Match Report: Hereford FC v Solihull Moors

Hereford FC v Solihull Moors in a pre-season friendly.

Hereford welcomed higher graded opposition in the form of Enterprise National League side Solihull Moors to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium for their fourth pre-season friendly and second at home after claiming their first win on home soil 3-1 on Tuesday night against Worcester City. This would be a step up in opposition for the Bulls with the Moors finishing with 14th last season in the Enterprise National League and some former Bulls loanee's in their ranks with winger Kian Ryley having a month with Hereford in 2023 and forward Callum McFarlane spending time with the Bulls last season.

New signing in the shape of local lad Jordan Williamson who had featured as a trialist against former club Hereford Pegasus, Bishops Cleeve and Worcester City and announced pre-match new loan signing from Fleetwood Town Liam Roberts both started. Also announced in the week U18’s players’ player of the year last season Jack Tolley featured on the bench as did a selection of the U18's as in the previous friendlies.

The Bulls kicked off kicking from the Meadow End towards the Blackfriars End.

Hereford started well with new loanee Liam Roberts doing well on the left-flank nicking the ball off Matty Carson before delivering a cross into the box but Solihull in the end managed to clear.

The first corner came the way of Hereford on 12 minutes, from the left Billy Phillips delivered towards the back post almost onto the head of Kyle Howkins but the ball was taken off his head for another corner by Moors goalkeeper Nathaniel Ford.

Liam Roberts then played a good ball back to Billy Phillips on the edge of the box but he snatched at the effort and dragged his first-time shot wide.

The first chance for the visitors came from a corner on the right played short with a one-two between Matty Carson and Scott High, before Carson saw his strike go high over the bar failing to trouble Richardson.

With half an hour gone new signing Jordan Williamson did well winning a free-kick for the Bulls on the right side of the box, Keziah Martin's drive towards the top-right corner stinging the palms of Nathaniel Ford who tipped the ball around the post for a corner.

Hereford had pressed the Moors well not allowing them to get into a rhythm meaning with 40 minutes gone they hadn't had any meaningful chances which is how it stayed until the half-time break meaning it was a stalemate.

Half-time: Hereford FC 0-0 Solihull Moors 

The Bulls made two changes at half-time with Jack Tolley and Harry Jones coming on for Keziah Martin and Danny Waldron.

A good ball through to Harry Jones was intercepted by Alex Whitmore before the ball was loose with Matty Carson going in for a hard challenge on Jordan Williamson right on the edge of the box on the right which resulted in a free-kick for the Bulls and a yellow card for the Solihull Moors full-back, from the set-piece Liam Roberts’ left foot curler was comfortably into the arms of Nathaniel Ford.

With their first opportunity Solihull opened the scoring on 56 minutes when Junior Tiensia was through on the left channel before beating Kyle Howkins and drilling the ball high into the centre of the net.

Shortly afterwards there was a raft of changes for Hereford with Ollie Lewis, Josh Lloyd, Josh Mills, Ollie Bradley, Owen Bradford, Riley Bevan, Jude Gaudin, Kayode Sahabi and Harley Jones Williams all coming on.

Solihull’s Junior Tiensia swung a ball into the box from the left which skimmed off the head of Moors summer signing from Brackley Town Ben Wodskou and went harmlessly wide.

Following the Bulls changes Solihull had started to have more possession before Ben Wodskou showed good feet inside the box but somehow rifled his left foot strike high over the bar from 5-yards out.

Introduced as a second-half substitute former Bulls loanee Kian Ryley found space inside the box but his low strike from an acute angle on the left was brilliantly saved by the legs of Ollie Lewis before Josh Mills unfortunately picked up an knock and had to be replaced by Davyd Antoniuk.

The visitors’ Cameron Green tried his luck from the edge of the box but it easy pickings for Ollie Lewis and fell straight into his arms.

Riley Bevan threaded a neat ball through to Jude Gaudin inside the box before his shot was blocked by Tyler French with the rebound coming back to Jack Tolley but his strike was also well blocked by Alex Whitmore.

A loose ball by Solihull midway inside their own half allowed Jude Gaudin to intercept before getting a good right footed strike away which needed a strong right hand from Nathaniel Ford.

Corner for the visitors on the right by Matty Carson found Luca Hancock who's diving header was brilliantly saved by Ollie Lewis before from the resulting corner from the opposite side Solihull doubled their lead, former Bulls loanee Callum McFarlane delivered to the edge of the box where he found another in the shape of Kian Ryley who drilled the ball into the bottom-left corner to get a goal on his return.

Hereford we're unlucky to quickly concede a third shortly afterwards with a cross from the right by Ben Wodskou finding Kian Ryley who headed into the left side of the net to grab his second of the afternoon.

The Bulls not deterred went straight back on the attack looking to respond almost getting a goal back after a loose ball at the back from Matty Carson went straight to Harley Jones Williams but the striker could only lift the ball over the bar before the final opportunity of the game going to the Moors with Callum McFarlane finding space inside the box before his low effort being superbly tipped around the post for a corner by Ollie Lewis.

