Pitch at St George's Dedicated To Dick Bate

A pitch at the FA's St George's Park has been dedicated to Dick Bate, the former Hereford United coach, who 'helped thousands become better coaches'.

Pitch 10 at the national football centre will now carry the name of the former England Youth coach. It was formally dedicated to Bate during a private ceremony attended by his wife Maggie and sons Nick and Matthew.

Bate joined Hereford United in November 1994 to assist John Layton. He worked under Graham Turner for two seasons. He left Edgar Street in May 1997 to work with Howard Wilkinson at the FA. He died in April 2018.

Horsell Sub In National North Team Of The Weekend

Hereford FC goalkeeper Martin Horsell has been selected as a substitute in the National North team of weekend.

Horsell pulled off some cracking saves against Chorley last Saturday.

For Chorley Matt Challonor and Alex Newby made the starting eleven.

I Think We Just Shaded It Said Chorley Manager

Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio though his side 'just shaded it' against Hereford on Saturday.

"I’m made up, not just with the victories, but the manner of the victories as well," he said.

"We’ve gone to some tough places and played some good teams and today, Hereford are a good side and they will certainly be up there come the end of the season. We had to keep going today to get that goal and we finally got it and overall, I think we just shaded it but to get that goal in the last few minutes, what a feeling. I’m absolutely made up.

"When I first joined here, we were playing in front of 156 supporters and now it’s 1500 at home against ex-league times like Hereford, York, Guiseley. This is amazing for this club and we just want to keep riding the quest [crest] of the wave and by the time it comes to the end of the season, hopefully we’ll be there or thereabouts.

"I look at the table all the time. I don’t know if I would if we were getting beat but generally I think you’ve got to look at the table and see where you are. It makes happy reading at the moment for me, the players, the staff and most of all, the supporters."

National North Weekend Review

Saturday 18^th August saw the fifth set of Vanarama National League fixtures, and one again there were some high scoring matches, clocking in at nearly four goals a game.  Chorley left it late to clinch victory over Hereford, with a 90^th minute goal settling the battle of the top two.  Boston United took advantage of Hereford’s slip up to move into second and continue their impressive start to the season.  AFC Telford United, still unbeaten, moved into third with another high scoring match at Spennymoor, the Shropshire side running out 3-2 winners.  In another game between high flying teams, Bradford (Park Avenue) shared the points with Stockport County and both remain in the playoff spots.  The final spot is held by Leamington, who were held at home by Guiseley, picking up their second away point in five days.

At the bottom of the table, Southport clicked into gear, dispatching Nuneaton Borough at Liberty Way by 4 goals to 1. Nuneaton take the place of their conquerors at the foot of the table.  FC United of Manchester drop back into the relegation places through no fault of their own – their match at Chester being the second consecutive home game called off after flood damage earlier this week, Chester have not been able to kick a ball in anger since last weekend's 8-1 drubbing at Blyth.

York’s mixed start to the season saw them held at home by Curzon Ashton, and although they are only one place outside the playoffs, this result saw the first managerial casualty of the season as the Minstermen dispensed with the services of Martin Grey and his assistant Shaun Gregan.  They are joined on seven points by Alfreton Town, who beat blyth Spartans 3-1 at the Impact Arena and Curzon Ashton. 

Kidderminster, a game behind due to their postponement at Chester and having drawn their first three matches got their first win on the board with a 5-2 triumph over our next opponents Darlington ; and FA Trophy holders Brackley also scored five to put their indifferent start behind them with a 5-1 win against Ashford United.

The average attendance across the five matches on Saturday dropped below 1000 for the first time this season, with the largest crowd (2192) at York, and just over 1500 at both Chorley and Kidderminster.  The only other gate over 1000 was at the J Davidson.  The NLN lowest crowd of the season so far was the 180 at Ashton United for the Brackley game

Supporters Vitally Important To Us Said Beadle

 

In a post-match interview with the National League, Hereford manager Peter Beadle stressed the importance of good away support for his team.

"They've been important since we've re-formed," said Beadle."They've been fantastic.

"They've travelled in numbers again today. Nice bumper crowd by the sounds of it, 1500 here. Great crowd.

"It's just a shame we couldn't have given them a little bit more to sing about in the way that we played in that final third.

"It was not to be today but they are vitally important to us and I know they will stick with us for the next away trip."

 

Second Half Pictures From Chorley

A selection of pictures captured during the second half of Chorley's 1-0 win over Hereford yesterday.

Mike McGrath

Keyon Reffell

Keyon Reffell With Former Bull Josh O'Keefe

Eliot Richards

Danny Greenslade

Keyon Reffell

Harry White

Harry White

Keyon Reffell

Harry White

Eliot Richards

Keyon Reffell

Harry White

York City Sack Manager

York City have sacked manager Martin Grey. The club is currently in 8th position in the National North table. Yesterday they draw 1-1 with Curzon Ashton.

'York City Football Club has today parted company with manager Martin Gray.

