Before Kick-Off At Bedford

 

A selection of pictures taken before kick-off at Bedford. Over 500 Hereford supporters were at the game which ended 2-2.

 

Match Report: Second half comeback in final away game of the season sees Bulls claim vital point in survival fight

Captain Hudson Heads In Hereford's First Goal

Bedford Town v Hereford FC in the Enterprise National League North.

After the massive win and solid clean sheet on Merseyside on Wednesday night against Marine AFC the Bulls we're back on the road for one final time this season with a first trip since Hereford United's 2-1 loss in an FA Cup 3rd Round tie back in January 1966 to The Eyrie Stadium to face Bedford Town. There have been some memorable games on the road like the first away win of the season back in August, a 2-1 success at Buxton FC to some we’d rather forget like the 3-0 defeat in February at AFC Telford United. Many supporters being the final away fixture of the season made a brilliant effort and came in fancy dress, there we're Aussie costumes from kangaroos to koalas for manager Aaron Downes, a nun, convict, bear, Laa-Laa and Tinky Winky from the Teletubbies and Marge Simpson attended!

There was one change to the Bulls side that beat the Mariners on Wednesday night with Keenan Quansah coming in for Matt Preston who wasn't involved and Eddie Oppong was back on the bench after missing the Merthyr Town and Marine AFC games.

The game started in tricky windy conditions with the Eagles having an early corner on the right, Ebbsfleet United loanee George Moncur’ delivery missed Ben Nugent who played it back out to Josh Castiglione who's shot hit Harrison Sohna and looped into the arms of Theo Richardson before the Bulls had their first opportunity from a corner of their own on the left, Joseph James played it to Cormac Daly but his ball missed everyone eventually falling to Harry Tustin on the right side of the area before he was brought down for a free-kick.

Harrison Sohna’ free-kick assisted by the wind hit the wall and was cleared. With 5 minutes gone Hereford we're comfortable in possession, knocking the ball around with Bedford sitting off.

Bedford had a throw-in on the left which was headed on by Ryan Doherty before looping into the arms of Theo Richardson.

They then won a free-kick to the left of the area on the edge but Moncur' delivery hit Mikey Lane.

Shortly afterwards on 18 minutes the Eagles broke the deadlock, Moncur crossed from the left of the area which found the head of Ryan Doherty who was left unmarked and headed the ball back across goal into the bottom-left.

George Moncur was involved again looking for more beating Lewis Hudson for pace on the right channel, but his right foot effort was tame and was easily saved to his right by Theo Richardson.

Looking for a response the Bulls had a free-kick on the right, Sohna delivered but was easily headed away by Bedford fullback Lewis Green.

Just before half an hour gone on 29 minutes Bedford took a two-goal lead, George Moncur' shot was saved by the legs of Theo Richardson before the ball came back out to Josh Castiglione who's first time effort found it's way past Richardson into the bottom-left.

Corner for Hereford on the left, Joseph James’ ball to the back post was collected by Keenan Quansah before he was dispossessed by Sam Brown.

On 32 minutes Hereford boss Aaron Downes looked to change things with Harry Tustin and Joseph James making way to be replaced by Aaron Skinner and Keziah Martin.

The Bulls had a corner on the right but Harrison Sohna’ lofted ball was collected by Bedford goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore who is on loan from Boreham Wood.

5 minutes before half time the rain was now starting to fall and the wind persisted, after the hosts got their second goal they saw more of the ball.

They almost broke which Jevani Brown would of been away near the right touchline if he wasn't tugged back by Keenan Quansah who picked up the first booking of the afternoon. George Moncur hung the ball to the back post before it was headed clear by Kyle Howkins which was the final action of the 2 minutes of additional time.

A half where the Bulls started brightly until conceding the opener, afterwards Hereford huffed and puffed but failed to test Nathan Ashmore with any meaningful chances.

Half-time: Bedford Town 2-0 Hereford FC

The second half kicked off in bright sunshine with the hosts early opportunity from a free-kick near the right touchline, Moncur’ drilled cross to the front post was flicked harmlessly wide by Sam Brown.

