Full Time: Hereford 0 Hednesford 1

Full time at Edgar Street this afternoon:

Hereford  0 Hednesford  1

Half Time Hereford v Hednesford

At half-time the score is:

Hereford  0 Hednesford  1

The visitors took the lead and have had the better of the game so far. Aaron Jarvis’ goal after 18 minutes came on the break, beating two Hereford defenders in the process. 

Hereford Team News For Hednesford This Afternoon

Hereford have made one change for this afternoon’s match against Hednesford. 

Cawley Cox starts in attack with Danny Waldron dropping to the bench  

Hereford's starting XI against Hednesford this afternoon:

1 Theo Richardson, 2 Aaron Skinner, 4 Kam Kandola (capt), 5 Will Merrett, 9 Cawley Cox, 14 Luke Spokes, 17 Joseph James, 19 Harrison Iwunze, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 6 Joe Willis, 8 Harry Tustin, 10 Danny Waldron, 11 Fin Holmes, 18 Liam Roberts, 21 Ollie Lewis, 30 Kameron Muir

Hednesford name former Bull Ahkeem Rose up front, but Omari Sterling-James is absent following international duty with St Kitts and Nevis. 

 

Could be a 4,000 gate today

There could be a 4,000 attendance for Hereford's game against Hednesford this afternoon.

The Merton Stand is sold out and there aren't many seats left in the Len Weston Stand.

Hednesford are also set to bring a healthy following.

Hereford have an average attendance of 3,398 from their five matches this season.

If you haven't got your ticket for today's game yet, you can buy it here. 

Fans Help Merthyr Sign Jarvis

Supporters have helped Merthyr fund a deal to sign Cole Jarvis on loan from Newport County.

Midfielder Jarvis was a Merthyr player until he moved to Newport at the start of 2026.

"I'd like to thank those supporters who have contributed to the boost the budget scheme, whether that's from the start of the season or those that have contributed this week," said manager Paul Michael."

"This has helped enable this move to happen." 

It's not known how much supporters have put into Merthyr's budget scheme.

Hereford's boost the budget scheme, better known as squad builder, is reported to have raised £75,000 this season.

 

This Afternoon In The National North

A list of the fixtures this afternoon in the National North League.

Brackley v Spennymoor

Chester v Bedford

Chorley v Telford

Darlington v Merthyr

Harborough v Southport

Hebburn v Oxford City

Hereford v Hednesford

Kings Lynn v Buxton

Macclesfield v South Shields

Marine v Spalding

Radcliffe v Scarborough

Worksop v Morecambe 

January 1999 - Hereford Draw With Hednesford

With Hednesford the visitors to Edgar Street this afternoon a look back to January 9th 1999 and 0-0 draw between the two teams.

 HEREFORD United 0 Hednesford 0 (report by Peter Povall)

Hereford started well against Hednesford and gained a corner against the visitors within the first couple of minutes. Hednesford cleared and then gave away a free-kick in the process. The kick being blasted and wasted.

The Hereford attack force has been strengthened by the new signing of Dean Martin. A small player at just 5'7" tall, but he's quick and skillful and made a difference today. He caused a few problems for the Hednesford defence and looks set to score a few during the remainder of the season.

United continued their attacks and gained another corner on 10 minutes. The ball was sent to the back post where it was headed just wide.

Hednesford made their first assault on Hereford's goal shortly after but were caught in the offside trap with ease.

United attacked again. I have to say it was nice to see the players having a run at the Hednesford defenders. Druce fluffed the resulting chance.

Again United pushed forward. Dean Martin was felled about 25 yards from goal after receiving a through ball from the midfield. The free-kick was deflected out for a corner giving United another chance.

The corner was played to the centre of the area and was poorly cleared during the scrabble. Rodgerson fell upon the chance and had his powerful shot saved by the diving Morgan.

Within the space of the next minute. Taylor had a chance to open the scoreline but hit his weak shot wide. The resulting goal kick bounced long and eventually fell to Carty who found himself one-on-one with Quy. He tried to catch Quy early and hit the ball clear across goal and out for a return goal-kick.

The majority of play went Hereford's way with rushes coming from Hednesford which kept the game alive. The next real chance came from Dennison who's shot on goal bounced lightly before reaching the keeper. As it reached Morgan though, it must have caught a rut as it suddenly jumped and hit him in the chin.

Five minutes later and Dennison was there again, Morgan again saving his effort. A play later and United gained another free-kick from about 25 yards out. Again this was pushed out for a corner. The ball was sent to the near post, flicked on and then headed down. Hednesford cleared from the line with half the crowd thinking the ball was in.

Collins came out with a shot late in the first half when his drive was blocked by Morgan. Hednesford made a final effort seconds before the whistle for the break when they gained a corner which Quy rose for but seemed to half fumble, half punch clear. Hednesford's shot was well wide.

The second half was much the same. Hereford held the majority of the possession but never managed to finish the frequent attacks off.

Clarke and Wright made attempts within moments of each other. Dean Martin also had a cracking effort which scraped over the bar from all of 18 yards out. Give the lad his due, he's willing to have a crack from almost anywhere.

Hednesford made a couple of good runs but never looked likely to finish the job. Attempts where being sent well over the bar from inside the area.

The final five minutes produced some good football. Parry worked hard in the corner, beating two defenders and still finding himself in trouble, he checked the players around him and back-heeled the ball into the space behind him. No United players read the play though as it rolled out for a goal-kick.

The dying moments saw Hednesford produce a brilliant run into the area complete with a neat turn of the ball to rid two defenders. The build-up was perfect but the execution of the shot was less so. Again the ball was blazed over.

Parry had a final dig when he chased a long ball down, trying to catch it before it reached the keeper, but met the goal post whilst the keeper made a simple save.

Not a brilliant performance but there is certainly a better chance of us scoring goals now that Martin is here. I only hope that Fewings will have recovered shortly so that they can use his size and Martin's speed to really give a defence problems.  

News Round Up

Former Hereford United player Chris Hargreaves has been appointed Director of Academy Recruitment at Crystal Palace. This is his 38th season in the game.

Gateshead have confirmed that a sale agreement has been reached in principle with American based private investment company, Flacks Group, subject to Independent Football Regulator approval. 

Telford have loaned midfielder Isaac England from Shrewsbury Town. 

Matlock Town have appointed Nathan Haslam as their first-team manager, 

Merthyr have signed 21 year old foward  Japhet Matondo, who joins the club following his release from Stoke City. 

Defender Alex Whittle has joined Brackley from Farnborough.

Forward Rohan Vaughan has joined Spalding on loan from Harrogate Town.

Newport County midfielder Cole Jarvis has joined Merthyr Town on a short-term loan deal until January. 

Willis And Holmes Have 'Benefitted' From Two Week Break

 

A couple of the Hereford squad who have been out with injury since the start of the season have returned to training recently and are expected to be in contention for a place in the squad against Hednesford tomorrow.

Hereford haven't played for two weeks so there has been time for extra training.

"It's been good in one aspect as it's given us time to get a bit of extra work on the training ground but also get one or two players who were training but needed to get up to speed," said Downes in an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We've been able to give a couple of them mini pre-seasons. It's been good for that aspect.

"People like Joe Willis, Finn Holmes are really chomping at the bit now, they've benefitted from this two week break." 

We Want To Carry On Where We Left Off Said Downes

 

Despite not having played for two weeks, Hereford manager Aaron Downes is hopeful that will prove an advantage against Hednesford tomorrow afternoon.

""We want to carry on where we left off with our home form because we've been in good form at home," Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"It's nice to have a game, especially nice to have one at home, training has been intense, I feel we are in a good place, I feel we will be competitive tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it.

"The boys are really chomping at the bit.

"I just hope the boys can continue with the form.

"Sometimes it's nice to have a break, but it can go either way.

"It's my job to make sure it goes in our favour as far as the break benefits us." 

Gelato deal for fans attending Hednesford game

Fans attending Saturday's game between Hereford and Hednesford can enjoy a discounted ice cream.

Velluto Gelato, based over the road from Edgar Street at the Old Market, is offering two scoops for £2 for anyone who produces a match ticket.

All flavours are included, bit the deal is only valid for cups. For information, the weather is forecast to be dry all day with a maximum temperature of 14C. 

Both Clubs Have Recruited Well Said Downes

 

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has spoken about tomorrow's game against newly promoted Hednesford at Edgar Street.

