From The Archives - Charlton's Men Draw With Hereford

Hereford Keeper Jim Blyth

Back in April 1975, Bobby Charlton was manager of Preston North End and John Sillett in charge at Hereford.

The two League Division Three teams met at Deepdale and the game finished 2-2.

Charlton had played for Preston for much of the season but retired a couple of weeks before the Hereford game.

Preston Striker Mel Holden But Who Is The Hereford Defender?

Preston took the lead through Francis Burns but Dixie McNeil close come to equalising when his header went inches over the bar. 

In the 34th minute McNeil opening the scoring for Hereford rising at the far post to meet a cross from Barry Silkman. 

However before half-time Steve Emery brought down Tony Morley in the box. Morley then scored from the spot.

Byth Gathers Safely

Interestingly the Hereford keeper Jim Blyth was on loan at Edgar Street from Coventry. Several seasons before he had played for Preston before being sold for £20,000.

Another McNeil header was tipped over the bar before, late in the game, Hereford were awarded a penalty after Silkman was tripped in the box.

McNeil took the penalty and whilst the Preston keeper got a hand to it he couldn't keep it out.

Final score: Preston N E 2 - Hereford 2

Hereford: Blyth, Emery, Byrne, Layton, Tucker, Gregory, Paine, Silkman, Gallery, McNeil, Deacy

Photos reproduced with permission from the Lancashire Post 

Update: The Hereford defender in one of the pictures is understood to be Billy Tucker.