Five minutes into the second half and the Bulls had their first sighter through Harrison Sohna’ right foot shot from the edge of the box which went over the crossbar.

Free-kick on the left by Harrison Sohna to the back post found Kyle Howkins who was brought down by Ben Nugent inside the box but the referee waved the appeals away.

Shortly afterwards Hereford had another strong shout for a penalty after Junior Gyamfi brought down Mikey Lane on the left of the box but again the referee ignored the appeals.

Then on 57 minutes Hereford pulled a goal back from a corner on the left, Cormac Daly played in a good ball with Lewis Hudson finding the back of the net with a neat header.

With the bit between their teeth now Keziah Martin fed the ball to Freddy Willcox on the edge of the box before his curling left foot effort whistled narrowly over the bar.

Seven minutes after pulling a goal back the comeback was completed with the Bulls finding an equaliser, a rasping drive by Keziah Martin from the edge of the box was too powerful for Nathan Ashmore to hold who could only parry into the path of Andy Williams, who on the floor managed to get his foot to the ball and hammer it into the roof of the net.

Hereford now had their tails up after pulling level and we're camped in the Bedford half, Daly doing well down the left pulling the ball back to George Munday but his sweeping left side foot effort looped over the bar.

Bedford had a free-kick just outside the box, substitute Greg Sandiford’ ball to the back post was put out by Kyle Howkins for a corner on the left, George Moncur took it which was almost met by the head of Ryan Doherty but after a challenge with Kyle Howkins the ball dropped down and was cleared away from danger by Keziah Martin.

Neat one-two between Aaron Skinner and Andy Williams just inside the box on the right saw Skinner brought down by T'Sharne Gallimore which looked a nailed on spot kick but again the referee somehow didn't give anything and played on.

On 82 minutes Aaron Skinner then cut in from the left, drove into the box before seeing his curling left foot effort whistle narrowly over the bar.

The Eagles had a throw-in from the left which was launched into the box by Sam Brown before it found it's way to the edge with Ellis Brown’ effort high over the crossbar.

With two minutes of normal time remaining Freddy Willcox tried his luck from about 35-yards with a thunderous pile-driver which went narrowly wide of the left upright.

Into 4 minutes of additional time Hereford we're awarded a free-kick to the left of the area, Keziah Martin delivered which was headed out by Sam Brown for a throw-in on the right before Cormac Daly had a looping effort from the edge of the area which flew over the bar.

Late on Andy Williams flashed a ball across from the right of the box to the back post but it evaded a Bulls shirt and trickled out for a goal-kick which was the final action meaning the Bulls fought back to claim a battling point.

Full-time: Bedford Town 2-2 Hereford FC

Goals scored by Lewis Hudson and Andy Williams.

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 8 Harrison Sohna, 9 Mikey Lane, 14 Keenan Quansah, 16 George Munday, 18 Cormac Daly, 25 Joseph James, 26 Freddy Willcox, 27 Harry Tustin, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 2 Aaron Skinner, 6 Lawson D'Ath, 10 Andy Williams, 11 Eddie Oppong, 20 Keziah Martin, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Harley Hamilton.

A big second half fight back in the final away game of the season sees the Bulls battle back to claim another vital point. Meaning the gap is five points from safety going into the final 4 home games of the season. The draw means the Bulls have shared the spoils two-all in both encounters with the Eagles this season.

The games continue to come thick and fast when we're back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium on Tuesday night for the first of four consecutive home games to finish the season and it's another big one against Oxford City. COYW

Words by Sam Cummins 

Enterprise National League North results and updated table

Saturday’s results from the Enterprise National League North:

Alfreton Town (0) 1-1 (1) Oxford City
Bedford Town (2) 2-2 (0) Hereford [1609]
Buxton (1) 2-0 (0) Scarborough Athletic
Chester (0) 1-0 (0) AFC Fylde
Chorley (0) 0-1 (1) Curzon Ashton
Darlington (1) 2-3 (2) Marine
Kidderminster Harriers (3) 4-1 (1) King's Lynn Town
Merthyr Town (0) 1-2 (0) Macclesfield
Peterborough Sports (1) 2-3 (1) AFC Telford United
Radcliffe (1) 2-5 (2) South Shields
Southport (1) 1-2 (2) Leamington
Spennymoor Town (0) 0-1 (1) Worksop Town

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

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Bedford 2-2 Hereford FC

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to todays 2-2 draw at Bedford, click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Bulls fight back for battling point

Hereford came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at relegation rivals Bedford.

