Some debate at Southport this afternoon whether the referee should have sent off Harry Perritt after an incident with Billy Phillips.
It came as Perritt had been awarded the mantle of the home side's man of the match.
Monday, August 31, 2026
Howkins Wins The Penalty That Gave Hereford Three Points
Mid-way through the second half of this afternoon's game at Southport Kyle Howkins was brought down in the box.
And the referee deemed it was a penalty.
Which Aaron Skinner converted.
Match Report: Southport v Hereford
BUILDING MOMENTUM?
The Bulls overcame Southport at a very windy Haig Avenue today, a single goal in the 67th minute by Aaron Skinner from the penalty spot being enough to secure the three points. In the closing stages Southport put the Bulls under some pressure from corners and free kicks, but the defence stayed strong and held out for an excellent win.
The Bulls lined up as follows: in front of Theo Richardson a back four of James, Howkins, Merrett and Skinner, with Skins on the left side to cover for the absence of captain Hudson. Bitemo had the holding role in midfield, Phillips and Martin the wide players, Tustin and Spokes central, and Waldron the lone striker in what I guess was a 4-1-4-1 formation. Cawley Cox was on the bench due to an injury concern, and the coaching staff were certainly putting him through some extensive stretching routines in the warm-up.
The game was only two minutes old when an error by Martin presented the ball to Ogwuru, but he couldn’t capitalise on it, his attempt to put Dwyer through was too strong and went out of play. In the 5th minute Waldron and then Howkins saw their efforts blocked after a corner. Southport then had to make an early change, Dwyer limping off holding his hamstring, to be replaced by Burgess.
The game became extremely scrappy, broken up by frequent free kicks for minor offences. The wind was blowing straight down the pitch towards Theo’s goal, and his long kicks were only just crossing halfway before being beaten back. As the half wore on, Theo began playing it out for Howkins or Merrett for them to loft the ball forward. Whatever the approach, high balls towards Waldron brought little result, and weren’t a profitable tactic.
Tustin and Phillips were combining well on the right hand side and Tustin got into a number of good positions in the box. On the 11th minute he hit the floor, prompting a half hearted penalty appeal, and in the 18th he worked a scoring opportunity but was called back by the ref for a minor push. Neither side were creating many clear cut chances, the home side’s best came from a 42nd minute corner flicked over the bar by Williams. Just before that Bitemo received a yellow card for a high boot, this coming shortly after receiving a lecture from the ref, so maybe he should have known better to risk his disapproval again.
There were two minutes added on, which weren’t any more entertaining than the first fortyfive, and the players went in for their half time cup of tea or whatever they drink these days with the game still goalless.
Half time: Southport 0 Hereford 0
One change for Hereford at the break, Bitemo was replaced by Williamson, presumably to save the ref the trouble of sending him off at some point. This necessitated a reshuffle, with Tustin going into the holding role and Williamson hugging the left touchline.
The Bulls started well, putting some good moves together. A corner was awarded to penalise Honor for taking too long over a goal kick. Martin’s wind assisted inswinger looked to be heading in, but Honor redeemed himself by clearing from under his own crossbar. Skinner was getting forward well and causing some problems, but Hereford still weren’t turning the pressure into chances. Richardson took a free kick from well inside the Hereford half, hoofing it forward and, with the wind playing a part, deceiving Honor, but the ball went wide of the goal.
Iwunze came on for Waldron who hadn’t really made much of a mark on the game. Iwunze’s pace could have been a threat, but he didn’t get the service he needs, through balls for him to run onto, not high balls aimed at his head. The Bulls then got a couple of shots on goal, firstly a nice little curler from Williamson cutting inside onto his right foot, and then a well hit free kick from Spokes. Honor was equal to both efforts.
In the 67th minute the Bulls got the breakthrough. Howkins was up for a corner as usual and was brought down in the box.
Howkins was then involved at the other end, making a good clearance to break up a Southport attack. Then Southport came close to equalising when Richardson blocked a low cross that flashed in from the left but pushed it straight onto the head of Edwards. Fortunately, it came to him so quickly he didn’t have time to adjust, and the ball flew over the bar.
The Bulls’ best chance to double the advantage came when Honor, who was having quite an eventful game, got it horribly wrong when preparing to kick down field, allowing Iwunze to seize possession, but the keeper did just enough to push him away from the goal and stifle the chance. Iwunze then made a good run, wriggling along the touchline but his cutback flashed across the penalty area without a team mate anywhere near it. Then Phillips had a couple of good efforts blocked in quick succession.
