Weather and Edgar Street pitch under focus ahead of Boxing Day derby

A heavily sanded area at the corner of the Meadow End and Len Weston Stand last weekend

Weather conditions and the Edgar Street pitch are likely to be watched closely in the days leading up to Hereford’s Boxing Day home game against Kidderminster Harriers.

The latest forecasts suggest a mixed run-up to Christmas, with cloud and some rain around early in the week before it turns cooler and drier closer to Christmas Day and Boxing Day. While no prolonged heavy rain is currently expected just before the match, the amount of rainfall already seen this month means the pitch will remain under pressure.

The state of the surface has been a talking point recently following work to address drainage problems in one area of the pitch. New drains have been installed and further work carried out, including verti-draining, sand dressing and even an 'earthquake' machine used as part of efforts to improve conditions.

Those issues were clear during Hereford’s FA Trophy tie with Radcliffe earlier this month. Four large sanded patches were visible on the pitch and, although the surface passed a morning inspection, Radcliffe raised concerns about the condition from a safety perspective.

The match went ahead as planned and was completed without incident, though Radcliffe did report a player rolled their ankle in one of the sandy areas, finishing 1-1 before the Bulls went through 4-2 on penalties.

Before the tie, Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds had stressed that, while the pitch might not look pristine, the improvements were “definitely looking much better”.

It is understood the pitch issues stem partly from drainage work in 2013, when drains were installed deeper than recommended and not always surrounded by the correct stone. More recently, floodlight installation machinery compacted the surface, while last summer’s dry weather has limited how effectively recent rain reaches the drains.

With a large crowd expected for the visit of local rivals Kidderminster on Boxing Day, attention will again be on how the pitch holds up in the days beforehand. As ever with winter fixtures, much will depend on the weather in the final 48 hours before kick-off.

Weather forecast: day by day

Sunday: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain or drizzle at times. Mild for the time of year with temperatures around 9C.

Monday: Mostly cloudy with the chance of occasional light rain. Temperatures remaining relatively mild, highs of 11C.

Tuesday: Another largely cloudy day, with patchy light rain possible but no heavy or prolonged rainfall expected with highs of 8C.

Wednesday (Christmas Eve): Turning cooler. Mainly dry, though still fairly cloudy in places. Highs of 8C and lows of 2C.

Thursday (Christmas Day): Drier and colder, with brighter spells expected. Overnight temperatures close to freezing, with a daytime high of 6C.

Friday (Boxing Day): Cold but largely dry, with some sunny intervals possible. Conditions currently look more settled than earlier in the week, with highs of 6C again.

Preece: Hereford were 'going the right way' then struggled to keep Chorley at bay

Chorley boss Andy Preece, left, with Paul Caddis

Chorley boss Andy Preece felt Hereford were going in the right direction, with Paul Caddis's side unbeaten in four before the trip to Lancashire.

But hope of a corner being turned was undone with the Bulls dealt a bruising blow in the 4-2 defeat.

While Evesham-born Preece felt it was a much-needed and well-deserved win in the end, he said it was always going to be a difficult game as Hereford have "been in good form".

"I've watched the last five or six games that they played and they've started to look like they're going the right way," the experienced gaffer told Chorley's YouTube channel after the game.

"Probably just the fact that they've got so many games in hand because of the pitches not being playable puts them in a false position, so we knew it'd be a difficult game.

"I thought we started very, very well, got the goal - really well worked goal - nice to see Anj [Anjola Popoola] get on the score sheet.

"Good movement, great ball by Milan [Lalkovič], missed the front man and Anj's got across his man to score. And then we had a fair few opportunities then to increase that lead and it was a really good 25 minutes by us."

While Hereford then came back into the game a little, with Andy Williams looping the ball over the keeper, Preece felt there could have been a foul in the build-up which made the side feel "aggrieved". 

But he admitted his side should have defended better and should have been in front at the break.

Preece then went on to say how his side were "really good, really, really good" in the second half and got on the front foot, tested the keeper, put balls in the box, kept the pressure up, took good set pieces, held the ball up well, threatening with wide players, strong midfielders winning second balls and centre-halves were strong and dominant centre-halves - not to mention "very good" kicks and clearances from the keeper.