The club has informed Martin that his contract will not be renewed and he has now left his post with immediate effect.

The club's Board of Directors would like to thank Martin for his services and wishes him all the best for the future.

The Board of Directors provided Martin with all the necessary financial support to rebuild his squad this summer after the team had missed out on last season's promotion play-offs.
Regrettably, it is felt that a change is now needed.


Assistant-manager Sean Gregan is also leaving with immediate effect and the board thanks him for his services and wishes him all the best for the future.'

First Half Pictures From Chorley

A selection of pictures from the first half of yesterday's game betweeh Chorley and Hereford.

Harry White

Lance Smith

Harry White

Harry White

Keiran Thomas

Martin Horsell

Harry White

Lance Smith

Eliot Richards

Billy Murphy

Stats From Chorley

A few match stats from yesterday's game between Chorley and Hereford.

Total shots: Chorley 16 Hereford 6

Corners: Chorley 8 Hereford 1

Fouls committed: Chorley 13 Hereford 12

Attendance: 1,542

Weather: 21c (Overcast)

Meanwhile Chorley's Andy Teague commented:

"We knew we would have to be at our best.

"In the second half we were relentless.

 "We battled hard again and we got our reward in the end. We knew they'd be a tough side, and so it proved, but we never thought we wouldn't score."

We Will Get Better Insists Beadle

Pete Beadle says there's still more to come from his side and they will get better in light of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at 'relentless' league-leaders Chorley.

A injury time winner for the hosts meant Hereford made the journey back down South without a share of the spoils.

Despite the result, Hereford are fourth and, with the exception of Chorley, have the best defensive record in the league.

Hereford's manager said some players who featured aren't fully fit, so once they get back up to speed his side will become even more competitive.

"We still know there's more to come, we will get better," said Beadle.

"We've still got players to come back, we've still got work to do and some of the players who played today still aren't 100 percent fit so we will get better.

"As we get better we'll become even more competitive.

"Maybe if Lance [Smith] puts his goal away after the second half that we had then maybe the game changes on that one chance."

Chorley were the stronger of the two sides and the Bulls boss praised Chorley for being effective, even if it's not the type of football that he likes.

The Magpies went into the game on the back of a 4-0 win against Southport midweek and are yet to concede.

"We hadn't had many chances to be fair, it is small margins," Beadle added.

"These have played York and won at home, played Southport at home and convincingly beat them whereas they found it hard work against us today.

"Lots of balls in the box and Horse [Martin Horsell, Hereford goalkeeper] had to make one or two good saves in the end, but they're extremely relentless in what they do.

"They're very effective in what they do. It's not my type of football, it's not the way I like to play, but it works for them and you can't take that away from them.

"You give them all the credit because they're now five from five, they've played five games and not conceded a goal yet - they're the ones to catch."

Pictures From Around Chorley

A selection of pictures from around Chorley this afternoon.

Bank Holiday At Chester In Doubt

After talking about Hereford's latest signing Jordan Lam, Peter Beadle was asked if the game at Chester on Bank Holiday Monday would go ahead.

"We don't know," said Beadle.

"They've taken today and Tuesday off, they are not going to be able to play those games but we've just got to wait and see really.

"We've got a nice free week so we'll focus on today's game and review today and then we'll get ready for Saturday on Thursday.

"By the time Thursday comes around we should know more as to whether it will go ahead or not,"

Could it be played at Hereford instead?

"I don't think so from what I've been told."

Bulls Slip To First Defeat

Harwood Bull watched this afternoon's game between Chorley and Hereford.

Hereford’s second trip up the M6 in the space of a week ended in their first defeat of the season, as they conceded an injury time winner to Chorley to go down 1-0. Chorley were the better side in most areas of the pitch, but the Bulls absorbed the pressure resolutely for most of the game and it was very disappointing to go behind at such a late stage. There were eight minutes of additional time to play, due to an injury to the referee, but Hereford were unable to rescue the game.

Chorley (‘The Magpies’) started the game as the only team with a 100% record, with no goals against, after four games so it was always going to be a challenge to come away with anything from Victory Park. The only change in the Bulls line up was Ryan Green, presumably having got his energy back after his wedding night, returning for Harvey Smith. Reffell is fit again but was on the bench, as was Jamie Bird, Beadle refusing to be swayed in his selection by the fans’ wishes.

The first half was largely uninspiring. Chorley had opportunities to get the ball into the box from dead ball situations but didn’t stretch the Hereford defence a great deal. Very little tested Horsell until about 34 minutes in when Almond cut inside and shot right footed which the keeper saved comfortably. Hereford never threatened the Chorley goal; Harry White’s only attempted shot had a slight deflection off a Chorley defender which took most of the pace off the ball making it an easy save for the keeper.

Late in the first half Newby for Chorley was left unmarked at the back post but couldn’t get his header on target, and the first 45 minutes came to an end having provided little excitement. Chorley were neater and sharper on the ball and had the lion’s share of possession but didn’t trouble the Bulls’ defence a great deal. Hereford never managed to mount any sustained attacking play and spent a lot of time passing from side to side across the midfield without being able to find an incisive through ball to prise open the Chorley defence.

