Hereford’s difficult start to the season continues this Saturday
visiting 7th placed Alfreton the fifth top ten side in their first
seven games. The good news is Alfreton lost their first match on Monday at home
to Chorley. The bad news is that was their first loss in sixteen National
League North fixtures. Alfreton finished last season well after winning 2-1 at
Hereford at the beginning of April. That was one of Hereford’s poorest
performances last season, the reverse autumn fixture seeing a late Luke Haines
equaliser in an exciting 3-3 draw.
Alfreton despite considerable investment struggle to get the
crowds their football deserves with 4-500 the norm, and Bulls fans usually
travel in considerable numbers to make a vocal impact at the Impact Arena.
Alfreton are in many ways a classic National League North side. They usually
play a fairly direct style under manager Billy Heath starting his sixth season
at the club, but they always have some quality footballers. This goal against
those cheeky coastal chappies Southport exemplifies them.
The long kick from the keeper who gets the assist, the big
number nine draws in two defenders, yet there is a classy control and finish from Southwell with his weaker foot. He is
joint top scorer with Denton on 3 who has joined this season from Chesterfield.
Teams underestimate Alfreton’s skills at their peril. Big number nines don’t come
much bigger than sixteen and a half stone Matt Rhead (the biggest player in the
division?). The veteran has often come up against the Bulls and with his
constant dialogue with referees maybe he will move into officiating when he
finally retires. Alfreton refer to him as their GOAT. Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, Pele?
Nah, it’s the last of the brick outhouses for the Derbyshire fans.
Generally, now he comes on as an impact sub at the Impact
Arena. After being bullied in one on ones against Banbury and Gloucester Zak
Lilly has the chance to redeem himself with usual starting striker Denton
another rough and tumble merchant. However, fourteen stone Denton came off injured on Monday so Alfreton may be going large on Saturday with Rhead. Alfreton goalkeeper Willis is in his eighth
season at this level a Sheffield United product he was with Stalybridge and
Boston previously. In defence Branson is in his fourth season with “Ofton.” Cantrill
was picked up from four seasons as a regular with Guiseley following their
relegation last season. Lund was with Norwich youngsters and is now in his
third season with Alfreton. Henri Wilder is ever present and played with Orrin Pendley
last season at Tamworth. Orrin may be due a start, he was one of the better players against the quality Cardiff team in pre-season and could allow a back three to be played. Haines has the long passing ideal for a central defender in a back three.
Hereford will have a new goalkeeper with Josh having spent a
fait bit of the week searching for a loanee or unsigned player. Brad Wade has made an excellent start so hopefully will be a quick healer. Young Seb
Osment could be on the bench if Josh revises his desire to have all outfield
players as substitutes. The defence needs some work, shipping six goals in the
last two games. Josh blaming individual mistakes, but teams are playing in
behind to exploit the perceived lack of pace. Latty-Fairweather showed
increased speed and mobility in the back line before being substituted so may
retain his place. Captain Hodgkiss should be back as Gowling said after the match
that he can manage one game a week.
Both Gloucester and Banbury managers said that they won their
games against Hereford in midfield. On Monday Hereford looked poorly organised
and disjointed in the middle of the park. On Saturday Gowling acknowledged Banbury’s
dominance by changing his midfield at half time. Youngster Kane
Sommers-Thompson started the season very brightly but has faded in his last two
games. It is a step up from reserve football and younger players can be
inconsistent. He has shown enough flashes of skill to come again but maybe he
will again be on the bench. Jethro Hanson looked good coming off the bench in
earlier matches but his first start against Gloucester was disappointing.
Lloyd has had more shots on goal than most recently but is
being regularly substituted. If Latty-Fairweather started at right back
Hodgkiss could play as a 6 or an 8. He is a highly intelligent footballer who
organises well and has shown his versatility playing left back at Alfreton last
season. He’s one of the best crossers of the ball at the club and spots space
in attack and exploits it.
Amadi-Holloway marked his debut with a quality finish against
Gloucester. However, he appears not yet fit enough for ninety minutes, so will
he be starting and playing an hour or coming on some time in the second half?
Whichever his aerial prowess and sweet feet look very likely to be involved.
Tyrone Barnett has been many fans player of the month for August with the
veteran’s work rate, skills, and attitude adorning Edgar Street. If Hereford
want to press from the outset, then Storey will surely start although if the Bulls want more
pace at the back Miles would be the roadrunner option! McLean’s clever goal at
Banbury will surely see him start again.
Gowling has mentioned that he has not had players in the
right places to pick up the knock downs and lay offs from Barnett and
Amadi-Holloway. Osideko has a knack for being in the right place to score so
might be an option if not to start but to bring off the bench.
Alfreton have failed to score in three of their six matches seven of their nine goals coming in their 4 0 home defeat of Southport and 3-1 away
win at Kettering. This looks a tough game for the Bulls with both teams looking
to bounce back from defeats. A point or better still three would get the season
back on track. Hereford are currently 17th. The league position the Bulls have spent more time in over the last 50 years than any other. A win should
take them back into the top half of the table.