Praising the team effort, he said Hereford were struggling to keep Chorley at bay and the second goal - quickly followed by the third and fourth - really boosted confidence.

The result was important for Chorley after a poor run, having won only won of their last five National League North matches.

They now lie 11th with 30 points from 22 games, ahead of second-placed AFC Fylde away on Boxing Day and mid-table Marine at home at Victory Park four days later.

Before The Game Kicked Off At Chorley

A number of pictures from before kick-off at Chorley yesterday afternoon. Considering it was the Saturday before Christmas there was a good turnout of support for Hereford.

Watching

Chorley Manager Andy Preece

'Six or seven' players leaving Edgar Street as new signings fall through

Hereford's squad could be seeing wholesale changes over the coming weeks, with Paul Caddis saying 'six or seven' players could be leaving.

After a humbling 4-2 defeat at Chorley, before an incredibly tough test against Kidderminster Harriers in the Boxing Day derby at Edgar Street, the gaffer said he had been trying to sign players from the National League - but the attempts were thwarted at the last minute.

While Omari Sterling-James's time at Edgar Street looks to be up as the board negotiates a fee for the 32-year-old winger, there could be other changes too.

With January approaching, loan spells are due to be up for a handful of players - with the Scot not hopeful of extending them.

Currently, Aston Villa's 20-year-old midfielder I-Lani Edwards, Sutton United'd 23-year-old winger Jaiden White and Solihull Moors' 22-year-old forward Callum McFarlane are in the final weeks of their deals which all expire in January.

Meanwhile, Madou Cisse, who appears to be training with Hereford despite a lengthy spell out injured, joined in the summer on a season-long loan from Notts County, with fellow midfielder Sam Osborne also due to be with Hereford for the rest of the campaign from Alfreton Town.

In the post-match interview with the press, BBC Hereford and Worcester's Carson Wishart asked Caddis whether a new face would be coming in as Sterling-James looks set to leave.

"Obviously we've got a lot of loans that are going to be up soon so we'll probably be looking at six or seven that will that will eventually [go]," he said.

"We've got a couple of players that are on non-contract that are attracting a bit of interest from full-time clubs.

"We've got a couple of players that are on loan that we won't be able to extend. 

"There'll be a bit of a shift. There's probably going to be six [or] seven bodies probably moving out in the next couple of weeks, which isn't ideal.

"However, it's the situation we're in, it's something that I can't do anything about, the club can't do anything about.

"There doesn't need to be any criticism thrown at the board or anything like that. It's just that's where we're at as a football club. As I keep saying, we're part-time. Players will move on. Players will go back to their loan clubs that we are well out of control of. We can't control that.

"So, we'll continue looking. We were hoping to to try and get one or two over the line from the level above, but just at the last minute they've got some full-time offers."

Away end close to selling out at Merthyr

Hereford fans at Merthyr in December 2017

There appear to be just 11 tickets left in the away end for Hereford's trip to Merthyr after Christmas.

According to the online ticket sales platform on Merthyr's website, just nine adult terrace tickets remain as of 11.45pm on Saturday, with two in the grandstand, for away fans.

Hereford's allocation was 680 tickets (600 terrace and 80 seats) for the game on Tuesday 30th December, with kick off at Penydarren Park set for 7.45pm.

With tickets going on sale on a first-come-first-served basis last Sunday, Merthyr have since contacted fans they believe to be from Hereford who have bought tickets in the home end.

Often, under ground regulations, this is forbidden and bookings could be cancelled.

On Saturday, the third-place Martyrs beat Curzon Ashton 2-1, while Hereford slipped into the bottom four with a 4-2 defeat at Chorley.

The South Wales club have the most prolific strike force in the league having scored 51 goals already this season in the league, two more than AFC Fylde in second and five more than leaders South Shields.

Meanwhile, Hereford have scored only 24 goals in the league so far, with only bottom sides Alfreton Town and Leamington worse off.

Merthyr will travel to struggling Oxford City on Boxing Day while the Bulls host high-flying Kidderminster Harriers.

Willo's First Goal At Chorley

Andy Williams scored two goals for Hereford this afternoon at Chorley.

The first after good work from Hamilton.

 

Sterling-James transfer latest as Caddis addresses 'falling out and shouting match' rumours

Omari Sterling-James looks set to leave Edgar Street

Omari Sterling-James was absent for a second game in a row after Hereford were beaten 4-2 by Chorley.

