Match Highlights - Telford v Hereford

 

Highlights of last night's National North match between Telford and Hereford are online.

Go to: http://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/match-info/match-centre/1-3614433 

Extended highlights are also available at: https://www.herefordfc.co.uk/extended-highlights-telford-1-1-hereford/

After Ninety Minutes At Telford

A selection of pictures of both the players and supporters taken after the referee had blown for full-time in last night's game at Telford.

Kyle Finn - On Loan From Coventry

Pictures From Telford

A selection of pictures from last night's National North game between Telford and Hereford which ended 1-1.

Bird Joins Welsh Division Two Side

Jamie Bird has joined one of his local sides after being released from Hereford. Pic: Croesyceillog Twitter

Former Hereford midfielder Jamie Bird has joined Croesyceillog, one of his local sides in Welsh Division Two.

The club say they are delighted to announce the signing of Bird as they look to cement their place at the top of the league, the third tier of Welsh football.

The club are delighted to announce the signing of Jamie Bird following his release from Hereford," they said on Twitter.

"We hope Jamie can enjoy his football with us and a player who will no doubt play at a higher level in the seasons ahead."

BN's Will Cheshire who also spends time covering Welsh football thinks the level Croesyceillog play at is similar to step four or five in English football, like the Midland Football League where Hereford started their journey or Southern League Division One West.

Croesy are currently top of division 2 (tier 3) 8 points clear of 2nd place Abergavenny.

Loan Players Are A Quick Fix Said Richards

Hereford's management team have utilised the loan market since they arrived at Edgar Street and last night five of the match day sixteen were on loan - the maximum number allowed.

Head Coach Marc Richards says loan players are a quick fix and add competition, quality and flexibility to his squad.

"In an ideal situation you bring in permanent players, but in terms of a quick fix sometimes you need loan players to add that extra little bit of competition and quality," Richards said.

"It also gives you a bit more flexibility, but I'm not concerned at the moment. We've got five in at the moment which is the maximum you can have in a match day squad so there won't be anymore coming in in the immediate future.

"We're always trying to improve the squad so whether that be permanent or loan signings and we'll continue to do so."

Of the current loanees, goalkeeper Matt Yates and defender Ethan Wassall are from Derby County and they were being watched by their parent club at Stockport earlier this month.

Richards says Hereford are in constant contact with clubs with loanees and make use of video analysis to keep track of their progress, with the Bulls now having an analyst as part of the set up.

"We're in regular contact and the good thing is they (parent clubs) are at the games," added Richards.

"Even up at Stockport there was three or four representatives for the Derby boys, and again at Boston there were people there coming to watch.

"They do a lot with our video analysis so they get the videos back, so there's a lot of communication between the clubs. 

"I only met with the assistant manager of the recent one on Monday morning at Coventry so it's constant communication going on."

As for the game at Telford, Richards said there are no easy games in the league and he never wanted to settle for a point.

He said: "We go into every game trying to get three points, there was never an intention to settle for a point.

"As the game goes on, you're thinking maybe a point is a good result. I think with any opposition in this league it's really difficult to go 'that'll be a gimme because they're not very good' because it just doesn't happen at this level.

"In terms of setting yourself targets, we go into every single game trying to work out a game plan of how we're going to get the three points.

"Obviously football being football that doesn't always work, but it's always the plan to get the best out of who we've got for selection to get three points."

Lloyd Said Hereford Got Going After His Goal

Striker George Lloyd says it's not all about scoring goals, but he played a crucial part in securing a point at Telford on Tuesday evening where he scrambled home the opening goal.

The 18-year-old is on loan until January from Cheltenham Town and still trains with the Robins in the week, and he feels Hereford got going after he broke the deadlock midway through the first half.

"It was nice to get another goal, the aim is to get a goal a game which would be nice for a striker," said Lloyd.

"But it's about the team, and if I don't score and get an assist, or I don't score but I've worked hard for the team then I'm happy.

"He took a touch in the box and I sort of closed him down, it kind of fell for me so I stretched for it and managed to get it through the keeper's legs.

"Then we started to get going, before that we didn't really get going so it was good."

Lloyd was up against Telford centre-back Theo Streete, but knew because of his size it wasn't going to be easy, but he knew he needed to use his pace to cause Streete problems.

"He took a little knock, and Morf (Will Morford, coach) told me and I recognised it as well," Lloyd added.

"So I said to the centre-mids if you haven't got an out ball just stick it on him because it seemed to get the better of him.

"Players like that who are bigger than you, you're physically not going to better them, so you've got to get around their feet and be a nuisance.

"Where they make up their size they're a bit slower than you on their feet so you've got to do that."

