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Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Quansah, Preston, Hudson, Mafuta, D'Ath, White, Edwards, Osbourne, Williams.
Subs: Lewis, Richards, Nto, Rooney
As Hereford return to Edgar Street for the first time in more than a month, praise has been heaped on groundsman Ben Bowen for making sure the pitch is playable..JPG)
Hereford groundsman Ben Bowen
The last match at Edgar Street came in disappointing circumstances, when Hereford were stunned 2-1 by 10-man Southport — a result that left Paul Caddis’s side with just one win in their previous nine games in all competitions. Since then, persistent heavy rain has waterlogged the pitch and kept the Bulls on the road.
With the surface passing a precautionary inspection this morning ahead of the third-round FA Trophy tie against fellow National League North side Radcliffe, manager Paul Caddis and chairman Chris Ammonds complimented Bowen.
Club chairman Chris Ammonds paid tribute to the work carried out behind the scenes to get the surface ready for Saturday’s third-round tie, including new drains being installed to combat a problematic area around five by five metres.
In the matchday programme, Ammonds said: "Obviously, we are back at home today and I just want to take a moment to pay tribute to the work our Groundsman, Ben Bowen, has put in on our pitch for the past couple of weeks - I know how proud he is of our pitch and how stressful he has found the ongoing issues this season.
He also thanked Luctonians for the loan of an ‘earthquake’ machine to help disrupt the ground beneath the surface, as well as Neil Box and Burghill Cricket Club for providing a ‘Super Sopper’ to assist with surface water throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Manager Paul Caddis acknowledged the frustrations of recent weeks but was keen to stress that many of the problems had been outside the club’s control.
Also in the programme, Caddis said: "It’s no secret that the last few weeks have brought their frustrations. Postponed fixtures, ongoing issues around Edgar Street caused by the pre-season works, and the recent adverse weather conditions—all of these are factors that have disrupted our rhythm. I want to make it absolutely clear that none of these challenges are down to the football club. These are external issues outside our control.
Caddis was also full of praise for Bowen, who has been Hereford’s groundsman since the club reformed a decade ago and is the uncle of West Ham and England forward Jarrod Bowen.
He added: "What I can say, though, is how fortunate we are to have Ben Bowen working tirelessly on the pitch. I see, regularly, the limited tools he sometimes has at his disposal and the incredibly high standards he still manages to achieve. His work ethic and professionalism are second to none, and we are lucky to have him here.
"The message I give to the players is the same message we apply throughout the club: control the controllables. Some things will fall outside our hands, but how we respond to them will define us."
A look back to December 13th 2008. Hereford were playing in Division One and the visitors to Edgar Street that day were Hartlepool.
Hereford United failed to overcome Hartlepool United at Edgar Street this afternoon with the game ending 1-1. The first-half was dominated by the home side yet Steve Guinan's close-range finish was all The Bulls had to show for this and they were punished in the second period for failing to take their chances when Dean Beckwith headed into his own net.
Following on from the first away win of the season at Colchester last weekend, Graham Turner made two changes with Craig Samson replacing the injured Chris Weale. Richard Rose was also re-introduced to the starting-line up with Richard Jackson making way. The visitors were hit by a number of injuries with star players James Brown and Joel Porter out but Coventry loanee Kevin Kyle started up front on his own.
Hereford made a flying start to the game when Ben Smith sent a ball over Richie Humphreys in the left-back position and Lionel Ainsworth raced on to it, before firing goalwards with only a slight touch from 'keeper Jan Budtz denying the Watford winger a second goal in as many games. Ainsworth was the main threat and a cross from the right allowed Guinan to challenge in the air before at the second attempt, an acrobatical effort was clawed around the post by Budtz. At the other end, the tricky Matty Robson, playing in a similar fashion to Matty Done, crossed from the left but Kyle's header didn't trouble Samson. Guinan's vision saw him chip a pass to strike partner Andy Williams who in turn set up Done but the Welsh winger's low drilled effort was inches past the far post.
