Tonight's National North Results

There were three fixtures in the National North League this evening. Probably most important from a Hereford point of view was Telford's 4-3 win over Ashton United.

Altrincham 0 Spennymoor 2

Ashton United 3 AFC Telford 4

Stockport 3 Southport 2

Bottom of the League

18 - Hereford 31/35

19 - Guiseley 30/33

20 - Ashton United 30/27

21 - FC United 31/25

22 - Nuneaton 30/16

 

Meanwhile former Hereford loanee George Lloyd came off the bench for Cheltenham during added time in their 2-0 win over Cambridge United.

Three Former Hereford Players In Cheltenham Squad

Rhys Lovett

Three former Hereford players are in Cheltenham's squad to face Cambridge United this evening.

They are George Lloyd, who was recalled from his loan spell at Hereford earlier today, Cameron Pring who played for the Bulls last season and keeper Rhys Lovett who played in several trial games in summer 2015. 

Cheltenham are short of several first team players, particularily Luke Varney and Jordan Tillson, because of injury.

Edgar Street ACV is Renewed by HUST

This from HUST...

HUST is pleased to announce that its application to renew Edgar Street Athletic Ground as an Asset of Community Value has been approved.

Trust chairman, Richard Tomkins, says "Edgar Street is our home. Every supporter tells me this. The trust is delighted to act as the catalyst to keep it so."

Following notifications, the nomination is now published on Herefordshire Council's website where it will remain for 5 years.

You can view the nomination here:
https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/info/200139/community/612/list_of_assets_of_community_value

Lloyd Recalled By Cheltenham

George Lloyd has been recalled from his loan spell at Hereford with immediate effect.

The Cheltenham Town striker first joined the Bulls in October before briefly being recalled in January.

Tim Harris has told the official site they will be looking to strengthen attacking options as James Waite is suspended for the next two games.

Cheltenham report that Lloyd will be available for selection for their game against Cambridge United this evening.

On This Day - February 19th

A look back at some headlines from February 19th:
 
2000:
 
HEREFORD United expect to have further talks with council leaders over plans to redevelop the area around their Edgar Street home.

Manager and chairman Graham Turner has already met the council leader to consider the proposed revamp.

The major re-development aims to incorporate football, cinema, hotel, car park and other leisure facilities in the town.

"We had an amicable meeting," said Turner.

"We have an open mind on the proposals. It is definitely an exciting project if it comes to fruition.

"Council Leader Terry James's ideas are if nothing else very ambitious and on the face of it could be a tremendous boost to the city.

"However they are very much in their infancy without us having any knowledge at all of the outcome for the club."
 
2002:

HEREFORD United player/coach Phil Robinson congratulated his side's comeback in yesterday's 4-3 Nationwide Conference win at second placed Boston United.


"At 2-0 down after only 12 minutes I was a little bit worried," he told the Evening News. "Thankfully, the players showed a lot of character."
 
2004:
 
West Bromwich Albion defender Tamika Mkandawire has returned to Edgar Street for a one-month loan-spell.
 
2005:
 
In a long article in this morning's Daily Telegraph, Sir Alex Ferguson says he is worried about the state of the pitch at Everton than the reception Wayne Rooney might receive for today's FA Cup match, but in the last paragraph mentions Edgar Street.

"But we have had difficult venues before to go to. We went to Hereford United once in the Cup and there was a bloody bull running around on the quagmire of a pitch at half-time. Unless Everton bring a bull on, we have no complaints about the pitch," commented Sir Alex.
 
2006:
 
With an important game on Tuesday evening at Edgar Street against Aldershot, Hereford United will be hoping that at least one of their strikers will return from injury.

Guy Ipoua travelled with the squad to Canvey Island and joined in the pre-match warm-up. But he wasn't named on the bench. And there was no sign of Danny Carey-Bertram, Hereford's other injured striker.

However Ipoua's services could be needed if the Bulls are to take three points from Aldershot on Tuesday following the horrific injury to Adam Stansfield and Stuart Fleetwood being substituted after receiving a knock.

Time Capsule Includes FA Cup Memorabilia

A time capsule which includes memorabilia from Hereford United's FA Cup win over Newcastle has been given to the Light Infantry Museum in the city.

Funeral arranger Jacqui Williams created the capsule which contains memories of Hereford.