Report: Telford United 1 - Hereford 1

George Lloyd opening the scoring at Telford United

Hereford picked up only their third point since mid-August after a 1-1 draw at Telford United on Tuesday evening. George Lloyd opened the scoring with 23 minutes on the clock after making the most of a defensive error, but Daniel Udoh pulled a goal back before half tine with a long-range effort going in off the post.

Head Coach Marc Richards shuffled the pack as he made three changes to the side that lost 3-1 at Boston on Saturday. Tom Owen-Evans was handed his first start in a Bulls shirt as Calvin Dinsley and Ryan Green were replaced by Mike McGrath and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, but Harvey Smith retrained the captain's armband.

After a minute's silence in memory of those killed in the helicopter crash outside Leicester City's ground on Saturday evening, Telford were first to threaten as they attacked the vocal Bulls fans in the Frank Nagington stand.

Ellis Deaney's ball into the box was hit towards goal by Darryl Knight but took a deflection off Ethan Wassall as it sailed over the bar. From the corner the Bucks threatened, Stephen Morley's inswinging corner from the left was met by the unmarked and towering captain Shane Sutton, but his headed effort went wide.

Telford continued to look the brighter of the two sides with Darryl Knight proving tricky to deal with as the ball is slipped through to him on the edge of the area, but keeper Matt Yates is equal to the low stabbed ball.

With 17 minutes on the clock Hereford started to play the ball on the floor which culminated with recent addition to the side Tom Owen-Evans' shot from 18-yards blocked by centre-back Theo Streete.

As Telford quietened down after a bright start to the game, a cross from the right by Keiran Thomas in the 23rd minute wasn't dealt with by the Bucks' defence and George Lloyd bundled home from 10-yards, his second in as many games.

Jordan Cullinane-Liburd had a chance to double the Bulls' lead in the 26th minute after he headed the ball over from a corner, coming from chance for Owen-Evans which was deflected wide.

With the travelling fans hoping Hereford would hold on until half time, Ethan Wassall was guilty of a defensive error to gift Daniel Udoh the ball. The Bucks top scorer pulled his side back level with a driven shot from 25-yards on going in off the inside of the post.

George Lloyd wasted no time in going in search of a second, and four minutes from half time. He burst into the box and had home keeper Andy Wycherley well-beaten, but he was denied by the upright.

HT | Telford United 1 - Hereford 1

After a relatively positive first half performance, Hereford took the ball to the byline straight from kick off but didn't really make the most of the possession.

Telford soon broke forward but keeper Yates proved his weight in gold with a string of four superb saves to keep the score level. After denying an Ellis Deeney shot destined for the top corner of the net, with two shots from Darryl Knight also saved by Yates.

Speculative efforts from Amari Morgan-Smith and Jonathan Royle sailed over the bar as the Bucks retained the upper-hand in the second half

At the other end of the pitch Tom Owen-Evans used his pace down the right as he sent a probing ball into the box, but it was just inches ahead of the onrushing Danny Greenslade as Telford cleared.

Telford conceded a free kick 35-yards out after a foul by captain Shane Sutton, but James Roberts hit the ball straight at the keeper and should've done better.;

In the 79th minute Danny Greenslade made progress down the left and cut into the box, but he dragged his shot wide of the post after firing low.

Tom Owen-Evans

Telford enjoyed plenty of possession throughout the second half apart from the occasional Hereford chance and often had six at the back with Telford pressing. Despite the possession, the Bucks rarely threatened but did half a couple of half chances as the game entered the final ten minutes.

Stephan Morley's cross-come-shot looked like it was going over but Yates was on hand to claim the ball as it dipped at the last minute.

Full-back Morely was once again causing problems down the left as he looked to cross a keen ball in, but Keiran Thomas headed behind. The resulting corner came to nothing as Yates confidently rose to snatch it out the air.

Other than as few late bookings for Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and George Lloyd as Hereford tried to run the clock down, Hereford coped very well second half with the amount of possession Telford had.

A very welcome point.

FT: Telford United 1 - Hereford 1
Att: 1,804

Hereford: Yates, Thomas 🔶, Greenslade, Cullinane-Liburd🔶, Wassall, Smith (c), McGrath, O'Sullivan🔶, Roberts (White - 86'), Lloyd⚽️🔶, Owen-Evans

Subs not used: Jackson, Murphy, Finn, Horsell

Telford United: Wycherley, White, Morley (McQuilkin - 85'), Deeney, Sutton (c)🔶, Streete, Cowans, Royle🔶 (Dawson - 67'), Morgan-Smith (Brown - 64'), Udoh⚽️, Knight.

Subs not used: Smith, Bramley.