Hesitancy from Samson saw a Robson cross challenged by Kyle, beating both Beckwith and Joshua Gowling in the process but again, the big man's head failed to hit the target. The first goal of the afternoon was scored just before the 20 minute mark with Toumani Diagouraga starting the move in centre of the park, finding Ainsworth on the right. The loanee crossed into the danger area where Guinan was waiting and although his first-effort was sliced, he made no mistake when the ball fell back to him by poking it past Budtz. The veteran should have doubled his tally after fine work from Ainsworth saw the winger skin three players before feeding a pass to Guinan, who steadied himself but couldn't fire past Budtz who stood strong and blocked with his legs. Gowling headed into the body of Budtz from a Done corner late on in the half as Hereford took the narrow lead into the half-time break.
Hartlepool came out of the blocks quickly in the second-half with Robson threatening firstly seeing his strike blocked by Gowling from 25 yards before moments later he tried his luck with his right-foot and went close as the ball fell just past the far post. As if Hereford hadn't been warned about Robson's ability, he collected the ball inside the area and span before crossing into an area where defenders have nightmares about; under the challenge of two strikers, Beckwith tried to head the ball out for a corner but could only find the back of his own net to level up proceedings. It was a big blow for Hereford who had been so dominant in the first-half and they looked for a quick response, coming close through Ainsworth. The wide-man was found by a switch from Done and a neat flick past Humphreys allowed him to fire goalwards but his strike hit the side-netting.
At the other end, the hard-working Ben Clark skimmed a low long ranger past Samson's post whilst an eagerness from the Scottish 'keeper to keep the game flowing nearly resulted in a goal for Hartlepool; Samson's quick goal-kick put Rose under pressure and he was tackled by Robson who ran directly towards goal before powerfully shooting but Samson redeemed himself with a strong hand to deny him. Kris Taylor wasted a free-kick in a useful position firing into the Blackfriars End. David Foley took to the field with Michael Mackay making way as Hartlepool gave Kyle a different strike partner. The former Sunderland man forced Samson to make a diving save after a neat touch before turning and shooting goalwards whilst Samson also denied Michael Nelson after the defender was given a free-header from a corner but directed it straight at the 'keeper.
Diagouraga right-foot shot was held by Budtz in a rare Bulls' attack but it was still Hartlepool who kept threatening with Robson again dangerous shooting past the post after a strong-run, whilst minutes later, following the introduction of Jamie McCunnie in place of Antony Sweeney, a cross from Robson found Gary Liddle free but his left-foot shot was held by Samson. A chorus of boos rang around Edgar Street as Clint Easton replaced Diagouraga, who was struggling with a groin injury whilst Andy Monkhouse replaced Clark. Monkhouse nearly made an instant impact when he volleyed over from inside the box after Kyle had won a flick. Guinan did well to win the ball inside the Pools' half before he took on a snapshot from 30 yards which had Budtz scrambling but was relatively harmless, falling wide. In the final moments, Foley forced Samson to push a powerful strike away but the ball wasn't cleared fully and it again made its way to Foley with the sub this time volleying wide of goal.
It was a game of two halves, with the first dominated by Hereford and the second dominated by Hartlepool. At the end of the game, a draw seems a fair result with both sides having many opportunities to score. Ainsworth looked dangerous, especially in the first-half although fellow winger Done must be given credit, playing very well despite having a sickness bug. The Bulls will be annoyed that they couldn't put the game to bed in the first-half and may see it as 'two points lost'; they'll do their best to make up for this next Saturday when United visit Huddersfield.
Hereford: Samson, Rose, Beckwith, Gowling, Taylor, Ainsworth, Diagouraga (Easton), Smith, Done, Guinan, Williams.
Subs Not Used: Broadhurst, Gwynne, Hudson-Odoi, Chadwick.
Hartlepool: Budtz, Sweeney (McCunnie), Nelson, Collins, Humphreys, Liddle, Rowell, Clark (Monkhouse), Robson, Mackay (Foley), Kyle.
