Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Monday, October 31, 2011

Another call-up for Cornell

David Cornell is in the Welsh under-21 squad for their European Championship qualifier in Armenia.

The Hereford United goalkeeper, who is on loan from Swansea, is one of 18 in the travelling party.

Wales take on Armenia at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan on Tuesday November 15.

Luckily Hereford United do not have a mid-week match during that particular week.

Cornell missed the away game against Swindon earlier this month when he was last called into the Wales Under 21 squad. Russell Hoult took his place in goal and the game was drawn 3-3.


Todd wants to stay with Hereford

Andy Todd has been with Hereford United since October 14th and, as he told Sky Sports, so far it's going well enough for him to talk about extending his deal which runs out next week.

"It's going well. I have had four games now and we have won three and lost one, on Saturday away at Torquay. I'm just happy to get a chance to play again."

His move to Hereford came about after Hereford's Director of Football, Gary Peters, watched him in a reserve game when he was at Port Vale.

"It's working for both us, both for the club and for myself. It's given them a chance to look at me and see what I'm all about, because of my age and that, and it gives me a chance to play games.

"I am still living in Derby, so it gives me a chance to get myself fit, play some games and if it doesn't work out at Hereford, at least a few other managers have seen me playing. It's probably a good deal for both parties. I have played four games in three weeks. It has put me back in the picture if it doesn't work out.

"It's tough and I know how tough the league is. It's very competitive. I didn't play the full 90 in the last two games, but I have managed to help out the team in some capacity.

"We have got a tough game on Saturday against Crawley. We have got a bit of a bad taste in our mouths from that result (against Torquay) and we want to get it out against Crawley. We know it's going to be difficult, but the pressure is on them because they are the ones that are expected to go up. We can just go out and have a good go at them."

How is Todd who is 37 and finding life under Jamie Pitman is 35?

"It's been alright. When I was at Swindon as a young player there, he was there as well. I knew who he was and what he's about. He has got Gary Peters alongside him and Richard Sneekes, and they have got a vast amount of experience between them. He's getting a bit of help from them two.

"I am only on a month's contract at Hereford which takes me up to the game on Saturday against Crawley. Hopefully I can stay for another month or so. I would like to go out on a bit of a high this season. Just playing games is nice for me because, like I say, things didn't work out for me at Oldham how I would have liked. We'll just see what happens."

The full article is at: http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,16711_7284074,00.html


Bulls 19/4 to Defeat Crawley on Saturday

Hereford United can be backed at 19/4 with 188Bet to defeat Crawley Town on Saturday at Edgar Street. A more general price for a Bulls' win is between 7/2 and 4/1.

Best price for a draw is 3/1 with Bet365.

Latest offer from SkyBet:

Hereford 3/1 Draw 11/4 Crawley 4/6

Please note prices are subject to change.


FA Cup Hereford versus Yeovil December 1992

As mentioned yesterday on BN, Yeovil and Hereford met twice in the FA Cup back in December 1992.

Here is a look back at the games from the BN archives - both reports are from the Independent:

Yeovil Town 0 Hereford United 0 (December 5th)

THE football folk of Somerset turned out in their thousands hoping to see Yeovil Town add to their lengthy list of Football League victims in yesterday's FA Cup second-round tie, but they had to settle for a scoreless stalemate as Third Division Hereford earned a replay at Edgar Street on Wednesday week.

The visitors proved to be made of sterner stuff than Torquay United, who succumbed 5-2 to Yeovil on their own ground in the last round. Hereford denied the home side a record 16th success against League opposition. Many observers had expected Hereford to lose at Sutton United in the last round, but they won at the first attempt; and they also knocked out Woking, the previous term's giant-killers, last season. They have clearly learned how to cope with the demands of facing semi-professional opponents away from home.

It was a scrappy encounter, punctuated by occasional outbursts of crowd disorder behind one goal. The match was halted for a couple of minutes early in the first half as a pair of police horses cantered across the pitch in an attempt to keep order.

There was little of the Cup's traditional romance apparent, on or off the field, despite a ground-record crowd of 8,085 at Huish Park, Yeovil's home for the last three years. Unlike their old sloping pitch in the town centre, Huish Park, although spick and span, is a soulless stadium, sited in the midst of a bleak industrial estate.

These teams were once rivals in the Southern League, and when Hereford last met Yeovil in search of league points, in 1971, their goalkeeper was one David Icke. Alan Judge, yesterday's visiting custodian, showed a few eccentricities of his own (especially when leaving his line to kick clear), but he also displayed his worth with several fine saves, the first in the 11th minute when he dived to push aside a fierce shot from Paul Wilson, Yeovil's youth team coach.

Wilson did not wait long for his next chance; from the ensuing corner his shot was deflected over by Colin Anderson. At the other end, Hereford's first-half attacks usually involved the pace of Chris Fry on the right wing or the guile of Anderson on the other flank.

Hereford enjoyed their best spell in the last 10 minutes of the first half. Tony Cousins and the nimble Owen Pickard both went close in the second period - Pickard with a near-post header from a Fry cross and Cousins with a half-hit shot which nearly deceived Coles.

For Yeovil, Andy Wallace and Mickey Spencer sent shots just wide late in the first half, and Spencer missed the game's best chance in the 66th minute. Mark Hughes, a lively substitute, headed on a left- wing cross from Paul Batty and Spencer belted the ball high over the bar from just five yards.

Yeovil never came close again, but won a replay at Walsall last season so, according to their injured player-manager, Steve Rutter, they will travel to Hereford in hope.


Hereford United: A Judge; C Fry (M Nicholson, 72), G Downs, G Davies, A Theodosiou, D Titterton, D Hall, S Brain (S Devine, 90), O Pickard, C Anderson, T Cousins. Player-manager: G Downs.

And the replay at Edgar Street on December 16th:

Hereford United 1 Yeovil Town 2

A bruising 'cider derby' brought a deserved and dramatic victory for Yeovil in this FA Cup second- round replay at Edgar Street last night, Neil Coates's 89th-minute goal completing Hereford's misery after the dismissal of player-manager Greg Downs for a professional foul.

The prize for the side lying ninth in the Vauxhall Conference is a lucrative tie against Arsenal, eighth in the Premier League, at their new 9,000-capacity Huish Park Stadium. Yeovil also claimed a competition record for a non-League club, making Third Division Hereford their 16th Football League victims.

The celebrations were wild and prolonged, yet moments earlier Hereford, who had fought back to equalise and survived a penalty after Downs's departure, were pressing frantically for the goal that would have precluded extra time. Instead, Yeovil swept away down the right and the ball was cut back to Coates, the substitute scoring from 10 yards.

A jubilant Steve Rutter, the injured Yeovil player-manager, was particularly pleased for Coates. 'Our fans give me stick for picking him because he goes out with my wife's sister,' he explained. 'They call him my brother-in-law.'

Yeovil's 18th-minute lead stemmed from Hereford's bizarre tactical ploy of leaving the right-back position unfilled. Steve Harrower's cross picked out Paul Sanderson, who scored with a glancing header.

Tony Cousins, on loan from Liverpool, rattled Yeovil's bar shortly before half-time, but Yeovil continued to look dangerous on the break, as Downs discovered to his cost in the 53rd minute. Mickey Spencer was racing clear when the former Wembley winner with Coventry scythed him down. The referee clearly construed that Downs was the last line of defence, and produced the red card.

In the 70th minute, Richard Jones fouled Phil Ferns to concede a penalty. Alan Judge saved Paul Batty's spot-kick, and visions of Arsenal loomed suddenly larger for Hereford seven minutes later.

Owen Pickard beat the Yeovil keeper, David Coles, to a through ball to level the scores. But in the aftermath of the goal, 'the brother- in-law' had come on almost unnoticed. As songs of Somerset filled the air, there was no question of Coates's exit being quite so understated.

Hereford United: Judge; Titterton, Downs, Devine, Theodosiou, Cousins, Hall, Jones, Pickard, Brain (Fry, 51), Nicholson. Substitute not used: Anderson.


