The wonder of Willo!

A truly magnificent 30-yard strike from Andy Williams capped a superb Hereford United fightback at Gigg Lane.

The 20-year-old youngster, who had earlier turned down an approach from Bristol Rovers, appeared as a late subsitute for the Bulls to great effect. His 78th minute quality finish was later described by boss Graham Turner as 'Rooneyesque'.

Hereford boss Graham Turner retained an unchanged side from that which had electrified the home crowd against Notts County on Saturday. Here at Gigg Lane though the sparks took some time to fly.

Earlier Bury had pushed themselves into a two goal lead, although Hereford had a very bright opening five minutes or so. The Shakers 26th minute first goal followed a trademark Dave Challinor long throw. United's defence failed to clear their lines and the ball was allowed to drop to the feet of Andy Bishop whose crisp shot was saved by United's 'keeper Wayne Brown only for Richie Baker to prod the ball home.

At the other end a neat Ben Smith snap-shot from 20 yards was palmed out for a corner by Andy Warrington, but in truth a subdued United rarely threatened in the opening 45 minutes.

However, much better was to follow the half-time interval, despite Bury bagging their second against the run of play in the 58th minute. A Bishop shot was deflected into the path of Glynn Hurst who lifted the ball above keeper Brown from 15 yards. Simon Travis dashed back in an attempt to clear, but succeeded only in toe-poking the ball into his own net.

Then came the turnaround.

Alan Connell had already seen a goal chalked off for offside, before the Bulls grabbed a goal back. Steve Guinan's 63rd minute thrusting surge down the left ended with a low drive towards the near post, and with both Ben Smith and Nicky Adams attempting to reach the ball at pace it eventually deflected off the defender past the outstreched arm of home goalkeeper Warrington.

Subsitute Williams' introduction with just a quarter-of-an-hour remaining proved to be a masterstroke. His enthusiasm, eagerness and effervesence were clear for all to see, and his superb strike from fully 30 yards could eventually prove to be United's 'Goal of the Season'.

Picking the ball up from distance the Herefordian looked up before unleashing an unstoppable shot which whistled past a despairing Warrington. If this is a sign of things to come, an earlier reported Bristol Rovers transfer bid of £150,000 may soon be regarded as pin money! What potential, and what a talent...

So, overall a positive comeback after falling two goals behind, but one note of caution - Tamika Mkandawire's 36th minute booking was his fifth of the campaign, meaning he will miss United's match at Chester on Saturday, 10th February.

ROB PURDIE
Constantly on the move, looking for openings and opportunities. Appears to have more freedom following the introduction of Jennings and Smith in midfield.
6. A tough game for 'Superman'. Bury frequently piled bodies into the box almost impeding the keeper. Challinor long throws also stopped Brown commanding the area as much as he would have liked. 5. Another reliable display down the flank. Once again on the left this time. Marked down a little harshly - but an own goal has to count for something! 6. Not as destructive as Saturday's display against Notts County, but reasonably effective. 7. A consistent performance tainted only by his 5th yellow card of the campaign which results in an automatic suspension. 6. Plenty of aerial work all night. Coped admirably but not quite on the mark on the deck. 6. Improving understanding across the back three - probably as a result of match practice in that position. 7. A terrific work ethic. An excellent foil for both Purdie and Smith. Bulls fans are hoping for an extension to his month long loan spell already. 7. A creative, attack minded display again. His ability to spread the play in an instant a feature of the second half. A goalscoring midfield player. Priceless. 8. Always appeared to be looking for the killer pass. Have the shackles come off following the re-appearance of Ben Smith? 7. Closely marked. Made less of an impression than Saturday, but his contribution to United's movement and flow cannot be ignored. 7. Several attempts, and had a goal ruled out for offside. 7. Only on the field for 15 minutes but showed what he is capable of. A 'vintage' Willo goal - and he's only 20! GRAHAM TURNER
7. Side appeared somewhat subdued in first period. Half-time team talk appeared to galvanise the side with much more attacking instincts to the fore. CHRIS CASPER
6. Appears to have a tough task on his hands at Gigg Lane. Limited gates won't help financially.

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