Match Report: Hereford FC v Shrewsbury Town

 

Billy Phillips opens the scoring 

Hereford FC v Shrewsbury Town in a pre-season friendly and A49 derby.

For the second game running Hereford welcomed higher graded opposition in the shape of local rivals Sky Bet League Two side Shrewsbury Town to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium in the return of the A49 derby for their fifth pre-season friendly and final at home following on from the 3-0 defeat against Solihull Moors on Saturday. Another stern test and further step up with this the first A49 derby since the 2021/22 season when Town last came to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium in a pre-season friendly and claimed a 2-1 victory.

From the 3-0 loss at the hands of the Moors, one which flattered the visitors Aaron and Harry brought into the starting XI announced pre-match new loan signing from Forest Green Rovers Will Merrett and Liam Roberts made his second appearance after his debut following this loan move from Fleetwood Town prior to the game on Saturday and on the bench a selection of U18’s who gave yet again a good account of themselves in the second-half on Saturday. 

Former Hereford loanee George Lloyd who spent time with the Bulls on loan from Cheltenham Town during the 2018/2019 season started for the Salop. Sam Clucas who was at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium when the Bulls we're relegated from Npower Football League Two in the 2011/2012 season before staying for the clubs first season back in the Blue Square Bet Premier the following season was at the game but wasn't in the oppositions squad.

The Bulls kicked off kicked from the Blackfriars End towards the Meadow End starting on the front foot opened the scoring early after only 6 minutes with a well taken goal by Billy Phillips after he latched onto a looping ball, advanced to the edge of the box before cooly slotting past Shrewsbury goalkeeper Will Brook into the bottom-left corner.

Shrewsbury’s first opportunity came from a free-kick near the left touchline which Jay Turner-Cooke delivered towards Isaac Lee but Kyle Howkins managed to hack the ball clear before they we're awarded another set-piece a bit further forward which was again taken by Turner-Cooke left footed which was again headed away by Kyle Howkins.

There was then a dangerous ball from the left by Isaac England which almost found the outstretched former Bull George Lloyd who flung himself towards the cross but Kyle Howkins managed to put the ball out for a corner which from it on the right it was played into the area by Jay Turner-Cooke which found George Lloyd at the back post but he could only put his header high over the bar.

With 20 minutes gone the Bulls we're bettering their higher graded opposition with the Salop having possession but failing to trouble Theo Richardson between the sticks.

The visitors Isaac England had a lofted effort from the right hand side of the box but his effort whistled narrowly over the bar before Cawley Cox had a good right footed half volley from the right side of the area which was beaten away for a corner at his front post by Will Brook.

New loan signing Will Merrett picked up a yellow card on his debut for a late challenge on Byron Pendleton on the left side of the box, Turner-Cooke delivered which was swung into the danger zone and met by the glancing head of Isaac England but it went wide.

Then came the best chance thus far for the Town with Preston Bitemo’s clearance from the edge of box finding Isaac England but his curling effort from the edge of the box was brilliantly tipped around the post by the outstretched right hand of Theo Richardson for a corner before Josh Davison found space on the right side of the box but he dragged his right foot effort narrowly wide of the left post.

Corner for Shrewsbury on the right, played in Jay Turner-Cooke which was headed out by Kyle Howkins before finding Isaac England who's rasping volley which was headed clear off the line by Lewis Hudson for another corner.

Before the final chance of the first period coming from Hereford when Liam Roberts did well on the left-flank beating Isaac England before crossing to Cawley Cox near the penalty-spot who's shot took a deflection off Shrews captain Will Boyle before looping high up into the air and into the arms of Will Brook.

The Bulls saw the rest of the first-half out to take a thoroughly deserved one-nil lead into the interval.

Half-time: Hereford FC 1-0 Shrewsbury Town 

There was a change at the break for Hereford with Jordan Williamson coming on to replace Danny Waldron.

