutes remaining. Once again he was in the right place at the right time meeting substitute Alan Navarro's accurate low cross.

So Macclesfield lift themselves out of the mire, and on the basis of their recent performances look a good bet to overtake Hereford in the not too distant future.

For the Bulls it's time for a change. Both in tactics, formation and personnel. The question remains, when will the Edgar Street faithful see some new signings?

As one wag put it this afternoon: 'Get your cheque book out - Turner!'

STEVE JENNINGS
Exceptionally encouraging debut. GT must ensure he's at Edgar Street longer than just one month - otherwise it'll soon be back to square one again.
7. Not at fault for any of the goals - and but for a wonder save inside the first ten minutes the Bulls could have been dead and buried by half-time! 5. Poor. Too slow to react at times, and beaten in the air on a regular basis. 6. Not one of 'Big Phils' best efforts. Missing the calming presence of Tamika Mkandawire alongside him. 4. A shocker. Caught in no mans land. Beaten for pace. Slow on the turn. Unable to maintain close marking, etc. 6. Good to see AJ back in action. Took sometime to settle, and by then United were a goal - and a man down. Looked comfortable on the ball, but needs to find some width. 4. Harsh - but should have tried to get some other part of his body in the way of the header - rather than his arm. With 10 men the Bulls were always going to be up against it! 8. Excellent debut after quiet start. Aggressive two footed challenges could be a worry but driving runs through midfield and good range of passing the only real plus point on a bad day for the Bulls. 6. Very, very quiet. Hardly seen attacking down the flanks until the start of the second half. An off day for such a committed player. 7. Apart from Jennings, Hereford's only real creative outlet. Often caught in possession - but hey, that's Purdie for you! 5. Hardly a sniff all afternoon. Poor service it's true but by this stage he should be fully fit and raring to go. 6. An eye for goal, but forced into looking for scraps. With better service into the channels Fleets could still come up trumps on the goal chart. 6. One decent effort after just coming on, but flattered to deceive once again. 4. Did he really come on? GRAHAM TURNER
5. Three changes to the starting line up, but backs to the wall stuff from the kick-off handed the initiative to the Silkmen. When will the Bulls come out of the dressing room charged up and positive for a change! PAUL INCE
8. What a terrific job - in such a short space of time. Inspirational. He says he's not a manager and not good enough as a coach yet...he's only a motivator! Well he's doing something right then!

Seconds Out! Vital Boxing is here!

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco