Season Tickets Available From Wednesday

Hereford FC season tickets will be available to collect on Wednesday and Friday from the club shop between 10am and 7pm.

They will also be available from the ticket office on Saturday.

Meanwhile tickets for Saturday's opening match of the season, against Spennymoor, are expected to be available to purchase online from tomorrow (Monday).

Finally there remains uncertainty about what kit the team will wear on Saturday.  

Recently the club signed a deal with Speed One Sports to supply 'a brand-new Kappa home and away kit,' However, as yet, there have not been confirmation that it will be worn by the team on Saturday.

Some other clubs have reported delays with new kit arriving.

Second Half Pictures From Rushall

A selection of pictures from the second half of yesterday's goal less friendly between Rushall and Hereford.

Gowling Looks Forward To The Visit Of Spennymoor

The National North League starts next Saturday and Hereford's first game is at Edgar Street against Spennymoor.

Manager Josh Gowling's defence will need to be particularily wary of Glen Taylor, who has scored over 100 goals for Spennymoor to date.  

"No pressure!," said Gowling.

"First game of the season they've got to be on it.

"He gets goals that's what he's in their team for.

"They'll play expansive football, they'll get their full backs forward, they'll get deliveries in the box so we've got to make sure we're on our metal especially in the box in around him but I've got full cofidence in my boys.

"I think it's helped that it's been a settled squad, we've had about twelve in since the first day of pre-season. I think people can see that.

"I know the deficencies of the squad from last season and we've tried to plug those holes nice and early in pre-season.

"I'd like to think there is a clear understanding of the way we are playing and I think the fans have seen that. It seems very positive." 

Gowling also spoke about the backing of the board and the supporters recently which has helped with bringing in players.

"This pre-season has been a lot different because things have been set up earlier so it's enabled us to go out and get what we've needed to get in.

"The board have been fantastic with us and fully supportive with us.

"For me the fans have been massive for us because I just look at the money they've raised and it's enabled me to get a settled squad and improve the squad during pre-season and that's thanks to the money that the fans have raised for us, it's so big for us.

"The longer they keep donating to the Squad Builder and we'll bring in more players.

"It's a fan run club. They've been absolutely fantastic supporting me, supporting the boys.

"We know they are going to turn up in their droves on Saturday and it's going to be a really good atmosphere."

First Half Pictures From Rushall

A selection of pictures from the first half of yesterday's friendly between Rushall and Hereford.

REACTION | Brad Wade Interview - Rushall 0-0 Hereford FC

Hereford FC goalkeeper Brad Wade spoke to the media after the 0-0 draw with Rushall.

REACTION | Josh Gowling Interview - Rushall 0-0 Hereford

Listen to Josh Gowling's after match reaction after the 0-0 draw with Rushall.

Wade Saves Flat Bulls

The Commonwealth Games are taking place in Birmingham, but Hereford decided to upgrade to Olympic standard, Rushall Olympic. Walsall Senior Cup holders who like Alvechurch and Coalville lost out to Peterborough Sports in the Southern League Central play offs. Rushall have a tidy stadium which appears to have used shipping containers or similar but in a better designed way than Gloucester. The quirkiest feature was the slightly sloping plastic pitch which had a bank on one side and a ditch on the other if players strayed too far over the touchline. Rushall produced an excellent programme which is becoming a rarity for friendlies.

Hereford set up with Wade; Hodgkiss (c), Haines, Lilly, Latty-Fairweather; Pinchard, Trialist Carr, Lloyd; Storey, Barnett, McLean. It was a muggy day with occasional light showers, the 4G surface gave an opportunity for the Bulls to prepare for similar surfaces. Rushall were physical and in a competitive game would have picked up a few bookings. There were about 150 present with about fifty from the Shire.

Hereford had the better of the game but it felt like many of last seasons disappointments. Hereford played better football, had good possession, the front six rotated well but there was not enough cutting edge. This was the most underwhelming of Hereford's performances in the friendlies. Storey got through lots of good work but failed to work the keeper and when he finally rounded Weaver in the second half his shot came back off the post.

Trialist Carr played deep midfield just in front of the centre backs. He was very strong on the ball easily riding physical challenges but added little creatively. Latty-Fairweather had a difficult afternoon, fine going forward but much of Rushall's threats came down the right especially when right back Lyttle advanced. In the first half two crosses from the right could easily have been converted. In the second half he was substituted and Summers went to right back and Hodgkiss to left back. It will be interesting to see if new signing Evans starts the season at left back.

Rushall did not quite have Hereford's quality and several moves broke down with misplaced passes. They looked at least as likely as Hereford to break the deadlock with their more direct approach and perhaps greater familiarity with the 4g surface. Ryan McLean got a nasty cut above his eye and the prolonged dressing of the wound was turned into a drinks break in the first half. He kept playing but the wound opened up again and he was subbed in the second half for Klukowski. 