First opening of the second 45 came after a quick free-kick was taken by Hereford midway inside the Town half which Liam Roberts collected before advancing into the box, hitting a left foot drive which was well saved by Will Brook low to his left.

Town had the first corner of the half on the right, Turner-Cooke lofted the ball in almost finding Isaac Lee but it just evaded him and went straight out for a goal-kick before another corner from the other side which again taken by Jay Turner-Cooke finding the head of Will Boyle but it fizzed harmlessly wide.

With around 20 minutes gone in the second-half Hereford we're still holding the visitors comfortably at arms length despite Shrewsbury starting to have a bit more possession.

Cawley Cox picked up a booking after late challenge on Isaac Lee deep in the Shrews half.

The Sky Bet League Two Shrews who had now started to run up a bit of steam equalised with a brilliant strike after a good ball over the top by substitute Tom Sang found George Lloyd and the former Bulls loanee turned Will Merrett on the edge of the box cut back onto his left foot before guiding the ball into the top-left corner.

Before shortly afterwards having a good opportunity to take the lead after a corner from the left was played towards the back post by Tom Sang which Will Boyle managed to get his head to but could only ballon the ball high over the bar.

Shortly afterwards debutant Will Merrett was replaced by Keziah Martin.

Free-kick near the left touchline for the visitors which Tom Sang lofted into the area to be met by Will Boyle who flicked goalwards but the header was straight at Theo Richardson.

With around 10 minutes of normal time remaining another substitution for the Bulls with goalscorer Billy Phillips going off to make way for Jack Tolley.

A cheap corner was conceded by Joseph James on the left, Sang delivered to the back post which was headed back across goal by Will Boyle back into the danger area where substitute Joe Gbode powerfully headed towards the top-left corner only to be denied by a world-class save from Theo Richardson who pushed the ball over the bar to keep the scores level.

Town substitute Arkell Jude-Boyd then had a good curling effort from the edge of the area which missed the left hand side of the net by a whisker before a goalmouth scramble on the left side of the Bulls box eventually falling to Joe Gbode but the Shrewsbury striker blazed the ball high over the bar from about 10-yards.

After equalising the Shrews pushed but the Bulls held out to claim a deserved gutsy draw.

Full-time: Hereford FC 1-1 Shrewsbury Town 

Goal scored by Billy Phillips.

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 5 Will Merrett, 9 Cawley Cox, 10 Danny Waldron, 14 Luke Spokes, 18 Liam Roberts, 17 Joseph James, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 7 Keziah Martin, 15 Jordan Williamson, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, Harry Jones, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Kayode Sahabi, Harley Jones Williams.

It was another very positive runout in the fifth pre-season friendly of the campaign and the return of the A49 derby against the Salop. In the first 45 we deservedly went into the break one-nil up and despite the Sky Bet League Two Shrews equalising in the second-half the Bulls more and matched their higher graded full-time local rivals to claim a share of the spoils in the A49 derby which was watched by a healthy attendance of 1,917 with 510 from the Salop.

The Bulls are back on the road for the final friendly of pre-season with a visit to Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Central side Bromsgrove Sporting and the The UK Electrical Stadium. COYW

Words: Sam Cummins 

REACTION | Harry Pell - Hereford FC 1-1 Shrewsbury Town

Harry Pell gives his post match reaction to tonights 1-1 draw against League Two Shrewsbury Town. Click on the play button below.

A49 Friendly Ends In A Draw

Tonight's friendly at Edgar Street ended in a 1-1 draw.

Hereford took the lead early in the first half through Billy Phillips but Shrewsbury replied in the middle of the second period when former Bull George Lloyd was on target.

The Bulls withstood a lot of pressure as the game progressed but defended well.

Attendance was a creditable 1917 including 521 in the away end. 

Hereford Ahead In Shrewsbury Friendly

At half time it's Hereford 1 Shrewsbury 0.

Billy Phillips scored for the Bulls early in the half.

