ANY doubter who wrote off Stockport County's chances of bouncing back from a month jam-packed with troubles should have been at Edgeley Park on Saturday.

Financial necessity had led to the departure of Anthony Pilkington a fortnight ago and defender Jimmy McNulty was pulled from the squad just hours before this game ahead of a likely move today.

Add to that injury problems including Carl Baker's ankle operation and Peter Thompson's collapsed lung that will see the pair likely miss the rest of the season.

And that's not to mention the threadbare pitch, which was given a good going-over by the England Saxons' in their rugby union international against Portugal the previous night.

So County chief Jim Gannon was understandably delighted with the way his young charges, who had been beaten in their previous two games, stylishly carved open a Hereford side who had hammered Oldham 5-0 just two weeks ago.

"We showed plenty of quality and I'm proud of the team and the efforts they've put in in difficult circumstances," said Gannon.

"They sent people home with smiles on their faces and it was much needed.

"It's been a particularly difficult week.

"Everything has been disturbed because I've had to do a lot of negotiations with clubs about players going out."

Flick

Dom Blizzard's goal after just 13 seconds came at the expense of a scuffed clearance by Hereford skipper Karl Broadhurst which allowed Blizzard to nip in and guide the ball past keeper Craig Samson.

Hereford equalised in the 26th minute when Jenison Myrie-Williams picked out Sam Hewson in the box who fired the ball past Owain fon Williams.

But County were back in the lead in the 33rd minute through Matty McNeil's diving header from a deflected corner by Robbie Threlfall.

Matty Mainwaring made it three seven minutes after the break, earning himself space with quick feet and finding the net with a right-footed shot for his first goal for the club.

Leon McSweeney made sure of the three points in the 67th minute when he struck home after being set up by Oli Johnson's flick from sub Michael Rose's cross.

"I'm not surprised by the performance," added Gannon.

"I've said consistently we have quality in the team with great young players." County now look set to lose McNulty before today's 5pm transfer window deadline.

"We've previously agreed a deal with a club and Jim's considering it," added Gannon.

"He's likely to meet that club and we're likely to lose him. It's one of those things we have to accept. It will be good for Jim and it will be good for the club that's getting him.

"It won't be great for us, but we carry on."

COUNTY: fon Williams 6, McSweeney 7 (Pilkington 81mins 6), Mullins 8, Raynes 8, Threlfall 7 (Rose 70mins 6), Turnbull 7, Blizzard 8 (Vincent 81mins 6), Mainwaring 8, Rowe 8, McNeil 7, Johnson 7. Subs not used: Dicker, Josh Thompson.

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