FL Confirm Plymouth Takeover

The Football League have confirmed they have ratified Plymouth's takeover.

A League statement says the FL's board has made 'a significant leap of faith' in agreeing to James Brent's proposals, and they will closely scrutinise the club's finances over the coming years to ensure that the promises Brent has made to them come to fruition.

There are no further penalties in place on the club, and it is expected they will now be able to sign new players.


Support the Under 18's on Thursday

Hereford United Under 18's are in action at Edgar Street on Thursday evening.

They play Halesowen Town in the First Round of the FA Youth Cup.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

As yet the club haven't published the admission prices for the game.

The winner of the tie will be at home to Chesterfield in the second round.


News Round-Up

Barnet manager Lawrie Sanchez says he will hold talks with chairman Tony Kleanthous after Saturday's 6-3 loss to Burton. Sanchez told the press: "Whoever comes or whoever is in charge on Monday morning will have to change it" but denied he is expecting to be sacked after picking up just three wins all season. The former Northern Ireland boss says he will have to dispense with some of his current squad in order to bring in new faces.

Port Vale have named Peter Miller as their new chairman. The 52 year old only joined the board last week after being voted in by shareholders. Bristol Rovers boss Paul Buckle says that an 'ultimatum' from Stuart Campbell's agent caused the veteran player to be transfer listed. Speaking to the press, Buckle suggests that Campbell's agent asked for a new two year playing contract for his man as well as the offered coaching role.

Oxford have been dealt a blow after having loan striker Robbie Hall recalled by West Ham. The 18 year old scored six times in ten games but is needed by the Hammers due to injuries. Southend council believe the club's new stadium won't start work until next year after leaving the project out of their financial planning for the current year. The club had previously stated that they expected to start the project this month, but no work has begun.

Wrexham have offered caretaker boss Andy Morrell the job until the end of the season. The 37 year old striker has been named the Conference's Manager of the Month after guiding his side to top spot in the table. Macclesfield have confirmed they have resigned striker George Donnelly on loan with a view to a permanent January move. Meanwhile the Silkmen have appointed Jon Harris as Commercial General Manager. He was previously Chief Executive at Wrexham prior to his own bid for the club failing.

Bournemouth say they have had an offer of £4.5million rejected to buy the freehold of their Dean Court home back from the firm that bought it for £3million six years ago. Chairman Eddie Mitchell says the club will seek a new home if they cannot strike a deal.


Sunday, October 30, 2011

Winnall Loan Ends

Sam Winnall has told his Twitter followers that his loan at Edgar Street has expired and he will be returning to Wolves.

The 20 year old scored twice in nine games for the Bulls, but increasingly became the odd man out as the seven loanees had to be cut down to five.


Two Previous Yeovil FA Cup Meets

The Bulls have faced Yeovil Town twice before in the FA Cup.

Back in the 85/86 season, a Bulls side featuring legends Mel Pejic, John Delve, Jimmy Harvey, and Ollie Kearns went to the old Huish Park in the First Round and came away with a 4-2 win thanks largely to a Mike Carter hat-trick.

Then, in the 92/93 season, the Bulls made the trip again with manager Greg Downs in a Second Round tie. The match ended goalless with such luminaries as Max Nicholson, Andy Theodosiou, and David Titterton playing alongside a young Gareth Davies. The replay at Edgar Street saw Yeovil lead for most of the game before Owen Pickard, later to play for the Somerset side, equalised before an 89th minute winner for the visitors.

Of course Pickard is not the only player to have played for both clubs. Bulls boss Jamie Pitman was a team mate of Yeovil manager Terry Skiverton for two seasons in the late 1990's. That side also featured six others to have played for the Bulls: Tony Pennock, Tony Pounder, Ben Smith, David Norton, Adrian Foster, and Murray Fishlock.


Bulls Face Yeovil In Cup

The Bulls will face Yeovil Town at Edgar Street in the FA Cup First Round.

The game will take place on the weekend of November 12th.

The full draw:

Hereford United v Yeovil Town
Bury v Crawley Town
Luton Town v Northampton Town
Cambridge United v Wrexham
Morecambe v Sheffield Wednesday
Swindon Town v Huddersfield Town
Redbridge v Oxford City
Bristol Rovers v Kidderminister Harriers or Corby Town
Oldham Athletic v Burton Albion
Preston North End v Southend United
Dagenham & Redbridge v Bath City
Hartlepool United v Stevenage
Droylsden or Blyth Spartans v Gateshead
Alfreton Town or Lincoln City v Carlisle United
Chesterfield v Torquay United
Crewe Alexandra v Colchester United
Tranmere Rovers v Cheltenham Town
Chelmsford City or Gloucester City v AFC Telford United
Darlington or Hinckley United v Tamworth
Exeter City v Walsall
Bradford City v Rochdale
Notts County v Accrington Stanley
Port Vale v Grimsby Town
Sheffield United v Oxford United
FC Halifax Town v Charlton Athletic
Sutton United or Leatherhead v Kettering Town
AFC Bournemouth v Gillingham
Milton Keynes Dons v Nantwich Town
AFC Totton v Bradford Park Avenue
Newport County v Shrewsbury Town
Leyton Orient v Bromley
East Thurrock United v Macclesfield Town
AFC Wimbledon v Scunthorpe United
Salisbury City v Arlesey Town
Brentford v Basingstoke Town
Maidenhead United v Aldershot Town
Mansfield Town or Fleetwood Town v Wycombe Wanderers
Barrow v Rotherham United
Southport v Barnet
Plymouth Argyle v Stourbridge

Steve Evans at Boston

Next Saturday Steve Evans, picture from the Sun, will bring his Crawley Town outfit to Edgar Street. It's seven years since the Bulls last met Evans, that was when he was in charge at Boston.

It's probably fair to say that Evans has 'matured' somewhat since his days at Boston but rightly or wrongly those times are well documented. Always controversial, he nearly served a prison sentance in 2006.

Here's how Wikipedia reports his time with the Lincolnshire club.

After resigning as Stamford manager he was appointed manager of Boston United in October 1998. He managed Boston to promotion from the Southern Football League to the Football Conference in 2000 and subsequently to the Football League in 2002. Both promotions have since been overshadowed by revelations of off-the-field cheating.

Evans was suspended by Boston as manager on 4 July 2002 after a much-publicised Football Association investigation into "contract irregularities". He later resigned as manager of the club in September 2002, after still being suspended by the club. He was found guilty by The FA in December 2002 of impeding an FA inquiry into contract irregularities.

Evans was also suspended from the game for 20 months in January 2003 for involvement of the affairs of Boston, in which players' contracts lodged with the FA contained false salary details. Evans was further accused of impeding the inquiry and fined £8,000. Evans lodged an appeal against charges in May 2003, but The FA rejected his appeal later that month and the punishment stood.

An announcement was made on 20 February 2004 that Evans would return as Boston's manager on 2 March. In September 2005, Evans and four other people connected with Boston appeared in court, denying fraud charges.

In November 2005, Evans was given a £1,000 fine, suspended for a year, after admitting to using insulting or abusive words to the match official in a match against Peterborough United in October 2005.

On 11 February 2006, he was escorted from Grimsby Town's stadium Blundell Park by Humberside Police at half-time, after he berated the fourth official after being incensed when Grimsby goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall appeared to handle the ball outside his area and was immediately spoken to by a police officer after a complaint of alleged foul and abusive language. After the match Boston chairman Jon Sotnick accused the football authorities of waging a "conspiracy" against his manager.

In October 2006, Evans was linked with the vacant Darlington managerial vacancy, but Boston chairman James Rodwell and Evans both denied the link Also in October, Evans was sent from the dugout after an altercation with Wycombe Wanderers player Tommy Doherty.

After pleading guilty to conspiracy to evade tax, on 3 November 2006 Evans received a one-year suspended sentence and a £1,000 fine. Despite these events, Evans kept his manager's position at Boston, a decision that angered the Boston United Supporters' Trust.