Subs Not Used: Power, Cook.
Attendance: 2490, (109 from Hartlepool)
Final Score: Hereford United 1-1 Hartlepool United
Firstly Graham Turner for Hereford:
"I
thought we had a very good first half. I thought we should have gone in
more than the one goal in the lead," Turner told BBC Hereford and
Worcester.
"We paid heavily for a real sloppy start in the second half.
"In
the end we settled in for a point because they were on top and might
have scored but I thought the first half was extremely encouraging given
all our problems.
"I think Dean has just apologised to the rest
of the lads (about the own goal. It was one which he headed into the
back of his own net. He tried to get it over the bar. But we should have
got it away."
Turner also mentioned keeper Craig Samson.
"His
handling was very good. His kicking wasn't bad. One or two difficult
ones. He can be satified with the way he has performed.
I think
it was difficult to come in after the goalkeepers we have lost. He's
been second choice to Matt Murray and Chris Weale and he must have been
quite aggreived about that but I think he's done very well"
Secondly Danny Wilson for Hartlepool:
"I
thought we created enough chances to win the game and if we had been a
bit more clinical with them, we would have," Wilson told his Official
Website.
"However, we can't be too disappointed with it because
there were quite a few players out there suffering with the effects of
the bug we've had here - I thought their efforts were fantastic."
Hereford
United's midfielder Toumani Diagouraga has a groin problem and had to
be subbed late in this afternoon's game at Edgar Street. Clint Easton
took his place but received some boos from certain sections of the crowd
as he took the field probably because of his alleged involvement in the
'pub incident' just over two weeks ago.
It wasn't manager Graham Turner's intention to have to sub Diagouraga as he explained to BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"Toumi
was struggling with a groin problem. Eventually he had to come off. He
couldn't sprint. I thought he was doing ever so well. It's a blow and we
just hope he's not going to be out for any length of time," said
Turner.
"Matt Done has got off his sickbed to play and I thought
did extremely well to stick out for ninety minutes. I was just in the
process of bringing him off when Toumani indicated that he couldn't
carry on."
Ben Smith commented about the booing of Clint Easton.
"I'm
personally really disappointed with that (the reception given to
Easton) because I'd like to know if people actually know what they are
booing about," Smith told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"There was
obviously an incident a couple of weeks ago but I think it's a lot of
gossip and a lot of heresay and how much truth people actually know I'm
not so sure.
"We're in a bad situation at the moment, we need everyone to help us out including the supporters.
"If
you look at some of our relegation rivals, if they've hearing that our
own players are being booed they will probably be licking their lips.
"Clint has made a real big impact at this club. I think he deserves a bit better than that.
"The
people who were there will know (what went on) but how many were
actually there who were booing today. We've been told what happened. The
Gaffer is obviously not happy about the situation but he knows that
nothing really untoward went on. The sort of thing that goes on up and
down the country every night of the week.
"May be it was a little bit of poor judgement by the lads but nothing they deserved to get given that reception for."
With most National North League teams taking part in the FA Trophy this afternoon there is only one League fixture.
Spennymoor v Buxton
In an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, Hereford manager Paul Caddis has said that the joint managers of Radcliffe are 'outstanding'.
The two teams meet at Edgar Street this afternoon in the FA Trophy.
"Their joint managers Bernard and Jonno are outstanding.
"I like characters, a lot of people might question it, I think they are brilliant for football.
"They are open, they are honest, they wear their heart on their sleeve, that's fine.
"I've got to say Jonno in particular has been quite publically supportive of myself when I've been going through tough times.
"And as much as people look at it and think they didn't have glowing football careers, they've had brilliant management careers.
"They are really experienced and their teams are tough to play against."
A difficult tie in the FA Trophy for Hereford tomorrow. The bookmakers reflect this in their prices for a Hereford victory against Radcliffe who sit eleven places above them in the National North League.
Last weekend Hereford won 2-0 at Peterborough Sports.
As for Radcliffe they haven't played since a week last Tuesday when they lost 3-1 at home to Chester.
Hereford's home record in the League is won 2, drawn 3 and lost 3.
Radcliffe's away record is 4 wins, draws 0 and 5 defeats.
And as for goal difference Hereford's is -7 whereas Radcliffe's is +10.
Hereford 15/8 Draw 13/5 Hereford 13/10
 |
| Aaron Skinner Scored For Hereford Against Radcliffe Last Season |
Tomorrow, weather permitting, Hereford play Radcliffe in the FA Trophy and manager Paul Caddis knows victory won't be easy.
"They are really tough to play against," Caddis told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"They are extremely hard working.
"You will have to fight for second balls, first balls, third contacts.
"They are a proper good team as the table shows. In the early part of the season they were right up there, but they've dropped off a little but they will be thinking the same as us that it's a different competition.
"I expecting a really tough game."
A victory, the momentum starts to build and the whole place gets a lift?
"And none more so than the players.
"The control in the last three games has been really positive.
"Last year I think we won nine of eleven games in a row and they were Saturdays, Tuesday away at Needham, Tuesday away at Darlington, Tuesday away at South Shields, Saturday, Tuesday for four or five weeks in a row so we're capable of going on a run.
"I've got full belief in the squad, full belief in myself, full belief in the staff, we've just got to build a bit of momentum which we've got to start somewhere.
"We're really positive at the moment, we understand there's games that have been called off and we're three or four games behind and everyone wants points rather than games in hand.
"However we've got to stay positive and see the positivity of it if we go and win those games.
"Anything can happen in football but if we can win those four games and get positive results, which we can, we can start to kick on and then we are looking a lot more positive if we manage to overcome a really tough game against Radcliffe."
Ticket details for Hereford's away game at Merthyr at the end of the year have been announced.
A total of 680 tickets (600 terrace and 80 seats) have been allocated for Bulls supporters for the match on Tuesday, 30th December (7.45pm kick off).
They will be available to buy from 11am this Sunday (14th December) on a first-come-first served basis. Hereford will say they will provide a link via its official website and social media channels at that time.
They will only be able to purchase online, with no tickets available on the day.
The sales deadline is 11.59pm on Monday, 29th December, unless they have already been sold out. Only supporters who purchase a Grandstand ticket may sit in the unreserved seating area in Block A.
Ticket prices have not been announced, however it is understand they will be £15 for adults, £12 concessions, and £5 under-16s.
 |
| Hereford last played at home on 8th November |
The club said an inspection will be held at 8.15am on Saturday, with Radcliffe the visitors for a 3pm kick off.
According to the Met Office as of 5.45pm on Friday, Hereford is set for clear skies until 8pm on Saturday with the chance of rain less than 5 per cent.
Hereford last played at home more than a month ago on 8th November when they were beaten 2-1 by Southport.
Since then, problems have plagued the Edgar Street pitch which has been left battered by heavy rain. The home tie against Peterborough Sports was switched to PIMS Park, with a waterlogged pitch postponing games against Macclesfield and Marine.
Despite work being carried out, tomorrow's game appears to be in doubt with a pitch inspection called.
Earlier this week, chair Chris Ammonds told the official Hereford website that groundsman Ben Bowen has made “considerable improvements” to a problem patch measuring roughly five metres by five metres.
He said Bowen has installed two new drains, verti-drained the pitch twice and used an “earthquake machine” — loaned by Luctonians — to break up compacted soil beneath the surface, before sanding the affected area to help drying.
With further work planned this week, Ammonds said the pitch “won’t look pristine” in one section but is now much firmer, stressing that only extreme rainfall would risk the fixture.
He also thanked Luctonians and Burghill Cricket Club for lending specialist equipment as the club works to manage the ongoing issue.
Striker Callum McFarlane will stay at Edgar Street until at least 3rd January after his loan deal was extended.
McFarlane in action for Hereford at Oxford City
Callum joined Fulham’s Academy in 2022 and made a couple of appearances on the bench for the Premier League side as well as spending time at Wealdstone on loan last season.
When the loan was first announced on 4th November, the National League club said the move would provide McFarlane with valuable first-team experience and the opportunity to continue his development in a competitive senior environment.
Moors boss Chris Millington said: “This is a really positive move for Callum. He’s shown a great attitude and potential in training and getting regular minutes at a good level will be a huge benefit to his progression. We’ll be keeping a close eye on his performances and look forward to seeing how he continues to grow over the next few weeks.”
The deal has now been extended until 3rd January, including that day's trip to Alfreton, having already made four appearances.
Bulls News understands
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Hereford FC could at long last get a home game on this weekend, with Radcliffe the visitors in the third round of the FA Trophy.
This is the round where the real big boys like Tamworth and Boston join the (tea?) party. A win here will earn enough prize money (not far off the same as the price of the cheapest 2026 World Cup ticket) to cover Ben Bowen’s overtime and purchase of the new drain, but with the giants of the game now involved it could also deliver a glamour tie against the likes of Brackley or Braintree in the next round, and that level of knockout-football romance doesn’t come around too often. Does ANY sort of romance come close to Braintree away? The jury's out.
It's a little ironic that Saturday’s visitors will be travelling from the rain capital of England, given the recent problems with standing water on the Edgar Street pitch causing a couple of postponements and a reversal or the Peterborough game last Saturday. However, Jarrod’s uncle seems to have performed miracles in redirecting the water downwards and safely out into Eign Brook, and at the time of writing the pitch is playable but not as pristine as it might be.
The Bulls take a three-game unbeaten run into this game, as they attempt to build on last weekend’s league win and build a bit of momentum in an attempt to ensure that the second half of the season is as good as the first half has been disappointing.
Radcliffe, conversely, have had an excellent first half of the season, and beat Hereford in August at home. They’re currently ninth in the National League North, having slipped out of the play-off positions following a run of three losses and two draws in their last five games. Could be a very good time to play them.
Rio Clegg is flying with 11 goals, and is partnered up front by the experienced Jordan Hulme, who has chipped in with six. Clegg did get a straight red card recently though, and although that was a league game I think it may mean he’s suspended for this. If so, that’s a stroke of luck. Could be a very good time to play them.
Experienced management duo Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley did some impressively shrewd business in the transfer market over the summer. 35-year-old playmaker Dan Gardner joined from Oldham, adding experience to a squad featuring others who know the division well, such as Hulme and Anthony Dudley. Talented winger Michael Afuye came in from Curzon, and left back Callum McFadzean has a wealth of Football League experience and was an excellent acquisition. Along with one or two other impressive signings, they strengthened considerably for their second season at NLN level.
They were also one of several of the smaller clubs to deny Hereford points at Edgar Street last season, with a fairly chaotic 3-3 draw very much flattering the hosts.
Those very same hosts look like they’re becoming a tighter unit with greater strength in depth than they did when these sides met in August. There will be plenty of options for Paul Caddis here who can come off the bench and make a difference, as evidenced by I-Lani Edwards last week. Keenan Quansah partnered Kyle Howkins in the middle of the defence last weekend, and could offer a more regular alternative to the Howkins-Preston option that has on occasion struggled against pacy attackers. With 14 games scheduled for January and February, that squad will be needed, and will arguably need bolstering as some of the loanees depart.
At the other end of the pitch Willo is getting ever closer to finding the net, and also looking increasingly desperate to do so. He’ll get one here, surely. It’s been ages since a hat-trick was scored, in fact.
As ever though, priority number one will be getting through the early stages of the match without conceding a sloppy goal or three. It would make things a good deal easier if that unfortunate habit has been put to bed for the rest of the season.
