Hereford United v. Aldershot Town (2004)

On 3 May, 2004, Hereford United and Aldershot Town met in the second leg of the Conference play-off semi final. The first leg had finished 1-1. The game finished 0-0, despite Hereford United playing with 10 men for much of the game, following the dismissal of United defender Andy Tretton. A period of extra time failed to break the deadlock, before Aldershot won 4-2 on penalties.

The game remains highly significant for United fans, who felt their club were unjustly eliminated. Referee Andy Woolmer recieved much criticism for his role in the defeat.

Context
Hereford United and Aldershot Town F.C. had met twice before during the regular season, and once in the Play-Off first leg. Hereford were unbeaten, having defeated Aldershot 4-3, at Edgar Street, and 2-1 at the Recreation Ground, in the regular season, and drawing 1-1 in the Play-Off semi final first leg. With both teams competing at the top of the League the games had attracted bumper crowds. 4,985 had seen Hereford United beat Aldershot 4-3 at Edgar Street, whilst 4,400 had been in attendance during The Bulls 2-1 triumph at the Recreation Ground. Over 6,000 had attended the Play-Off first leg, and 7,000 were expected at Edgar Street.

It had been Hereford United's most succesful season since relegation from the Football League. United had amassed 91 points, scoring over 100 goals. However, despite wining, a Conference equalling record of 11 wins in a row, Hereford were unable to catch, eventual League winners Chester, they thus faced the Play-Offs.

Aldershot had enjoyed a succesful first season in the Conference. Despite remaining part time, they were able to beat Exeter City to the final play-off place by 1 point.

Hereford United's impressive end of season form (11 wins in a row) meant they were installed as comfortable favourites to progress to the Play-Off final.

A win for either side would see them progress to the Play-Off Final. A draw, of any score, would force a 30 minute period of extra time. If there was still no winner, there would be a penalty shoot-out.

Match Summary
Graham Turner made two changes to the side from the first leg, Steve Guinan returned from a neck injury in place of Danny Carey-Bertram, and Rob Purdie missed out through injury so Danny Williams stepped in. Aldershot made one change, Aaron Mclean replaced Roscoe D'Sane in the attack.

First-Half
In a tense opening fifteen minutes Aldershot created the first chance, of note. William Antwi shot drifting just wide of the post. United responded Nikki Bull saving a [[David Brown strike.