The 32-year-old Birmingham-born winger has impressed since arriving at Edgar Street in March, particularly with his set pieces.

But he looks set to leave Edgar Street, wanting a move to a side that isn't full-time nor higher up the pyramid.

Giving an update after the Chorley defeat, Caddis said "it's probably now a matter for the board to go and try and sort out of a fee or whatever it is that's involved".

While an offer has been made, Caddis said it was one "the club didn't think was acceptable", but he added: "Marz is looking at going elsewhere. We'll shake his hand, try and find a solution and move on."

Caddis was asked what the attraction was for Sterling-James to move on from Edgar Street, given that the club interested is said to be part-time and not higher up the pyramid.

There had also been rumours online of a falling out between the pair, which Caddis rejected.

"I'm guessing it's financial," he said.

"I don't mind getting slaughtered for it because we just lost again of football but you need to understand these lads are part-time, they want to get as much money as they possibly can.

"I'm not saying Marz is driven by money because he absolutely isn't. We've still got loads of respect for each other. There hasn't been a falling out, there hasn't been a shouting match. 

"We had a private meeting that I won't get into detail, [but] he's had an opportunity that he sees as a lot more attractive than us.

"We've got to respect that and now it's about finding a solution."

Sterling-James, whose previous clubs include Cheltenham Town, Kidderminster Harriers and Ebbsfleet United, has made 22 appearances for Hereford this season and scored five goals.

Caddis points to lack of desire as Hereford drop into relegation zone

Paul Caddis, centre, said Hereford have a mentality issue

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has said a lack of desire is hampering his side who now look set to be dragged into a relegation battle unless improvements finally come.

While Hereford went into the break level as Andy Williams's looped effort cancelled out Anjola Popoola's opener after just four minutes, three goals for the hosts in the second half put even a point out of Hereford's reach.

One of those goals in the 4-2 defeat came from a set piece, which the downbeat Scot said has become "a bit of a theme".

"Just a desire to mark your man and keep the ball out the net," he said in his post-match interview.

"It's happened way too often, different people as well. It's spread right across the team and it's become a thing now. Then to go and concede another one so soon after, which again, we've done time and time again this year. 

"You give yourself a real mountain to climb. We thought, first half, Chorley started well, then I thought we got a goal back and came into the game. But it was sort of a non-event, the first half.

"We've got a mentality issue because we keep conceding goals very, very early on."

Asked where it comes from, Caddis reply: "Honestly, I'm unsure at the moment because it's not like we are getting absolutely battered in those early moments. It's two, three, four, five minutes into the game.

"So, it's nothing to do with tactics. It's nothing to do with formations or anything like that. It's just an individual desire to do your job from the off and we've struggled for the full season with that."

The result leaves Hereford in the bottom four and they face a daunting prospect of the Boxing Day derby against Kidderminster Harriers - and side who beat AFC Fylde 1-0 on Saturday, causing them to drop to second.

The BBC's Carson Wishart asked whether Caddis and the coaching team can do anything to improve things from the first whistle, to which Caddis said: "Trust me, Carson, we look nonstop at what we can do.

"We've changed a little bit in the last couple of weeks. It's got us a little bit more success.

"I'll probably get slaughtered for coming out and saying that the early part of the season that we were more possession-based. It wasn't working because we were losing games and we've got a little bit bigger, a little bit more direct and keep the ball away from a goal to be brutally honest.

"That's worked the last four out of the last five games. We wanted to do that again. We set out to do that, but when you're on the pitch, individuals have got to take responsibility."

While Caddis said Hereford did well to get back into the game thanks to Williams' goal, he admitted: "We can't keep doing that though. We can't keep trying to get back into games. 

"We have to go and take a lead in the game. It's really difficult and it's the frustration in the dressing room."

Listen in full: Caddis dissects Hereford’s 4-2 defeat at Chorley

Hereford manager Paul Caddis has given his verdict on Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Chorley.

Press play to listen in full.

