Around The Ground

The first of several selections of pictures from around the Redditch ground.  Around 1000 Hereford supporters were at the game.

These from before kick-off.

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Second Half Pictures From Hereford's Victory At Redditch

A selection of pictures captured during the sercond half of this afternoon's 2-0 victory by Hereford over Redditch.

Southern Premier League Review

A look back at today in the Southern Premier League written by Steve Whitney.

A surprising number of matches managed to survive the wet on Bank Holiday Monday in the Evo-Stik League South Premier.
Leaders Hereford FC`s game on the artificial surface at Redditch United`s Trico Stadium was always going to be on and the Bulls won 2-0 to stretch their advantage at the top to four points as King`s Lynn Town`s big home game against fourth-placed Kettering Town was one of five that didn`t go ahead.
In front of a crowd of 1,651, Jimmy Oates gave Hereford a 21st minute lead that Lance Smith doubled just past the hour-mark with a diving header.
The Bulls finished with ten-men though when Ryan Green was sent-off in the final minute after a two-footed tackle on Tyler Weir.

Weymouth moved to within three points of Lynn after a 5-0 hammering of bottom-markers Gosport Borough at the Bob Lucas Stadium.
A crowd of 1,007 saw Harry Baker give the Terras a good start with a goal inside 2 minutes.
Brandon Goodship then took over, completing a hat-trick with goals in the 25th, 44th and 73rd minutes.
And Boro`s day was complete when Ed Sanders beat his own keeper to make it a nap hand for the home side 2 minutes from time.
Slough Town in fifth ensured the gap between them and sixth-placed Royston Town, who also won, remains a healthy ten points after winning 2-1 at Arbour Park against neighbours Chesham United, who are probably out of the running now.
A crowd of 784 saw Oran Swales give the visiting Generals a 10th minute lead that James Dobson cancelled out 12 minutes later.
The winner came from Warren Harris with less than 4 minutes remaining.
Royston, whose defeat at Hereford on Saturday set them back, have an awful lot to do now and need Slough to slip up really if they are to overtake them, despite recording a 4-2 Garden Walk win over Bishop`s Stortford.
The teams were three divisions apart last year but, after Mark Hughes had given the visiting Blues a 20th minute lead, the Crows turned it round in the second half with goals from Joe Hankins on the hour-mark, Scott Bridges from the penalty spot 10 minutes later, Josh Castiglione 5 minutes after that and Martel Powell in the 80th minute, veteran Jamie Cureton adding a second for Stortford 4 minutes later.
 
Elsewhere, Frome Town came back from a goal down to win by the odd goal in seven at Penydarren Park against Merthyr Town, whose Owain Jones scored in the 11th minute.
Joe Raynes equalised 3 minutes later and then Josh Brace put the Somerset side in front 10 minutes after that.
Ryan Prosser took the sides into the break all-square with the leveller on the half-hour mark and 10 minutes into the second period, Jarrad Wright made it 3-2 to the hosts.
But on 77 minutes, Marcus Mapstone equalised and Jon Davies won it for Frome 6 minutes from time.
Hitchin Town won the derby at Kings Langley, thanks to goals from Toby Syme after 49 minutes and then Patrick Tshikala a minute into stoppage time – Mitchell Weiss` reply coming a minute later.
And Basingstoke Town won the derby at the Camrose against Farnborough in another seven-goal bonanza.
Callum Bunting`s 7th minute effort gave `Stoke the lead, only for Luke King to equalise 11 minutes later and then put Boro ahead 6 minutes later.
Bunting`s second pulled the home side back on terms 2 minutes later and Sam Smart made it 3-2 to Basingstoke at the break when he scored 3 minutes later.
Connor Calcutt levelled matters 5 minutes into the second half, only for Terry Brown`s side to win it on the hour-mark through Sam Deadfield.

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Four Wins From Six Will Do Said Beadle

Tim Harris And Peter Beadle

In his post match interview Peter Beadle reflected on the weekend's six points and noted King's Lynn didn't play today.

"As I've said before we'll keep an eye on what King's Lynn are doing but at the end of the day it's all about us.

"If we continue to play as we have done this Easter weekend we are going to be tough to beat and obviously if we don't get beat then we are going to continue to pick points up.

"At the end of the day as Keith pointed out on Saturday we needed five more wins from seven games, now we are down to four from six games.