Overall the three-nil scoreline flattered the visitors with the U18’s doing well when they came on in the second-half despite the scoreline.

Full-time: Hereford FC 0-3 Solihull Moors 

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 7 Keziah Martin, 9 Cawley Cox, 10 Danny Waldron, 15 Jordan Williamson, 16 Liam Roberts, 17 Joseph James, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 14 Luke Spokes, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, Harry Jones, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Owen Bradford, Kayode Sahabi, Davyd Antoniuk, Harley Jones Williams, Riley Bevan, Josh Mills, Owen Bradford, Jude Gaudin.

Yet again a good workout in the fourth pre-season friendly of the campaign against a higher graded Moors side. In the first 45 we we're by far the better side but couldn't find a way through with Solihull failing to have a opportunity before a tough second-half but the U18’s who came on all gave a good account of themselves. After the game it was great for fans to have the opportunity to meet the players and management in the Fan Zone outside of Radford's Bar.

Onto the penultimate friendly and final one at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium when the Bulls again host higher graded opposition in the A49 derby against Sky Bet League 2 side Shrewsbury Town. COYW

Words: Sam Cummins 

Second Half Pictures Hereford v Solihull Friendly

A selection of pictures from the second half of this afternoon's friendly.

 

First Half Pictures From Today's Friendly

A selection of pictures from the first half of today's friendly at Edgar Street where Hereford played Solihull.

Liam Roberts Played For Hereford This Afternoon

Liam Roberts started for Hereford in their friendly against Solihull this afternoon.

The 18 year old Fleetwood winger only arrived at Edgar Street this morning.

He, along with his family, were shown around the stadium by Hereford manager Aaron Downes before being introduced to his team-mates.

"Great quality there, he's a good athlete,"said Downes. 

"Really happy with how he done.

"You have to put yourself in his shoes, he's drove three hours down, met the team, met the manager on his first day.

"I had to explain to him in half an hour exactly what we were trying to do today.

"He's gone out and showed what he's got, he's a good player so we're really lucky to have him and I thought he done great today. 

Fleetwood reported the loan deal earlier:

Liam Roberts has joined National League side Hereford on a youth loan until 2 January 2027.

The 18-year-old winger heads to Edgar Street after continuing his development with Town, having progressed through the Club’s Academy since the age of 11 before signing his first professional contract in February 2025.

Roberts made his senior debut in the EFL Trophy during the 2024/25 campaign and has since gone on to make five League Two appearances, while also featuring in the Carabao Cup. Last season also saw the Lytham-born wide man enjoy a loan spell with Waterford, before scoring his first senior goal for the Cod Army, finding the net directly from a corner against Barnsley.

After featuring in all four of Town’s pre-season fixtures this summer, Roberts will now continue his development with the Bulls for the first half of the 2026/27 campaign.

Some pictures of Roberts from this afternoon:

Aaron Downes gives his analysis after Solihull Moors defeat

Hereford boss Aaron Downes has given his thoughts after Hereford were beaten 3-0 by Solihull Moors in a pre-season friendly at Edgar Street. 

Press play to listen in full.

https://youtu.be/U2x7W_o9KOU

Solihull Win Friendly

Solihull won this afternoon's friendly at Edgar Street.

It ended Hereford 0 Solihull 3.

The visitors took the lead on 56 minutes. Moments after Hereford brought on the under 18s who battled well and were unlucky not to score.

Two more goals sealed it for Solihull.

No Goals At The Break

It's no goals so far at half time in this afternoon's friendly between Hereford and Solihull.

New loan signing Liam Roberts started for Hereford on the left wing.

Winger comes on board

Hereford have signed left-winger Liam Roberts on loan from Fleetwood Town until January.

The teenager, who can also operate at left wing-back, has been part of the Cod Army’s academy system since the age of 11, making huge strides through the youth ranks prior to penning his first professional contract in February 2025.

"Liam is a fantastic signing for our club,” said manager Aaron Downes.

"We became aware of his availability a couple of weeks ago, we’ve done extensive research on him and he is a very good player. We’re lucky to have someone of his calibre coming here."

More here. 

Proceeds from Tuesday Nights 50/50 Matchday Draw to be shared between St Michael's & St Richard's Hospices

Congratulations to our winners of the 50/50 Matchday draw on Tuesday night vs Worcester City.  

Thank you to everyone who supported the draw.  Currently the proceeds of £415.56  will be shared between the 2 charities, St Michael's & St Richard's Hospices - with a possible additional £80 if the outstanding 2nd prize is not claimed by 21st August 2026.

#AreYouWinner

2PM Kick-Off At Edgar Street Tomorrow

A quick reminder that tomorrow's friendly between Hereford FC and Solihull kicks off at 2pm.