The Len Weston Stand will be closed for this one given that Radcliffe surprisingly failed to sell their 1000 allocation, so two sides of the ground will hopefully be crammed. It made for quite a good atmosphere in the Meadow End against Hemel Hempstead until the wheels fell off, and I couldn’t believe only 1300 were in for that, given how it felt. Hopefully at least the same number will turn up for this, rewarded with something very far removed from that 0-3 FA Cup defeat.
No precious league points at stake here then, but a very useful yardstick as to whether the recent twitch of an upturn in form is a promising sign of an enjoyable few months to come or a false dawn.
Did I mention that it could be a very good time to play them?
COYW
It's a move the club often makes for cup games where attendances can traditionally be lower in a bid to save on costs, mainly stewarding.
In the FA Trophy, gate receipts are split 50/50 after VAT, the travelling (and possibly accommodation if mutually agreed) expenses of the visiting club and the fees and expenses of the match officials. Other valid deductions include costs relating to gate attendants, turnstile operators, stewards, police charges, floodlighting, contributions to the costs of first aid Helpers, and any costs relating to clearing the ground of snow and water provided the visiting club is consulted beforehand on the approximate costs).
When gate receipts don't cover expenses, both clubs will share the loss.
As for ticket prices, from the third round to semi-final, the FA sets £10 as a minimum and anything above that must be mutually agreed by both clubs.
Prices have been cut compared to a league game, with seated tickets bought in advance costing £17 and terrace tickets costing £14.50. For concessions, it's £14.50 and £12 and away supporters will be housed in D Block, in the Merton Stand.
For more details and to buy yours, visit: https://herefordfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/radcliffe1
In September 2023, chairman Chris Ammonds explained the club would not take the risk of running a game at a loss.
He said: "By the time you've taken into account the stadium's the same regardless of what competition we're playing in, and if we're going to open the entire ground, we're going to have the same, pretty much the same, costs.
"We have to pay VAT on ticket sales and then you've got the split with the team you're playing as well. It soon adds up and it soon takes away chunks of money.
"And actually we can't afford to run games at a loss or even take any chance that we'll be running a game at a loss."
Broadcasting has been cited as the reason behind the National League's decision to move all kick-offs on the final days of the season to 12.30pm.
On Thursday, the league said all games across the three divisions would kick off earlier - including Brackley's 249-mile trip to Carlisle United in the National League, South Shields' 237-mile trip to Kidderminster Harriers in the North and a 216-mile journey for Torquay heading to Tonbridge Angels in the South.
Hereford were due to be away at Peterborough Sports, but the fixtures being switched due to Edgar Street pitch problems means they will be at home.
It means the Turbines face the 141-mile journey across the country, though the league did not give a reason publicly behind the move.
As clubs announced the news to their fans throughout the afternoon, National League South side Hornchurch, who beat Hereford 3-1 in the FA Trophy final at Wembley in 2021, cited games being broadcast as the reason.
"The National League has made this decision to allow for the broadcast of more fixtures on this date, due to UEFA Article 48 (the ‘Saturday 3pm blackout’) being in effect on this date," the East London club said.
However, it has not been said which games DAZN will broadcast but it's likely to depend on which games have most riding on them for clubs' hopes of being crowned champions, securing a play-off place or avoiding relegation.
A large selection of HFC pin badges will be on sale pre match this Saturday v Radcliffe. The badges pictured are available at £1 or £3 each ( cash only ) from a sales point in front of the matchday ticket office. As usual all net proceeds go directly to HFC.
Hereford were due to be at Peterborough Sports on the final day of the season but will now be at home
The Enterprise National League has changed kick-off times for the last game of the season.
Across the three divisions, all games will kick off at 12.30pm on Saturday 25th April.
Hereford were due to be making the three-hour, 141-mile trip to Peterborough Sports but that game will now be at Edgar Street.
The fixtures were switched due to concerns of the Edgar Street pitch, with Hereford making the trip last Saturday instead.
In a statement on Thursday, the National League did not give a reason why the change was being made and this has not been the case in recent seasons for step two.
