Bulls News

RMI to provide tough test

Hereford United host Leigh RMI at Edgar Street in the Nationwide Conference tomorrow, kick off 3pm.

Leigh's away record is better than their home after to recent wins at Northwich and Telford but Hereford player/coach Phil Robinson is eager to end that run. "Their current form is decent and they have picked up quite a few places in recent games," he told the Evening News.

"Even though they are below us we are not going to be taking them lightly and know we have to carry on our recent form if we want to continue our eight-match unbeaten run. Everybody is fit apart from those three (Cooksey, Voice and Piearce) and everyone is raring to go having had the last few matches called off."

"Attendances have slipped gradually away during the season and what I am trying to say to people who have not come for a while is come and have a loot what we are about. We're playing some excellent football, scoring a lot of goals and the more people we have cheering us on the better."

Leigh boss Steve Waywell expects to have a virtually fully-fit squad for the trip to Hereford. Midfielder Gerry Harrison is set to return to the side after missing the 2-0 FA Umbro Trophy defeat at Margate last week. Harrison played for United in the 1996/97 season,

RMI could welcome Mark Westhead - who was expected to sign for League of Wales side Barry Town this week - into their squad for the game. The goalkeeper could start in a struggling side.

Waywell said: "Of course, every game is a cup final for us in our situation but team spirit has probably never been better than it is now and I am just looking forward to Saturday's game. The lads will be really up it and to get back into a groove and Hereford are only a few places above us so it should be a really tight game."

HEREFORD United goalkeeper Scott Cooksey has been forced to retire from football after another injury setback.

The twenty nine year old stopper hasn't played this season with a wrist injury which almost killed him, and he found out earlier this week that he requires another operation. Chairman Graham Turner commented on ClubCall that it was a sad day for the club.

Also departing Edgar Street is Mark Williams. The defender was released after a breach of discipline.

However, there is some good news coming from the club. Attacking midfielder Paul Parry has signed a new two year contract with Hereford, securing his future at Edgar Street until June 2004. Also considering new contracts are Matt Baker, Tony James and Gavin Williams. However, if offers come in from higher-graded sides, then they have a release clause allowing them to move on, if they wish so.