Cardiff see off Hereford to book place in fifth round
Cardiff City are among six Championship clubs who will be in the fifth round draw
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Sunday, 27, Jan 2008 03:11
Cardiff City have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup after a 2-1 win over minnows Hereford United at Edgar Street.
Kevin McNaughton broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a stunning volley for the Championship side.
McNaughton then won a penalty midway through the second half which was converted by Steve Thompson.
Theo Robinson pulled one back for the home side with 13 minutes remaining but the Bluebirds held on to reach the fifth round of the Cup for the first time in 14 years.
The first half was an open affair with both sides carving out numerous chances. Hereford keeper Wayne Brown produced a fine save to keep out Paul Parry's low strike, while ex-Leicester City striker Trevor Benjamin blazed over the bar from a narrow angle for the League Two side.
Robinson, on loan from Watford, was a constant threat and forced Michael Oakes into a good save with a venomous drive.
But Dave Jones' side took the lead when McNaughton thumped in a sweet volley from the edge of the box in the 45th minute.
The Welsh side continued to look dangerous going forward in the second half and were awarded a penalty when McNaughton was tripped by Clint Easton; Thompson stepping up to send Brown the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Robinson set-up a nervy finish by netting from close range on 77 minutes for the Bulls.
Joe Ledley then rattled the crossbar with a swerving shot for the Bluebirds while ex-Aston Villa shotstopper Oakes denied Toumani Diagouraga and Simon Johnson with reflex saves in the dying minutes.