Second Half Pictures From Telford

A selection of pictures from the second half of yesterday's National North League game between Telford and Hereford.

Match Pictures From Telford

A selection of pictures from yesterday's game between AFC Telford and Hereford.

News Round Up

Hereford's U18's have new kit sponsors. Hereford Means Business will sponsor their home kit and Bookkeeping4U will sponsor the away kit.

York City Supporters Trust has called a special general meeting to hold a vote of no confidence in the club's board following a poor start to the season as well as safety issues at their new stadium.

Meanwhile coach tickets to watch Hereford at York on September 11th are now on sale. They cost £25. The coach is set to leave Edgar Street at 9am.

Darlington have condemned the actions of a so-called fan who, reportedly, jumped onto the pitch and kicked the Curzon Ashton keeper at their game yesterday.

There is speculation that Hereford chairman Jon Hale has changed the responsibilies of one or two board members. Confirmation is expected shortly.

A fundraising page has been set up for Bradford PA's Jake Hibbs who suffered a serious leg injury during their game against Chorley last Saturday. He is expected to be out for at least four months.

Former Hereford FC youth player Rob Whitlock has joined Monmouth Town.

Probably A Fair Result Said McLean

Hereford's Ryan McLean spoke to the local media after yesterday's goal-less draw at Telford.

"First half was probably more them but we came out second half the better side," said McLean.

"Probably a fair result."

McLean felt he did not get as much of the ball as he would like.

"Last week I got it a lot and was far more effective but with some teams it's not going to work, some teams it will. It didn't seem to fall for me today.

"The aim today was to get a point, if we can get three then that's great, but we just wanted not to lose.

"Obviously we got smashed last week so it was better to get a point on the board, clean sheet and move forward from there."

McLean moved to Hereford from Newcastle Town late last season.

"I've enjoyed the challenge, it's a lot more pressure now, I feel like I've dealt with it well, just need to keep getting on the ball.

"It's a lot more physical, obviously I'm quite small but I feel like I've done alright so far. There are a lot of big lads, today their centre-halves were massive.

 

"There's not much I can do in the air, but they can't deal with it when I've got the ball at my feet.

We're (Miles Storey) both quick so we just try and use that as much as we can. Smuger has come in now and he's quite a big lad and wins his fair share.

"Zeli has come on and done really well. Mas didn't get his chance today but when he comes on he always does well. We've all got different qualities going forward.

"I feel once we get our first three points I think we'll keep going and going. Once one of us gets a couple of goals we'll all start scoring."

How have you found the fans?

"It's been amazing, I've not played in front of anymore than 500 before so 2000 at both games is like the next level for me, it's been great."

Q & A with Gowling & Burr - Tickets ON SALE NOW

Both Josh Gowling & Steve Burr will be answering fans questions at a special event on Thursday 9th September. Supporters are encouraged to come along and put their views across, and raise much needed funds for Hereford FC.

As part of the ‘Boost the Budget’ fund-raising initiative the Hereford FC management duo of Josh Gowling and Steve Burr will be holding an ‘Evening of Soccer’ at the Rankin Club, Corn Square, Leominster on Thursday, 9^th September, starting at 8pm.

The event is priced at £10 which includes a half-time buffet, and entry into the night’s raffle.

Doors open at 7pm, with the evening commencing at 8pm, with tickets available on a first-come, first served basis by emailing: editor@talkingbull.org

Once ordered supporters will receive an email confirming tickets have been reserved, but don’t leave it too late as demand for the event is expected to be high.

It is hoped a member of the present Hereford FC squad will also be at the event for a Q&A session as the club embark on their National League North campaign.

Before And After At Telford

A selection of pictures from before and after yesterday's game at Telford.

Clean Sheet Most Important Said Pearce

Hereford's latest signing Kristian Pearce was at Telford yesterday and afterwards he spoke to the local media.

"We got the clean sheet which was the most important thing," said Pearce.

Pearce is known as The Chief and hopefully Hereford supporters will think he is a good signing.

"I hope so, obviously I'm coming in to try and strengthen the team, hopefully I'll get the opportunity to do that.

"There's a lot of quality in the dressing room, but we haven't picked up the results that we wanted so far. It's a long season and we're confident we'll be able to put points on the board."

