Today's National North League Results

Match Report: Bedford Town 1-1 Hereford FC

Bedford Town v Hereford FC in the Enterprise National League North.

The Bulls we're back to the bread and butter of the Enterprise National League North and a visit to The Eyrie Stadium to take on Bedford Town following their exit out of the Emirates FA Cup at the 2nd Qualifying Round stage last Saturday.

After the shock cup defeat there were two changes with Harrison Iwunze and Kyle Howkins both starting, new loan signing from Notts County Kameron Muir was on the bench along with Joe Willis for the second successive week whilst former Bull Eno Nto was on the bench for the hosts.

With only two minutes played there was a stoppage in play just inside the Hereford half when a ball by Luke Spokes caught Eagles’ Greg Taylor in the face.

A long ball over the top by Taylor was latched onto by Louie Kudiabor who held off the challenge of Kyle Howkins but miscued his shot and the ball harmlessly ran through to Theo Richardson.

The first opportunity came from Hereford on the 15 minute mark with Aaron Skinner doing well down the left, before he clipped the ball to the back post where Preston Bitemo was waiting but he put his header wide and it rippled the side netting.

With 20 minutes gone Hereford had dictated the play with the Eagles mainly threatening on the counter-attack.

On 33 minutes Joseph James swung a delicious cross in from the right which just evaded the head of Billy Phillips at the back post.

Four minutes later Phillips went on a mazy run towards the edge of the box before he was upended by Bedford captain Josh Castiglione, Spokes stepped up with his curling strike whistling just over the top of the left-corner and clipped the left stanchion behind the goal.

The Eagles’ Lewis Franklin fizzed a cross from the left which was missed by Skinner before finding David Hicks who was free on the edge with his stinging first-time drive brilliantly blocked by Will Merrett.

On the stroke of half-time a free-kick on the right for Hereford after Preston Bitemo was fouled by Franklin, Spokes swung the set-piece in towards the back post but Merrett was adjudged to have climbed over Tarik Gidaree and a foul was given by referee Chay Hathway meaning it was goalless at the break.

Half-time: Bedford Town 0-0 Hereford FC

At the break Ex-Bull Eno Nto came on as a substitute for the Eagles.

Early in the second-half a ball in from the right by James was headed high up in the air by Waldron with the ball going towards the byline before it went off Bedford goalkeeper Laurie Walker for a corner after Waldron challenged him.

From the resulting corner Hereford almost gained the lead after it was floated in by Spokes before being flicked goalwards by Waldron at the front post only to be beaten away by the outstretched right hand of Walker.

On 52 minutes the Bulls broke the deadlock, Waldron hooked the ball onto Bitemo who delivered an inviting ball across the face of the box which Iwunze got on the end of to tap in to continue his imperious form grabbing his eighth goal for the club.

After taking the lead Hereford pushed for more, firstly Phillips’ shot was palmed away by the Bedford shot-stopper before the ball was recycled out to Phillips again who crossed into the danger zone for Waldron to head goalwards only to be once again be denied by Walker who tipped over the crossbar.

Spokes then played a defence splitting ball through the heart of the Eagles defence to Phillips on the edge of the box and with the goal gaping the winger dragged his effort wide of the left hand post.

 

A short corner on the left was picked up by the probing Spokes who flashed a strike narrowly over the crossbar.

Bedford almost got back on level terms after Nto beat Howkins down the left before drilling the ball across goal only to be stabbed over the crossbar from 2-yards by the onrushing George Moncur.

On 72 minutes Bitemo made way after it looked like he had picked up a knock to be replaced by Jordan Williamson before 7 minutes later Spokes was substituted for Kameron Muir to make his debut.

The Bulls almost got the second goal they craved to make proceeding more comfortable when a corner from the left was played in by Phillips and was met by a bullet header from Iwunze only for Walker to be equal to it palming the ball away.

On 88 minutes the Bulls had a free-kick 25-yards out which was taken by Phillips who's curling strike flew narrowly over the crossbar.

With 5 minutes of additional time announced Iwunze was through before poking the ball onto Williamson but it just ran on through for a goal-kick before Bedford went up the other end through Castiglione who saw his low effort from the edge of the box comfortably collected by Richardson low to his left.