Goals from Lewis Hudson (57) and Andy Williams (64) secured the point in a much better second performance.

Earlier, Ryan Doherty (18) and Josh Castiglione (29) put Bedford 2-0 up at the break.

Hereford are now five points behind King's Lynn but with two games in hand.

The attendance was 1,609 with 538 Bulls fans.

Hereford have it all to do in second half

Hereford trail 2-0 at Bedford at half time in their huge six-pointer this afternoon.

Goals from Ryan Doherty (18) and Josh Castiglione (29) have put the Eagles in control, with the Bulls - backed by a healthy following - offering little.

As it stands, Hereford are six points from safety with two games in hand.

Paul Caddis' King's Lynn are now fifth bottom, but have a much better goal difference.

Hereford team news from Bedford

This afternoon’s Hereford side to take on Bedford Town.

Hereford: Richardson, Hudson, Sohna, Lane, Quansah, Munday, Daly, James, Willcox, Tustin, Howkins

Subs: Skinner, D'Ath, Williams, Oppong, Martin, Lewis, Hamilton

This Weekend In 2004

This weekend in 2004 was Easter Weekend. Hereford were at home to Barnet on Easter Saturday April 10th and away at Aldershot on Easter Monday April 12th.

A look back:

Bulls take the sting out of Bees

Hereford United 2 - 0 Barnet

Hereford United made it eight wins in a row this afternoon, a Conference record, as they overcame a promotion-chasing Barnet side 2-0. The Bulls seemed to take the game reasonably easy, maybe with Monday's clash against Aldershot in mind. Barnet rarely troubled United, who had to play the last ten minutes with ten men.

Hereford had to make one change from the side that beat Halifax a week ago, Simon Travis replaced the suspended Michael Rose at left wing back. The first half hour was not the most entertaining to say the least due to lack of opportunities and the referee stopping play continuously. Scott Willis was booked for his first offence of the game, and Gustavo Lopez and Ben Strevens were cautioned for the visitors.

The first chance of the game fell to Rob Purdie who volleyed over the bar from fifteen yards after a well worked throw in allowed Ryan Green to cross. Shortly after, the referee made another debatable decision when he failed to book Lopez after he had appeared to elbow Tony James in the face. James was taken off to receive four stitches and returned about ten minutes later.

United took the lead with seven minutes of the first half remaining. A neat passing move following a good run from Purdie allowed Scott Willis to net his second league goal for Hereford from twenty-five yards, although the ball did take a deflection on its way into the top corner. After the goal Hereford began passing better than they had been, and finished the half strongly.

Just minutes after the restart Steve Guinan had a wonderful chance to double United's lead, but when one-on-one with 'keeper Gore, following a through ball from James, his shot was turned behind for a corner. Barnet came back into the game and had chances to equalise through Ben Strevens who volleyed over and had a shot blocked from Andy Tretton before the referee gave Barnet a penalty. Tretton will have felt hard done by when he challenged for a header with Matt Redmile, the referee pointed to the spot and claimed that Tretton was leaning over Redmile, preventing him from winning the header. This was just one of the dubious decisions R. Lewis made. However, Ian Hendon's powerfully struck penalty was brilliantly tipped away by Matt Baker as he dived to his right to keep the Bulls in front.

Ian Hendon tried to score again, this time from a free kick thirty-five yards out, but Baker gathered at the second attempt. The Bees were almost gifted a goal when Baker rolled the ball out to Travis on the left, but the ball bobbled over his foot. Guiliano Grazioli was about six yards out, one-on-one with Baker, but managed the scuff his shot wide of the post.

In the 76th minute Hereford were awarded a penalty when Guinan was given the smallest of nudges by Chris Plummer as Green crossed from the right. Skipper James stepped up confidently and hammered home to the left of the goalie, who dived the wrong way.