Everybody Worked Their Socks Off Said Richards

Marc Richards said his player worked their socks off as they left Telford with a point.

Hereford drew 1-1 at the New Bucks Head an their Head Coach praised goalscorer George Lloyd and James Richards in particular.

"Away from home in this league is extremely, extremely tough, the first fifteen minutes probably showed that," Richards said.

"But then we settled down a little bit and created a couple of chances. We didn't have the balk of possession tonight but away from home against a very good team is a good result.

"They (Telford) are in a good run of form at the moment, doing well, they nicked a late winner on Saturday so full of confidence.

"Our back line were excellent, but look at George Lloyd and James Roberts up top in the work rate that they showed.

"I think a prime example is with three or four minutes left to go, George Lloyd is the cutest player on the pitch to bring down a counter-attack.

"Everybody has worked their socks off today. I had to slightly change it tactically after about ten minutes, to hopefully nullify them a little bit and I think it was effective. 

"In transition and on the counter we looked alright."

It's Lloyd's second goal in as many games after scoring at Boston on Saturday. The Cheltenham Town loanee has a bright career ahead of him says Richards.

"Really pleased for him, he's such a great character for such a young kid.

"He's got a hell of a career in front of him if he keeps doing what he's been doing and being as lively as that, I'd love to see his GPS stats after tonight's game, he's got through some serious work."

Around 350 Bulls fans were thought to have made the relatively short trip up to Telford this evening, and Richards said the noise they made was great.

"The noise here was great, it's a good ground, it's a good place to come. But the noise levels. I don't know how many we brought, it looked a fair few, it's great to see them in good voice and being pretty positive throughout."

Earlier today Hereford announced Kyle Finn had arrived on loan from Coventy, another player with an exciting career ahead said Richards.

"Unfortunately he didn't come off the bench tonight, but Kyle Finn has come in on a month's loan from Coventry. Exciting player, hopefully he'll get some minutes over the next few home games, now that's we've got a few home games.

"Very exciting talent, an attack-minded player and again he's got an exciting career in front of him."

National League North Results

Tonight's results from the National League North:

AFC Telford United (1) 1-1 (1) Hereford
Altrincham (1) 4-0 (0) Nuneaton Borough
Boston United (0) 1-3 (2) Brackley Town
Bradford (Park Avenue) (2) 2-2 (2) Darlington
Chester (2) 4-1 (0) Ashton United
FC United of Manchester (1) 1-1 (0) Alfreton Town
Guiseley (1) 1-3 (2) Blyth Spartans
Leamington (0) 0-4 (3) Kidderminster Harriers
Southport (1) 2-2 (0) Curzon Ashton
Spennymoor Town (2) 3-0 (0) York City
Stockport County (0) 3-0 (0) Chorley

Hereford are up to 18th.

The updated league table can be found here - http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/p/league-table.html

Bulls Pick Up A Point On The Road At Telford

Hereford picked up a point at the New Bucks Head this evening as they drew 1-1 with Telford United.

George Lloyd scramble the ball home in the 23rd minute to give the Bulls the lead, but the hosts equalled ten minutes before half time with Daniel Udoh netting.

More later.

Tamworth Boss Praises Kyle Finn

Kyle Finn, who joined Hereford on loan from Coventry earlier today, has been praised by Tamworth manager George Delves after the young midfielder was recently there on loan.

“Kyle came here as part of the deal for Dexter Walters because, to their credit, Coventry didn’t want to leave us high and dry without a replacement," said Delves as reported recently by BirminghamLive. 

“We had the option of a few of their under-23s.

“A big part of our decision to sign Kyle was his work rate and attitude which we felt would stand him in good stead for senior football.

“You see, with some young lads, they are obviously good players but struggle to adapt to first-team football, with the physical side of things.

“Kyle dealt with that and he was was fantastic for us."

Finn Joins Bulls On Loan From Coventry

19 year old Kyle Finn has joined Hereford FC on loan from Coventry.

Initially it is a one month deal until November 29th.

Midfielder Finn has recently been on loan at Tamworth where he made twelve appearances and scored two goals.

Under-18s Host Merthyr In A Friendly Tonight

Hereford FC under-18s are in action tonight as they entertain Merthyr Town in a friendly.

Kick off is 7:30pm at Lads Club, Widemarsh Common, Hereford HR4 9NA.

Hereford Shirt Among Tributes At Leicester

A Hereford shirt has been left outside Leicester's King Power Stadium after their owner's helicopter crashed outside the ground on Saturday.

Billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, two members of his staff, the pilot and a passenger were killed when the aircraft crashed in a fireball in the club's car park.

Bulls fan KD Rai left a Hereford shirt among the tributes with the message 'divided by colours, united by grief. RIP. Thank you for inspiring the world.'