"There is a bit of a jump from step three to step two," Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Both clubs have recruited well, I think both clubs have managed the step up very well.

"I'm sure both clubs will be pushing to the top end of the table come the end of the season.

"They've had a mixed start but a really good win last game against Radcliffe.

"They've made a couple of signings prior to the game that made an impact on the day so it's going to be a tough game, that's for sure.

"We have got to make sure we are aware of their threats and their dangers.

"It's my job to give a little bit of detail to the players but focus a lot more on what we are trying to do, trying to make sure we play in a way that can get the best out of our players, entertain the supporters and try and win the match." 

Meanwhile tickets for the game are selling well. Most of the main stand is sold out but there is space in both the Len Weston and the Meadow End. 

Hey big spenders!

Hereford FC host big-spending Hednesford on Saturday as they look to pick up where they left off in the National League North, after an enforced and unwanted mini-break. The Bulls’ blistering start to the season sees them top of the table, and everyone will be hoping that momentum hasn’t been dented by an early FA Cup exit and the resultant pause in league action.

As usual it’ll be a relief to return to Ben Bowen’s lovely live grass on Saturday after another plastic away-day at Bedford last time out, a last time out that seems like ages ago now.

Hednesford are still a little bit in the collecting-players-like-they’re-Panini-stickers phase of the new-found-wealth cycle, a cycle that has a tendency to pedal itself off a cliff edge if it’s not ridden sensibly. In the Pitmen’s case it seems that sustainable investment is the name of the game with infrastructure improvements at Keys Park given at least as much priority as the Panini aspect. Proper club, good to see them on an upward trajectory.

Their latest Panini sticker is Danny Whitehall from Scunthorpe. The 6’ 3” Liverpudlian reliably scores a goal every other game at this level, and is presumably being paid Scunthorpe-ish money. He’s played once for his new club and impressively contributed three assists in that one appearance.

Since gaining promotion last season, and being tipped in some quarters to go up again off the back of their new-found wealth, Hednesford haven’t found things easy in the National League North so far. However, last time they won 4-1 at home to struggling Radcliffe. Ex-Halifax midfielder and top scorer Jamie Cooke got two of the goals and ex-Bull Ahkeem Rose got one. Another ex-Bull Omari Sterling-James is in and out of the starting XI. That win moved them up to 15th, three points clear of the relegation places.

They’ve won just one of their five away games so far, at Paul Caddis’s King’s Lynn. Dylan Mottley-Henry scored in that game, and the ex-Chester man is one to be mindful of.

Cooke, Mottram-Henry, Rose, Whitehall and ex-Yeovil striker Aaron Jarvis represent a potent attacking threat, with OSJ pulling the strings behind. Plenty to keep Kyle Howkins and Will Merrett on their toes, a central defensive partnership that has generally been excellent so far this season.

They had the weekend off last week, as like Hereford they lost in the Cup at the first time of asking to lower-graded opposition, in their case 1-0 at home against Coventry United.

So they’ve got plenty about them in attacking positions, but they’ll be rightly concerned about the strength the hosts have in those areas. The three Hereford strikers are scoring freely, particularly Harrison Iwunze, as is Billy Phillips. Supporters will be keen to get a proper look at new arrival Kameron Muir who, despite being only 17, looks to be a very promising loan acquisition indeed.

Long-term absentee Joe Willis could make his senior club debut in some capacity here too, and given the Downes-Pell recruitment record so far, his introduction is something else supporters will eagerly anticipate.

Keziah Martin will possibly be back in the Hereford squad for this one after suffering from some tendonitis in his foot recently. A quality player who will contribute significantly over the course of the season to the push for promotion.

Thankfully there are still things money can’t buy, one of which is the team spirit Aaron Downes and Harry Pell have instilled in this Bulls squad.

Hopefully good players will continue to be attracted to Edgar Street by the lure of playing in front of a crowd, even if they’re getting paid less than at some smaller clubs. By definition you then get players with something of the right calibre about them rather than money-grabbers. Certainly this season’s HFC crop, as well as being a hugely talented group, seem like a very nice bunch of human beings too, whilst at the same time not being averse to a yellow card or two. A good balance.

