Memories will come flooding back on Saturday

Brighton and Hove Albion will be Hereford United's opponents this coming Saturday, weather permitting.

The last time the two teams met in a League Fixture at Edgar Street was in May 1997.

People sometimes wonder why there is a rivalry between Hereford United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Ask any Hereford United fan and they will take you back to May 3rd, 1997. It was the last game of the season, and Hereford United, who had been dragged into the relegation dogfight, were bottom of the Division Three table. Brighton, who were twelve points adrift at one point, had clawed their way to 23rd place. Brighton were in trouble with the FA, as their stadium was to be demolished in a few days time, and pitch invasions had been penalised with a two point deduction by the FA.

So guess the final game of the season. You guessed it! Hereford United vs Brighton & Hove Albion at Edgar Street. (Doesn't the fixture calender pull some horrible stunts). The morning before the game Hereford had 47 points, and Brighton also has 47 points. Brighton had scored 53 goals, Hereford had scored 50. So if Hereford won, they would stay up. A draw or defeat would mean relegation to non-league football.

At half time, the score was 1-0 to Hereford, and Brighton were on their way to relegation from the Football League. The final whistle blew, and the crowds poured onto the pitch, but with the minority celebrating. The majority were crying, astonished that the unthinkable had happened. A second half equaliser, scored by Robbie Reinelt, had put the game at 1-1, and Hereford United were relegated. The Bulls 25 season stay in the Football League had come to an end.

Within weeks, the club had disintergrated. The manager, Graham Turner, resigned, but was later re-appointed by the club. Many first team players left, and the club were back to non-league status which they had left in 1972.

In the November of that year, Hereford United were drawn at home against Brighton in the FA Cup First Round after winning the qualifying round tie. At Edgar Street, the Bulls emerged as winners by two goals to one, which was some revenge but the damage was done. Brighton proceeded to struggle in Division Three whilst Hereford finished a respectable sixth in the Conference.

The sides have not played each other at Edgar Street since the FA Cup tie, but when they do so next Saturday, it is sure to be a passionate affair for Hereford fans everywhere.

This article, with minor amendments, was originally written for www.hu-fc.co.uk

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