In March 2007, Evans was left with only 11 professional footballers for the relegation clash with Bury. Although players were back from suspension, Evans was left frustrated after players such as Barnsley's on-loan striker Nathan Joynes quit the club, which left him with just 12 fit senior players and he was forced to put 16 and 17 year olds on an incomplete substitute's bench. After drawing 1–1 in their penultimate match of the season against relegated Torquay United, Boston needed a win against relegation rivals Wrexham to avoid the drop out of league football.

On 5 May 2007 Boston faced Wrexham in a win or bust situation, and things were looking good for the team when Francis Green opened the scoring for Evans' outfit, who lead 1–0 at half-time, but in the second half United conceded a penalty kick, which Wrexham defender Ryan Valentine converted, and so was the goal that sent Boston down. Two late goals from Chris Llewellyn and Michael Proctor rubber-stamped Wrexham's survival and saw Boston lose 3–1.

On 8 May 2007, Evans pledged his commitment to the club despite their relegation and return to non-League football. However, on 27 May, Evans and his assistant manager Paul Raynor resigned from Boston with immediate effect.


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Bulls disappoint at Plainmoor


Hereford United's winning run came to an abrupt end at Torquay this afternoon as they went down 2-0 in Devon. Boden's dive produced a goal from Nicholson's free kick and then Howe when remarkably six or eight yards in front of the Bull's defence when he received the ball was allowed to pull it back for Boden to finish.

Ryan Green started in his familiar right back spot while Rob Purdie moved forward to fill the space left by the suspended Harry Pell. The hosts were first to threaten when Stevens' diagonal run brought a timely interception from Green before Elder broke away down the left but his ball into the box was over-hit and ran through to keeper Olejnik. The swirling wind made control difficult but it was the Gulls who seemed first to every loose ball as the Bull's pressing game deserted them.

Leslie's first time effort from a Dalibard throw went several yards wide of the target while at the other end, Stam did well clear from O’Kane and Boden saw his shot saved by Cornell. Torquay continued to put the visitors under pressure and a succession of throws and corners ended with Howe heading over when well placed.

For The Bulls, Featherstone headed a half clearance back into the home box but Clist’s goal-bound shot was blocked as the game entered a scrappy period broken only by a miss by Torquay’s O’Kane when he screwed horribly wide with the goal gaping. Then, with forty minutes on the clock, Bodin conned the officials into wrongly awarding a free kick on the edge of the box about six yards from the bye-line. He slipped the ball between two defenders and, at worst, brushed the shoulder of Dalibard and he ran between the defenders. Then, some three paces later, when he realised the ball was going out for a goal kick he collapsed to the ground and the linesman bought it hook line and sinker. Nicholson fired the free kick low just inside the near post and although Cornell got down to it, his momentum carried the ball over the line.

Four minutes later, Torquay doubled their lead when, with the Bull’s back line appealing for offside, Howe pulled the ball back to Boden who slotted home from twelve yards.

HT Gulls 2 Bulls 0

The half-time chatter on the terraces included all the clichés…not at the races, second to the ball and no support for Elder from midfield.

The management team replaced Dalibard and Todd with Heath and Arquin after the break. Ryan Green moved to central defence with Purdie and Heath filling the wide defensive positions as Arquin joined Elder up top in a 4-4-2.

Home keeper Olejnik flapped at an early corner but Rob Purdie's back post header landed on the roof of the net before the referee again drew howls of disapproval from the visitors terrace when he pulled play back twenty yards for a Bulls free-kick just as Barkhuizen was about to get behind the Torquay defence. Arquin produced two good crosses from the right but on both occasions they failed to produce an effort on goal.

Leslie cut in from the right and set up Elder but his shot cannoned away for a fruitless corner before Leslie tried his luck from twenty-five yards but, again, it went well wide before The Bulls had, arguably, their best chance of the game. Barkhuizen swung in a beauty of a cross from the right but Elder, free at the far post, sent his header over the bar. Torquay, however, still looked the more likely to score and would have done had it not been for an incredible double block on the goal-line by Rob Purdie.

FT Gulls 2 Bulls 0

In truth, the 254 Bulls fans in the crowd of 2459 were probably glad to hear the final whistle as it seemed we could have played all night and still not scored. Even if we had contrived to get the ball in the net, on today's showing it's pretty certain the officials would have found a reason to disallow it.

It seems clear that a five-man midfield needs one of the central three to break forward or produce that clever ball that catches out the defence. Neither happened today in the first period and even the addition of a second striker failed to produce any real threat. The Bulls were second best today and failed to adapt to the blustery conditions and although there were strange circumstances surrounding both goals, there will be plenty of eye-openers when the players watch the DVD of the match that we had to watch. No better person to feel the backlash than portly Stephen J Evans.

Hereford: Cornell, Green, Stam, Todd (Arquin 46), Dalibard (Heath 46), Barkhuizen (Townsend 90), Featherstone, Purdie, Clist, Leslie, Elder. Subs not used: Hoult, McQuilkin.

Torquay: Olejnik, Oastler, Ellis, Saah, Nicholson, Mansell, O’Kane, Lathrope, Bodin, Howe (Atieno 77), Stevens (McPhee 74). Subs not used: Rice, Rowe-Turner, Halpin.






Brabin explains Kovacs New Deal

Luton Town manager has explained the thinking behind Hereford United's Janos Kovacs new deal with the Hatters.

Kovacs had been with Luton on emergency loan for 34 days leaving 59 remaining. Brabin decided it was more important to have Kovacs available on Boxing Day than this afternoon which was a FA Cup-tie so the new loan starts next week.

"I'm delighted that Janos is with us now through until early January and hopefully we can agree something in the longer term," said Brabin.

"He's been great around the squad in the time we've already had him, bringing some real strength and power in the air to the side.

"He has enjoyed his time back at Luton and we've enjoyed him being here."

Meanwhile Luton beat Hendon 5-1 this afternoon in their FA Cup-tie.


Birds Eye View for Peters

Gary Peters found himself with the highest perch in the ground, bar on the roof, as he joined BBC Hereford and Worcester's Keith Hall and Guy Ipoua in the 'loft' at Plainmoor this afternoon as our grainy picture shows.

However Hereford United's director of football was back with the troops for the second half.

Meanwhile Hereford United supporters had little excuse not to remind Torquay fans that they only have three stands at present.

Torquay had a poppy day collection with two gentleman from the British Legion leading the players and officials onto the pitch.

And finally, just for lwls, no geese today just a gull.


More from Pitman

Here's more of Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman post Torquay reaction.

"It was a game of two halves. We really did not show what we were about until the second half. We had a good go at it in the second half. I sent on Michael Townsend late on in the game and he had a chance as soon as he went on, so it shows you have to try these things.

"We wanted to get the ball into the box and I think we did that a lot better in the second half. It was difficult at 2-0 down but the players had a go at it and that is all you can ask from them really.

"If you had said that we would have taken six points from the last three games I would have taken it, especially with the last two away from home. We performed well to win at Northampton and we have performed well in the second half here.

"We have now got to move on to the next game and it's a big game for us next week, because it's Crawley - who are right up there - at home. It would have been great if we could have taken something from this game into that game, unfortunately we can't. We just brush ourselves down and get ready for next week."


We shouldn't conceed a goal like that thought Purdie

Despite losing this afternoon Rob Purdie felt a return of three wins, a draw and a defeat from Hereford United's last five games had been reasonable but he was disappointed that the Bulls hadn't dealt with Torquay's first goal which came from a free kick near the corner.

"I'm the near post man," Purdie told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I think I've been pulled back to mark which probably created a bit of a gap.

"We'll have to have a look at where the ball was and where David was, we're not sure yet.

"We shouldn't conceed a goal like that."

Hereford changed formation at the start of the second-half after coming in 2-0 down. Benoit Dalibard (Bruno) and Andy Todd (who had a dead leg) were replaced by Yoann Arquin and Joe Heath.

"Second-half, we pushed on, changed formation, and decided to go for it.

"We got tighter around the pitch, we played better football, we did a lot better so we got to take some heart from that.