“Because 2018’s Remembrance Sunday was such a significant one, and because of Hereford’s long connections with the military, I wanted to do something to remember those who died serving their country," she said.

“The community’s response has been amazing. I wanted contributors to add poignant reminders of present-day Hereford and its history as well as writing pieces of advice and memories. I have received so many fascinating documents and items.”

The items are stored in a special casket decorated with images of Hereford. Included are:

• Copies of the Hereford Times and Ross Gazette including Remembrance coverage;
• BBC Hereford and Worcester’s 100th anniversary of Armistice day breakfast show, containing interviews from Herefordshire people
• Pictures of Holmer School’s poppy cascade
• Memorabilia from Hereford Football Club marking their historic 1972 FA Cup third round victory over Newcastle United
• A book about St Michael’s Hospice
• A range of military memorabilia
• Information from the mayor Sue Boulter and about the Town Hall
• Painted stones and reflections from children at Hereford Cathedral School
• Words of wisdom from local care home residents

Dinsley Decides To Leave Hereford

 

Calvin Dinsley has decided to leave Hereford FC. The midfielder last played at Edgar Street for the HFA XI a week ago. Before then it was the home game against Nuneaton on January 19th.

Dinsley has struggled to stay fully-fit for a couple of seasons.

The midfielder originally came to Hereford on loan from Gloucester in October 2016 and started six matches before Tim Harris, who was manager at Gloucester at the time, recalled him.

"Calvin has had five or six games for Hereford and he comes back to us fit and sharp," said Harris.

In the following March Dinsley quit Gloucester by 'mutual consent'.

"I am very disappointed that things have not worked out this season for both Calvin and ourselves," said Harris.

It wasn't long before Dinsley was back at Edgar Street.

However he quit Hereford a year ago and said at the time that he needed 'to take some time away from football before coming back stronger and fitter than ever.'

He eventually returned but couldn't hold down a regular place in the team.

Dinsley will be remembered in particular for his goal at Fleetwood in the FA Cup.

'Midway through the half, Calvin Dinsley sent the away side into raptures as he opened the scoring. After a period of pressure from Hereford, the ball was worked to Dinsley on the edge of the area. As cool as ever, he curled the ball exquisitely into the left hand side of the net with the keeper unable to get a hand to it.'

  

Three Midweek National North Fixtures

There are three National North fixtures tomorrow evening. One of them is of particular interest to Hereford followers.

Altrincham v Spennymoor

Ashton United v AFC Telford

Stockport v Southport 

Last Saturday Hereford could only manage a 0-0 draw at Ashton despite having plenty of chances. The home side's 18 year old goalkeeper George McMahon, who is on loan from Burnley, kept Ashton in the game with an impressive performance.

Telford have only won four of their away games to date this season, in fact they have taken just 16 points away from home, the same number as Hereford.

Bottom of National North:

18 - Hereford 31/35

19 - Guiseley 30/33

20 - Ashton United 29/27

21 - FC United 31/25

22 - Nuneaton 30/16

Second Half Pictures From Ashton

A selection of pictures from the second half of yesterday's game between Ashton United and Hereford FC which ended 0-0.

First Half Pictures From Ashton

A selection of pictures from the first half of yesterday's goal-less draw between Ashton United and Hereford FC.

ASHTON KEEP A POINT THANKS TO MCMAHON

 

Son of Eric watched yesterday's game between Ashton United and Hereford FC.

In one of the classic episodes of Ripping Yarns Michael Palin recreates a classic northern non-league ground called Barnstoneworth Rovers. That’s fiction but Ashton United’s ground is a treasure. Some unkindly MIGHT call it ramshackle and the different parts have evolved over almost a century and a half. I would give it a blue plaque and listed building status. The sum is far more than the parts. Proper terracing on every side, a small but homely stand. A club shop, programme shop, club office all that a fan could want and quirky adverts like the one from the masons. Take your pick for views, terraced houses, rising moors, sprawling towns towards Oldham and in the distance the towers of Manchester. Whichever way you get to Ashton you will go uphill somewhere. The Curzon Road their neighbours take their name from is just a little way down the hill. 