Aaron Downes’ post-match interview after Bedford showed how invested he is in this, how bloodlessly Australian he is in pursuit of being a winner, how irritated he was at the late equaliser, but how capable he is of expressing that irritation rationally and articulately, and not having to blast hairdryers in people’s faces. His ‘the players owe us two points’ comment dripped with uncompromising authority, all the more so as it was delivered in a measured way.

However…no wins in two. No wins since narrowly scraping past South Shields almost a month ago. Only two points clear at the top. Disgraceful. Mr Downes needs to turn things around here with a much-needed win.

Given the Staffordshire side’s strength up top, this could be a bit of a belter for another bumper crowd to enjoy.

COYW

From The Archives - Hereford Defeat Hednesford

BN goes back to March 11th 2000 and a Nationwide Conference game between Hereford and Hednesford.

HEREFORD United 3 - 0 Hednesford Town

Hereford United went into this match hoping to extend their unbeaten to eleven matches, and aiming to move up to third in the league table. Due to the recall of Scott Cooksey and the sale of Mark Jones, Andy Quy was brought back into the first team after six months out with a knee tendon injury. Paul Fewings missed the match through injury, as did Ian Wright and Steve Piearce, but Mark Taylor was still recovering and was named as a substitute.

The first real effort of the game came with a good long ball into the box in the fourth minute. A quality ball from Parry was met by the head of Robin Elmes who headed it over the advancing Stuart Ford in the Hednesford goal to make the score one nil as his header from the far post was hit across goal into the net. However, Hednesford hit back immediately and in the fifth minute a long run from Twynham put him one-on-one with the 'keeper who jumped towards the ball and cleared. A minute later Hednesford had a corner which was headed wide of the goal.

However, it was Hereford who had the best of the play in the early stages. A Sturgess cross was knocked back but  Robin Elmes had his shot blocked. There were efforts for Hereford where the defence struggled to clear with goalmouth scrambles, but Hednesford had a good chance on twenty minutes when Quy had to clear with his legs. The clearance released Parry but the cross didn't match the run as it was cleared. Throughout the afternoon, Parry played well but when confronted by a defender stuttered and more often than not lost the ball. It was well be a day that the Chepstow born youngster will want to forget as he had a good run midway through the half but went down injured a metre from the sideline just outside the Hednesford area. However, it was at least thirty seconds until he was treated because play had moved to the other end of the field. He was soon back and ready to play on

Leroy May, up front for Hereford, was not on the ball in the first half and the Hereford United defence also made some mind-boggling passbacks when under pressure. On the half hour, however, Ian Rodgerson had a corner kick. It came into the box put was palmed away by the goalkeeper. Rodgerson played in the centre next to Snape and Clarke played out-wide on the right to make up for the loss of Mark Taylor through injury.

Matt Clarke had a good effort which went wide from a good piece of skill by Parry on thirty-two, but he clashed with the goalkeeper soon after and it resulted in him receiving treatment. There were no chances for either side in the rest of the half, as things got a bit scrappy.

The second half brought back the scrappy encounter that the fans had seen in the first, and this became apparent in the first minute with a goalmouth scramble. Eventually the United team scored but it was disallowed thanks to a foul. A minute later it was Hednesford's turn to attack, but Quy saved well from a freekick from twenty-five yards. On fifty minutes Hednesford had another chance thanks to Neil Davis, but Quy lifted the ball from his feet.

Scott Goodwin was yellow carded soon after a foul on Ian Rodgerson who had to receive treatment. A free kick was awarded wide on the United right thirty yards out but the 'keeper plucked the ball from the air. Matt Clarke had his shirt pulled on the hour, and Chris Brindley, Hednesford's centre back, was booked. The free-kick, in almost an identical position to the previous one, was passed to May in the box who turned but fired into the 'keeper's hands. Clarke had a good effort soon after, but it went wide. The referee was particularly impressive as he was up with the match, unlike some of his colleagues that have been asked to referee at Edgar Street this season!

With twenty-three minutes left, Hednesford's Twynham had a good run but, when one-on-one with Quy, fell over and Quy saved. Three minutes later, a foul on Clarke meant a corner but the home fans were protesting for a penalty. Hednesford made a substituation as Twynham who had been unimpressive upfront, was replaced by Ged Kimmins, and soon after replaced Ian Robertson with Stuart Airdrie. The home side brought off Parry for Williams. Further chances came, but none that really troubled either goalkeeper until Lane's long throw was met by Elmes. He couldn't get the shot in but managed to knock over the Hednesford 'keeper instead!