Merrett Joins Hereford On Loan

Defender Will Merrett has joined Hereford on loan from Forest Green Rovers until the end of October.

He starts tonight against Shrewsbury.

Former Hereford United Player Fred Kemp Has Died

Fred Kemp who played for Hereford United during the early part of the 1974/75 season has died.

Kemp, who died last week, was born in 1946.

Then manager Colin Addison signed Kemp in the 1974 close season, but before the season had started John Sillett had taken over from Addison.

After just 13 games Kemp left Edgar Street and joined Addison who was then in charge at Durban in South Africa. 

Kemp scored two goals whilst with Hereford, one of which was during Hereford's 6-3 win over Blackburn. 

Slightly Different Recruitment Route This Season At Hereford

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he feels there are some exciting young players in the squad being put together by manager Aaron Downes.

"I think there are some really exciting young players in our squad this year," said Ammonds.

"We've gone down a slightly different route in our recruitment this summer and I'm really looking forward to see how that works out."

A longer term project with some players on two year contracts?

"Aaron and Harry have a real belief in young players and a real confidence in young players.

"They very much think if they are good enough then they are old enough.

"When we spoke to them about taking on the job permanently they said to us as a board that they would be looking to offer some two year deals, not a huge number because that over-commits yourselves a little bit financially.

"But they said if we can identify some good players, young players that we think have got potential and could become assets for the club then we've got to be realistic about where we are in the pyramid.

"But if we take a lad on a two year deal and he has a great year for us and then we can make some good money out of that player whilst also helping him progress then that's got to be something we are looking at doing.

"I think we've picked up some really good young players.

"There's a lot of athleticism  I think this year compared to last year so it's going to be interesting to see how that plays out."

Shrewsbury expected to bring big following

Shrewsbury are expected to bring a big following tonight for the pre-season friendly at Hereford.

According to the ticket portal for the match, the Shropshire side only have four seated tickets left to sell. Unlike previous friendlies at Edgar Street, the Len Weston Stand will be open to away fans. 

Hereford U18's beaten by clinical Cirencester U18's in fifth pre-season friendly

Hereford U18's we're beaten 5-1 by a clinical Cirencester Town U18's side last night at Belmont Wanderers' Newton Farm in their fifth pre-season friendly.

Hereford had a young side out with only Owen Bradford, Jaiden Jarvis, Joel Byard, Alfie Andrews and Max Chamberlain involved from the previous game a narrow defeat at Worcester City Reserves.

Cirencester opened the scoring on 6 minutes after a mix-up at the back from the young Bulls allowed midfield 17 to nip in.

The young Bulls got back into the contest equalising on 13 minutes with a neat strike by Cal Luke past the goalkeeper after being played through before the visitors retook the lead before half-time in fortunate circumstances despite the best efforts of Hereford goalkeeper Oscar Evans-Clay who palmed the ball away before coming out to Centurions striker 9 who's shot was initially blocked by Fin Mayne but it trickled into the net. 

Into the second-half and the visitors added a third on 60 minutes with a superb strike from the edge of the box by their left winger 7 before he got his brace and a fourth despite the best efforts of Zak Virgo, a corner from the right was played into the box by him finding central midfielder 16 who's header was initially superbly saved by substitute goalkeeper at half-time Zak Virgo but the rebound looped high up in the air and he was on hand to tap in.

The dangerous wide man for the visitors rounded out the scoring securing his hat-trick and a fifth after a loose ball across the edge of the box from Alfie Andrews fell to him before poking past Zak Virgo.

Words: Sam Cummins

Trial To Look At Goalkeeper Tactics

Supporters often feel goalkeepers waste time, sometimes by pretending to be hurt. A new trial aims to change this practice.

This from BBC Sport:

English football will implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, with permission granted by the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, had been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the pitch.

If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, that team's coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute after play has restarted, telling the fourth official of their choice.

If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.