The club’s welcoming to all bar, a tea bar still serving hot food at the end of the game, and team sheets for every programme purchaser show a focus on the fan that many of the larger clubs in this division have lost. This doesn’t happen by accident and it was sad to see so many Ashton fans in mourning after the tragically early death of Supporters Club Chairman Ste North. The programme was packed with tributes to him. Ashton’s attendances have regularly dipped below 200 this season, but over a hundred fans gathered on the home terrace before the game and released a panoply of different shaped red and white balloons. Red roses were strewn all around and there were many bouquets with poignant messages. On the 66th minute (the year Ste was born and a nice nod too, to hero of 66 Gordon Banks) all sides produced a minute’s applause.
Hereford FC have grown so quickly, so well because of many similar volunteers. They were coordinated by Ken Kinnersley who has now gone on to be the unpaid Chairman. At half time the directors walk from the main stand past the bar to the directors’ “lounge” which is more of a cross between a portacabin and a summerhouse in the corner. As Ken walked past a few Hereford visitors, pints in hands serenaded him with “Kinnersley out”. They waited, and when he walked back to the stand for the second half, again the same shouts came. On a day to honour a volunteer, they chose to dishonour a volunteer.

There are some things in life and death more important than football.

It may have been a 0 0 draw, but this was a good game Hereford should have won comfortably. The sun always shines on Hereford in Ashton. After a balmy day at Curzon Ashton on the west side of town, this time it was bright with a bit of breeze on the east side of Ashton. Hereford went from little to large with Symons replacing the suspended Waite, the rest of the team being the same as started against Leamington. Lloyd played wide right and getting forward hit a shot which went well wide. Ashford had more of the play and won a free kick just outside the box hitting it straight into the wall.

Hurst Cross has lots of slopes and on the top side Greenslade got down the left and won a corner. Tom Owen-Evans excellent delivery found Symons at the far post, he brought the ball down in a surprising amount of space and shot at goal, but a defender blocked it away for another corner. From the next corner the ball was partly cleared to O’Sullivan who well placed centrally hit a hard shot, but unfortunately straight at keeper McMahon.

Hereford were getting on top and Lloyd danced down the right (or lower side) and put in a great deep cross arcing away from the keeper. It was perfectly placed at the back post for Owen-Evans who should have at least got his header on target, unfortunately nodding the ball over the bar. Richards was running well with ball and had a shot over, and then headed a good chance over from an Oates cross.

The game was all Hereford, Owen-Evans had a free kick on target saved and then Thomas’s cross-shot was tipped over by the impressive McMahon. 

From another good Owen-Evans corner the ball fell to Cullinane-Liburd whose touch fell to Gowling who shot hard, the ball being deflected by an Ashton defenders’ arm for another corner. Gowling was not listed in the programme, but on the team sheet was listed as Josh Growling. Josh did a lot of growling at the referee but to no avail, I presume it was seen as unintentional, but referee Cox was weak and inconsistent throughout the game so who knows.
Owen-Evans was in a groove whipping balls with dip to the near post and Ashton did well to defend it. Back came Hereford and Owen-Evans tricked his way into the box on the left but shot ambitiously from a tight angle into the side netting when a pull back to Symons or a cross to Lloyd looked better options. Owen-Evans was irrepressible even when Ashton tried to double up on him, next he combined with Oates who got in behind, and teed up Lloyd for a free shot on the edge of the box. Lloyd’s technique was awful leaning back and hitting the ball well over the bar.

Ashton had a bit of play and won a corner, but Hereford were seeing most of the ball. Just before half time Ashton produced their best move. Mantack beat Greenslade on the right and then found Sheridan who crossed to Martin on the edge of the six-yard box. He shot and Yates got a hand to it, but it did not seem enough as the ball looped towards the goal. Super athletically Cullinane-Liburd raced back stretched and cleared a certain goal.

HT 0-0 Hereford should have been one or possibly two up at the interval. Owen-Evans had been on fire and produced an impressive sequence of dead balls.

A Chance For Lloyd

Owen-Evans continued this form with another good corner at the beginning of the second half. To cope with Hereford Ashton became more physical with lots of fouling and the referee saw an imaginary world where every time there was a tussle, Symons was the culprit and captain Ashworth was an angel. Defensive midfielder Kay was the maestro of pushing things to the edge and the referee seemed to be unable to understand that no matter how many times he told them they were naughty boys that unless he brought his mystical yellow super power out of his back pocket the Ashton players would keep taking him for a fool. On several occasions when he could not get a clear view, he did not consult his assistant referees who had better views. This was the poorest refereeing display I have seen this season. Capped by spending time to insist Oates moved a free kick back a yard or so to the exact place despite it being well in Hereford’s half, and following it up by ignoring the Ashton player standing only about seven yards in front of the free kick. Hereford players suggestion that if he wanted to be pernickety then he should be consistently pernickety, being airily waved away as he ran off.