"And we know that Kettering have got to play at Kings Lynn and I think King's Lynn have got to go to Slough and Kettering have got to come to us so there are lots of different ways it can happen but we have to stay focused on what we have to do and take care of our business.

"But it's nice we have a four point gap and still with a game in hand so it's a nice place to be after Easter."

It's the third time Hereford have played a away game on an astro-turf surface this season and today was their best performance.

"I think the team have been brilliant all season.

"I spoke to some lovely supporters before the game about the players, not only this years but the previous years as well.

"I think that every player that has played here so far in my tenure has adapted and been superb in their attitude and application towards the club, in the way they play and the committment they give to it.

"And then when you come and play on here, Merthyr and Slough, three away games on plastic pitches we haven't lost yet. We draw at Merthyr and Slough and we've won today.

"We train on it anyway so it's not unusual to us but when a team plays on it every other week they do have a bit of an advantage bit I thought the boys were superb today as they have been last year in the way they've committed to different circumstances, plastic pitches, muddy pitches, bobbly pitches, they've been spot-on with their attitude."

With all the rain last night it was fortunate that the game wasn't at Edgar Street.

"We got the games around the right way this weekend!

"But I thought the groundstaff did a great job on Saturday as we had a lot of rain before Saturday as well. The pitch was in good nick and, like I said, we've made the most of our Easter weekend with maximum points which I delighted with.

"And we managed to get both of our games played as well so that's two more off the board and we're counting down towards the end of the season."

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First Half Pictures From Redditch

A selection of pictures from the first half of Hereford's 2-0 win at Redditch this afternoon.

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Match Report: Redditch 0 Hereford 2

Lance Smith And Rob Purdie Congratulate Jimmy Oates After The Captain Scored Hereford's First Goal

A goal in each half saw Hereford overcome mid-table Redditch United 2-0 at the Trico Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Southern Premier. This was a comfortable performance by the Bulls, assured without being dominant. But more importantly, it gives Hereford a wider cushion over their rivals as they look to seal the title.

Pete Beadle made one change for the match on the 3G surface - John Mills dropping to the bench - and the players wore astros instead of boots. The Reds boss Tim Harris named ex-Bulls Stuart Fleetwood, Tyler Weir, Ashley Sammons and Adam Page in his starting eleven.

Hereford started the first half playing downhill, away from the travelling fans. They dominated the opening period, looking comfortable. Jennison Myrie-Williams - recalled to the starting line-up - was lively on the left flank, feeding Pablo Haysham early on, and then Rob Purdie shot narrowly wide.

Jimmy Oates broke the deadlock on 21 minutes. He met a deep cross from Keyon Reffell with a diving header, beating goalkeeper Ethan Ross to put Hereford ahead.

The Bulls had further chances as the half progressed. Myrie-Williams’ shot from just outside the box went inches wide, and a Reffell header bounced back off the crossbar. Elliot Richards also had a low drive from the edge of the box parried away by the Redditch ‘keeper.

Keyon Reffell Heads Towards Goal

At the other end, Will Puddy had little to do in the Hereford goal, as Ryan Green kept quiet a Redditch frontline led by Fleetwood.

The second half started with some early Redditch rallies, including a Tyler Weir effort caught by Puddy. But Hereford built on their advantage. Richards drilled a long-range effort over, before the Bulls doubled their tally. A Purdie cross found Lance Smith at the back post, and the striker’s header beat the goalkeeper to make it two after 61 minutes.

Hereford could’ve added more goals as the half progressed. Smith controlled well but advancing goalkeeper Ross blocked his shot. Then Myrie-Williams had a good effort thwarted by the Reds backline, while Smith headed over at the far post in the dying stages. Redditch were restricted to long-range efforts with substitute Jordan Mills firing over Puddy’s goal and Weir’s low drive collected easily by Hereford’s stopper.

With the game settled and heading into injury time with Hereford comfortably ahead, a rash challenge saw Ryan Green shown a straight red card. His two-footed challenge in the middle of the park was needless, and he’ll be banned as a result.

But - sending off aside - this was a straightforward, professional performance from the Bulls who go four points clear with a game in hand at the top of the table. A loud away following cheered the Bulls on to victory in a crowd of 1,651.

Redditch: Ross, Wright (Dunkley, 65), Weir, Fox, Lezewele, Mutton (c), Jackman, Sammons (Mills, 65), Fleetwood, Gibson, Page (Davie, 72). Unused subs: Fishwick, Stares.