In the 80th minute United were reduced to ten men when Willis slid in late and was booked for a second time. Hereford pushed for a third and came closest from a Danny Williams, who had replaced David Brown, free kick thirty yards out that went inches wide of the bottom corner and in the last minute when Guinan who, once again, failed to net when one-on-one with Gore much to the dismay of most of the 4,447 in attendance.

A very solid performance from Hereford who didn't have to work too hard for their victory. It will be very pleasing for the team as they only have one days rest before they go to Aldershot who need the three points to help secure their place in the play-offs at the end of the season.

 

Carey-Bertram keeps title race alive

Aldershot Town 1 - 2 Hereford United

The Nationwide Conference title race is still alive - just - after Daniel Carey-Bertram's late goal handed Hereford United a slender victory over play-off challengers Aldershot Town.

The Bulls fielded a side missing the suspended Michael Rose, as well as Scott Willis and Danny Williams, and as a result, Rob Betts started the match as the only change to the team that beat Barnet 2-0 on Saturday.

Graham Turner's men could not have started better, going ahead in under three minutes. Rob Purdie smashed the ball into the roof of Nikki Bull's net after David Brown headed down well in controlling a Betts cross at the far post before threading the ball through to the ex-Leicester City man.

However, United found themselves under much pressure in the opening period, and Aldershot were a little unlucky not to be level at the break. Just a minute before half time, Tim Sills had a great opportunity to equalise, as he got his head to a corner while Matt Baker was nowhere, but he got no direction on the ball as it sailed wide.

Baker, though, made some crucial stops in the first half. Efforts from Jamie Gosling and Lee Charles were stopped by the goalkeeper, while Roscoe D'Sane had an excelling opening, but failed to connect when Adam Miller fed him in front of goal.

Within two minutes of the restart, Sills had made amends. A corner from the near side was scrambled in after hitting the crossbar, and the assistant referee on the far side indicated that it had crossed the line. A few minutes later, John Nutter fired wide of the far post when it looked easier to score, while Andy Tretton's pass-back to Baker was almost intercepted by the lively and pacy Roscoe D'Sane.

The pressure continued as United defender Tom Smith required treatment for a knock on the back. Rob Warburton headed wide at the far post, while a free-kick caused one or two problems for Baker in the Hereford goal. At the other end, Jamie Pitman fired high and wide with an awkward shot, while Ryan Green forced a good save before United's winner.

So came the decider; Mark Beesley had barely been on the field for a minute when he surged into the box on the left channel, passing the ball to Daniel Carey-Bertram. The youngster took a couple of touches before firing the ball around two defenders and into the bottom corner.

 

 

National North League - This Afternoon's Fixtures

A list of the games set to take place in the National North League this afternoon:

Alfreton Town v Oxford City
Bedford Town v Hereford
Buxton v Scarborough Athletic
Chester v AFC Fylde
Chorley v Curzon Ashton
Darlington v Marine
Kidderminster Harriers v King's Lynn Town
Merthyr Town v Macclesfield
Peterborough Sports v AFC Telford United
Radcliffe v South Shields
Southport v Leamington
Spennymoor Town v Worksop Town 

National North League Weekend Preview

Andy Williams Goes For Goal Against Bedford At Edgar Street Earlier This Season

 This from Tom Scott of the National League:

The Enterprise National League North is bubbling away nicely as we begin the final fortnight of action this season.

Incredibly, all three title races could go the distance - and this one is no different.

AFC Fylde can't win it this weekend but will have one hand on the title if they come through against Chester and South Shields lose at Radcliffe.

The Coasters are aiming for a record third National League North title and are edging closer and closer.

The race for the play-offs is just as close the title battle - Kidderminster Harriers can confirm a top-seven finish with a point against King's Lynn Town.

Macclesfield are also eyeing a play-off place. The Silkmen know a win against Merthyr Town will do the job for them - but a draw could be enough depending on results elsewhere.

Buxton are flying and know they'll probably need to win most of their remaining games to book a play-off place.

A win over Scarborough Athletic - who currently sit fifth - would do John McGrath's side a world of good.

Darlington are also currently in the mix and have a host of clubs over their shoulder vying for position with them - Marine are next up for the Quakers.