"Nathan and Yoann did well trying to contain their back two.

"Three wins, a draw and a loss is a good return from our last five games. Everyone feels a lot closer now. We're working hard for each other and ourselves.

"So we have to keep that going for Crawley."


Two Dubious Goals said Pitman

Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman wasn't very impressed with referee Fred Graham at Plainmoor this afternoon as he felt both Torquay's goals were dubious.

Their first goal, from a free kick near the corner, was gathered by keeper Dave Cornell but he appeared to slip and both he and the ball appeared to be the wrong side of the goal-line.

"The referee has got to be very certain that ball is over the line, dubious yes," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I thought the second one was dubious and I think he has made a mistake there as well. I think there was a foul on the edge of the box.

"Nicky's been fouled, he's tried to get his shot off, couldn't do. It was a blantant foul.

"I thought there were some silly things that he gave and some that he didn't given look like giving.

"I think this was a game of two halves in all honesty but we didn't really show what we were performing like in the last three of four games in the first half.

"But the lads have had a very good go at it in the second half and we might have nicked something along the line somewhere."


Stats from Torquay

Here are the main stats from a cool and damp Torquay where the Bulls were defeated 2-0 earlier this afternoon.

Possession: Gulls 49% Bulls 51%

Shots on Target: Gulls 6 Bulls 1

Shots off Target: Gulls 10 Bulls 8

Corners: Gulls 8 Bulls 9

Fouls: Gulls 10 Bulls 12

Cards: Yellow cards for Steven Leslie and Ryan Green

Attendance: 2459 with 254 in the away end

Bottom of League Two:

18 Northampton 16 -7 16
19 Accrington 16 -7 16
20 Hereford 16 -14 16
21 Bradford 16 -6 14
22 Dag & Red 16 -13 13
23 Barnet 16 -17 12
24 Plymouth 16 -21 8


FA Cup Draw Tomorrow

The draw for the FA Cup First Round is tomorrow at 1.30pm on ITV1.

The Bulls are ball number 22, and could be paired with a number of local non-league sides.

One of the lower graded sides left in the competition is Stourbridge, with the Evo-Stik Southern side beating Rushall 5-0 today. Telford are also in the draw after also winning 5-0, at home to Gainsborough, while Kidderminster face a replay at Corby after drawing 0-0.

Tyler Weir's Gloucester drew 1-1 at Chelmsford to get a replay at Whaddon Road but Forest Green are out after losing 2-1 at Arlesey Town, who the Bulls beat in the Fourth Qualifying Round back in 2002 with both Jamie Pitman and Rob Purdie in the side.

Of the Conference big guns Wrexham went through after beating York 2-1, Luton beat Hendon 5-1, Fleetwood drew 1-1 at Mansfield, while strugglers Lincoln and Darlington also face replays.


Results Round-Up

The Bulls slip two places in the League Two table, but retain their four point gap over the bottom two, after today's results.

Accrington and Northampton move above the Bulls after their 1-1 draws with Crawley and Rotherham respectively moved the pair level on points but with better goal differences. Bottom side Plymouth led 1-0 at Cheltenham until the 83rd minute before conceding two, and having a man sent off, to end up losing 2-1. Barnet came back from 2-0 down but ended up losing 6-3 at home to Burton. Dagenham went down 2-0 at Bristol Rovers to remain a point above Barnet, with Bradford moving a point higher after a 0-0 draw with ten men at Swindon. Aldershot pulled themselves out of danger with a 3-1 win over Crewe to move up to 16th.

At the top Crawley's draw has allowed Southend to move top on goal difference after they beat Macclesfield 2-0. Morecambe beat Gillingham 2-1 to go third ahead of Oxford, who beat Port Vale 2-1. Shrewsbury are down to sixth after a goalless home draw with Wimbledon.


Clucas Reported As Trialist

Former Lincoln midfielder Sam Clucas is reported to be trialling with the Bulls.

BBC Hereford and Worcester's Keith Hall reported that the 21 year old has trained with the Bulls this week. Since leaving the Imps he has been playing with Glenn Hoddle's Academy side.


Bulls Blunt At Plainmoor

The Bulls struggled to test Torquay keeper Bobby Olejnik as they went down 2-0 at Plainmoor today.

Goals from Kevin Nicholson and Billy Bodin late in the first half gave the home side a lead that was rarely threatened as, even though the Bulls created several chances, they struggled to get shots on target.

Full report later.


Canham Extends Bath Stay

The second piece of loan news today is that Sean Canham has extended his loan at Bath City for a second month.

The former Team Bath striker has scored once in six games for the Conference strugglers so far.


News Round-Up

Swindon have extended the loans of ex-Bull Jake Jervis and midfielder Liam Ridehalgh until the end of the year, but have cancelled the contract of midfielder Ibrahim Atiku by mutual consent. The Ghanaian signed a two year deal in the summer but failed to make a first team debut for the Robins. Oxford have agreed a fee with Mansfield to sell striker Matt Green to the Conference side. The former Cardiff trainee has been on loan at Field Mill since the start of the season, scoring ten times in 17 games.

Port Vale manager Micky Adams has told midfielder Gary Roberts he will be sacked if his indiscipline resurfaces. The troubled former Crewe man was brought back into the first team picture on Tuesday after a month sidelined after missing training. Northampton have signed Chesterfield midfielder Derek Niven on a months loan. The 27 year old has played over 300 times for the Spireites since joining them as a teenager, but hasn't featured in their first team since August.


Kovacs Loan Extension Confirmed

The Bulls have confirmed that Janos Kovacs has extended his loan at Luton Town.

The Hungarian defender moves until January 1st 'with a view to a permanent move' but he will not be eligible for the Hatters' FA Cup match with Hendon today as the renewed loan does not start until November 4th.

There is expected to be an announcement regarding another loan move later today.


Full Commentary from Torquay

There will be full commentary from Torquay on their home match against Hereford United this afternoon on both BBC Hereford and Worcester (94.7FM around Herefordshire) and Bulls Player.

Keith Hall will be at Plainmoor for H&W and both Gregg Davies and Jamie Griffiths on be on hand for Bulls Player which still has a free trial offer for those who are not subscribers. More details on the OS.


Friday, October 28, 2011

Leslie could be a very good footballer says Pitman

Back at Edgar Street for the second time on loan from Shrewsbury, Steven Leslie has played his part in the recent improvement in form by Hereford United. And manager Jamie Pitman feels there is more to come from the winger.

"He's very enthusiastic," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"He desperately wants to do well.

"He hasn't played enough games for a lad of his age so he wants to play more games.

"And he's only going to get better and better.

"He's come here and given himself a great opportunity to do that. He's got the ability to be a very good footballer."


Brabin hopes for Kovacs Deal

Luton Town manager Gary Brabin is still hopeful a deal can be sorted for Janos Kovacs who has returned to Hereford after his loan spell was completed. At present it looks as though Luton will not have Kovacs in their squad tomorrow for an FA Cup-tie against Hendon.

"We are in constant contact with them (Hereford)," Brabin told Luton Today.

"He has really enjoyed his time here.

"We all know how passionate he feels about the club and we are hopeful we can get something sorted out but at the moment it’s not a done deal.

"There’s a lot of complications. I think if something is going to be done they would rather it was permanent.

"We can’t escape the fact we would have to take him on loan first.

"I don’t think we are a million miles away ourselves, Janos and Hereford.

"He has been back to Hereford this week and they seem to be on a good run and seem to be happy with the way things are going at minute and it ties in with what we are trying to do."


Merton Meadow Car Park Charges To Rise

Parking in the Merton Meadow car park will rise from Tuesday.

The increase, from £1 to £1.50 for cars, will come into force from November 1st. Charges will also be introduced for Sunday parking, but evenings - after 6pm - and Bank Holidays will still be free.


Plymouth Announce Sale Completion

Plymouth's Administrator has confirmed that it has reached agreement with bidder James Brent and the club will now be sold.

The two parties had been at odds over the amount of the fees for the Administration, with Administrators P&A Partnership and their solicitors claiming £1.2million in fees for their work since being appointed in March.