Tickets are available online at: https://herefordfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/hereford_fc_v_solihull_moor_home_supporters

Prices are Adults £16 seated, £14 terrace.

Concessions £14 seated, £12 terrace

Under 16 £3 seated, £2 terrace.

After the game supporters can 'meet the players' in the fans zone until 6pm. 

Cheltenham Needs To Produce More Revenue Says Watts

Cheltenham managing director James Watts has told Gloucester Live that the club needs to produce more revenue and he has a plan to achieve it.

The former Hereford general manager recently left Swindon.

"It’s a role I’ve wanted for a while and I am enjoying it so far," Watts said.

"I wanted to run the day-to-day operations and Cheltenham is within an hour of my previous clubs, so it falls within the network of contacts I’ve built up.

"I’ve known people who have played and managed here, as well as having contacts in the academy set-up, so this role stood out for me and as soon as I had a conversation with owner Mike Garlick, it was where I wanted to be for the coming season.

"The potential is there for the club to be bigger than it’s ever been, You don’t want to run before you walk, but there is definitely potential for the club to win promotion.

"If the club were to achieve that in the next 18 months or two years, the next stage is to make sure we are sustainable in League One because a lot of clubs go up, come back down and struggle, or drop into non-league.

"We have to keep expectations realistic, but there is no reason why the club can’t grow its fanbase with its location and being an affluent area; I see potential there.

"We have to build structures and processes correctly to make sure that if the club goes further on the field, we are able to match it off the field. If that doesn’t marry up, we’d be in trouble.

"Historically, I think Cheltenham fans understand how difficult League One is. For the club to go back to that level, with even more investment and bigger wages in football now, we have to be commercially and operationally in that position. I don’t see any reason why we can’t get there."

Watts has plenty of ideas.

"There is the possibility of a summer concert, which would generate revenue, but that’s just like one more match day and it needs to be a venue as much as a football ground.

"The fanzone we’ve had for the England World Cup games has generated money, as concerts could too. Oktoberfest, a Christmas Fair and Santa’s Grotto - there are loads of things we have the ability to do to generate that extra revenue, along with room hire, parties, wakes, weddings and conferencing.

"What I’d like to do is aim for 40 revenue-generating days instead of 28. A lot more can be done here because of the location and that’s something I’ll be looking to drive forward with the team here."

Currently the average gate at Cheltenham is around 4000.

"I have always tried to bring in more young fans, going into schools with the community foundation, running soccer camps and introducing ticket initiatives, as well as having more mascots, and that’ll be an area to target here.

"It’s also about giving value to your commercial partners, who’ll then tell other companies and your client base grows. It was something I did at Newport and Swindon, building that commercial area to drive attendances, which has helped both clubs.

"We also need to start targeting national businesses outside of Cheltenham. There is no reason why we can’t increase crowds by 10 or 15 per cent and, if we are winning games, why not 25 per cent or have sell-outs?

"As long as Steve Cotterill is winning games, we have to ensure the commercial operation is the best it can be. If fans are enjoying what they are watching, we can add extra elements to create both a family environment and a commercial environment. It all goes hand in hand to help the club reach the next level." 

Another local player signs on

Youth team player Jack Tolley has been promoted to Hereford's first team squad.

The central midfielder was the under-18s' player of the year last season, which included a hat-trick against Malvern.

Tolley has been training with the first team since the opening day of pre-season, and featured in the friendlies against Hereford Pegasus and Worcester City.

Hereford U18's suffer narrow defeat in fourth pre-season friendly

Hereford U18's suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in their fourth pre-season friendly this evening at Archdales Sports & Social Club in Worcester against Hummel Herefordshire Football League Premier Division side Worcester City Reserves.

A penalty on 13 minutes in the first-half ultimately being the difference between the two sides.

The U18's have victories in three (Bromyard Town, Belmont Wanderers, Wellington Reserves) out of their four pre-season friendlies to date with the only defeat thus far coming tonight against Worcester City Reserves.

Words: Sam Cummins 

Pegasus Delighted Williamson Has Signed For Hereford

This from Pegasus:

The club are delighted to see that following a preseason trial Jordan Williamson has signed for Hereford FC. 

 Jordan came through the clubs youth ranks being named player of the year in 24/25 and players player in 25/26 when he scored 32 goals leading the club to an historic league cup victory. 

He will team up with another former Pegasus player Cawley Cox further emphasising the quality of players coming through the youth pathway! 

 A great achievement we wish Jordan all the very best. 

Meanwhile Williamson has tweeted:

Absolutely buzzing 

Can't wait to get going 

Downes has no qualms in signing local players

Cawley Cox, pictured in the middle 

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has shown he has no qualms in signing local players.

Cawley Cox - who used to play for Hereford Pegasus and Westfields - was soon snapped up in the close season from Merthyr.

And now the Bulls have signed Jordan Williamson from Pegasus following a successful trial period.

"It shows that there is good talent within the Herefordshire area and we are glad we're able to bring in two local players that are going to make a massive difference to us."