Manager Josh Gowling has said that he's been tracking Pearce for some time.

"Every player wants to feel wanted so that's a massive plus for me. I'm looking forward to it."

What about the standard in the National North?

"It's hard to judge after just one game but hopefully I'll be able to cope.

"Last season I started at Solihull then went to Boreham Wood in January so I've got some experience behind me than I can hopefully utilise here." 

You might make your debut next weekend? 

"Yes hopefully, like I said if the gaffer gives me an opportunity I'm looking to stake my claim for a starting berth."

What kind of defender are you?

"I like to think myself as a leader of the back line. I like to say I'm a dominant centre back who also likes to play. Hopefully I'll fit in well here.

"The gaffer has a method of football that suits my style of play.

"We spoke at length about everything he's trying to do here and I was encouraged by that."

Sam Oji Has Died Aged Just 35

Hereford historian Ron Parrott remembers Sam Oji.

After returning home from the disappointment of the Fylde result, it immediately faded into insignificance when I heard the most tragic news that former Bull Sam Oji had passed away at the ridiculously young age of 35. The cause of death has not been revealed yet but there's no doubt that it struck quite suddenly.

At 6'1" Sam was an ideal central defender and when he arrived at Edgar Street in the summer of 2008, we all had high hopes that he would be with the club for a few seasons. Sadly, it wasn't to be and after playing just five games for us, he suffered a serious knee injury and never played for the club again."

The following is Ron's pen-pic for Sam, which details his career in full:-

Born Westminster 9th October 1985, died 28th August 2021

A 6’1”centre-back, Sam started his career as a youth player with Arsenal but signed a full-time contract with Birmingham City in the summer of 2004. He spent four seasons at St Andrews but only ever played one game for the first team, in February 2006 against Reading in the FA Cup. However, Sam gained experience by spending spells on loan with Doncaster Rovers, where he made his Football League debut, Bristol Rovers, Southend United on trial, and Leyton Orient after he was released by the Blues.

Sam arrived at Edgar Street in August 2008 but sadly, after playing just five times, he suffered a bad knee injury that kept him out for four months. Unfortunately, he never managed to regain his place and was released by the club in February 2009. Sam then decided to try his luck abroad and a month later signed for Swedish 2nd Division side Ljungskile SK after a successful trial. However, he only played six games for them and left in the June. In August 2010, Sam had trials with Tranmere Rovers, Turkish Super League side Diyarbakirspor then he returned to Leyton Orient, for another trial, where he sadly suffered a serious leg injury whilst playing for their Reserves. This injury, followed by knee damage kept him out of football for fully two years. 

Sam then made his comeback with Conference premier side Tamworth in December 2011 and over two seasons, he played 39 times for them and scored two goals. In August 2013, Sam moved to Ireland and signed for Limerick where in two seasons, he made 34 appearances. In the summer of 2015, Sam remained in Ireland and linked up with Galway United, scoring twice in 23 appearances before returning to England and signing for Worcester City in the National League North in August 2016. After 25 games for them, Sam signed for Hednesford Town in the summer of 2017 but a year later, he joined Highgate United in the Midland Premier League and in the summer of 2021, he became their assistant-manager. A few months later, Sam was suddenly struck down by illness and sadly passed away on Saturday 28th August 2021.

Former Hereford Player Tony Rosser Has Died

Although a heartbreaking result on Saturday, the whole day was overshadowed by the sad news of the deaths of two former Hereford United players. Club Historian Ron Parrott takes up the story:-

"First of all, the sad news reached me on Saturday that local lad Tony Rosser had finally lost his fight against dementia and had passed away earlier that morning. I remember watching him in my late teens and he was a more than useful footballer although I must confess to feeling a bit sorry for Tony because he was frequently asked to deputise for the great John Charles and obviously, they were difficult shoes to fill. Off the field, I got to know him quite well from frequent Saturday nights at the Cock of Tupsley, when along with Garth and Hedley Lawson, we always seemed to have lively and animated debates on all things football. Rest in peace Tony."