A statement from Brendan Guilfoyle reads: "I am delighted that this morning we have agreed a deal that will see Plymouth Argyle Football Club coming out of administration. We have been assured that Akkeron will complete the purchase today."

Once the purchase is complete, Brent's Akkeron Group is expected to pay the wage bill in full for the first time in almost a year. The deal is still subject to Football League approval.


Preview: Torquay vs Bulls

The Bulls travel to Plainmoor on Saturday looking for a fourth successive win.

The two sides have never had a League match outside the basement division, with the draw the most common result. Of the 57 meetings so far 24 have ended up as draws with the Bulls edging the win column by 17 to 16. Since the Gulls returned to the League the Bulls have lost only one of six games, with last season's 3-1 win at Plainmoor following up a 2-2 draw at Edgar Street.

The Gulls' bright start to the season has rapidly disappeared, with Martin Ling's side nosediving down the table in recent weeks after eight matches without a win culminated with conceding four and five goals against Southend and Gillingham. On Tuesday they reversed form with a 4-0 win over Wimbledon with striker Rene Howe scoring twice. The former Peterboro man has been hitting the headlines for his tackling as much as his goalscoring this season, being blamed by Shrewsbury fans for defender Reuben Hazell's long term absence.

The Bulls travel south in similar circumstances to last season's trip. Last term they travelled to Plainmoor on the back of three straight wins and secured a fourth as news of Jake Robinson's ineligibility for the game spread round the ground. The Bulls will travel without the suspended Harry Pell, with Rob Purdie likely to step up into his midfield spot. Ryan Green seemingly came through Tuesday's cameo unscathed after his injury problems, he is likely to retake the right back spot leaving Joe Heath to pressure Bruno Dalibard for the left back spot.

Torquay United vs Hereford United, Plainmoor, Saturday 29th October, 3.00pm.


News Round-Up

Plymouth's future remains in the balance with today's deadline to pay the wage bill looming. Bidder James Brent now claims the Administrator's fees are the only stumbling block to his 'best and final offer' with the Administrator dismissing Brent's statement, saying talks are still ongoing. The club's Supporters Trust has warned that it is prepared to take 'targeted and specific action' against the Administrator if the deal is not concluded.

Burton have signed Argentinian midfielder Andres Gurrieri on a short term deal. The 22 year old previously played in the Italian third division, and had a trial with Plymouth. Accrington have signed veteran midfielder Brian Hughes on non-contract terms. The 35 year old is awaiting international clearance for the move after recently playing in Iceland.


Barkhuizen Keen to Extend Loan Deal

Tom Barkhuizen is keen to extend his loan deal with the Bulls until the end of the season. The 18 year-old Blackpool winger has already scored four goals for the Bulls.

"I spoke to the Hereford gaffer the other day and told him that I’m really happy and glad to be playing every game instead of sitting in the reserves doing nothing," Barkhuizen told the Hereford Times.

"I have come in and I think I have taken my chance and I want to keep playing and doing well for the team.

"If I can get my loan extended I will be happy because I don’t want to go back and sit about and do nothing."


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Club Shop Website Changing Hosts

Hereford United online club shop www.hufcshop.co.uk is changing hosts to ID Sports.

The club say that the current providers rates are 'quite high' and so the decision has been taken to move.

One of the benefits of the move is that the hosts will not charge for on-line orders.

ID Sports has three directors, Hereford United chairman David Keyte, Simon Keyte and Duncan Cooper.

Recently the company has launched its own clothing brand known as Stitch.


Pitman wants change in Goal Celebration Rule

Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman wants a change in the rule that says referees should book players celebrating goals.

Last Tuesday Harry Pell (pictured) was yellow carded after he scored the winning goal at Northampton. Whilst he went to the edge of the stand to celebrate with fans, he didn't take his shirt off, didn't go into the stand and the celebrations were soon over.

"That's not inciting a riot," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"That's just someone celebrating because they've scored a goal."

Pell will miss Saturday's match at Torquay because he has collected five yellow cards.


Pitman Considers Longer Elder Stay

Jamie Pitman has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he will consider a longer deal for Nathan Elder if the striker continues his good form.

The 26 year old has netted as many goals in a month for the Bulls as he did in two years at Shrewsbury, with Pitman telling the BBC: "He's been fantastic and has fitted in well with his performances and how hard he is working.

"His work rate has been fantastic and that is what is keeping him in the team at the moment. At the moment he is on loan from Hayes and Yeading and we are looking to continue with that loan period until January, then, come the new year, we will reassess it and if he continues the way he is doing he will prove a point."

Pitman also spoke to the BBC about Janos Kovacs' situation. The central defender is back at Edgar Street after his loan expiration, but talks are ongoing:

"He's back here at the moment and there are ongoing discussions about it all, Janos obviously wants to go there because he is playing games and we are happy for him to go there.

"We have now got to come to some arrangement as to how things are going to progress and we are doing that as quickly as possible."


Licence Application Made For Social Club

A licence application for the revamped social club at Edgar Street has been submitted.

An application appears in this week's Hereford Journal applying for the 'Hereford United Sports and Social Club' to use it's venue for plays, indoor sports, boxing and wrestling, live and recorded music and similar entertainment until 1am during the week and 2am at weekends.

Meanwhile, tickets are selling well for this year's Sportsmans Dinner at the Three Counties Hotel. Tickets for the event on November 10th, featuring former Premier League footballer - and Soccer Saturday resident - Matt Le Tissier and comedian Lester Crabtree, cost £40 and are available from the club office.


Elder Extends Bulls Stay

Nathan Elder has signed an extension to his Bulls stay, he has told his Twitter followers.

The striker will remain at Edgar Street for another month after five matches so far for the Bulls, scoring in the wins over Northampton and Barnet.


Roy Williams was a Prolific Scorer

Former Hereford United striker Roy Williams (pictured on right) sadly died earlier this week aged 79. He joined the Bulls as a youngster and soon became a prolific scorer.

Late in 1948, just 16 years old he scored a hat-trick for the reserves against Walsall. Fifteen years later he converted a penalty for the reserves against Aston Villa to create a club record of 209 goals which had previously been held by Charlie Thompson who played for the Bulls in the 45/46 season and then from 1947 to 1958.

Before Williams retired from Hereford in 1963 he had scored 217 goals of which 154 were with the first team.

He missed just three seasons with the Bulls as he left Edgar Street for Southampton in late 1952 for £4,000. And he even scored once for Southampton against Hereford in a 'floodlit friendly'. Williams came back 'home' in summer 1955. The following season he scored 33 goals for the Bulls.

In the 57/58 season Williams was often on the scoresheet including a goal in Hereford's 6-1 defeat of Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup in front of 10,131 supporters. A few weeks afterwards he featured in the team that played against Sheffield Wednesday in the third round of the Cup. That game attracted 18,114 spectators to Edgar Street, the highest ever attendance at the ground. Later that season he scored a goal in a 2-0 Welsh Cup match against Cardiff City at Ninian Park. In all Williams scored 32 that season.

From then on he continued to be a regular in the starting eleven until he moved to Worcester in 1963.

His funeral service will take place at St Paul’s Church in Tupsley on Wednesday, November 2 at 11.15am.

(Many of the details and the picture in this article are from 50 Years at Edgar Street by John Williamson)


Dodd Thanks Travelling Bulls

HUISA Chairman Keith Dodd has thanked the travelling Bulls fans for their support at Northampton on Tuesday night.

"I made the trip myself, and it was horrible," Dodd told Bulls News, "it took us the best part of three hours with the accident on the motorway, and several didn't get there by kick-off. Even coming back we had to divert around another accident on the M50, so we were glad to have the points after such an awful trip."

"It was great to see so many there for a night game and I was told they were the only ones you could hear singing on the radio through the game. The club and players really appreciate the great support they are receiving, and I hope as many as possible can make the trip to Torquay on Saturday and help the lads to another three points."


