Match Report: Bishops Cleeve v Hereford FC

Bishops Cleeve v Hereford FC in a pre-season friendly.

Following on from last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division side Hereford Pegasus in the first pre-season friendly of the campaign on Friday night the Bulls made their first trip to the Everyone's Energy Kayte Lane Stadium since 2017/2018 to take on Pitching In Southern Football League Division One South side Bishops Cleeve in their second pre-season outing.

From that side trialist A who wasn't involved on Saturday came into the starting XI and there was a selection of U18’s involved on the bench which was again superb to see along with trialist B believed to be Jordan Williamson who came on in the second-half on Saturday.

The game kicked-off with Hereford kicking from right to left with early possession before the friendly sprang into life after a loose pass across the back from the Bulls allowed the Mitres to gain a free-kick on the edge of the box, their left winger stepped up but his shot flew high over the bar.

Luke Spokes had the first shot for Hereford on 6 minutes but his effort was blocked by a Bishops Cleeve defender and it trickled through to goalkeeper Sam Gilder.

The first corner was awarded to the host on the left which was played in but the header from a defender went over the bar before the Bulls went up the other end and Luke Spokes' right footed shot beat Sam Gilder but also fizzed past the right post.

After quarter of an hour a worrying sight when Fin Holmes pulled up after going on a run down the left flank, he was visibly upset and had to be replaced by trialist B. Hopefully it's not serious.

5 minutes later the Bulls had their first corner which Luke Spokes played short to newly introduced trialist B who played it back to him before crossing into the area but Bishops Cleeve managed to clear.

On 28 minutes the referee called for a drinks break, after the restart trialist A went on a good run down the right channel before delivering into the box where Cawley Cox rose highest but couldn't direct his header on target.

Shortly before the half-time whistle on 47 minutes Billy Phillips drove into the box, shifted the ball onto his right foot before curling the ball goalwards but Sam Gilder collected.

Hereford had played well in the first-half without finding a way through and had pushed towards the break especially but it was goalless at the interval.

Half-time: Bishops Cleeve 0-0 Hereford FC 

The Bulls came out for the second-half with Ollie Lewis coming on to replace Theo Richardson in goal which was the only change.

The first chance of the second 45 came 10 minutes in on 55 minutes with Hereford having a corner on the left, Spokes lofted the ball in but he put too much on it and it drifted out for a goal-kick.

Bishops Cleeve had their first opportunity with a free-kick on the right near the touchline, their right winger delivered into the area which found a centre half at the back post but his header went narrowly wide.

Luke Spokes then did well to ride a couple of challenges before laying the ball off to trialist B who's snapshot was well blocked for a corner by a Bishops Cleeve defender, from the resulting corner the ball found it's way out to Luke Spokes on the edge of the box but his shot was saved by Bishops Cleeve replacement goalkeeper Lewis Clayton.

On 61 minutes a raft of chances we're made by the Bulls with Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Kayode Sahabi, Harry Jones, Riley Bevan and Harley Jones Williams all coming on.

Bishops Cleeve then had the best chance thus far to break the deadlock with a drive from inside the box from close range which was superbly repelled by Ollie Lewis for a corner.

The Bulls' Keziah Martin then found space on the right hand side of the box after a good Hereford move before his left foot shot went narrowly wide.

On 68 minutes the hosts opened the scoring in fortunate circumstances after an error by Kam Kandola who lost the ball midway inside the Hereford half which allowed Adulai Sambu to nip in before taking the ball round the advancing Ollie Lewis and calmly roll it into the empty net before Jude Gaudin came on to replace Keziah Martin.

The Mitres then had a good chance to double their lead after a good one-two inside the box allowed a striker to volley goalwards but it was wide of the right post before another change for the Bulls with Josh Mills coming on.

Substitute Riley Bevan tried his luck from the edge of the box but it was into the arms of Lewis Clayton, the hosts we're starting to have a lot more of the possession with the Hereford side now made up predominantly of U18’s.

On 85 minutes the Mitres doubled their lead after a corner on the left was played into the area which was headed home by Reegan Messenger before on 91 minutes the hosts’ left winger cut in and aimed for the bottom-right corner but his effort whistled narrowly wide.

A first defeat of pre-season for the Bulls after an unfortunate error for the first and a set-piece for the second with five minutes remaining, plenty to build on but it was another good exercise and more valuable experience for the U18’s.

Full-time: Bishops Cleeve 2-0 Hereford FC

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 21 Theo Richardson, Trialist A, 17 Joseph James, 4 Kam Kandola, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 20 Preston Bitemo, 7 Keziah Martin, 14 Luke Spokes, 23 Billy Phillips, 9 Cawley Cox, 11 Fin Holmes.