The following is Ron's pen-picture of Tony:-

Born Hereford and died in Hereford 28th August 2021

A local lad, Tony was signed from Herefordshire League football in the summer of 1967 and spent three seasons at Edgar Street. Although not the tallest of players, Tony spent much of his time deputising for John Charles at centre-forward. He was a popular member of the squad and also played frequently for the Reserves. During his three seasons with the club, Tony made 47 first-team appearances but only managed three goals. He was released at the end of the 1969/70 season and despite receiving offers from other clubs, Tony returned to local league football, partly because he was getting married and partly because he wanted to forge a good career with his employers, Henry Wiggin & Co.. It turned out to be a good move not only because he had a long and happy marriage but also because he got his head down and grafted his way up from apprentice to manager. Tony was also a popular figure in the Cock of Tupsley, where he was proud of being a regular visitor and drinker for over 40 years. He could be relied upon for a good football yarn or two and when those tales ran out, Tony had many more stories of his handyman exploits to relate. Sadly, later in life, Tony developed dementia and spent his final days in a local care home.

Today's National North Results

Below are today's results from the National North League.

AFC Fylde 2 Southport 1

AFC Telford 0 Hereford 0

Alfreton 0 Chorley 1

Brackley 2 Leamington 1

Bradford PA 1 Boston 2

Curzon Ashton 2 Darlington 1

Farsley Celtic 1 Blyth Spartans 1

Gateshead 2 Guiseley 1

Gloucester 0 Kettering 2

Kidderminster 3 Chester 1

Spennymoor 1 York 3

 AFC Fylde and Brackley top the table with 12 points from 4 games. Kidderminster are third with 10 points.

Hereford are 19th with just two points out of a possible twelve.

Darlington are bottom but they have only played two games.

Gowling Pleased To Get Experienced Pearce In Squad

Hereford manager Josh Gowling has spoken about the signing of Krystian Pearce which was confirmed after the game at Telford this afternoon. He also said that would be the last signing for the time being.

"I think when you get an experienced player in they just bring that nous, they bring that understanding," said Gowling.

"They know when to re-cycle balls, when to play.

"I hope I'm not bigging him up too much!

"You always need an experienced person and I think we've got that now."

Gowling made a couple of changes for today's game.

"We brought Yan in today, we got plenty of players we can use for different games.

"Today we wanted just to shut up shop and be solid and organise and we had that.

"Lloyd played at left back, he's done a fantastic job.

"It's not just centre halves, make no mistake about it, there have been moments in games when we have switched off. It might be a wide man and then we've got a free-kick and they've scored from it.

"I know people want us to bring centre halves in  but let me just tell you Luke and Ben have been excellent. They are learning their trade and they are learning it on match days in front of a large crowd and it takes real guts to do that.

"Bringing in an experienced centre half with them to do that will help them along and made them develope massively."

Are you looking for anyone else?

"I'll have to speak to the chairman to see if he'll give me some more money, probably not!

"We left a little bit behind for a centre-half and we've got Dan (Smith) in and again Dan today was tireless, working hard.

"He probably didn't get the service he needs because he's got quality with his feet, he probably didn't get the delivery he needs to get his finishes on but that will come.

"But for now we've got what we've got and that will be it."

Hereford sign experienced defender

Hereford have signed experienced defender Krystian Pearce.

The 31-year-old has played most of his career at Mansfield Town, accumulating nearly 200 games, and has three caps for Barbados.

Pearce watched his new side draw 0-0 at Telford today and afterwards spoke about the the move. You can listen to what he had to say here.

Gowling talks about drawing at Telford

Hereford manager Josh Gowling spoke following his side's 0-0 draw at AFC Telford today.

You can listen to what he had to say here.

Telford 0-0 Hereford

Brandon Hall Tips Over A Free Kick From Elliot Durrell

Both sides lacked a cutting edge in front of goal as Telford and Hereford played out a goalless draw in this Bank Holiday derby match. 

Josh Gowling dropped Mitch Hancox to the bench after his hesitation on Saturday led to Fylde’s second goal in the Bulls’ 4-1 defeat. And Jamie Vincent was missing from the squad through injury, with Yan Klukowski and George Forsyth starting. Forsyth scored the Bulls’ goal in their first away game of the season - the 1-1 draw at Bradford Park Avenue. Ryan Lloyd slotted in at left back. 