Southport staged a bit of a revival towards the end, putting some pressure on the Hereford goal, but it all went wrong for them when Perritt chopped Phillips down as he attempted to break away and got a straight red. Interestingly Perritt still got the Man of the Match award, although I doubt that was much consolation.
There were six additional minutes and Southport continued to press for the equaliser, but the defence held out for a hard fought victory.
Full time: Southport 0 Hereford 1
Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Merrett, Martin (Cox 82), Tustin, Waldron (Iwunze 62), Spokes, James, Bitemo (Williamson 45), Phillips, Howkins
Subs: Roberts, Lewis, Tolley, Jones
Southport: Honor, Minihan, Williams, Jameson, Dwyer, Levelle, L Griffiths, R Griffiths, Perritt, McKenzie, Ogwuru
Subs: McMillan, Edwards, Pike, Burgess, Davies, Orisakwe, Beswick
Is it too early to say that Hereford are building some momentum? We mustn’t get carried away but it does feel very different from last season. One of the most pleasing aspects is the defence – only one goal conceded in five games is very impressive. The effort and commitment is unquestionable, and while I think we need some more attacking options, we can be pleased that this run of good results has come despite having three players out with long term injuries and players in key positions suspended.
Man of the match? has to be Howkins or Skinner. Howkins won every single header – he must have a skull made of iron – plus he made some vital blocks and clearances and won the penalty. Skinner defended extremely well and was part of a lot of good attacking moves, all while playing on the left, instead of his normal right back role. Plus, he scored the pen, so on balance I’d give it to Skinner.
Honourable mention to Tustin, who played different roles in each half and didn’t look out of place in the number 6 position in the second forty five minutes.
Number 2 for the home side was Pike. Plenty of scope for a comedy moment if he got booked. Fans of Dad’s Army should get the reference.
Oh, and I nearly forgot, the pies. The meat and potato pie was perfectly acceptable without being outstanding. Seven out of ten, and strong cup of builders’ tea to wash it down.
Harwood Bull
Downes wants Bulls to make life easier after windy Southport win
Aaron Downes said he was pleased with Hereford’s four‑point Bank Holiday return after the Bulls battled their way to a 1–0 win at Southport to move second in the National League North table.
Hereford had to work hard in tough conditions, with a strong wind and the slope at Haig Avenue making the first half particularly difficult. Downes felt his side handled it well.
“I’m really happy with our first half performance,” he said. “Really tough conditions for both teams when you’re going uphill into the wind like we were first half.
"That was really difficult to get out your half and we played it excellently. We got into their final third a lot. We went in behind direct when we needed to. We move the ball quick when we needed to and switched it.
The Bulls dominated territory after the break but struggled to turn pressure into clear chances. Downes admitted that was frustrating.
"I really wanted us to be a lot quicker, move the ball quicker, more decisive with the ball," he said.
"We dominated territory in the second half, absolutely, until the last five/six minutes."
Hereford eventually broke through when Kyle Howkins was fouled in the box and Aaron Skinner calmly dinked home the penalty. Downes said the win was deserved but felt his side should have made life easier by testing Southport's keeper more.
"We didn't really carve out or create a real clear-cut opportunity," he said. "I'm happy with a lot of what we've done today but I’m disappointed we haven’t created eight, ten chances for the dominance we had with the football.
“That's the annoying thing to me, that cutting edge we just didn’t have today so I'm frustrated with that."
Southport pushed late on, forcing Theo Richardson into a superb save to protect the lead.
"It's an excellent save right at the end and, this is not disrespectful, but it wouldn't have been deserved if they got something out of the game," Downes said, but added: "We could have been a lot more clinical and would have made the game out of sight if we had better decision-making in that final third."
Monday's National League North results and updated table
This afternoon’s results from the National League North.
AFC Telford 0 - 1 Bedford
Buxton 2 - 1 Merthyr Town
Chester 0 - 1 Morecambe
Chorley 2 - 2 Brackley Town
Harborough 2 - 1 Marine
King’s Lynn 3 - 1 Scarborough
Macclesfield 3 - 0 Hebburn Town
Radcliffe 0 - 1 Darlington
South Shields 1 - 1 Spalding United
Southport 0 - 1 Hereford
Spennymoor 1 - 1 Hednesford
Worksop 0 - 1 Oxford City
Buxton 2 - 1 Merthyr Town
Chester 0 - 1 Morecambe
Chorley 2 - 2 Brackley Town
Harborough 2 - 1 Marine
King’s Lynn 3 - 1 Scarborough
Macclesfield 3 - 0 Hebburn Town
Radcliffe 0 - 1 Darlington
South Shields 1 - 1 Spalding United
Southport 0 - 1 Hereford
Spennymoor 1 - 1 Hednesford
Worksop 0 - 1 Oxford City
The updated table can be found here: bullsnews.blogspot.com/p/league-table.html
REACTION | Aaron Downes - Southport 0-1 Hereford FC
Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to todays 1-0 win at Southport, click on the play button to hear his thoughts.