Hereford: Puddy, Oates (c), Pring, Richards, Green, Liburd, Reffell, Purdie, Smith, Haysham (O’Shea, 76), Myrie-Williams (Symons, 76). Unused subs: Mills, McGrath, Horsell.

Report written for BN by Terry Goodwin

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A Real Complete Performance Today Said Beadle

After today's 2-0 win at Redditch, Pete Beadle said that his side still need to be a bit more ruthless, especially after having the majority of possession.

Beadle told BBC H&W's reporter Keith Hall: "We asked questions at half time about being a bit more ruthless. Again we've had lots of good possession in the final third and not quite made the most of it. 

"It was a good, solid performance, we kept the ball really well and limited them to very few chances. Nice to keep a clean sheet.

"We started really well and pushed them back. Sometimes when you give teams that little bit of incentive they make the most of it, but we didn't give them that today. We'd have like to have been another one or two up at half time, but it wasn't at one-nil. 

"It only takes one mistake, one refereeing decision or one set piece and they're back in the game, so we need to make sure we're focussed. We looked solid again from set pieces defensively, and looked like we might score from set pieces at the other end. So a real complete performance today."

Ryan Green was sent off late in the game, but prior to kick off Keith Hall asked Beadle if he was taking an individual fitness test.

"The body takes a little bit longer to recover as you get older and Ryan's no spring chicken. He made a decision that he was okay to play, I'm just really disappointed with his decision right at the end in the last minute of the game.

"I think there's lots of things you can point your finger at [with the sending off]. With Ryan's experience, the game in the last minute, two-nil and 50 yards from his goal, does he need to make the challenge? We don't want to take that edge away from him, but does he need to make that challenge there? Probably not.

"It might be four games, but whatever the case, we're going to miss him. He's been our most consistent defender again this season and it's probably a tackle he didn't need to make."

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Evo-Stik South Premier Results

Easter Monday's results from the Southern Prem. Seven games survived the weather.

Banbury United P-P Stratford Town

Basingstoke Town 4-3 Farnborough 

Biggleswade Town P-P Dunstable Town

King's Lynn Town P-P Kettering Town

Kings Langley 1-2 Hitchin Town 

Merthyr Town 3-4 Frome Town 

Redditch United 0-2 Hereford 

Royston Town 4-2 Bishop's Stortford 

Slough Town 2-1 Chesham United 

St Neots Town P-P St Ives Town

Tiverton Town P-P Dorchester Town 

Weymouth 5-0 Gosport Borough

Hereford move four points clear at the top of the table, still with a game in hand over King's Lynn.

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

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Hereford Continue Push For Promotion With Victory at Redditch

Hereford have moved four points clear at the top of the league after this afternoon's 2-0 win at Redditch United.

Jimmy Oates and Lance Smith both scored with diving headers, but Ryan Green was shown a straight red card late in the game for a challenge on former Bull Tyler Weir.

More later.

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King's Lynn V Kettering OFF

The match of the day in the Southern Premier League, King's Lynn versus Kettering, has been called off as the pitch is waterlogged.

So whatever happens at Redditch. Hereford will remain top of the Southern Prem.

Also off are the games at Banbury, Biggleswade, St Neots and Tiverton.

However the game at Kings Langley is ON after a pitch inspection.

Banbury United v Stratford Town OFF
Basingstoke Town v Farnborough
Biggleswade Town v Dunstable Town OFF
King's Lynn Town v Kettering Town OFF
Kings Langley v Hitchin Town
Merthyr Town v Frome Town
Redditch United v Hereford
Royston Town v Bishop's Stortford
Slough Town v Chesham United
St Neots Town v St Ives Town OFF
Tiverton Town v Dorchester Town
Weymouth v Gosport Borough OFF

This article may be updated 

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Today's Fixtures In The Southern Prem

There was set to be a full compliment of fixtures in the Southern League this afternoon but last night's wet weather will probably mean several pitch inspections and possible postponements.

Already there will be a pitch inspection at Tiverton at 9am and one at 10am at Kings Langley.

Banbury United v Stratford Town
Basingstoke Town v Farnborough
Biggleswade Town v Dunstable Town
King's Lynn Town v Kettering Town
Kings Langley v Hitchin Town
Merthyr Town v Frome Town
Redditch United v Hereford
Royston Town v Bishop's Stortford
Slough Town v Chesham United
St Neots Town v St Ives Town
Tiverton Town v Dorchester Town
Weymouth v Gosport Borough 

As regards the games, pick of the day is at King's Lynn (2nd) where Kettering (4th) are the opponents. A draw would probably suit leaders Hereford.