Bedford threw Walker up for a corner on the left with Castiglione curling the ball in eventually falling to Moncur who saw his shot blocked by Merrett.

However in the 4th minute of the allotted 5 the Eagles snatched a last gasp equaliser when Castiglione beat three yellow shirts near the right corner flag before crossing into the box, the ball ricocheted around before Reece Evans guided it into the bottom-left corner.

Full-time: Bedford Town 1-1 Hereford FC

Goal scored by Harrison Iwunze.

Hereford FC:- 1 Theo Richardson, 2 Aaron Skinner, 4 Kam Kandola ©️, 5 Will Merrett, 10 Danny Waldron, 14 Luke Spokes, 17 Joseph James, 19 Harrison Iwunze, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 6 Joe Willis, 9 Cawley Cox, 15 Jordan Williamson, 18 Liam Roberts, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, 30 Kameron Muir.

Attendance 1432 (444 away)

A shame we couldn't claim the extra two points and gutting to concede right at the death but it's another point on the board. The result also sees us still two points clear at the top of the Enterprise National League North aswell as bouncing back from the early exit in the Emirates FA Cup.

Despite the best efforts of the club to try to bring a game forward to next Saturday after the exit out of the Emirates FA Cup the Bulls have a week off next week with the next game in a fortnight's time back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium with the visit of newly promoted Hednesford Town. COYW

Words: Sam Cummins 

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Bedford Town 1-1 Hereford FC

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to todays 1-1 draw with Bedford, Click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Hereford Draw At Bedford

This afternoon's game at Bedford ended:

Bedford  1 Hereford 1

Hereford took the lead through Iwunze on 55 minutes  but Bedford equalised late in extra time.

Hereford remain top.

444 Hereford supporters were at the game.

Attendance 1432.

No game for Hereford next Saturday as it is the next round of the FA Cup.

A couple of clubs were approached about bringing a game forward but neither appeared to be interested.

Half Time At Bedford

At half time it's:

Bedford  0  Hereford  0

A fairly level game so far with neither keeper having much to do.

Hereford did have a chance to take the lead late in the half but Luke Spokes's free kick sailed over the bar.

Hereford team news from Bedford

This afternoon’s Hereford side to take on Bedford:

Richardson, Skinner, Kandola (C), Merrett, Waldron, Spokes, James, Iwunze, Bitemo, Phillips, Howkins.

 

Subs: Willis, Cox, Williamson, Roberts, Lewis, Tolley, Muir

This Afternoon's National North Fixtures

A list of all the fixtures in the National North League this afternoon.

AFC Telford United v King's Lynn Town
Bedford Town v Hereford
Brackley Town v Scarborough Athletic
Chester v Worksop Town
Chorley v Spalding United
Darlington v Hebburn Town
Hednesford Town v Radcliffe
Macclesfield v Harborough Town
Merthyr Town v Marine
Oxford City v Morecambe
South Shields v Buxton
Southport v Spennymoor Town 

News Round Up

Scunthorpe United have reported that 30 year old forward Danny Whitehall has joined Hednesford Town for an undisclosed fee.

Hereford Women have a game tomorrow. They are away at Bromsgrove Sporting.

Ground works at Bedford have been completed prior to this afternoon's game against Hereford. 

Hebburn Town have confirmed the permanent signing of former Sunderland academy goalkeeper Daniel Cameron 

 

This Day In 2009

A look back to September 26th 2009 and defeat for Hereford United at Rochdale.

Red for Green as Bulls Soundly Defeated

Two late goals and a red card for captain Ryan Green summed up another away day disappointment for Hereford United as they lost 4-1, suffering their biggest League defeat of the season to date.

Rochdale were stronger, more organised, and more clinical than the Bulls at a sunny Spotland, and on this performance, they can expect to be among the play-off candidates in League Two this season.

Hereford went into the game boosted by last week's 2-0 win over Accrington, and they should take heart by elements of their showing at Spotland. But some weaknesses were exposed by Rochdale, who edged the first half, and grew in stature as the second progressed.