One of those clubs looking upwards are Spennymoor Town.

The Moors' recent form - one defeat in eight games - has put them firmly back in contention to extend their season ahead of the visit of Worksop Town.

No sides will drop this weekend but some could take a giant leap towards confirming Step 2 football once more next season.

Oxford City are one of them. Ross Jenkins' side are six unbeaten ahead of the visit of Alfreton Town.

The Reds need a win and a favour - from Curzon Ashton at Chorley - to make things interesting heading into the final two weeks of the season.

Hereford know all about making things interesting!

After seven straight defeats, the Bulls have back-to-back wins and firmly have their destiny in their own hands - starting with a trip to Bedford Town.

Elsewhere, Peterborough Sports are down already but will be looking to fight for their pride in front of their home fans as AFC Telford United visit.

The Bucks know only a win will do to continue their hunt for a play-off place.

It's been a whirlwind for Southport who are now incredibly on a run of just one defeat in 11 games - Leamington are in town. 

Another Memory From Bedford

Following John Cutler's comments about games between Hereford United and Bedford (See earlier article) another Hereford supporter has remembered a game at Bedford.

Michael Sessarego commented:

"I recall as a child being taken to Bedford to see an FACup match. 

"We, Hereford, lost and they went on to play Everton who beat them and went on to win the cup." 

Below an extract from Bedfordeagles about the game which Bedford won 2-1, Ron Fogg scored for Hereford. 14232 watched the tie.

 In the third round on 22 January 1966, Bedford met their Southern League rivals Hereford on a snow-covered surface at the Eyrie-the match was in doubt until a few hours before the start and would almost certainly have been postponed today. They were give an early boost when Peter Hall headed home a cross from Bill Brown, watched by Hereford full-back Selwyn Vale and David Sturrock (right). 

  

HUST Chairman Comments On Jarrod Bowen's Gesture

 

HUST acknowledges the splendid gesture from Jarrod Bowen to contribute to the close season pitch renovations, along with the founding shareholders. Jarrod needs no introduction to supporters, as his early playing days were at Hereford United.

HUST chairman, Richard Tomkins says “Matchdays I often share a cup of tea in the volunteers’ room with Ben, our groundsman, who is of course Jarrod’s uncle. If we’re not talking football pitches, then we’re talking about Jarrod’s footballing career. From Edgar Street to Hull to West Ham United and England, Jarrod presents as a commensurate professional. 

We know that footballers get training on interviews in front of the cameras, but in these days when some players get ‘bad press’, it’s a mark of the man and the Bowen family that he’s been brought up thinking of others. All Hereford supporters and indeed junior players in the county, thank Jarrod from the bottom of our hearts.”

Past Encounters With Bedford Town

Whilst tomorrow will be the first time Hereford FC have travelled to Bedford Town, Hereford United played Bedford several times.

John Cutler looks back: 

Our first ever trip to the Eyrie was on 24 November 1945. We came away with a fine 3-1 victory in front of 2,000 fans. Man of the match for us that day was Frank Haycock a star centre forward from Aston Villa who had been signed on temporary forms. He was known to our fans as Frank but was known elsewhere by his real name of Frederick or Freddy. He marked his debut for the Bulls with a superb brace – his first goal was outstanding - he back heeled the ball over his shoulder, and then turned and hammered the ball into the back of the net! Sadly Frank would only play three times for us before he returned to the Villa.

 

The other match was Hereford United’s first home game of the 1966/67 season. The date was 20 August 1966 when we beat Bedford 5-0, in front of 4,869 fans – the best opening gate since 1953.

 

It was a very significant game in Hereford United’s history as it marked four milestones. The first one was the Southern League debut of the great “Gentle Giant” John Charles who would go on to make a significant contribution to HUFC history, the second was the debut of Edwin “Eddie” Holliday the England International – both players scored a goal each  – the third milestone belonged to prolific goal scorer Albert Derrick who was not going to be outshone by these great players as he secured his first ever hat-trick in Hereford United colours.

 

The fourth and final milestone was a very interesting one. Roger Griffiths (who would later on in his career play for more than 75 minutes with a broken leg vs Newcastle in “that’ cup tie) made HUFC history himself that day - coming on in the second half for the injured Peter McCall – and so becoming Hereford United’s first ever substitute!

