Our next match from the Video Vault involves the Bulls in an FA Cup First Round tie against Sutton United which took place on Saturday, 14th November 1992.
As both clubs had “giant-killing” traditions the match was covered by BBC for Match of the Day. In the commentary box was not the anticipated John Motson, but instead Barry Davies.
The Bulls under player-manager Greg Downs were struggling towards the foot of the Division Three table and needed the financial boost a cup-run would bring. However, in the week leading up to the tie a series of downpours had rendered the Gander Green Lane pitch almost unplayable. Mind you the inclement weather hardly affected the gate; with almost 3,000 inside the old ground prior to kick-off.
United had lost badly the previous week. A 3-1 loss at Edgar Street to Chesterfield had been compounded by the sudden recall of Marcus Browning by Bristol Rovers during his successful loan spell with the Bulls. Defensive errors littered a sub-standard performance.
However, this was the FA Cup – and anything could happen.
Downs’ men battled through the Gander Green Lane mud and gained a hard-earned victory. It was hardly a television classic, but the Bulls fought back after conceding an 11th minute goal. Many felt ‘keeper Alan Judge had been impeded in the area prior to Sutton’s goal, including Barry Davies it seemed.
Owen Pickard then picked his spot to find the corner of the net for an equaliser soon after. United dominated possession thereafter but failed to capitalise on a number of openings and eventually had to rely on an own goal in the 77th minute to win the tie. Barton re-directing a cross from Pickard into the back of the net whilst under pressure deep inside his own penalty area.
Hereford: Judge, Fry, Downs, Davies, Devine, Rowbotham, Hall, Jones, Pickard, Brain, Nicholson.
Sutton: Fearon, Gates, Barton, Golley N, Costello, Golley M, Byrne, Quail, Feltham, Thomas, Scott. Subs: Browne, Evans.
Attendance: 2,749