Early in the second half Rushall again troubled Latty-Faireather and crossed to the far post. A Rushall player caught the ball well and it was heading into the net. Jared put his arms in front of his face but with his hands above his head and made a fine save for a clear penalty. Marsh stepped up and hit his shot low and hard to the right but well inside the post. Wade got down well and saved, impressively he ensured that he palmed it away to the side giving no chance to following in Pics.

Hereford brought on Campbell for Barnett and a big, tall trialist for Lloyd. Lloyd had his best pre season game getting through a lot of the unseen work he is renowned for. Marshalling Rushall's defence was former Bull Keith Lowe. He has now gone part time having started a career in education. He looked comfortable and it was concerning to see Hereford again failing to score against a team which was not as good as them, but worked hard, was well organised and had a bit of bite.

This was Wade's best game for Hereford, assured footwork, good positioning at dead balls, two sharp saves in the first half and saving the penalty to avoid defeat.

Before And After Rushall

A selection of pictures including some of the Hereford players at Rushall this afternoon.

All The Work But No Reward For Storey

You have to feel for Hereford's Miles Storey. 

He does the hard work, gets in a good position but just can't get the ball in the back of the net.

This afternoon at Rushall he was so unlucky not to score when he got around the keeper but his shot hit the post and went inches wide.

Wade Pleased To Be At Hereford

Interviewed after this afternoon firendly at Rushall, Hereford's Brad Wade said he was 'really enjoying' his time at the club.

Wade kept a clean sheet and saved a penalty in the game.

"I really enjoying it," said Wade.

"It's a really good opportunity for me to get a full season of games in and it's something I'm really looking forward to."

Wade played for Guiseley, on loan from Rochdale, against Hereford last season.

"It's a great set-up (at Edgar Street). 

"I was buzzing with the amount of people in for a pre-season game. I'm looking forward to playing in front of the fans."

Wade saved a pernalty after what looked like a hand ball in the box.

"It was tough, the penalty was a bit scruffy which makes it even more difficult. A clean strike means you probably get down easier. I'm just glad that I saved it and kept a clean sheet.

"I'm like the ball at my feet and I'll try and help the lads as much as I can.

"I'm more than comfortable with the ball at my feet and I'll look to find passes that perhaps look quite difficult and try and get full backs out. It's something I feel is a strength of mine.

"I need as many games under my belt as I can because I've not played anywhere near enough football as I would like over the past couple of years. 

"It's definitely a benefit that I've played at this level before, I know what some teams will do. I think it helps massively.

"We've got Scarborough second game of the season that's on this surface so it's a good test for the boys getting used to the surface.

"It's up to the defence as well but from a personal point of view you are looking at through the course of the season 15,20 clean sheets in all competitions. One in three.

"Obviously I look to keep a clean sheet in every game but you've got to be realistic that's probably not going to happen so one in three or four is all right.

"It's a great group of lads, the standard in training is high, we're all pushing for the same thing this season. 

"We're now looking forward to next week, hopefully the standard will keep improving.

"It's always good to keep a clean sheet that's the target isn't it."

How did Wade's move to Hereford come about?

"It was a phone call that I received from my agent telling me of the gaffer's interest.

"It was just something I was keen to get done straight away."

Did you come to Edgar Street to look around?

"No but I was aware of the crowds that the club brings in and that was obviously a benefit of joining the club.

"I know it's a big club and I've had friends who have been at the club before and I've spoken to them and what it's like and it was only positive. It was an easy decision."

And how has Wade adapted to the back four?

"Zac and Haines at the back are brilliant. They are both leaders and they talk and I probably talk a bit too much rubbish when I'm playing so they are probably ignoring me half the time but it's been an easy transition to play with the lads."

Missed Opportunities At Rushall Said Gowling

After scoring five goals at Alvechurch in mid-week, Hereford failed to beat the keeper at Rushall this afternoon.

"Missed opportunities," said manager Josh Gowling. 

"I think Miles went through in the first half one v one and in the second half he's hit the post one v one. And a header at the end as well.

"Overall it was pleasing, pleasing performance, different surface (4G) which is why we wanted to come here.

"I thought Rushall were excellent, I thought they played good football, they tried to be expansive, they pressed well.

"Obviously they missed the penalty (saved by Brad Wade) but apart from the penalty I think we had the best chances in the game.

"If you look at teams we played this pre-season, we played play-off teams haven't we, I think we've been head and shoulders above which is pleasing.

"It was a really good exercise for us, they are obviously a good club, they will be pushing this season as well. Pleasing to see us be strong and solid and create opportunities.

"Some of the lads have never played a league game on 4G, Ty for example, it's a different kind of game. It's a slower game, slower pace, your touch is different. One or two touch play you have to take more care with it.

"Having Scarborough as the second game is brilliant. We've come here a couple of weeks before that. It's just different football on 4G."

A couple of changes today in the line-up with some players taking part in a behind closed doors game yesterday.

"I think the back four looked strong, keepers doing really well, midfield is starting to come together now. And our front are. We didn't turn balls over in behind as much as I would have liked today. But overall I think we've had a really solid pre-season."

With a couple of trialist still around Edgar Street will there be news of signings in the next few days?