 

John Cutler

“Tupsley Whites”

 

On a knife edge

Hereford FC travel to Bedford for a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday, their final away trip of the season and the biggest game of the season…until Tuesday.

Prior to Monday’s game against Merthyr, it was all looking like we were about to enter ‘need a miracle’ territory. Now, after two heroic wins in three days, the Bulls are back to something like a 50/50 chance of securing their National League North status for next season. It’s absolutely on a knife edge, but another win here would tip things still further from ‘need a miracle’ to ‘this is on’. Phewee, 2025/26 has been deeply traumatising, and the most nerve-jangling is still to come.

Bedford manager Lee Bircham signed a contract extension pre-season that will keep him at the club until summer 2027. The new deal comes after back-to-back promotions. They won’t be going up again this season, but he’ll have done well if he keeps them in the division. If they win this, they’ll have taken a huge step in that direction. If they lose it, they’re in big trouble, particularly as they travel to South Shields next.

If the Eagles landed in the NLN hoping that momentum from promotion would give them a rocket-boosted start as it did Merthyr, they’ve been disappointed. They’d been in the relegation places since Hereford hosted them in September, but in an expertly timed run they’ve won three of their last five games, in the process moving clear of the bottom four. They’re six points ahead of Hereford having played two games more, and have a better goal difference. This is therefore a game of pivotal importance to both clubs, and they’re one of the few clubs Hereford can catch and pass if relegation is to be avoided; a Bulls win here would obviously be a huge leap towards achieving that.

On Easter Monday they irritatingly and agonisingly beat Paul Caddis-managed Kings Lynn with an 87^th minute penalty courtesy of midfielder George Moncur, son of ex-West Ham midfielder John Moncur, who is his agent, a relationship which could presumably become awkward from time to time over the dinner table. That result incidentally leaves Kings Lynn far from safe, with a tricky run-in.

In terms of threats, the Bedford shortlist comprises just one name – Tyrone Marsh. That’s not to say they’re a one-man team, it’s just that the striker has had such an exceptional season that he stands out like a sore thumb. The local lad has scored 26 goals following a summer move from Boreham Wood, including one against Hereford in the reverse fixture. He’s missed the last three games through suspension, but will be back for this, unfortunately. The relatively good news is that prior to his suspension he hadn’t scored in five games. Hopefully that means he’s dried up for the season, rather than ‘due one’.

**EDIT - Marsh is serving a four-game ban so will miss this game - excellent news** 

In what could be seen as a twist of fate that actually favours the Bulls, Bedford were furious at an FA decision recently to suspend loanee striker Callum Ebanks – meaning he’ll miss this game. Ebanks, on loan from Buxton, has been hit with a three-match ban over an incident dating back to October.

That game between the clubs in September was one of the many this season in which Hereford chucked away any chance of victory in the first quarter of an hour, by which time they were two goals behind, before clawing their way back to earn a 2-2 draw.

However, two clean sheets in a row and a marked upturn in form from Kyle Howkins and Matt Preston, coupled with a new-found ability to score early goals rather than concede them, will hopefully result in the visitors being two-up after 15 minutes here instead. The likeable centre backs, each carrying an impressive collection of long-term aches, pains, stresses and strains, put in a remarkably assured display at Marine in particular, and can carry that form into this game.

At the other end of the pitch, we likey Mikey. Mikey Lane now has two in two having got off the mark for the club on Easter Monday, and can profit again here against a defence that let seven in against Merthyr recently. It would be lovely and thoroughly deserved for George Munday to get back among the goals too.

Joseph James should continue at right back, with captain Lewis Hudson leading by example in his determination to see this season end on a high note on the other side of the defensive four.

A big away following is expected (Hereford have been allocated 800 tickets), some unfortunate fancy-dress choices will be made, and it would be absolutely wonderful for the travelling fans to see another big performance on yet another plastic pitch, and three points coming back to Edgar Street. Four home games then round off the season, starting with yet another six-pointer against Oxford on Tuesday night.

Hold onto your hats folks, here we go again…

COYW