Enterprise National League North results and updated table

Saturday's Enterprise National League North results are: 

Bedford Town (0) 1-1 (1) Marine [799]
Buxton (0) 0-2 (1) AFC Telford United
Chester (0) 1-3 (0) South Shields
Chorley (1) 4-2 (1) Hereford
Darlington (0) 1-1 (0) King's Lynn Town
Kidderminster Harriers (1) 1-0 (0) AFC Fylde
Merthyr Town (1) 2-1 (0) Curzon Ashton
Peterborough Sports (0) 0-4 (0) Scarborough Athletic
Radcliffe (0) 2-1 (0) Leamington
Southport (1) 1-1 (0) Worksop Town
Spennymoor Town (0) 1-1 (0) Oxford City

The updated league table can be found here: http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/p/league-table.html

Williams brace not enough for Hereford

An Andy Williams brace was not enough stop Hereford leaving Chorley empty handed.

With the score 1-1 at half time as a looping Andy Williams goal cancelled out Anjola Popoola's opener, the visitors looked to be growing in confidence. 

But conceding three goals in 12 minutes in the second half, with Mark Ellis, Tom Carr and Tom Walker finding the back of the net.

Williams did reduce the deficit with a second but it's another defeat - 4-2 the final score. 

1- 1 At The Break

At half time it's:

Chorley 1 Hereford 1

Chorley took the lead four minutes into the half.

Hereford equalised on 27 minutes.

Andy Williams the scorer.

Hereford team news for Chorley trip

This afternoon's team news for Hereford's game at Chorley is in. 

There is no Omari Sterling-James who was made unavailable last weekend with interest being shown in him from other clubs. 

Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Howkins, Quansah, Hudson; D'Ath, Mafuta, Osborne, Hamilton, White, Williams. 

Subs: Lewis, Preston, Richards, Nto, Edwards, McFarlane, Rooney. 

17 Years Ago Today - Huddersfield v Hereford

A look back to December 20th 2008: 

Huddersfield humble hearty Hereford

Huddersfield Town got their Lee Clark era under way with a 2-0 home victory over Hereford United this afternoon at the impressive Galpharm Stadium. The Bulls created a host of chances at the start of either half but failed to convert any of them. United were ultimately punished by their hosts when Nathan Clarke scored from close-range and the advantage was doubled when Gary Roberts finished a flowing move.

The Bulls were unchanged following on from their two match unbeaten run although Robbie Threlfall returned to the bench in place of Clint Easton, after a lengthy period out injured. Huddersfield included three ex Accrington men in their starting line-up with Roberts joining Robbie Williams and Ian Craney. Keigan Parker returned after a three match ban with former Everton striker Danny Cadamarteri having to be content with a place on the bench.

The away side made a lively start to the game with Josh Gowling nearly scoring his first goal for the club; Lionel Ainsworth sent in a corner which was nodded on and at the back-post Gowling headed towards goal and was only denied by a goal-line clearance. Richard Rose had a powerful effort blocked before Andy Williams sliced over the rebound whilst a Guinan header, this time from a Done corner, was held by the impressive Huddersfield ‘keeper Alex Smithies. The home side came into the game and soon started creating chances of their own with Jim Goodwin hitting the side-netting with a placed effort after good hold-up work from Parker. Goodwin then turned provided as he sent in a deep cross which was met the back-post by R. Williams but his header was denied by a fine save from Craig Samson as he pushed the ball over the bar.

The Scottish ‘keeper was again the hero moments later as Roberts sent an in swinging corner with Clarke meeting it in the area but once more, Samson made an excellent close-range save. The former Ipswich man was starting to get into the game and he sent a shot into the body of Samson, before setting up Craney who shot wildly into the away fans. The combative central midfield man went a little closer with his next effort however, as a pass from Parker made its way to Craney and he fired just over from 20 yards. United looked threatening on the break and a snapshot effort from Guinan from all of 30 yards had Smithies scrambling to hold the shot.

The home side continued to press with Roberts running at the Bulls’ back-line, eventually turning past Beckwith before curling just past the far-post with his un-favoured right-foot.Two neat passing moves, a highlight of Huddersfield’s play, resulted in chances for both R. Williams and Roberts once again but Samson was on hand to make routine saves. Clarke ventured forward from the back to skip past Toumani Diagouraga but gave a ‘defender’s finish’ as he failed to trouble Samson whilst at the other end, Dean Beckwith headed at Smithies from an Ainsworth corner. The Terriers won a corner of its own and it wasn’t cleared, falling nicely to Roberts whose control set him up for a strike which he hit truly but it went just over. In the final moments, Hereford had arguably their best chance of the half with Ainsworth instrumental in a superb counter-attack; the Watford loanee used some tricks to get Hereford out of trouble at the back, before bringing both Guinan and A. Williams into play whilst continuing his run. The ball made its way to Ainsworth down the right-wing and in front of the back-line but he decided to take the shot a little early and sent it just past the near post.