Substitutes:- 21 Ollie Lewis, Harry Jones, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Harry Metcalfe, Kayode Sahabi, Davyd Antoniuk, Jude Gaudin, Josh Mills, Harley Jones Williams, Riley Bevan, Trialist B.

Another good runout in the second pre-season fixture of the campaign despite a first defeat, more minutes in the legs and more game time for the U18’s that we're involved. Hopefully the injury to Fin Holmes in the first-half isn't serious and he'll be available for the upcoming friendlies as we build upto the start of the season.

Next up the third pre-season friendly and our first back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium against Worcester City. COYW

Words by Sam Cummins 

Hereford lose tonight's friendly

Hereford lost 2-0 at Bishops Cleeve in tonight's pre-season friendly.

Second half goals from Adulai Sambu and Reegan Messenger secured the win for the Gloucestershire side.

Goalless at the break

It's 0-0 between Bishops Cleeve and Hereford in tonight's pre-season friendly.

There's been few chances for both sides.

However, Fin Holmes had to go off injured for Hereford.

Starting line-up against Bishops Cleeve

Hereford line up as follows for tonight's friendly against Bishops Cleeve.

Theo Richardson, Trialist A, Joseph James, Kam Kandola, Lewis Hudson, Preston Bitemo, Keziah Martin, Luke Spokes, Billy Phillips, Cawley Cox, Fin Holmes.

Amazon Support Darlington's Community Programmes

This from the National League:

Darlington have announced a new partnership with Amazon who will support the club's community programmes.

Announced earlier this week, the wide-ranging programme is designed to strengthen support for communities across the North East, growing Darlington's existing work in mental health, disability and youth engagement - supported by a £25,000 donation from the retail giant.

The partnership, which runs through to 2027, will also see employees from Amazon's Darlington fulfilment centre volunteer alongside the Foundation at community activities and events throughout the town.

Amazon's donation will help expand the Darlington FC Foundation's Think With Your Feet mental health football programme, which uses football to support adult mental health through a safe, informal setting where participants can be physically active while accessing peer support. 

The funding will also enable the launch of new pan-disability football sessions, alongside focused engagement work with vulnerable children and young people.

Jack Docherty, Site Lead of Amazon's Darlington fulfilment centre, said: "Amazon cares deeply about serving the communities where our employees live and work, and our partnership with Darlington Football Club and its Foundation reflects that. We've been a proud supporter of the Darlington community since we opened our doors here in 2020, and we're delighted to build on that support through this new partnership with Darlington Football Club."

Mick Dawson, Commercial Director of Darlington Football Club, added: "This moment marks an important milestone for Darlington Football Club and will help us extend the reach of our programmes to support many more people across our community. It's fantastic to welcome Amazon to the club as a supporter, and we're looking forward to working together to make a positive difference for people across the North East."

The donation and volunteering programme form part of Amazon's broader community investment across the country. The company co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need, including the Junction Multibank, which opened in Middlesbrough in 2024 in partnership with local charity The Junction and has since distributed more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Wales, Scotland, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham.

Volunteer Helping Day At Edgar Street On Sunday

 

Hereford FC is holding a 'volunteer helping day' next Sunday at Edgar Street.

The details:

Hereford FC is inviting supporters and volunteers to take part in a Volunteer Helping Day at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium on Sunday 19th July.

From 10am until 2pm, willing volunteers are welcome to help complete a range of jobs around the stadium and get the MandM Edgar Street Stadium looking its best.

Tasks on the day will include cleaning, painting and general tidying, along with a number of other small jobs around the ground. No previous experience is required and there is no need to bring any tools or equipment. All we ask is that you come along with a willingness to get stuck in and help us prepare our home for the new season.

Whether you can stay for one hour or all four, every bit of help will make a difference.

For Health and Safety reasons, this registration form must be completed in advance.

Thank you, as always, to our fantastic volunteers and supporters for their continued help and backing. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day. 

Steve Bull At Edgar Street

Bishop's Cleeve On Friday Evening

Hereford FC's second pre-season friendly is at Bishop's Cleeve.

The game takes place on Friday evening with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Address:

Bishops Cleeve Football Club

Everyone’s Energy Stadium

Kayte Lane, Bishops Cleeve 

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 

GL52 3PD

Admission:  

Adults £10

Concessions £5

14 to 17 £3

Under 14 Free

PLEASE NOTE: Under 14s MUST be accompanied by a paying adult.

MATCH INFO:

Date: Friday 17th July

Gates: 6pm

Kick Off: 7.45pm

Free Parking (inside the ground)

Cash and Card accepted

Food Truck

Donut Stand

Live DJ

Raffle

Dogs on leads are allowed. 

Founding Shareholders Boost Squad Builder

As in previous years Hereford FC's founding shareholders have made a significant donation in support of the club's Squad Builder.

