Bolland bags win

The Bulls' flickering hopes of a place in the end-of-season LeagueTwo play-off's have all but disappeared after falling to this narrow 1-0 defeat.

United found Grimsby's 4-5-1 formation difficult to break down all afternoon, and will perhaps wonder why they didn't stretch matters until late in the match.

The Mariners win improves further their excellent recent run of form to six wins from their last seven games - and the victory secured the club a 'league double' over Hereford.

On a blustery afternoon the Mariners forged the better openings in the first half with Tom Newey, Ciaran Toner and Nick Fenton all going close for the visitors.

The Bulls' showed more in the attacking third after the interval and had the ball in the back of the net in the 54th minute when Steve Guinan stooped to head home, only to see his effort chalked off for an alleged push on Mariners 'keeper Phil Barnes.

The crucial breakthrough came in the 77th minute after Grimsby substitute Peter Till's knockdown fell into the path of Paul Bolland who burst into the area before hammering home a fierce shot past Wayne Brown into the roof of the net.

United's best chance of the match came inside the final three minutes after Danny Thomas slipped his marker on the left, before cutting back for Alan Connell. The goal was at his mercy, however, somehow the ex Torquay striker ballooned his effort high over the cross bar. A moment which summed up Hereford's afternoon.

The Bulls' will now need to raise their game significantly for next weekend's long trip to play-off contenders Darlington.

ROB PURDIE
7. Competent. On another day his saves from Ciaran Toner and Nick Fenton in the first half could have proved crucial. 6. Another consistent performance, but is 'Trav' still feeling his achilles injury? 6. Solid, but somehow uninspired. 6. Especially keen to retain his starting spot ahead of Phil Gulliver and Dean Beckwith. Was this performance good enough to achieve that? 8. Covered a lot of ground with some intelligent defensive interceptions. Still best placed to create the killer pass. 6. Well below his potential standard. Still exudes the impression he wants an out-an-out attacking role. Has the time come to throw him up alongside Steve Guinan? 7. The nearest the Bulls have to a genuine 'match-winner' at the present time. However, appeared a little less adventurous than of late. Was the absence of Steve Jennings a factor? 6. Somewhat off-the-pace, but has had too few chances to retain match fitness in recent months. 7. Inventive. Decisive and determined down the left flank. Would prefer to see more flying runs right down the by-line. 6. Lacked the extra pace necessary to cut through a well disciplined Grimsby defence. Well organised and thorough. Would Willo benefit from his experience up top? 6. Right place at the right time on a couple of occasions, but failed to hit the target....and that's what a striker will inevitably be judged on. Only on for nine minutes! On for even less...8 minutes! GRAHAM TURNER
7. Hereford had their chances, but the whole match had a subdued, almost 'meaningless' feel to it. Occasionally its time to shake things up a bit. Perhaps this was one? ALAN BUCKLEY
7. Got the result. Five man midfield restricted Hereford who certainly missed Steve Jennings.

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