The league also said eliminator rounds for the play-offs will then take place in the following midweek, with the semi-finals currently scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 2nd May.
Then all three divisions will host their Promotion Final on the weekend of 9th/10th May.
Precise details for the Enterprise National League play-off schedule will be confirmed in due course, it added.
Hereford survive a first half onslaught from their Premier League opponents and come close to winning it in the second half when Paul Parry hits the post. Interestingly less than 10 years later this match would be a League One game.
Hereford 1 Jones 2 Lane 3 Sturgess 4 Snape 5 Wright 6 James 7 Parry 8 Taylor 9 Elmes 10 Williams 11 Fewings Sub Rodgerson Leicester Flowers Sinclair Taggert Izzet Lennon Heskey Guppy Savage Elliott Impey Cottee Sub Walsh Attendance 7,795
Radcliffe joint-manager Bernard Morley says his side must press the reset button after extended their winless run to five games — a slump that has dragged the early high-flyers down the National League North table ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy trip to Edgar Street.
Radcliffe were third in the table on 11th November, but that strong opening has faded as they now sit ninth with 30 points from 19 games — 11 places above Hereford, who have 20 points from 18 matches.
Speaking after last Tuesday’s 3–1 home defeat against Chester, Morley said the loss — which ended a 12-match unbeaten home run — followed a pattern of “really soft goals” being gifted to opponents.
“When you give the goals away so early on in the first half in the manner that we did, you play right into a Chester side who know how to defend a lead,” he said, adding: “It’s just not acceptable. That’s been the theme for three or four games; we’re giving really soft goals away."
Radcliffe have taken just two points from their last five league games, a sequence that has included defeats to Chester, Southport and Scunthorpe, plus a frustrating draw at Bradford (PA). Their FA Trophy tie at Hereford will be their first match in 10 days after having no fixture on Saturday.
Morley said "experienced and good" players in the back three must stop the defensive lapses that plagued the defeats, but responsibility must also lie with the attacking-minded players who are missing "chance after chance".
The former Chester boss said his side have conceded four goals in the last few games that he doesn’t expect them to concede all season. He felt when Radcliffe's centre-halves make a mistake, the side are punished - but they're not always as lucky with opponents' errors.
Morley added: “We’re working hard for our goals, but at the minute we’re gifting the opposition a head start.”
He admitted the dip in form has been magnified by injuries, suspensions and a weakening bench compared to earlier in the season.
“We’ve got massive players missing again,” he said. “Some through injury, some through discipline. That’s cost us massively.”
Still, Morley insisted Radcliffe remain a strong side going through a predictable bad patch. He now wants to "train hard and forget the last five games".
“We’ve always said every team has that grey area in the season. We've now got to take our medicine, we’ve got to brush ourselves down, reset the button and go again.”
Saturday’s FA Trophy third-round tie presents an opportunity to do exactly that — with £4,500 in prize money for the winners and £1,250 for the losers.
“We don’t play Saturday, which is tough because we can’t put the wrongs right,” Morley said after the Chester defeat, adding: “We go to Hereford in the FA Trophy on the 13th, then we go to Scarborough on the Tuesday night.
"So much to play for, so many games, so many points to play for. We’ve just got to eradicate the stupid mistakes and start believing again.”
There was one match played in the National League North this evening.
Macclesfield came from behind to earn a point with a 1-1 draw at King's Lynn Town. Ross Crane opened the scoring for the hosts in the second minute, but it was cancelled out as Ethan McLeod scored from a corner nine minutes from time.
As for the table, King's Lynn remain 16th as Macclesfield rise above Buxton and AFC Telford United to 13th.
As Macclesfield played Slough Town in the FA Cup second round on Saturday, the game was moved to tonight.
The Cheshire club beat their National League South opponents, who finished the game with 10 men, 3-1 and earned a money-spinning third round tie at home against Crystal Palace.
Though with replays no longer on offer in the proper rounds of the FA Cup, the tie doesn't appear as lucrative as it may have in the past.