The news, confirmed this afternoon, has lifted the amount raised to £65,000. The target is £75.000.

In addition to the founding shareholders 133 supporters have helped the cause to date.

Chairman Chris Ammonds commented:

"I think it is important to specifically thank the Founding Shareholders for their generosity once again – their sizeable and brilliant donation to Squad Builder comes on top of the contribution they made to the pitch refurbishment work this summer, along with West Ham United captain and former Hereford United star Jarrod Bowen.

“As I have said many times, we as a club are very fortunate to have a group of supporters who care so much about it, and the money raised through Squad Builder – from the Founding Shareholders and wider fanbase – is a clear demonstration of that.

“While we all know that times are tough, it would be amazing to hit £75,000. I know this would make a huge difference to Aaron and Harry as they look to put together the final pieces of our squad for the National League North season that lies ahead.”

 

 

Why World Cup games are not being shown at Edgar Street

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds has explained why the club has not been showing World Cup games.

The country is currently at fever pitch with England reaching the semi-finals, where they will face old foes Argentina on Wednesday.

Many pubs and clubs in the city have been full of fans whenever the Three Lions have played, where "fan zone" type atmospheres have been created. 

Westfields have been open during matches, with an outdoor projector showing Thomas Tuchel's side.

Hereford fan Steve Thomas therefore asked fans on the HFC Exiles and Friends Facebook page if the Bulls "could have been making a good few pounds" towards the squad builder club could have opened up like other clubs have.

"Maybe the cost would've been too much. Any thoughts on this?"

In reply, Mike Meddins said: "They have done it in other tournaments but very few turned up. Less than 20 people at most."

Responding to that comment, Ammonds said tht was exactly the reason.

"Historically it hasn't worked at the club as many people already have their 'go to' pubs for the big live sporting events," he said.

"It’s quite complex really as people have habits they tend to stick too. We did talk about opening but you have to take into account what has happened in the past and make a ‘reasoned’ decision using all the info available.

"It’s different for clubs who have social clubs that are open every night with less alternative options nearby."

Around Pegasus Yesterday

Pictures from around Pegasus yesterday.

As ever at this well run club, Hereford's players and supporters were made very welcome.

Second Half Pictures Pegasus v Hereford

Five second half pictures from yesterday's friendly at Pegasus.

 

First Half Pictures Pegasus v Hereford 11-07-26

Pictures from Hereford's first pre-season friendly.

 

Hereford's Starting Eleven At Pegasus This Afternoon

Pictures of Hereford's starting eleven for the friendly at Pegasus this afternoon.

They were led out by Lewis Hudson. 

Several potential first team players were missing from the eleven including Aaron Skinner and Kyle Howkins.  Both didn't play because of minor injury.

 

Match Report: Hereford Pegasus v Hereford FC

Hereford Pegasus v Hereford FC in a pre-season friendly.

The first pre-season friendly of the 2026/2027 season saw the Bulls make the short trip to the K.G.D. Stadium Old School Lane to take on Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division side Hereford Pegasus in extremely hot and humid conditions.

Aaron Downes and Harry Pell included new signings Cawley Cox, Kam Kandola, Luke Spokes, Fin Holmes and Billy Phillips in their first starting XI of the new season with the returning, Theo Richardson, captain ©️ Lewis Hudson, Joseph James, Keziah Martin and Preston Bitemo all also starting. New signings Danny Waldron and Joe Willis along with Aaron Skinner and Kyle Howkins weren't involved due to picking up knocks with Joe Willis potentially long term with a muscle strain in his quad which is a shame, hopefully he'll be back soon to make his Hereford debut. A selection of the U18’s we're also involved which was brilliant to see along with two trialists with one believed to be Jordan Williamson which if the case fans will be keen to see how the local lad progresses with the striker being with today's hosts Hereford Pegasus last season where he netted over 30 goals.

The game kicked-off with Hereford kicking from right to left and started with high intensity with Fin Holmes going on a good run down the left-flank but it unfortunately came to nothing.

With 13 minutes gone there was a stoppage in play with someone in the crowd needing medical attention in the hot conditions, hopefully they we're ok.

When play did resume the first corner of the game came from the Bulls on the left, Luke Spokes delivered into the danger area but it was cleared at the front post by a Hereford Pegasus defender.

Hereford Pegasus' first opening came on 17 minutes when former Bull Harrison Summers did well down the right before clipping a ball to the back post where a striker got his head to but could only flick the ball narrowly over the bar.

The first real chance of the game came from Hereford on 22 minutes with Cawley Cox's drive from just outside the box stinging the palms of the goalkeeper before Billy Phillips did well down the right before squaring the ball towards the edge of the box but Luke Spokes’ first-time curler whistled agonisingly over the bar.