John Trewick made one change, loan signing James Walker replacing the departed Marlon Jackson, and at times going forward, the Bulls showed some very good spells. There was an understanding between Sam Gwynne, Walker, Craig King and Mark Marshall which led to some exciting moments, particularly in the first half. Marshall whipped in several telling crosses to signal his intentions, although Rochdale tended to dominate.

Walker tested the Rochdale goalkeeper Kenny Arthur in the early stages, while Will Buckley forced Adam Bartlett into an early save too. Defensively, Hereford were unsure of themselves in the early stages, despite the leadership of Ryan Green, who continued as captain. It's not surprising that the Bulls' players are still learning about each others' games - only five of those starting this match opened the season at Morecambe in August.

Hereford pushed on through Craig King, who took a good touch before volleying just wide, but on 19 minutes, Rochdale struck. From the right channel, Gary Jones took the ball past a defender and then fed a low cross to Buckley. His shot was pushed away by Bartlett, but Chris Dagnall fired a low strike into the net to put the home side ahead. Hereford were left short at the back, but Gwynne had been held down in the midfield as Rochdale moved forward.

Within four minutes, the Bulls were level. Marshall and King linked well, before a low pass found Marc Pugh at the far post. Pugh struck a foot out, enough to get a clean touch, to find the net.

Hereford had the opportunity to build on the goal. Pugh fired at the goalkeeper, while Marshall continued to cause problems for Rochdale, and King shot across the face of goal after another decent move forward.

On the stroke of half time, Rochdale broke away from a Hereford attack. They held the ball up, allowing a swift attack, and the ball was fed through to Simon Whaley who struck home when one-on-one with Bartlett. Despite the setback, the Bulls' players looked relatively upbeat coming off at the break.

Rochdale stepped up a gear after the restart, and were positive from the outset. They kept Hereford at bay, and for periods looked content with their single goal advantage. Bartlett was called into action on a couple of occasions, and the best Hereford could muster was a shot on the turn from Walker which went straight into the arms of Arthur.

Ryan Green picked up a yellow card for a foul of Dagnall, and Trewick opted to shuffle the pack. Pugh, who had had a quieter second half, was replaced, with Matt Done coming on, but it did little to inspire Hereford.

With ten minutes left, Rochdale's Tom Kennedy swung in a long corner, and Bartlett saved after a scramble in the six yard box. But his push away fell to Buckley, and he drilled into the roof of the net to make it 3-1.

Three minutes later, another Rochdale corner, and another goal, this time from Craig Dawson. The ball was flicked on in the area, and the unmarked Dawson scored on the turn. It cued chants of "easy" from the home fans, and many of the away supporters had seen enough, and headed for the exits.

Rochdale looked for a fifth, as O'Grady fired into the side netting, while the increasingly frustrated Gwynne, pictured, was booked after reacting to a challenge from Rochdale defender Tom Wiseman.

Then, two minutes into injury time, there was insult to injury for Hereford. Green pulled back a Rochdale player, picked up a second yellow card, and got the first use of the hot water. He will miss Tuesday's home match against Bournemouth.

The result means Hereford drop a place to twenty-first.

ROCHDALE: Arthur, Wiseman, Tom Kennedy, Stanton, Dawson, Jason Kennedy, Jones, Whaley (Thompson, 77), Buckley, O'Grady, Dagnall. Subs not used: Edwards, Flynn, Rundle, Holness, Spencer, Stephens

HEREFORD: Bartlett, Green, Valentine, Lunt, Pugh (Done, 72), Gwynne, Jones, King, Blanchett, Marshall, Walker. Subs not used: Rose, Lowe, Constantine, Sonko, Adamson, McCallum.
Bookings: Jones, Green (x2), Gwynne

ATTENDANCE: 2,620 (around 150 away fans) 

Downes Pre Bedford

Eno Nto Formerly With Hereford Now Plays For Bedford

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has been talking to BBC Hereford and Worcester ahead of tomorrow's game at Bedford.

Last Saturday Hereford went out of the FA Cup and Downes mentioned that in the interview.

"Yes, we've had words this week with regards to good teams response when you get a disappointment and when you get a punch on the nose.

"So it's important for us to bounce back as they say.

"Our league form is good, we've won four in a row. We are in a good place in the League.

"But we want to create winners as people and we want to create a winning environment.

"In order to do that you have to win.