News Round-Up

Luton boss Gary Brabin will face court in November charged with two counts of assault over the Hatters' match with York in April. Brabin was sent-off from the touchline and two stewards are claimed to have been injured in the subsequent fracas. Southend have opted not to sign French striker Yannick Boli despite the player impressing in two reserve games. Boss Paul Sturrock struggled to fit the former PSG man into his wage budget and has now decided to scrap the deal.

Barnet boss Lawrie Sanchez says he wants '3 or 4 loan players' signed up over the next few days to bolster his struggling side. Sanchez is also set to release midfielder Tommy Fraser after just six appearances this season. The 23 year old still has 18 months on his deal but is not in the manager's plans, however a deal to end his stay has hit a last-minute hitch. Crewe say they will look to the loan market after having to take two first-year pros to their midweek win at Cheltenham due to injuries in their squad.

Northampton chairman Dennis Cardoza has backed manager Gary Johnson after Tuesday loss to the Bulls, despite fans almost universally calling for his head. Johnson has won just six of 28 League matches since arriving in March. Plymouth bidder James Brent says he has 'no contingency plan' if his takeover is not completed by the Friday deadline. The wage bill falls due on Friday with Brent still scrambling to get all documentation signed from over 300 people. Included in his problems are translation issues, and one of those needed to sign being in prison.

Darlington owner Raj Singh admitted that he sacked manager Mark Cooper over the phone rather than face to face. He also told the local press the club's budget this season was close to £1million. Worcester say they face the danger of going bust if developers St Modwen don't produce firm plans for their new stadium soon. They have to move out of their current ground at the end of next season and will end up with a £400,000 tax bill if they do not have a new stadium within six months of that departure.

Aldershot have signed midfielder Scott Davies on loan from Crawley until January. The 23 year old previously spent the 07/08 and 08/09 seasons on loan at the Rec from former club Reading. Oxford forward Alfie Potter has signed a new contract with the club keeping at the Kassam Stadium until the end of next season with an option for a further year.

The FA are reported to be set to agree a cut-price TV deal with ITV over the FA Cup after the BBC pulled out of the running. Press reports claim the deal could be worth as much as £50million less than the previous deal.


Graham to Referee at Torquay

Fred Graham from Essex is set to referee next Saturday's League Two match between Torquay United and Hereford United.

The last time the Bulls met Graham was in an FA Cup match at Lincoln last January. The Bulls won the game 4-3, with two goals each from Stuart Fleetwood and Mathieu Manset, but not before Graham had sent off Ryan Green and booked both Manset and Guillan Bauza.

This season Graham has been in charge of 14 matches in which he has given out 41 yellow cards and 3 red cards.


Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Torquay Travel - Saturday


Torquay United v Hereford United
Football League 2
Saturday 29th October 2011 KO 3.00pm
Plainmoor
Torquay
Devon
TQ1 3PS
Phone 01803 328666

The Bulls travel to Torquay on Saturday looking to extend their unbeaten run. Originally playing as Torquay Town they shared their Plainmoor ground with rivals Babbacombe competing in the Plymouth and District League alongside the reserve sides of nearby Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle. The two sides eventually merged in 1921 to form Torquay United and played in the Western League and were later elected to Division 3 (South) of The Football League replacing Welsh club Aberdare. Their first season saw them finish bottom having won just eight games, drawn fourteen and lost twenty. They were duly re-elected and finally gained promotion in 1960 albeit for just two seasons. Their fortunes have varied both on and off the pitch ever since as they flirted with relegation from The League…a fate which was finally confirmed at the end of season 06/07. Now safely returned to The Football League, Torquay currently lie in fifteenth place just two points ahead of The Bulls.

Visiting fans are accommodated on the covered Sparkworld Terrace at the Warbro Road end of the ground. Admission is believed to be £17 for adults, £13 for concessions and £6 for U16's.

HUISA – departs from Radford's at 9.00am with a fare of £16 (non-members £18). Seats can be booked through the Club office (08442 761939).

CAR - Leave Hereford travelling south on the A49 towards Ross then join the A4137 at Harewood End continuing through St Owens Cross before joining the A40 towards Monmouth. Continue through the tunnels at Monmouth eventually joining the M4 at J24 (sign London, Chepstow. After crossing the River Severn leave the M4 at J22 and join the M49 (sign Avonmouth). Bear right then immediately branch left onto the M5 (sing Southwest). At the end of the M5 follow the A38 and then turn left onto the A380. On reaching Kingskerwell, take the first exit at the large roundabout (where is a McDonalds & Simsbury’s on one side) onto the A3022 towards Torquay. After one mile turn left towards Babbacombe (signposted Babbacombe (A379)). After 1 mile turn left into Westhill Road for Warbro Road. Torquay United is signposted on nearing the ground. Street parking. Distance 150 miles, allow 2 hours 45 mins. (depending on road conditions) Postcode TQ1 3PS.

ALEHOUSES ETC - The Torquay Supporters Club "Boots and Laces" normally admits visiting fans and has a reputation for being friendly whilst O’Conners near to the ground and The George Inn on Babbacombe Road have both received recommendations. Meanwhile, the local Wetherspoons can be found as The London Inn at 15/16 The Strand.

There are two chip shops close to the ground. The Plainmoor Fish Bar can be found at 143 St Marychurch Road with Rosie's Fish and Chips at number 175. Another chippy, Hanburys (TQ1 3LW), is about ten minutes from the ground and is locally considered to be one of the best, but it closes at 1.45pm and is open again after the match.

Enjoy.


Ball 22 for Bulls

Hereford United supporters will need to look out for ball number 22 when the draw for the first round proper of the FA Cup is made on Sunday.

ITV are covering the draw in a programme which starts at 1.30p.m.

Matches are to be played on Saturday November 12th unless moved for television.


Bulls Better Organised suggests Elder

Nathan Elder scored his second goal for the Bulls last night at Northampton and afterwards spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Gary Peters and the gaffer have done a fantastic job organising the team," said Elder.

"I think that's probably what was missing, organisation.

"And since that's happened I think teams have looked at us in a different light.

"They saw the position we were in the league and you can't underestimate us anymore."

Meanwhile BBC cameras were at Edgar Street today and whilst there they interviewed Harry Pell who scored Hereford's third goal last night.

"We know where we are, we're still near the bottom, so we just want to push on and, hopefully, climb that table," he said.


Kovacs Deal On Hold

Hereford United and Luton Town are yet to agree to a further loan spell for defender Janos Kovacs. It had been thought that a deal would be announced today but it appears Hereford are demanding better terms.

"Hereford don’t want to loan him again as such, which we are looking to take further," said Luton manager Gary Brabin.

"At the moment we are in-between. We would like to keep him but there’s a few bridges we need to cross first and at the moment we are not near that."


Don Cooke And Jock Letham

Two more former Bulls have passed away this week, former Bulls PA man Don Cooke and former keeper Jock Letham.

Cooke, a long-time scourge of the sunday league footballer as a referee, was the man on the mic at Edgar Street throughout a large part of the 70's and 80's. He is credited with, or guilty of, inflicting "Me and you and a dog named Boo" on a generation of Bulls fans, as well as doing a number of odd jobs behind the scenes.

Letham, who passed away last Saturday, spent three years with the Bulls, with Ron Parrott noting: Young Jock signed for United from Dartford in 1949/50 and spent three seasons at Edgar Street. During the first season he was in contention for the keeper’s jersey with Percy Lovett. Both were exceptional custodians and reliable performers and there was little to choose between them. Jock made exactly 100 appearances for the club.

He returned to Edgar Street for a visit in 2009, and Ron Parrott reunited him with former teammate Tommy Best.


16/5 for Win at Torquay

16/5 is currently the best price available for a Hereford United win at Torquay next Saturday. That's with Bet365.

Best price for a draw is 13/5 with William Hill.

Latest odds from SkyBet:

Torquay 10/11 Draw 12/5 Hereford 12/5

Update 7pm: Bet365 now offering 7/2 for a Hereford win.


Good Return From Bulls' Win

Supporters who had a pound or more on Hereford United winning last night at Sixfields will be rubbing their hands this morning.