The second half opened with more of the same. Then after 5 minutes Keyon Reffell came on for Lewis Hall and immediately livened the attack up. Hall had worked hard but doesn’t really look like a winger, a view shared by Beadle in his post-match comments. Not long after that Green was booked for a foul on Almond near the half way line. It was nothing dramatic, Green had been tussling with the Chorley front men for most of the game – he’s an old pro and knows all the tricks but it’s inevitable that he will pick up a yellow from time to time.

The pressure on Hereford’s defence continued to increase, as well as the many dead ball positions the Magpies were starting to get round the back and get some threatening crosses in.

The most unusual incident was the ref going off with what could have been a pulled muscle. This prompted a request over the PA - ‘is there a qualified official in the ground’. Remarkably they found one within minutes who took over from one of the assistants who then deputised for the ref.

Billy Murphy crossed low from the left, White missed it (or left it, I couldn’t say) and it ran through to Lance Smith on the 6 yard line. I expected to see the net bulge, but the keeper made a good block and neither Smith or White could scramble it home. That was Smith’s last contribution to the game, as he went off to be replaced by Bird, who got a good reception from the travelling support.

Shortly after Mike McGrath burst through the middle which created a couple of shooting attempts both of which were blocked. At the other end Horsell made a good save from a diving header and an excellent one turning a powerful close range header over the bar. The Bulls responded when Reffell made a shooting opportunity for himself but took it too wide, making the angle very difficult and he ended up shooting past the post, into the crowd.

Chorley didn’t let up and the killer blow came in the 92nd minute when Challoner’s low right wing cross was met by Josh Wilson with a crisp finish. 

Dinsley replaced Eliot Richards for the last few minutes but there was no way back for the Bulls.

You have to say that we were beaten by a better side. Hereford weren’t outclassed but need to make more of an impact up front. White works hard but, as against Curzon Ashton last week, looked isolated, and doesn’t really have the pace and mobility to play as a lone striker. Let’s hope that our new acquisition Jordan Lam will provide some cutting edge. The inability to create any sustained attacking play in turn puts pressure on the defence who don’t get any respite and chance to regroup.

As a venue for visiting supporters Chorley was friendly and unsegregated. The ground is in a bit of a time warp, doesn’t appear to have been updated for decades, and the gents toilet required snorkel and flippers for a visit. On the plus side the pork and black pudding pies in the bar were ‘interesting’ (you’d think I’d be used to northern delicacies after 10 years in Lancashire), and the chips were excellent. I had a chat with a Chorley supporter before the game who had some interesting views on their board’s alleged lack of ambition, saying how they were almost scared to be promoted. I think they would certainly have to spend some money to bring the ground up to scratch for a higher league.

Not too bad a day out. If we are honest we shouldn’t be too unhappy with our position after 5 games. We played the only unbeaten team in the League today and came up a bit short but weren’t overwhelmed. There’s work to do but plenty to be optimistic about.

Chorley FC:
Urwin, Challoner, Blakeman, Teague (c), Jordan, Leather, A. Newby, O’Keefe, Carver, Almond, E. Newby. Subs: Fletcher, Short, Cottrell, Meppen-Walter, Wilson.

Hereford FC:
Horsell, Thomas, Green, Liburd (c), Greenslade, L. Smith (Bird), Richards (Dinsley), McGrath, Murphy, Hall (Refell), White.
Subs (not used): H. Smith, Mayebi

Beadle Hopeful Winger Lam Will Offer Something Different

Jordan Lam playing for Cardiff Met. Pic: Will Cheshire.

Pete Beadle is 'delighted' to have brought in winger Jordan Lam and say's he'll offer something different for Hereford.

The Bulls have had to be patient as they waited for international clearance from Wales but it hasn't stopped Lam from training with the first team already.

"Clearance is done, finally it came through," Beadle said after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Chorley.

"He's now eligible to play, he wasn't eligible for today, it didn't come through in time so he'll train Tuesday and Thursday this week with us.

"He trained last Thursday and trained very well, he'll train this week and we'll see where we go, whether we'll include him, and whether he's ready for us for Saturday.

Lewis Hall and Lance Smith played out wide for Hereford at Chorley, although Beadle admitted that it shows that they're not natural wingers.

"He's a winger, an out-and-out winger. He can play in the middle but he's more of an out-and-out winger. I think you look at today with our wide players, and Lance isn't a wide player.

"Lewis [Hall] is probably more of a left-midfielder/left-back not an out-and-out wide player. That showed today, we played another good side and it showed today.

"Hopefully he'll give us something a little bit different. He's very direct, and very positive in his play. We've watched him for a couple of seasons actually so we're delighted to have him on board.

"Another prospect. He's 24 so he's a good age, he's joining us at a good time so he'll add to the group."