The Bulls came out in the second-half in confident fashion and dominated the opening proceedings to silence the vocal home support. A. Williams used his body to spin past a defender before touching past another but he couldn’t beat the ‘keeper from 20 yards as Smithies denied his powerful strike. Ainsworth was the danger man, as has been the case in the last two matches, playing a one-two with Guinan before breaking into the box but he couldn’t keep his composure as he blasted over from a fine position. A beautiful left-footed cross from Kris Taylor was flicked onto the roof of the net by Guinan at the near-post before a looped cross from Ainsworth was tamely headed wide by A. Williams. In a carbon copy of the earlier chance, Taylor again whipped in a superb cross for Guinan with this time the experienced striker heading, under pressure, inches past the back-post. Phil Jevons replaced James Berrett as Clark added another attacking threat to his team and the former Bristol City man nearly made an instant impact as he headed just over after good-work on the wing from Roberts.

Guinan picked out a decent pass to release Matty Done down the wing and he crossed into the danger-area where Ainsworth popped up at the back but his half-volley was hit into the ground and was easy for Smithies. Guinan was also involved in setting-up Ben Smith after good hold-up work, the Bulls’ captain smashed goal wards with Smithies finger-tips diverting it over. United were denied a penalty after A. Williams appeared to be tripped inside the area but the referee turned down the strong appeals; he did however send John Trewick to the stands for his protests. Cadamarteri took to the field in place of Craney and was involved as Huddersfield broke the deadlock. Taylor had deflected a shot from Parker out for a corner and after this was cleared, the lack of players up-field for United contributed to it coming straight back into the box; Cadamarteri found room on the right-wing and crossed into a superb area where Guinan tried his best to head it clear but it went straight to Clarke who tucked in from close-range.

It appeared to be the story of Hereford’s season, too many chances not taken and teams then going onto punish them. The Whites had a golden chance to equalise but failed to take it; Taylor again gave an excellent option on the wing by crossing and it made its way to Ainsworth who saw a powerful right-foot effort parried before the re-bound was sliced just wide from a stretching Guinan. Clarke tried his best to double his goal tally for the day but a header was denied by Samson. Parker curled past the far-post after turning 25 yards out before the Terriers doubled their lead. Roberts and Jevons linked up superbly down the left-hand side and into the box before the ball made its way to the winger who made no mistake by powerfully toe-poking past the despairing dive of Samson.

Credit must be handed to Hereford who kept on going with Guinan having a 20 yard shot pushed behind by Smithies whilst Parker dragged a shot past the post at the other end. A. Williams was nearly rewarded when he closed down a sloppy back-pass to challenge the ‘keeper but the ball deflected off the striker and bounced just over the open goal. Simon Johnson and Nick Chadwick came on for A. Williams and Done late on and the pair linked-up to release Chadwick but the former Plymouth striker saw his shot deflect wide. Jon Worthington came on for Parker before in stoppage time, Taylor saw his curling free-kick from 25 yards well saved by Smithies.

Under the guidance of the new manager and the backing of the majority of the 13,070 crowd, Huddersfield came through a tricky test although the away following of 214 will be encouraged by Hereford’s performance. If United had managed to get the first-goal, the game could have taken a much different path but the killer instinct still appears to be lacking up front. For all A. Williams hard-work up top, he rarely looks like he will pop up with a goal. Next up United is the Boxing Day visit of Tranmere Rovers, before a trip to league leaders Leicester City two days later.

Hereford: Samson, Rose, Gowling, Beckwith, Taylor, Ainsworth, Diagouraga, Smith, Done, Guinan, Williams.

Subs: Broadhurst, Threlfall, Gwynne, Johnson, Chadwick.

Huddersfield: Smithies, Berrett, ,N. Clarke, Goodwin, Butler, Williams, Holdsworth, Craney,Collins, Parker, Roberts.