Ryan Lloyd Lifts The Ball Past Durrell

Telford - playing in all white - came into the game with one win and one defeat so far, while Hereford had one point from their opening three games. The Bulls were playing in the yellow away strip. 

From the kick-off the home side pushed forward with an Elliot Durrell corner pushed away by Brandon Hall, only for Adam Walker to drive over. Soon afterwards, a deep free kick from Durrell was tipped over by Hall. 

Hereford soon found their stride though. Miles Storey fired wide from the edge of the box, and soon afterwards drilled a low ball across the face of goal. 

 

But the uncertainty at the back for the Bulls created some nervous moments. Durrell fired at Hall again, and Kai Williams put in a lively performance in the Telford attack. 

Jared Hodgkiss picked up a yellow card for a foul on Williams as Telford broke following an attacking Hereford free kick. The effort from the Telford left flank didn’t trouble Hall as it sailed wide; a rare effort where the Hereford goalkeeper didn’t need to jump for the ball amidst the incoming attackers. Moment later, Williams fired wide across Hall’s goal, but it was another reminder of Telford’s attacking threat. 

Then, a brilliant challenge by Ben Pollock about six yards out took the ball away from Jason Oswell, after Williams cut it back from the byline. A crucial intervention. Hereford went straight up the other end, piled on the pressure, and had calls for a penalty turned down. 

Ryan McLean had a quiet match, with his notable contribution on 35 minutes when he stole the ball from defender Theo Streete, surged forward and his shot ended up in the side netting after the goalkeeper Russell Williams pushed it behind for a corner. 

 

Ryan McLean

A minute later, at the other end, confusion led to Oswell’s effort rebounding back off the post!

It was goalless at the break, but the Bulls looked more comfortable as the half progressed particularly going forward. 

Telford started the second half as the brighter, with Williams driving over and a Durrell chance stopped by Hall. The home side kept the pressure up, breaking quickly after a Hereford attack and finding room to cut through the Bulls’ defence. 

Storey did well to beat the Telford right back Brad Bood on the hour mark to win a corner - the two had clashed a few minutes before - but nothing came of Tom Owen-Evans’ ball into the box. 

For parts of the second half, the ball was largely in the air, something that didn’t suit Josh Gowling’s side. 

When they did get the ball down, Hereford looked stronger and more direct. A Miles Storey cross found Yan Klukowski, whose rising shot was deflected over. That was Klukowski’s final contribution, with Mitch Hancox coming on in his place midway through the second half. 

A lovely move forward on 70 minutes saw a Durrell flick reaching Williams, and his shot was blocked before Hereford cleared the resulting corner. The Bulls built forward, putting pressure on but again lacking the cutting edge in the area to convert the possession into an effort on goal. 

Luke Haines

Enter Zele Ismael, on as a sub. Some lovely touches and crosses from the Hereford right added energy and pressure for Telford to deal with. 

 

Zele Ismael

The Bulls notched it up a gear. A tricky long throw from Hancox couldn’t be collected by the goalkeeper, who was blocked by a Telford defender, and this caused confusion but again Hereford couldn’t make a breakthrough. 

In the four minutes of added time, it was all Hereford. The best chance came from a deep Jared Hodgkiss cross that the goalkeeper was able to collect ahead of Smith. 

Jared Hodgkiss

In the end, a draw was probably the right outcome. Hereford defensively looked stronger - a clean sheet being a plus - and as the game went on, there were some sparks going forward, even if ultimately they couldn’t find the net. Either side could’ve won it, and both lacked a cutting edge. Two points from the opening four games means the Bulls are looking up, hoping for a victory against Spennymoor next Saturday. 

Telford: Griffiths, Birch, White, Abbey, Streete, Durrell (Bennett, 89), Walker (capt), Oswell (McHale, 81), Williams (Hamilton, 88), Bood, Pond. Unused subs: Lilly, Byrne. 

Hereford: Hall, Lloyd, Pollock, Haines, Hodgkiss, Klukowski (Hancox, 68), Owen-Evans, Forsyth, McLean (Ismael, 73), Storey, Smith. Substitutes: Whittingham, Fini, Kouhyar. 

Referee: Oliver Mackey

Attendance: 1,761