HEREFORD United, fielding seven new players, faced a tough start to the season against a imbledon side unchanged from the one that finished runners-up in the Southern League Premier Division last season.

Hereford went into action hoping to repeat their success of last season when they were the first side to win at Plough Lane.

Hereford United were fortunate not to find themselves trailing straight from the start as confident Wimbledon swept into the attack and Hodges muffed a great chance from O'Rourke.

Wimbledon forced four corners in seven minutes. Centre-forward Bailham twice went close and Hodges volleyed into the side netting.

In contrast, Hereford, with so many new faces, took time to settle. but once in their stride showed some neat touches and Charles had goalkeeper Smith stretching for two typical headers.

Wimbledon were quick to regain the initiative but in the 25th minute Cooke went closest to scoring with a great volley shot against the post after goalkeeper Davies had cleared off the boot of O'Rourke.

On the 40th minute centre-forward Bailham put Wimbledon ahead with a great shot. â€" Half-time Wimbledon 1. Hereford 0.

Any hopes Hereford had of a second-half revival were shattered just 40 seconds after the restart when centre-forward Bailham rounded off a defence-splitting move with a diving header wide of Davis.

And in the 10th minute the Dons went three ahead when Hereford left-Back Bird cut off a Hedges cross only to deflect ir into his own net past Davis.

[ --- Sports Argus - 10 August 1968]