"We hope so.

"We've had some trialists in, but the pleasing thing is we've had a settled camp in the sense that the trialists who have been in from the start have been with us all the way through so everyone kind of knows what we are doing now.

"We had a game last night behind closed doors (against a South Wales side) and we've had a game today so those decisions should be made in the next day or so.

"We're looking to hit the ground Monday and have a complete week.

"Durojaiye played yesterday (as did Pendley). A few of the boys played yesterday, a few young lads played yesterday as well so we could get those minutes in into the legs of the boys." 

Looking towards the season which starts next Saturday Gowling said that all the games would be tough.

"There's no-one at this level that's going to be a given so it's (Spennymoor) is going to be a tough game. And they don't come any tougher than Spennymoor.

"I think we need a couple more additions which hopefully we'll get done over the weekend, early part of the week."

Full time: Rushall 0-0 Hereford

​​Hereford’s final pre-season match ended in a goalless draw. 

This competitive encounter saw plenty of physical challenges and was a good test for Hereford. Their best chances came from Ryan McLean in the first half, as his shot was pushed away, and Miles Storey in the second period. 

Rushall also had a penalty saved by Hereford goalkeeper Brad Wade after the restart. 

McLean needed treatment for a cut to his face but was able to continue. 

Half time: Rushall Olympic 0-0 Hereford

​It’s all square at the break in a competitive first half, albeit one light on chances. 

Hereford’s best effort fell to Ryan McLean after work by Miles Storey, but his close-range shot was pushed behind by the goalkeeper. 

Rushall have created openings of their own, testing Hereford’s goalkeeper Brad Wade. 

McLean also needed the physio’s intervention for a cut to his face, and after a spell of lengthy treatment, he’s been able to continue. 

Rushall v Hereford team news

Luke Haines is back in the Bulls team for the friendly match. 

Hereford: Wade, Latty-Fairweather, Lloyd, Lilly, Haines, Carr, Hodgkiss, Pinchard, Barnett, McLean, Storey. Subs - Pendley, Osment, Campbell, Triallist, Summers. 

Rushall: Weaver, Lyttle, Harper-Bailey, Fletcher, Lowe, Whittall, Shorrock, Mantom, Moore, Parry, Batchelor (c). Subs - Mitchell, Triallist, Cameron, Campbell, Atherton, Burgess, Brown.

Supporters Told To Stay Off The Pitch

This from the FSF:

This week the football authorities and police announced a new clampdown on pitch incursions and pyro - with stricter enforcement and punishments coming into place this coming season.

In recent seasons, we've had many fans come to us looking for help after being accidentally caught on the wrong side of the law after going on the pitch.

And we want to remind supporters that regardless of intention, entering the field of play is illegal. Authorities are now saying they will take action and at the end of the day we don't want to see fans punished.

We've been on the radio and internet this week spreading that message - the pitch is for the players and the stands are for the fans.

Not every fan will agree with our position on this issue but if they don’t take notice and enter the field of play they are responsible for the negative consequences which follow. And sadly, the majority of fans in the stands would suffer from the actions of a minority on the pitch. 

Bulls Youngsters lose at Westfields

Hereford's under 18s played a Westfields side which was a mixture of senior players and some of their youngsters. In midfield former Bull Billy Murphy captained and played centrally and young Harry Pitman ( a renowned surname in Hereford!) was on the left. Young centre back Ben Vine impressed for the Fields. Hereford did not issue any details for their players and made multiple substitutions as did Westfields. Early on left midfielder Kyle Cassell fed through centre forward Josh Hunt who fired in a dipping shot from 25 yards which his sadly missed father Paul would have been proud of. 

Hereford played contrasting keepers. In the first half the goalkeeper was probably six inches shorter than his second half team mate who might just have got a hand to the shot. Hereford's first half keeper showed decent footwork and positioning. Westfields were dominant and kept surging forwards. Hunt was a handful and getting down the right he crossed for a routine finish at the far post by left winger Sam Griffiths, his first goal for Westfields. A corner from the right saw central defender Dale Richards glance a near post header home in text book style.

After twenty minutes Westfields were rampant and you feared that the young Bulls could take a hammering. Hereford's number 9 hit the bar with a long range dipping shot and then he reduced the deficit. A corner was partly cleared and he struck a rising shot from the edge of the box. 

Hereford regrouped and the team had both coaches on the touchline providing a steady stream of advice. Josh stood next to them observing and listening. The half time score was a fair reflection but with multiple substitutions the game lost some momentum in the second half. The Bulls became more resilient and focused more on not conceding than they had in the first half.

What was good to see was the attitude the youngsters with players readily owning up to errors and encouraging each other. The spirit was positive and cohesive.

Of the players 4 at centre back had several neat touches and anticipated danger. 6 in midfield played some good passes and one long arcing ball which broke the lines and 9 looked sharpest up front. 3 was forever encouraging and cajoling to move play forward on the left. Photos are of some of the team.

Westfields were professional and friendly hosts. A crowd of 182 enjoyed a warm and pleasant evening.