Best odds appear to have been 10/3 for a win, 33/1 for the correct score and 9/1 on Nathan Elder scoring the first goal of the game.

Anyone placing £10 on each of the three bets listed above would have seen a return of over £480 for a £30 outlay.

Meanwhile some supporters were held up going to the game as there were long delays on the M42 after an accident close to junction four. A few missed the start of the game.

At the match itself there was another good atmosphere created by the Hereford supporters. It was 'helped' by the Cobblers mascot banging a drum on occasions and some of the home crowd leaving well before the end.

Finally a few of the players 'Tweets' said it all.

Nicky Featherstone - Great effort again from all the lads! Another 3 points :D Important we keep this momentum going. Bring on Torquay saturday! #COYB

David Cornell: Happy with the result, disappointed with the goal thought I could have done better! Thanks to all the fans who came! #makeadifference

Harry Pell: About time I started hitting the back of the net!!! need to keep this run going!! Boys were fantastic and Fans were brilliant! #greatnight!

Ohh and absolutely gutted about the suspension and to miss the torquay game grrr!! #caughtupinthemoment


News Round-Up

Plymouth's former manager Peter Reid has agreed to the five year wage repayment plan on offer. Bidder James Brent believes he now has everyone of the 310 people needed to sign on board, but is still awaiting paperwork from some ahead of a Friday deadline when wages are due. Meanwhile, Reid's 1986 FA Cup medal he auctioned for the club is to be replaced by the FA. The Pilgrims have also seen the loan of defender Simon King end due to injury. The Gillingham man missed the last two matches and was not expected to be fit before his loan expired.

Northampton boss Gary Johnson has been linked in press reports to a Russian consortium looking to invest in Bournemouth, but the former Latvia boss has denied the speculation. Big spending Welsh Premier side Neath say their future is secure after goalkeeper Lee Kendall walked out of the club after not being paid. Chairman Geraint Hawkes has seen his import business go bust and there was a delay in wages at the club.

Bristol Rovers are reported to have put former caretaker boss, and current player, Stuart Campbell up for a loan move away from the club. Crawley boss Steve Evans says Wimbledon fans are jealous of the Red Devils after their meeting at the weekend. He told the press: "We have better players than them, a better management team than them, better directors than them, better owners than them, better facilities than them and, as they found out on Saturday, better fans than them."

Grimsby's Supporters Trust has taken a 27% stake in the club after being gifted the shares by shareholder Mike Parker. Parker and former chairman John Fenty were being investigated as to whether they were acting together in a way that constituted a takeover of the club. Both men now also hold 27% each. Tyler Weir was booked for clashing with former Cheltenham man JJ Melligan during Gloucester's 1-0 loss to Solihull in Conf North last night.


Bulls win at Sixfields






Hereford United made it three wins on the trot against Northampton last night when goals from Nathan Elder, Steve Leslie and Harry Pell were more than enough to see off Berahino's reply.

"Bruno" Dalibard replaced the suspended Joe Heath at left back and Simon Clist returned in midfield at the expense of Sam Winnall while it was good to see Ryan Green back in the matchday squad as a substitute.

The Bulls started the match brightly but neither side produced an effort on goal in the opening minutes but it was United who took the lead on thirteen minutes.  Harry Pell burst forward through the right of midfield and his cross-shot from just inside the box was parried by home keeper Walker into the path of Elder who gratefully stabbed home from six yards.  As the game flowed from end to end, Cornell did well to push Berahino’s effort round the post before The Bulls added a second on nineteen minutes.

Steve Leslie was chopped down in full flight but he picked himself up to fire the free kick past Walker from just outside the box with the help of a deflection off the home defensive wall.  Former Slop, Kelvin Langmead powered a header against Cornell's crossbar as the half-hour approached before Tom Barkhuizen was brought down when cutting in from the right but the free kick was dragged wide of the upright.  The Bulls came close again with a fine move that started at the back with Andy Todd.  He laid the ball wide to the advancing Dalibard who struck a sweet diagonal ball out to Barkhuizen on the right who immediately switch it back across to Steve Leslie.  His pinpoint cross was glanced just over by Elder.

HT Northampton 0  Bulls 2

Steve Leslie scorched an effort inches wide of the post when he met a Barkhuizen cross with a first-time volley.  Then Barks jinked his way past two defenders to set up Harry Pell but the Essex Socrates pulled his shot wide while, at the other end, Turnbull saw his attempt blocked by the hard-working Featherstone.

Nathan Elder left the field on the hour to generous applause and was replaced by Yoann Arquin.  However, two minutes later the hosts gat a goal back when Cornell could only partly clear a cross from the left and Berahino drove home from 12 yards.

Ryan Green replaced Andy Todd before, with twenty minutes remaining, United restored their two-goal lead.  Barkhuizen beat two defenders to cross for the onrushing Pell to head home from close range.  His goal celebrations earned him a yellow that will cause him to miss Saturday's match at Torquay.

Pitman withdrew Barkhuizen with about five minutes remaining.  Green moved to fullback and Rob Purdie pushed up to an attacking wide midfield position with Michael Towsend joining the game in the centre of defence.  As the game reached the final minutes, Stefan Stam brought off a fine clearance but, in general, The Bulls rarely looked in danger of conceding.

FT Northampton 1  Bulls 3

This was a very encouraging performance in which Featherstone and Clist were excellent in their holding midfield roles freeing Harry Pell to follow the play and feed both strikers and widemen alike.  Leslie and Barks were a constant threat down the flanks while; firstly Elder then Arquin led the attack with pace and menace.

See you all at the seaside.

Pure Energy and Fitness Helping says Pitman

Speaking after last night's game at Northampton, Hereford United manager Jamie Pitman said he was 'delighted' with their 3-1 victory over the Cobblers.

"Our pure energy and fitness are getting us wins at the moment," Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"In two or three months time that will be even higher.

"The tempo and belief are a big plus.

"They had a spell in the second half when they put us under a lot of pressure but we generally soaked it up and coped well.

"We looked very good on the counter attack and our wide men allow us to do that.

"After their first goal it could have gone either way so obviously the important goal was our last goal."

Keith Hall asked Pitman about Andy Todd who was subbed halfway through the second half. The 37 year old defender looked somewhat reluctant to leave the pitch and there was a little shoving between him and a couple of Northampton players.

"We thought whether he could play Saturday/Tuesday Saturday/Tuesday.

"He's got great spirit about him and he's a true professional.

"We slotted him in and he did very well again."

Pitman would not say if the Bulls might offer Todd a more permanent deal.

"We've got to make sure he keeps performing to the extent he is.

"He's got to be happy here as well.

"Things are moving very well with him in the side."


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Stats from Northampton

Here's a run down of the stats after Hereford's first away victory of the season at Sixfields.

Final Score: Northampton 1-3 Hereford United

Goalscorers: Nathan Elder, Steven Leslie, Harry Pell / Saido Berahino

Possession: Northampton 52% Hereford 48%

Attempts on target: Northampton 10 Hereford 6

Attempts off target: Northampton 5 Hereford 5

Corners: Northampton 10 Hereford 0

Fouls: Northampton 6 Hereford 6

Bookings: Ashley Westwood for Northampton. Harry Pell for Hereford, meaning he will miss Saturday's trip to Torquay.

Attendance: 3643 including 267 in the away end.

Table:
17th: Aldershot - 14 - 17 points
18th: Hereford - 15 - 16 points
19th: Northampton - 15 - 15 points
20th: Accrington - 15 - 15 points
21st: Bradford - 15 - 13 points
22nd: Dagenham - 15 - 11 points
23rd: Barnet - 15 - 12 points
24th: Plymouth - 15 - 8 points


"Cobblers" Is Johnson's View

Northampton manager Gary Johnson blasted his players after tonight's loss to the Bulls.

He told their official site:

"The players know that they didn't perform as individuals or as a team. We created quite a few opportunities and we put the ball into their box on numerous occasions in the second half but we couldn't get on the end of it and that was the story of the night.