The first game to feature the trial will be the Carabao Cup preliminary round tie between Tranmere and Rochdale on Saturday.

BBC Sport understands that the Australian A-League will trial a variation with the captain always having to leave the field.

The tactic of gaining a timeout as the keeper is treated has become increasingly common and controversial in recent seasons.

It has not been uncommon for the goalkeeper to sit on the turf and signal for the physio, with all the other players rushing to the technical area for a team talk. As soon as the coach has delivered their instructions, the keeper gets up to play on.

Goalkeeper treatment has also been used to disrupt the opposition's momentum when they are on top.

In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and break up play.

Ifab, meanwhile, has issued a clarification to the mistaken identity rule after Fifa used it to book two players for simulation at the World Cup.

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo of Switzerland both received bookings. Embolo was already on a caution meaning he was sent off in the quarter-final defeat by Argentina.

Ifab says that while it was well received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol, it "may not be used as such until that review is concluded".

Measure intended to be proactive as a deterrent

At Ifab's AGM in February, head of referees Pierluigi Collina said finding a solution to stop the goalkeeper tactical timeout was a priority.

At the 2026 World Cup, Collina told his officials to prevent players from going to the technical area on all stoppages.

The effectiveness of the measure is open to debate, as the three-minute hydration breaks in each half created a natural opportunity for a team talk.

In its own discussions, English football felt that merely stopping players going to the technical area would not deter coaches from using goalkeepers to break up play.

English football chose this trial as it follows the logic applied to outfield players, who must themselves leave the field for one minute if the physio comes on.

It is intended to be proactive as a deterrent rather than reactive to a team talk as it happens.

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy suggested last season that lawmakers could act to close the loophole in this exact way.

"I think they can change it really quickly," Murphy said. "If a keeper goes down injured, instead of him having to go off, one of the outfield players should go off then it's fair all round.

"It's a little change that makes a world of difference."

Officials will not prevent players from visiting the touchline as an injury is treated but it is hoped the prospect of playing with 10 players for a minute will act as an adequate disincentive.

This is especially the case in the final minutes of games, when teams trying to hold on to a result would use the goalkeeper to kill momentum. Now they would have to play with 10 players.

There are a few exemptions when a team-mate will not have to go off.

• Where a goalkeeper says they do not need the physio and they have not caused play to stop

• The goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided

• If a goalkeeper is fouled and needs immediate treatment

• If a goalkeeper is bleeding

• If there is a serious injury (has to be substituted) or concussion.

If the goalkeeper is substituted, the substitution is not delayed.

There have been some concerns that a requirement to leave the field for one minute could lead to players, both goalkeepers and outfield, attempting to play on with an injury.

The results of the trials will be assessed by Ifab at its meetings throughout the seasons, and this could lead to a permanent law change globally from 2027-28.

 

Hereford 25/1 To Win National North Title

Hereford are 25/1 to win the National North League title this coming season.

Currently South Shields are favourites at 4/1.

Close behind are Macclesfield and Morecambe at 5/1.

Chester are 6/1, Hednesford 8/1 and Brackley at 10/1. 

Buxton, Darlington and Scarborough are 20/1.

Hereford, along with several other clubs, are 25/1. 

HUST PRIZE BULL 500 CLUB – Prizes for JUNE 2026

HUST PRIZE BULL 500 CLUB – Prizes for JUNE  2026

Congratulations 🎉 to our top prize winners: 

£100 – 232 - David Spiers from London 

£75 – 327 - John Shillabeer from Stafford

All prizes listed here: https://www.hust.org.uk/prize-bull-500-club-june-2026-winners/

#areyouawinner

Hereford On DAZN Twice In August

Two Hereford games are set to be broadcast live on DAZN during the month of August.

