A GOAL that wasn't upset Accrington Stanley's day and halted their run of two victories on Saturday.

Mark Roberts' 30-yard back pass in the 52nd minute caught out Kenny Arthur but the keeper scrambled back to hook the ball off the line.

The Scottish goalie was adamant the ball had not crossed the line, several Hereford players agreed - but referee Steve Bratt gave it as a goal on the advice of his assistant.

And this knocked the stuffing out of Stanley as they lost their 12th League Two game at the FES this season - the worst record in the league.

"If I am being critical, Robbo hit is perhaps a bit too hard but these things happen in football," said manager John Coleman, who refused to blame the defender. "I have no complaints."

Coleman admitted the first goal was always going to be important - and it was the promotion-chasing Bulls who got it in the 43rd minute.

Stanley failed to cut out a move down the right and Simon Johnson put in a low cross which Gary Hooper clipped into the net.

"I always thought the first goal would win the game and so it proved," said the Reds chief. "We have conceded too many goals from that side this season and we have not scored at home again which is a worry.

"We have got to play at a higher tempo at home and take the game to sides. We have to be more forceful, move quicker and pass the ball quicker."

The Reds only really came to life in the dying minutes when Shaun Whalley's effort was tipped over the bar by keeper Wayne Brown.