The second goal eventually came three minutes before time thanks to Gavin Williams. He made a great run from the half way line into the box and GOAL! United went 2-0 up. However, Jim Kelly was booked after the goal for fighting. The third goal, in added time, came from a Rodgerson corner. Elmes met it with a diving header to knock it past the goalkeeper and seal a convincing victory for Hereford United.

The man of the match award was given to John Snape who battled well in the midfield all afternoon and probably deserved the award.

Attendance = 2,122

Man of the match - John Snape

Hereford - Quy, Lane, James, Clarke, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Elmes, Sturgess

Sub who came on - Williams

Other subs - Subs not used: Rudall, Taylor, Warren, Shirley.  
 

Hednesford Preview For Hereford

Here's the Hednesford preview for Saturday's game at Edgar Street.

THE GAME 

Hereford vs Hednesford Town

National League North

The M&M Edgar Street Stadium, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JU                                              

Saturday 10th October 2026, kick off 3pm.                                                

THE PITMEN 

Hednesford travel to league leaders Hereford looking to build on the 4-1 win over Radcliffe in their last outing.

New signings Danny Whitehall and George Ward both impressed on their debuts, the former having a hand in three of the goals, earning the Player of the Match award.

Leading scorer Jamie Cooke got his third and fourth goals of the season in the Radcliffe game while Ahkeem Rose notched his third.

Dylan Mottley-Henry and Omari Sterling James both have two.

The result moved The Pitmen up to 15^th place in the league table with 12 points from 10 games.      

It will be a return to their former club for both Rose and Sterling-James who joined Hednesford from The Bulls.

Omari scored five goals in 25 games including a hat-trick against Curzon Ashton and Ahkeem four in 26 for the Edgar Street outfit.

Dale Gorman will be available for The Pitmen after his three match ban and boss Kelvin Davis will be hoping that the two week break will have helped the injured members of his squad back to fitness. 

THE OPPOSITION 

Hereford sit top of the National League North with 23 points from their 10 games, scoring 22 goals and conceding five.

Their only defeat came on the opening day of the season when they went down 2-1 at Buxton.

They have since won three and drawn one in their other games on the road. 

At their Edgar Street home they have won four and drawn one including an impressive 6-0 win over then league leaders South Shields.

Their leading scorer is Harrison Iwunze, the on loan Notts County striker has eight goals and he is followed by Billy Phillips with five while Aaron Skinner has three and Danny Waldron two.   

Last season Hereford only avoided relegation on the last day, finishing in 20^th place and staying up on goal difference, being six goals better off than Curzon Ashton who finished in the final relegation spot, one of three clubs who had 52 points.

Manager Aaron Downes joined in February 2026 and had a win percentage of 46.2% from 26 games, keeping Hereford up.

The Australian along with his assistant Harry Pell signed a new two year deal at the start of 2026/27. 

FORM 

HTFC: WLWLDW – 10 points  

HFC: DWWWWD – 14 points 

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS 

Hednesford’s four previous visits to Edgar Street came in the then Vauxhall Conference from 1997 to 2001.

The games have seen two defeats and two draws for The Pitmen, the last being in 2000/01 when Neil Davis’ goal earned a 1-1 draw in front of 2,557 fans. 

MATCHDAY DETAILS 

Away fans on Saturday have been allocated the Len Weston Seating and Terrace. Advance prices for seats in Block F are £21 adults, £18.25 and £5 U16s and £18.25 adults, £15.75 concessions and £5 U16s. They can be purchased here.

Tickets can be bought via the Hereford website and you can choose to receive your tickets by text or email.      

Matchday prices are £24 adults, £21 concessions and £6.50 U16s seated and £21 adults, £19 concessions and £6.50 U16s on the terraces.               

U14s must be accompanied by a responsible adult and no dogs are allowed unless registered assistance/service dogs.                

The ticket office opens at 12.30pm until 2.50pm and the club shop from 1pm to 2.50pm. A digital programme is available on-line, again through the Hereford website.