Subs: Glennon, Worthington, T. Clarke, Jevons, Cadamarteri.

Reaction From Huddersfield

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, Graham Turner though the Bulls should have won the game: "First of all I though we played ever so well second half. I think that we started the game well in the first half but got a bit disorganised with the method that Huddersfield were playing with three centre halves and a deep lying midfield player. We sorted one or two things out at half time and I thought we had a terrific second half and I can't believe we've lost the game - and nor can the players.

"I think we had a good shout for a penalty right before they scored, but we created a string of good chances, some of which we didn't do very well with others that the goalkeeper made some very good saves.

"Disappointed with the outcome of it all, encouraged by the level of work, performance, spirit in the side. And if they show that repeatedly we'll get out of trouble."

Huddersfield boss Lee Clark was delighted with the win, telling their official site: "It was very good! I knew I was inheriting a good, confident group of lads but what they did show in the second-half, when we had a twenty minute spell of being under pressure, was that they are all prepared to stand up and be counted.

"Hereford came into the game in the second-half and caused us a few problems down the wide areas - their full-backs were getting on the ball too easily. We were getting a bit stretched and we had to stop that, so we switched to a 4-4-2 to try and get on the ball ourselves and build some momentum. Basically, we had to stop their full-backs dictating the pace of the game and once we changed we started creating chances again before getting the first goal at a vital time. To be fair to the lads they might have been a little bit flat after the interval because they have given me absolutely everything in training this week; perhaps that took a little bit of a toll on them."

 

This Afternoon's National North Fixtures

A list of the games set to take place in the National North League this afternoon:

Bedford Town v Marine

Buxton v AFC Telford United

Chester v South Shields

Chorley v Hereford

Darlington v King's Lynn Town

Kidderminster Harriers v AFC Fylde

Merthyr Town v Curzon Ashton

Peterborough Sports v Scarborough Athletic

Radcliffe v Leamington

Southport v Worksop Town

Spennymoor Town v Oxford City  

National North Weekend Preview

This preview from the National League is written by Tom Scott.

The Enterprise National League North returns after a brief FA Trophy hiatus - so who will stake their claim to Christmas number one?

It can only be one of two sides but both AFC Fylde and South Shields face tough away days.

The Coasters head to Kidderminster Harriers on the back of three straight wins while Ian Watson takes his side to Chester who haven't tasted defeat since late October.

The only side to have gone longer unbeaten - ten games in all competitions - currently are Southport who host Worksop Town.

Third-place Merthyr Town know they can't be top for Christmas but know a win against Curzon Ashton could edge them even closer.

Just below the Martyrs things could not be any more wide open - just four points separate Kidderminster Harriers in fourth and Marine down in 12th. 

The Mariners - who could jump up to sixth with a win - head to Bedford Town while Radcliffe will be desperate to get back to winning ways at home against winless-on-the-road Leamington.

Despite their humbling defeat to Oxford City last time out Darlington are still one of the form sides in the division and meet another side in good shape in King's Lynn Town.

After two weekends on the road Chorley will be hoping their Victory Park home will live up to its name as Hereford arrive. 

Could this weekend be the one where Oxford City end their winless run on the road? 

The Hoops haven't won a league game away from home since April and head to Spennymoor Town who are unbeaten in their two December games so far.

Elsewhere, Scarborough Athletic head to Peterborough Sports while AFC Telford United - fresh from their heroics in the FA Trophy last weekend - head to Buxton.

This weekend's fixtures:
Bedford Town v Marine
Buxton v AFC Telford United
Chester v South Shields
Chorley v Hereford
Darlington v King's Lynn Town
Kidderminster Harriers v AFC Fylde
Merthyr Town v Curzon Ashton
Peterborough Sports v Scarborough Athletic
Radcliffe v Leamington
Southport v Worksop Town
Spennymoor Town v Oxford City 

It's Always Tough At Chorley

 

Ahead of tomorrow's away game Hereford manager Paul Caddis has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that it's always tough at Chorley.

"A really tough game, it's always tough up there," said Caddis.

"I think our record over the past two years has been pretty good.

"I think we've drawn one and won one.

"The game here they rolled us over, well and truely deserved winners that afternoon.

"We won't be up there for revenge, that's not how it works.