With just under half an hour gone Hereford had the majority of the play, looking for Fin Holmes as an outlet on a number of occasions down the left channel.

Keziah Martin delivered the first Bulls corner from the right which Lewis Hudson got a powerful header to but it was brilliantly blocked by a defender before the rebound came back to Cawley Cox near the penalty spot but he could only snatch at the chance and his half-volley went narrowly past the right post.

A hydration break was then called on 30 minutes before 6 minutes later Hereford opened the scoring, Fin Holmes did well once again on the left, faced up a defender before threading a neat ball through to Luke Spokes who from a tight angle managed to squeeze his strike past the goalkeeper and into the opposite corner to get his first goal for the club.

After breaking the deadlock Fin Holmes again caused havoc down the left, he played a crisp pass into Billy Phillips but his close range effort was saved by the goalkeeper for a corner before yet again he drove at the left-back before his ball found Keziah Martin but he could only hook his shot high over the bar.

The Bulls’ Fin Holmes again found space on the left side of the box, cut inside before his shot was collected by the goalkeeper low to his right at the second attempt.

Hereford Pegasus got away with a scare after a mix-up at back allowed Cawley Cox in but before the Bulls striker could pull the trigger a defender got back in the nick of time to clear for a corner.

Just before half-time Hereford won a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box on the left about 25-yards out after good work by Luke Spokes, Martin ran over the set-piece before Spokes’ right foot curler was beaten away by the goalkeeper seeing the Bulls go into the break with a slender one-nil advantage.

Half-time: Hereford Pegasus 0-1 Hereford FC 

Into the second half and there we're a shot of changes with Ollie Lewis coming on in goal, U18’s Jack Tolley, Josh Lloyd, Ollie Bradley, Josh McGowan and Kayode Sahabi along with two trialists with one believed to be Jordan Williamson.

The first opportunity of the second 45 came from Hereford on right side of the box, substitute Jack Tolley delivered towards the back post but a Hereford Pegasus defender headed away.

Shortly afterwards the first corner of the half for the Bulls on the left, Tolley swung the ball in but the goalkeeper comfortably claimed.

Hereford Pegasus' had their first chance of the second-half with a free-kick on the right which almost found the head of an attacker but it flew just wide of the left post.

Hereford almost doubled their lead when Josh Lloyd did well on the right before crossing into the box almost finding the onrushing Jack Tolley but the ball was just behind him and the hosts managed to clear before a trialist had a snap shot which was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

The hosts we're now starting to impose themselves a bit more, they had their first corner on the right, former Bull Carlos Moreira delivered into the area but Kam Kandola managed to sweep up the danger and clear.

Hereford Pegasus got back into the game equalising on around 65 minutes when Sam Griffiths found space on the edge of the box before striking low and hard with his right foot into the bottom left-corner.

After equalising Hereford Pegasus started to see more of the ball but Hereford continued to battle well with the side changed at half-time with many of the U18 gaining valuable experience with the exception of Ollie Lewis and the two trialists.

A Hereford Pegasus midfielder had a strike from the edge of the box which was comfortably into the arms of Ollie Lewis before shortly afterwards another had an drive from the left side of the box which flew past the left post.

There was then almost a comical moment when a goal bound long ball by Riley Bevan bounced over the goalkeeper and was trickling in but the hosts stopper got back in time to keep it out despite offside being given.

Free-kick for Hereford Pegasus on the right byline which was headed away by Harry Metcalfe before Carlos Moreira delivered another from the opposite side which was headed towards goal but Ollie Lewis collected.

The final action of an entertaining friendly came from a corner for the hosts on the left, Moreira swung the ball in but it was too high and evaded everyone.

Full-time: Hereford Pegasus 1-1 Hereford FC

Goal scored by Luke Spokes with his first goal for the club.

Hereford FC Starting XI:- Theo Richardson, Harry Jones, Lewis Hudson ©️, Kam Kandola, Keziah Martin, Cawley Cox, Fin Holmes, Luke Spokes, Joseph James, Preston Bitemo, Billy Phillips.

Substitutes:- Ollie Lewis, Jack Tolley, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Harry Metcalfe, Kayode Sahabi, Milo Corbett, Liam Coll, Jack McGowan, Jude Gaudin, Riley Bevan, Josh Mills, Ethan Secker-Howe, Trialist, Trialist.

With 806 in attendance it was a good first run out in the first game of pre-season in difficult hot and humid conditions. The Bulls dictated the first-half before with changes in the second-half Hereford Pegasus came more into it however Hereford still had chances but 1-1 probably being a fair result in the end to kick off pre-season.

The Bulls are back on road on Friday evening for the second pre-season friendly of the campaign and a return to the Everyone's Energy Kayte Lane Stadium for the first time since the 2017/2018 season to face Bishops Cleeve. COYW

Words by Sam Cummins