Another important game takes place at Slough (5th) where Chesham (7th) are the visitors. Slough need to win this to keep alive any hope they might have of catching the leaders.

Leaders Hereford face a potentially tricky fixture at Redditch (15th) who have only lost three home games this season on their 3G pitch. Close to 1,000 Hereford supporters are expected at the game.

Finally Weymouth (3rd) should enhance their position in the table with a win over bottom of the league Gosport.

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Beadle Looks Forward To Redditch

In his interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester after yesterday's 2-0 win over Royston, Hereford manager Peter Beadle looked forward to the game at Redditch tomorrow.

Recently they appointed a new manager.

"Knowing Tim (Harris) and Alex (Sykes) as well as I do we knew they would change it around and make it better," said Beadle.

"I think they've still got a work in progress on their hands, they are still tryng to get where they want to be as in squad size and team and type of player.

"But it's going to be a tough game.

"They are in good form at home and have had a few decent results recently and they've got better.

"And they'll certainly be a lot better than when we played them at New Year. Tim had only just been in charge then.

"I think he's got rid of quite a few and brought in quite a few so they'll be a different team and a different proposition than when they came here."

Given there's only 48 hours between games would that impact on Beadle's selection?

"Yes, may do. Dara has come back today, Jack wasn't involved, James wasn't involved, Billy wasn't well, hopefully he'll be okay for Monday.

"We need to look at one or two, Ryan as well with the pitch, but we'll always put out the strongest team and one that can win the game.

"We'll take into consideration the surface, it might be one game too many for one or two. 3G on Monday might not be John Mills's favourite surface.

"I know I'll be going in the changing room and they'll be saying 'I'm alright' because they all want to be in the team and that's good healthy competition. Once they are in the side no-one wants to be out of it."

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Prize Bull '500 Club' - March Monthly Winners

Thanks to every member of the Prize Bull ‘500 Club’ for their support since the draw was launched at the start of the season. Please continue to support this fund raising initiative which will continue throughout the year, even after the football campaign has ended.

The ‘March’ Monthly Draw, and regular weekly draw took place during the half-time interval of yesterdays’ match against Royston Town at Edgar Street with a host of prizes on offer.

Congratulations to the winners:

£100 David Quartermain – Member 33 from Hereford
£75 Kirsten Tonks – Member 70 from Devon
£25 Terry Zimmerman – Member 65 from Ross-on-Wye
£10 James Sheath – Member 20 from Leicester
Bottle of Wine Andrew Ball – Member 196 from Hereford
2 Bottles of Purdie’s Pride Beer, or Gareth Davies’ Cider – Marcella Furness – Member 94 from Tupsley
HUST Calendar – Robert Gratton – Member 158 from Peterstow
Talking Bull Fanzine Bundle – Jeffrey Green – Member 42 from Ross-on-Wye

Cash prizes will be paid directly to supporters as per the normal procedures for the Prize Bull ‘500 Club’ draws.

For those supporters who wish to collect their prizes after a Hereford match, HUST will be in contact this week to make other arrangements for collection/delivery.

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Bulls News Potential Points Table

Given most of the top teams won their games in the Southern Premier League yesterday or they were postponed, there's little change in the BN Potential Points Table.

Top of the League:

Hereford 39/92

King's Lynn 41/91

Weymouth 40/84

Kettering 38/82

Slough 37/74

Tiverton 39/67

Chesham 39/65

Potential Points (assumes each club wins every remaining game):

Hereford 113

King's Lynn 106

Weymouth 102

Kettering 106

Slough 101

Tiverton 88

Chesham 86

As it stands Hereford still need to win five of their last seven games to ensure they win the title. However King's Lynn play Kettering tomorrow which will mean that one, or if the game is drawn both, will drop points.

Probably from a Hereford point of view a draw would be the best outcome.

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‘Massive’ Beadle Statue Planned

Following yesterday's win, it was announced a special statue will be built in High Town to mark Pete Beadle's 100th managerial win while in charge of Hereford and its predecessor Hereford United.

The statue will be a new landmark for the city, standing at 26ft tall, and will replace the Bull statue outside The Old House which will be disposed of.

One supporter told BN: "I think this massive statue is a great idea to mark this great occasion and long may his reign as manager continue."

Published on 01/04/18 at 09:16