"Hopefully the boys can do that on Saturday.

"There's determination within the group that they want to achieve something  so that hunger has to be there,desire, all those words you want to use with regards to being successful, that's within the group.

"It's my role to reinforce, instil and make sure we are doing that."

What about Bedford Town?

"They are in a good bit of form especially at home, they've won four of their last five in the League.

"They've got a new manager, different players, one or two good individual players, Moncur, Castiglione, Eno we know from his time here.

"So they are a decent side that's for sure.

"At the same time we know we are a good side, we know we've got good players so we've got to make sure we get the best out of those boys." 

Downes Confirms Injury To Tustin

 

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has confirmed that on loan midfielder Harry Tustin received an injury whilst playing for his parent club last Tuesday.

Tustin was subbed off in the 70th minute. 

"Harry Tustin suffered a cut above his eye while playing for parent club Cheltenham Town in midweek," said Downes.

"Harry needed a couple of stitches on Tuesday night. We’ll assess how that is – due to the proximity to his eye, we’ll seek advice from our physio and work together with Cheltenham’s to do what’s right for the player. 

"Hopefully he’ll be fine." 

Bulls tried to fix in a game next week

Hereford tried to get a game in next week.

With the Bulls knocked out of the FA Cup, it meant they had a a day off next Saturday due to that being set aside for the second qualifying round.

An option could have been to bring forward a match against a club who were also knocked out.

Hereford host Telford on Tuesday, October 27, so that was one game that could have been played on the 3rd. Likewise, Radcliffe - who host Hereford on a Tuesday night later in the season - could have played it then due to also having a free weekend.

However, Hereford manager Aaron Downes has confirmed that nothing could be agreed.

"I want our supporters to know that we were proactive and tried to rearrange a game for next Saturday,” he said.

“We felt it was the right thing to do, to play games as soon as we can and prevent any backlogs like we had last year. However, it has to be agreed by both clubs and unfortunately the other club decided against moving it.”

Hereford 17/11 To Win At Bedford

Hereford Fans After Lewis Hudson Scored At Bedford Last Season

 Hereford are 17/11 to win their National North fixture at Bedford tomorrow.

Currently Hereford top the table with 22 points from 9 games.

Bedford are 8th with 15 points from 9 games.

Last time in the League Hereford defeated South Shields 6-0 whilst Bedford lost 2-1 at Spalding (4th). 

Hereford's away record is won 3 and lost 1.

Bedford's home record is won 3 and lost 1.

As for goal difference Hereford is plus 17, Bedford is plus 0.

Bedford 6/4  Draw 14/5  Hereford 17/11. 

Bounce back at Bedford?

Hereford FC unusually travel east rather than north for an away game this weekend, as they look to build on a fabulous start to their National League North campaign.

The Eyrie, Bedford is the destination, and the Bulls will be keen to move on from last weekend’s FA Cup exit at Stafford, and prove that the 6-0 against South Shields is what the side is all about, not the 3-2 last Saturday. If Aaron Downes’ ability to pick the side back up following defeat matches whatever he did after the opening day Buxton loss, everyone’s going to be in a happy place after this, and indeed after the next eight games or so too.

It’s a bit of a funny old business that Hereford, Oxford and Bedford, three of last season’s strugglers, are in the top eight, with the Bulls and Oxford first and second. The only ‘ford’ in the division to miss out on a good start are injury-ravaged Telford. Fate perhaps taking revenge on their star centre forward Matty Stenson for being a ‘Meadow End celebrator’ last season. If Macclesfield’s ghastly captain gets struck by lightning sometime soon, you’ll know there’s something in that ‘Meadow End celebrator’ theory.

Last season Hereford travelled to Bedford having just beaten Merthyr and Marine, and in so doing had given themselves a shot at survival. A 2-2 draw that day ensured that nerves remained frayed from then until some minutes after the final whistle of the final game at Edgar Street.

On Saturday those nerves should be considerably less jangly. Hereford come into the game in free-scoring form, and with a solidity at the back that was nowhere to be seen last season, notwithstanding the three goals leaked to Stafford in the Cup. Very good sides have gone out of the Cup at the first hurdle so many times before, and then gone on to thrive in the league, arguably as a result.