They are:

August 15th Hereford v Marine

August 31st Southport v Hereford 

More details:  https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/news/football/national-league-2026-27-dazn-live-games-every-game-live/eawr2658swty1mxbpjbhryu8s

Back to 2012 - Hereford Put Shrewsbury Out Of The FA Cup

Mention by current Shrewsbury manager Gavin Cowan of Hereford defeating them in the FA Cup gives BN a reason to look back to November 3rd 2012.

Superior Bulls outplay Turner’s shambolic Slops

Hereford United cruised into the Second Round of The FA Cup at Edgar Street’s lunchtime kick-off when two goals from master craftsman Ryan Bowman and a value added early Will Evans strike made them comfortable winners despite a Summerfield free kick finding the net when Pell was wrongly penalised.

Hereford's Goalscorers - Ryan Bowman and Will Evans - Pictures from Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal

Martin Foyle opted for a 4-5-1 formation with O’Keefe starting in a forward midfield role to replace Marsh in the only change from the line-up at Southport while former Bulls Chris Weale, Rob Purdie, Darren Jones, Lee Collins and Paul Parry all started for the Bayston Hill outfit.

The Bulls kicked off attacking the, now apparently safe, Blackfriars end and straight away showed their intentions with an early burst into the box.  A hoofed clearance was fed back to McQuilkin who turned the ball inside to Bowman only for the striker to be chopped down 35 yards from goal.  Pell touched the ball to Will Evans whose trademark low drive was turned round the post by Weale.  From the resulting corner, The Bulls took the lead with just three minutes on the clock.

Rob Purdie fending off Josh O'Keefe

O’Keefe swung the corner in which was partially cleared but McQuilkin clipped it back into the box for Todd to nod down and Will Evans drove the ball in from 10 yards.  Fired by the early success, United stormed forward again and McQuilkin was crudely hacked to the ground after the ball had gone but referee Sutton appeared to miss the incident completely.  Morgan saw a shot rebound off the post when Bittner was unsighted but in the twelfth minute, The Bulls doubled their advantage when Bowman showed the supposedly higher graded opponents how strikers should perform.

An accurate clearance from Bittner found Bowman just in the Shrewsbury half and his chested control allowed him to turn and run at the stumbling Shrewsbury back division.  He sidestepped a challenge and unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that left the hapless Weale clutching thin air.

Players running to celebrate Bowman's Goal

The Slops responded when a Taylor cross from the right was headed well wide by Darren Jones but United were playing by far the better football and Clucas jinked his way past the awkward looking Grandison before his low cross was hacked to safety by Lee Collins.  Bowman showed too much intelligence for Jones as he won a free kick to the right of the box but Quilks’ deft cross was, again, hoofed clear.  A Clucas’ corner was met by a thumping Stam header before Evans’ shot screamed inched wide.  Sam Clucas then dispossessed a hesitant visitors midfield and fired a thirty-yarder just wide as The Bulls continued to dominate proceedings.

Jon Taylor got free on the right but his poor cross drifted behind for a goal kick before Pell was strangely penalised for what was as close to the perfect challenge as you’re ever likely to see.  Summerfield, who apart from Rob Purdie was the only visitor to look remotely like a professional footballer, stepped up to hit a cracking shot past Bittner on thirty minutes.

There followed a brief period of Shrewsbury pressure that produced little more than midfield possession before our ‘arry was lectured by the referee following another perfectly normal ball-winning challenge.  Clearly undeterred, the referee did produce a taxing yellow card when Pell finally actually did something wrong and doubtless offered a little Essex advice for good measure.

As the half drew to a close, Purdie squared the ball to the advancing Darren Jones but his 25-yarder went comfortable into the arms of the well-positioned Bittner.

HT  Bulls 2  Shrewsbury 1

The Bulls were quickly on the offensive after the break with Bowman’s brightness leaving Grandison little choice other than a late lunge to stop the marauding striker.  Across from the visitors right was palmed over by Bittner and when the corner was cleared, Pell released Heath down the left.  The ball was switched inside to Bowman who was unceremoniously bundled to the ground by Jones and Quilks’ low free kick landed in the grateful hands of Weale.  The Bulls were a little fortunate when Summerfield’s shot struck the foot of the post before Taylor’s cross was headed wide by a very quiet Paul Parry under pressure from the impressive Stefan Stam.