Mr Vichai bought Leicester City for £39m in 2010 and under his ownership the Foxes won the Premier League in 2016, having started the season as 5,000/1 outsiders.]

UPDATE: The club have also sent a shirt to the tribute, signed by the playing squad.

Match preview - AFC Telford United vs Hereford FC

It’s Tuesday, which can only mean it's time for the relatively short trip to Shropshire’s pre-eminent football club, AFC Telford United, for another watching-from-behind-the-sofa experience for Bulls fans in the Vanarama National League North, 7:45pm kick off. Telford have indicated that away supporters will have to bring their own sofas.

For the past few seasons looking in on this division as an outsider, Telford seem to have been season-long bottom feeders before doing just enough to stay up. However, this season, following the introduction of a new management team, they’re doing much better, sitting in sixth position, although they’ve only won one of their last five, last time out at home against York.

In the summer, every time they announced a signing, it sounded like a good one. There was of course the usual guff about them being ‘exciting’, ‘a coup’ etc, but the players coming in all seemed to be from good clubs and had good pedigrees. This was while Pete Beadle was taking punts left, right and centre on his rough diamonds. That could of course simply reflect a disparity in playing budgets, or the fact that Telford’s only a short motorway trip from the West Midlands conurbation, and therefore an easier sell to players geographically, but it did demonstrate even then that the big fish/little pond era was well and truly over for Hereford FC. The Bulls’ alarming recent plunge in form seems to bear this out big time.

However, it’s getting to that point as a supporter, after picking up just two points from the last 27 available, that, if only by the law of averages, ‘this could be the match’. Marc Richards has asked fans to keep the faith, confident that results will come, and on the basis of the first half on Saturday at Boston there could be more to that than just wishful thinking. Having endured the utter misery of the last couple of months, no-one’s going to want to miss that moment when the players click, they score from every chance they create, and there’s no set-piece naivity at the back. It’s written in the stars, and on Richards’ whiteboard.

Calvin Dinsley’s presumably a doubt for this one after picking up a head injury against Boston, with Mike McGrath a possible replacement. If Macca does start, he’s somehow got to get through 90 minutes without irritating the referee. Given how unlikely that seems, and because of the glimpses of creativity he showed in Lincolnshire on Saturday coming on as a substitute, perhaps Tom Owen-Evans could be granted a start instead, and if so it would be an attacking-looking midfield, giving some credence to Richards’ stated policy of setting up in every game to win it. However, another solution would be to start with both in a 4-4-2, with Greener’s 38-year-old legs getting a rest on the bench given that this match follows hot on the heels of the Boston defeat.  

There’s also an intriguing little scenario in goal. If Martin Horsell’s fit following his own nasty head bash, there’s an argument for him coming in to replace loanee Matt Yates. His extra height alone could give more of a presence when defending corners and set pieces. If we’re finally looking like we might score occasionally it would be a shame to continue to effectively chuck three in at the other end by cowering under pressure from a bunch of marauding northern giants.   

Telford’s recent patchy form provides a chink of light. A sneaky little confidence boosting 2-0 win tonight, with an early goal to settle nerves, followed by a majestic thrashing of Alty back home on Saturday and things suddenly look brighter, with Richards’ optimism more justified. Win neither and it could be a long winter. 

COYW

Bowen Wins HFA Groundsman Of The Year

Ben Bowen of Highground Maintenance being presented the award by Stuart Turpin. Pics: Will Cheshire

Ben Bowen won the groundsman of the year award at this evening's Herefordshire Football Association Grassroots Award Ceremony.

Held at Edgar Street, the awards highlight the work and effort put in by grassroots clubs and volunteers.

Another award was the supporter of the year, awarded in memory of Hereford and Westfields supporters Pat Morrow.

Pat, who sadly passed away last October, was a well-renowed fan of both clubs and often spent 45 minutes watching each side.

Pat's nephew was presented with the award.

Southport At Home On November 13

Hereford FC's home game against Southport which was originally set to have been played on Saturday October 20th is now expected to be played on Tuesday November 13th.

Although Southport are still in the FA Cup, they play Boreham Wood on November 10th, the game can be played on November 13th because any possible replay would take place the following week. 

Upcoming Fixtures:

Tue Oct 30: AFC Telford United (A) 7.45pm

Sat Nov 3: Altrincham (H) 3.00 pm

Sat Nov 10: FC United Of Manchester (H) Emirates FA Cup 1

Tue Nov 13: Southport (H) 7.45pm

Sat Nov 17: Darlington (A) 3,00pm

Sat Nov 24: Buildbase FA Trophy 3Q (TBC)