"At 2-0 down we gave ourselves a bit of a mountain to climb, we gave it a bit of a go but without the real quality that you need to score two or three goals.

"We have got three or four players who have been short of their best game in the last few weeks. We've worked very hard with the players in training and to try and get their confidence up but at this moment in time some of the players are finding it very difficult to get their game going.

"There is always time to turn things around but what we need is five or six of the players to find their form and then we can work around them.

"We have got a group of players who are inconsistent and we've been saying that for a little while. We are missing some players through injury but the squad needs to be strong enough to deal with that."


Results Round-Up

The Bulls had an almost perfect night of results elsewhere, with only one catchable side doing enough to keep the Bulls' rise up the table down to only four places. Torquay's 4-0 win over Wimbledon keeps the Gulls above the Bulls with the pair meeting on Saturday. At the bottom, Plymouth went down 5-1 at Oxford to slip to five points from safety, and Barnet's 3-0 home loss to Southend keeps them a point inside the bottom two. Dagenham are next after a 3-1 loss at Crawley, with Bradford level on points after a 1-0 loss at Macclesfield. Accrington's 1-0 loss at Shrewsbury sees them slip to 20th, with Northampton also slipping down the table.

At the top Crawley are now eight points inside the automatic promotion zone, and Southend six, with Shrewsbury up to third. Morecambe slip to fourth after sacrificing a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Rotherham, with Cheltenham slipping below Oxford after their 1-0 home loss to Crewe. Swindon are back in the play-off hunt after a 2-0 win over Gillingham, while Port Vale move back into contention with a 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers.


Bulls Make It Three In A Row

The Bulls beat Northampton 3-1 in their League Two match at Sixfields tonight.

First half goals from Nathan Elder and Steven Leslie opened a gap over the Cobblers, who had a brief comeback through loanee Berahino, and Harry Pell finished off Gary Johnson's men with a header. One down side of the night was Pell being booked for his celebration, his fifth caution of the season meaning he will miss Saturday's trip to Torquay.

Full report later.


Roy Williams 1932-2011

It has been announced that former Bulls player Roy Williams has died at the age of 79.

The Inside Forward scored 154 goals in 357 games for the Bulls during two post-war spells until 1963. Bulls historian Ron Parrott has provided us with this profile:

"Roy started on the football ladder with Lads Club and played for local works side Thynnes Athletic before joining the United ground staff in 1948/49. He was a key player in the Hereford side when he wasn't serving away from home in the RAF and when he returned to Edgar Street in 1952/53, he was snapped up by Southampton for £4,000.

He spent two seasons in the limelight at the Dell before returning to Hereford in 1955. Roy then remained at Edgar Street until 1963. A great club man, he scored 154 goals in 357 games and could always be relied upon to give 100 percent. In his two years at the Dell, he played 44 games and scored seven goals.

Roy also captained local rivals Worcester City. His son Mark was an apprentice with Arsenal and later played for Newport County and Westfields before managing Pegasus Juniors."

Ron also offered his own memories, saying: "It's very sad news, he was one of my schoolboy heroes and always wore the white shirt of Hereford United with pride!"


News Round-Up

Yeovil have joined Port Vale in agreeing a sponsorship deal with Blue Sky Investments. Yeovil's deal is for £1.25million encompassing a redevelopment of training pitches and overseas tours. Port Vale's £8million deal also included a 24.9% stake in the club and other investment. Southend have signed West Brom keeper Luke Daniels on a months loan after no.1 stopper Glenn Morris picked up an injury at the weekend.

Accrington have lost the services of loan forward Wes Fletcher after parent club Burnley recalled him. The 20 year old was due to stay until January but hadn't played in the last two matches. Bradford have extended the contract of winger Dominic Rowe until the end of next season. The teenager is currently on loan at Barrow.

Port Vale loanee Andrew Little has returned to parent club Rangers after sustaining knee ligament damage during the weekend loss to Morecambe. The 22 year old is due to remain at Vale Park until January and may return if the injury heals quickly enough. Bradford have released utility man Lewis Hunt after agreeing a pay-off on his remaining contract. The 29 year old former Southend and Wycombe man had made just one sub appearance all season after signing a 12 month extension in the summer.


Kovacs set to Stay with Luton

An announcement that Janos Kovacs is to stay on-loan with Luton Town is expected in the next day or two.

The big Hereford United defender has played nine games for the Hatters since moving from Edgar Street one month ago and impressed manager Gary Brabin.

Kovacs has expressed his hope he can stay with Luton and it's understood that talks are on-going about a permanent transfer during the January transfer window. However no fee will be paid by Luton if the deal goes ahead.

Meanwhile striker Nathan Elder's 'loan' move from Hayes comes to an end after Saturday's match at Torquay. It's expected he will stay on at Edgar Street.


FA Cup First Round Draw This Weekend

The draw for the first round of the FA Cup, which this season is sponsored by Budweiser, takes place this weekend.

48 clubs from Leagues One and Two, including Hereford United, enter the competition at this stage.

But first there are 32 fourth qualifying round ties to be played.

The first round takes place on Saturday November 12th unless ITV decides otherwise.


Full Commentary from Northampton

There will be full match commentary of the Northampton Town/Hereford United League Two match this evening on BBC Hereford and Worcester's 94.7FM frequency around Herefordshire.

As ever Keith Hall will be the commentator.

The match starts at 7.45pm.


Monday, October 24, 2011

Elder And Todd In Team Of The Week

Bulls duo Nathan Elder and Andy Todd have been named in the League Two Team of the Week.

Elder scored the only goal of the game on Saturday, while Todd helped the defence to another clean sheet. Swindon also had two players named in the XI, with Morecambe having three nominated.


Dixie had great ability to score goals said Sillett

Goal machine Dixie McNeil was a star football striker whose career spanned three decades. Dixie played the beautiful game at Leicester, Exeter, Northampton, Lincoln, Hereford and Wrexham. Top goal scorer of all four divisions in the Football League in 1974–5 and 1975–6, he played against some of the best sides in the land and in Europe. Hero-worshipped at Wrexham FC, he spent nine years there as a player and later as their manager.

His new autobiography, called Dixie charts his life in football from those early days as a youngster in the star-studded Leicester squad, which included Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton, to management at Wrexham FC.

Following his release from the First Division club, he then joined Exeter City and made his Football League debut at Wrexham’s Racecourse ground in August 1966. After Exeter and a stint at Corby Town, he signed for Northampton Town and played in the famous FA Cup tie against Manchester United – when George Best replied to Dixie’s goal with six of his own. He then moved to Lincoln City and, after finishing top scorer in the Football League for two successive seasons, he asked for a £5 a week pay rise and was promptly put on the transfer list by Graham Taylor. He then signed for Hereford United and, with 69 goals, helped the side gain promotion to the Second Division for the first time in their history. But after one season, Hereford United was relegated and Dixie was sold to Wrexham FC for £60,000.

As well as charting the glorious years of Cup and League success at the Racecourse, where Dixie helped the team into the second tier of football, Dixie’s book gives a humourous insight into life behind the scenes and also marks the differences between the game today and the game in the 1970s. Dixie also comments on the present-day struggles at Wrexham FC.

Dixie certainly mixed with some of the footballing greats. In his foreword to the book, Graham Taylor, former England Football team manager writes of him, “As a player his career record is there for everyone to see: 239 goals in 522 appearances speaks for itself”. John Sillett, former Hereford United and Coventry City manager, comments, “He had that great ability to score goals, but also good touch and vision and a wonderful understanding… you were one of the best signings I ever made”.

Dixie is launched on Friday 4 November at 7 p.m. at the 1873 Suite, Mold Road Stand of the Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham. A warm welcome to everybody. Dixie McNeil will be signing copies of his autobiography at Waterstone’s, 9–11 Regent Street, WREXHAM on Saturday 5 November, 11–1 p.m. and at Waterstone’s, 18–20 Commercial Street, HEREFORD on Saturday 10 December from 11 a.m.

Dixie is published by Y Lolfa, at £9.95.