Hereford’s players started to openly and repeatedly swear at referee Cox and were able to do so with impunity. Perhaps in accepting the bad language referee Cox was acknowledging his bad day at the office. He did not seem up to this level.

Eventually Cox booked Sheridan for a professional foul when he held back Richards who was on the edge of breaking clear. Ashton kept the niggly physical side going, and to a degree brought Hereford down to their level. Only bottom of the table Nuneaton have scored less, and the longer the game went on the scoreless draw looked more and more likely.

Owen-Evans was fouled again for a free kick on the edge of the box and took the free kick drilling it low towards the corner only to see the impressive McMahon tip it round for a corner. Hereford continued to have most of the play, but Lloyd was having one of his poorer games with experienced team mates telling him time and time again where they wanted him to be and Lloyd not gambling on being high up the pitch for through balls. Roberts came on for Lloyd after 69 minutes and brightened things up. Scott Kay had been the master of the dark arts for Ashton with lots of “clever” fouls which the referee just tolerated. After one of his worst on Owen-Evans the referee gave him another final warning, but Regan said something about this and was booked. Soon after with Kay surely due to be booked for his next foul he was substituted with Tomsett coming on.

One of the key factors in Hereford’s improved form has been having Eliot Richards playing so well. He had another good game with several delightful pieces of skill, but he was taken off after 79 minutes with the fresh legs of Finn coming on. 

Roberts won a tackle on the edge of the box and burst through on the right and shot powerfully across the goal, but the ball went past the post.

Greenslade received a heavy challenge and went off the pitch for treatment, he came back on and tried to run it off but was clearly still affected by the knock, so Wharton came on after 84 minutes. Owen-Evans dead balls today were the most consistent he has shown, and a peach of a corner found Oates unmarked at the far post. Jimmy headed wide when he should have scored.
A Symons flick found Roberts racing through, he shot but McMahon saved again, and a defender scrambled the ball away. The referee announced six extra minutes and Ashton put their best spell of the second half together but neither side could score, Yates having a quiet game.

Hereford should probably have won this game by two clear goals, they had the better possession and chances. Across the park it was hard to see many Ashton players better than their Hereford equivalents. The stand out exception was eighteen-year-old keeper George McMahon on loan from Burnley. There’s no doubt the talents of Burnley’s three England keepers have rubbed off on this very impressive player. On this performance he will play considerably higher and he earnt the point for Ashton almost single-handedly. Burnley will no doubt have had a member of staff watching his progress, and their report will say the man who tested him most was Tom Owen-Evans who again stood out. At times Tom’s dead balls have been a little erratic, but today they were excellent. In a slightly swirling wind, he sent a series of corners into near and far post causing problems for Ashton’s defence. They doubled up on Tom but could not stop him. Without McMahon in goal there surely would have been greater reward for Hereford.

Interesting Encounter With Ricky George

Ricky George Pictured In 2017

Jim White, the Telegraph columnist, recently met Ricky George the former Hereford United player. George scored the winning goal in Hereford's world famous FA Cup game against Newcastle in 1972.

White, a panalist on yesterday's BBC Five Live's Fighting Talk, spoke about the 'interesting encounter'.

"I do some work for a charity that supports theatre in prison and I went to watch a show.

"I was sitting there in the audience in amongst all the prisoners and get a tap on the shoulder.

"I turned round and there's this guy and he says 'I know you'.

"I said I don't think so.

"You interviewed me once.

"No, no, no. you're mistaken, I'm not a policeman.

"No, no you interviewed me once.

"And it was Ricky George. Do you remember Hereford United's winning goal in 1972. He's inside now.

"I'd been told before beforehand that etiquette is you don't ask them what they are inside for.

"So we had this converstaion that went round in circles, him asking me what I was doing there but me not able to ask him what he was doing there

"Anyway I came out and the first thing I did was to Goggle it and found out that he's in for money laundering.

"Anyway I'm going to visit him on Friday so I'll find out."

Around Ashton United

A ground steeped in history that has seen better days.

The Home Dugout Was Much Closer To The Half-Way Line