Will Evans whipped the legs from under Rob Purdie and was duly carded for his efforts.  It was odd when Jeremy Helan committed the identical foul on Harry Pell he didn’t receive the same punishment.  Smikle replaced McQuilkin with 65 minuteplayed and Darren Jones’ name was added to the referee’s collection of yellows following yet another clattering challenge on Bowman before United restored the two-goal lead from the spot.

A chipped ball into the Shrewsbury box enabled Bowman to get in front of Collins who clumsily brought him down leaving the referee pointing to the twelve-yard spot.  Bowman cheekily dinked the ball past the bewildered Weale as the Meadowend roared the predictable inquiry “Turner, Turner, what’s the score”.

Jon Taylor got a cross in from the right but Bittner was confidently out to collect and when Rob Purdie burst into the box, Stam again cut out his cross.  Simon Clist replaced Sam Clucas as the fourth official indicated the three extra minutes and The Bulls played out the closing minutes of keep-ball to loud Ole’s from the all but 897 of the 3251 in attendance.

On to Round Two!

FT  Bulls 3  Meole Brace 1

Bulls: Bittner, Gallinagh, Todd, Stam, Heath, Clucas (Clist 90), Evans, Pell, O’Keefe (Graham 87), McQuilkin (Smikle 67), Bowman.  Unused subs: Hanford, Marsh, Perry.

STFC: Weale, Grandison, Jones, Collins, Summerfield, Purdie, Taylor, Hall (Wildig 85), Parry, Helan (Proctor 69), Morgan.  Unused subs: Anyon, Jacobson, Wright, Richards, Gornell.

The Bulls were, without question, the better side and showed a determination to win and quality that was lacking from their badly organised League 1 opponents.  Money in the bank and a second round draw to look forward too will bring a smile to all Bulls fans this evening.

Ryan Bowman will rightly take the plaudits for the way he dominated the visitors defence but very honourable mention in despatched must go to Stefan Stam who I thought was imperious at the back.

 

Bowman Gets A Brace

Harry Pell and Ryan Bowman

Ryan Bowman, man of the match this afternoon, spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game. The striker scored two of the three Hereford goals.

"It was amazing to get the win," said Bowman.

"The lads have been up for it all week. Everyone was buzzing before the game.

The Bulls were 2-0 ahead after just twelve minutes.

"We did that last week against Southport and they got back into it but we were hoping they wouldn't get back into it today."

Bowman described his first goal.

"Got a bit of space, got past the defender and I thought I'll have a go, why not.

"And I just seen it in the top corner.

"I won my fair share of headers, worked hard, got hold of the ball.

"I was happy with my performance today."

Keeper James Bitner was seldom tested in the second half.

"Defence played a big part today. Once we got the penalty ( which Bowman converted) it took massive pressure off our shoulders."

 

 

Shrewsbury Manager Looks Forward To Hereford Friendly

Shrewsbury manager Gavin Cowan has said that he is looking forward to the friendly at Hereford on Tuesday evening.

Yesterday Shrewsbury played West Bromwich and lost 4-1.

"I really wanted that fixture because Hereford are relatively local rivals," said Cowan.

"I remember playing for Shrewsbury when Hereford were in League Two against them in the FA Cup and having a couple of really good two legs against them.

"And I feel it's a great one for the fans to go down there to see them again.

"Probably haven't seen them for a good decade or so, may be more, I'm not sure of the timescale.

"But I think it's a really good one for us to go down there.

"It's great for the fans to jump on the train, enjoy the night.

"There will be a big fanbase there.

"Another good thing is that they've invested a lot in their pitch this season.

"It will be a great day, good little healthy rivalry and hopefully everybody comes out of it positive for pre-season."