"We'll be up there to go and try and win a game of foootball, simple as that." 

Corner being turned?

Is a corner gradually being turned in Hereford FC's season? If that's too much to ask, can a corner be turned into a goal at the right end at least?

The Bulls travel to Lancashire on Saturday as they continue their quest to pull away from the National League North relegation zone, after being on FA Trophy duty last weekend with that rare beast, an Edgar Street home game. Whether there’ll be another one in 2025 is in the lap of the gods (and the forecast suggests that the gods might be in quite a good mood for a change next week), and, more prosaically, Ben Bowen’s new drains.

Chorley won at Edgar Street in August in second gear, but Hereford are, like the tortoise to Chorley’s hare, chugging into some sort of form for the second half of the season after starting it like they were still on the beach, and this could be more of a closely-fought encounter as a result.

In fact, the Bulls are approaching the season in the same way they approach individual matches – awful start and then gradual warming to the task. Match warm-ups should actually be 45-minute simulated matches, so that they then play the actual first half of games the way they typically play second halves. Where that leaves the actual second half in terms of energy levels is of course an issue. It’s all very odd though how lethargic the first fifteen minutes, and often the first 45, almost always are, and is something that needs rectifying.

Whether it’s right or wrong that the Bulls came into the season undercooked (some of those early-season no-shows make it very difficult to argue otherwise), there are signs, very tentative signs, of them now being capable of turning their multiple games in hand into cold, hard points, and seeing how far those points can take them up the league.

This will be something of a progress report. Just over a year ago at Victory Park Hereford confidently went toe-to-toe with the Magpies and would have won but for a late Andy Williams penalty miss.

If something similar emerges here it will strongly suggest that the side really is belatedly finding its feet, is on the up, and that things haven’t gone backwards over the last twelve months, despite the multitude of hassles since August, hassles that have been entirely out of the control of Paul Caddis and his players.

Something that is much more the remit of Caddis, Adam Rooney and their players, is that there was another early concession of a facile goal from a set piece last Saturday; they wouldn’t be quite so frustrating if one or two similarly easy goals were scored by the Bulls rather than conceded by them. There’s a distinct feeling this season that Hereford have to work for their goals (as should be the case), whereas opponents are continually given gifts.

The hosts sit twelfth in the league; that league position is unusually low for an ultra-consistent top-end play-off side, and gives some cause for optimism for the away side.

Long-serving goalie Matt Urwin remains one of the better keepers in the division, ex-Bull Harvey Smith continues to be a defensive lynchpin for them, and Adam Blakeman is both their free-kick expert and long-throw slinger.

Manager Andy Preece expects 18-year-old Preston North End midfielder Max Wilson to go on to have a decent career in the game, and despite his tender years the loanee’s quality could cause the Bulls some headaches here.

Preece is a shrewd cookie and he will have diligently done his homework ahead of this match. He’ll also be quite cross at Chorley’s start to the season, and I wouldn’t want to cross a cross Andy Preece.

No new arrivals in the Hereford dressing room this week despite Omari Sterling James reportedly leaving for pastures new. A four-game unbeaten run owes at least something to the following positives though: Jaiden White looking delighted to just be playing football again which is lovely to see and adds significantly to the side’s attacking threat. Gus Mafuta growing into his ‘thou shalt not pass’ midfield role, a role sorely needed when the Bulls midfield was being ridden roughshod over repeatedly earlier in the season. Also, Sam Osborne continues to be a livewire, Keenan Quansah is starting to come into his own and is offering some mobility at the back, and finally Aaron Skinner is hinting that he’s getting back to his best. Quite a long list, all in all.

All of a sudden the next game is, possibly, Kidderminster at home on Boxing Day, and as has been the case recently all eyes will be on the weather rather than the latest big-money signing our fancy-dan Worcestershire neighbours have brought in to drag them up and out of this division. A P-P for that one would possibly leave the club’s beancounters weeping (although not on the pitch please as it can’t take any more moisture) as losses from whatever has caused the issue will start to match the profit returned by the club for the last reporting year, and then all that financial prudence is undone.

That’s not a particularly bright note to end on though, so I’ll just say goals for Willo and I-Lani here wouldn’t be a surprise. And one for a centre back from a corner in the right net for a change. OK, maybe I’ve gone too far with that.

COYW