The hosts are in good form, and come into this having dumped Paul Caddis and Kings Lynn out of the Cup last weekend.

George Moncur, son of ex-West Ham playmaker John Moncur, plays a similar role for Bedford as his dad did in making them tick from midfield, and has also chipped in so far this season with more-or-less a goal every other game. At 33 he’s no spring chicken though.

So far, Hereford have kept dangermen such as Glen Taylor and Paul Blackett quiet, and they’ll be hoping to do the same with Moncur, who will be policed by Kam Kandola. If that policing leads to an early yellow card (and let’s face it that’s not out of the question), Preston Bitemo can take over the policing in the second half (when, let’s face it, another yellow card wouldn’t be out of the question).

However, it’s to be hoped that Moncur will be far too busy helping his defenders out to need much policing at the other end of the pitch. Bedford will have to contend with attacking threats aplenty in the form of the Hereford front four, with Luke Spokes both feeding that front four and offering considerable threat in his own right. It would be surprising if the manager doesn’t opt for Iwunze and Cox up front from the start, an attacking tactical move befitting a side at the top of the table.

Ex-Bull Eno Nto will provide pace out wide for the Eagles, although his end product in terms of quality crosses never seemed to be quite there during his stop-start time at Edgar Street. He’ll be keen to prove otherwise and he’s started the season well – maybe he’s resolved his fitness issues.

Bedford will have done their homework and figured out that you could lose 6-0 to this Bulls side if you attempt to out-football them, but equally you could win 3-2 if you go long and hope. That would be simplistic. Hereford have admirably repelled the direct route in winning league games prior to the South Shields thrashing. If Bedford put all their eggs in that basket they’ll regret it. It’s tempting to think that the Merrett-Howkins centre-back partnership will relish mopping up that one-dimensional approach in what has so far been such a promising season, after it caused so much havoc so often in the Hereford defence in what was such a dismal season last time.

Joseph James, who has rapidly become a crucial cog in the Hereford wheel, picked up a knock last Saturday, but will hopefully be fit and firing here.

Hereford welcome Notts County midfielder Kameron Muir to the squad for this one, and if he’s anything like as effective as club-mate Harrison Iwunze promotion should be sewn up by Christmas.  

These sides played out two 2-2 draws last season, and another here would see the Bulls almost certainly remain top of the table, unless Oxford go nuts with the goals at home to Morecambe. That seems unlikely, with a mole suggesting that Oxford aren’t much good, despite their lofty league position.

But where’s the fun in drawing? A win would mean 25 points from the opening ten games - some start.

COYW

National North League Weekend Preview

 

This preview comes from the NL's Tom Scott:

After an FA Cup-induced break the Enterprise National League North resumes with some big games on the way.

Hereford have continued their remarkable turnaround from last season and sit top of the table going into this weekend.

The Bulls have dropped just two points since their opening day defeat ahead of their trip to Bedford Town.

Morecambe will be hoping they cure their travel sickness this weekend - the Shrimps head to Oxford City with just one away win to their name this season.

Both sides have just one defeat each in their last five outings in all competitions.

Radcliffe and Spennymoor Town are both still searching for their first win on the road this season - they head to Hednesford Town and Southport respectively.

After a wretched start, AFC Telford United are three without defeat in the league ahead of the visit of King's Lynn Town.

The Linnets are also in decent fettle - losing just once in their last four league games.

Worksop Town saw off the Bucks in the midweek FA Cup action and get back to league business at Chester.

Phil Parkinson's side have seen their form flip drastically - after four wins from as many games to start the season they're now winless in five.

Elsewhere, Brackley Town begin life with club legend Gaz Dean back in the dugout after they parted with Andy Whing last week.

The Saints host Scarborough Athletic who have one win from their four games on their travels so far this season.

Ten-goal man Bartosz Cybulksi is on fire for Spalding United who head to Chorley while Hebburn Town will be hoping to use Darlington's poor form to their advantage as the north-east pair meet.

The Quakers have lost all four of their home games so far this campaign.

South Shields host Buxton as Macclesfield see the visit of Harborough Town - the Silkmen are looking for their first win in four.

Merthyr Town have one defeat in seven as they welcome Marine - a side who have lost three of their last four outings.