Full Time: Southport 0 Hereford 1
Three points for Hereford.
Southport 0 Hereford 1
Hereford's goal came midway through the second half when Kyle Howkins was impeded in the box.
Aaron Skinner made no mistake with the penalty.
Southport's Harry Perritt was sent off late in the game.
Hereford are now second in the table.
Macclesfield top the league.
Half Time At Southport
At half time it's:
Southport 0 Hereford 0
Disappointing from a Hereford point of view in that the Southport keeper has had very little to do.
However Hereford will have the wind and the sun behind them in the second half.
Hereford Team News For Southport Game
Here's the Hereford team news for this afternoon's game at Southport.
Two changes, Waldron and Bitemo start.
Starting XI:Richardson, Skinner, Merrett, Martin, Tustin, Waldron, Bitemo, Spokes, James, Phillips, Howkins.
Subs: Cox. Iwunze. Williamson, Roberts, Lewis, Tolley, Jones
Southport v Hereford On DAZN TV
This afternoon's National North League fixture between Southport and Hereford is being broadcast live on DAZN TV.
Hopefully that doesn't put off supporters travelling to Southport to follow the Bulls.
The game is being screened in Radfords which will open at 2pm.
Today's National North League Fixtures
A list of all the games set to take place in the National North League this afternoon:
AFC Telford United v Bedford Town
Buxton v Merthyr Town
Chester v Morecambe
Chorley v Brackley Town
Harborough Town v Marine
King's Lynn Town v Scarborough Athletic
Macclesfield v Hebburn Town
Radcliffe v Darlington
South Shields v Spalding United
Southport v Hereford
Spennymoor Town v Hednesford Town
Worksop Town v Oxford City
On This Day In 2002
It's back to August 31 2002 for today's archive match report. Hereford United were away at Nuneaton and returned with three points.
Nuneaton
Borough 0 - 3 Hereford United
Hereford returned to winning ways against
Nuneaton Borough at Manor Park in front of 1,332, with
around 300 supporting the Bulls.The starting line up showed one change
from the game against Morecambe which saw Sawyer replaced
by Parry in midfield and John Grant, making his first
start for Hereford, replacing Parry up front.
It was Hereford who started the brighter attacking down the slope towards the Cock and Bear stand with Rose going close with two shots inside the first four minutes. But it was Boro who should taken the lead when a free header at the back post was put across the Hereford goal, instead of on target. Then it was Hereford’s turn to go close as Danny Williams saw his deflected free kick come back of the Nuneaton bar, before Nuneaton four minutes later wasted a chance to take the lead.
This was an end to end game and it was Parry turn to see his effort blocked on the goal line by Terry Angus, but Guinan should have scored earlier in the move yet he was slow to react. After this Nuneaton at a had spell of pressure where they had a shot deflected just wide for a corner and then Clarkson wasted yet another chance as the ball fell to him, only for him to shoot at Baker. As Nuneaton looked to be getting on top a series of Hereford corners brought about two chances for the Bulls, at the end of the first half. As first Clarke had a shot from sixteen yards saved and Grant, played in by Guinan, ran through the Nuneaton defence only to place his shot onto the bar from six yards out!
The second half took time to get going before Guinan got his first goal for Hereford as he turned in a Rose free kick from the right wing, after eight minutes. Nuneaton were quick to respond bring two saves out of Baker in a minute, first from eight and then twenty yards. Guinan was again the man involved as Danny Williams and John Grant combined well to set up a chance for Guinan to force a save out of Hodgson in the Nuneaton goal. A repeat of Guinan forcing a save out of Hodgson resulted in Pitman heading home his fourth goal of the season from the rebound in the 57th minute. Then four minutes later Parry finished off the scoring spree for the Bull as he slotted home from sixteen yards after good work by Grant.
The game fizzled out a bit with neither side creating much and both sides making two subs each. For Hereford Purdie came on for Grant with twenty minutes remaining and then Voice on for Guinan with eight minute left. Rose wasn't the only Hereford to show any danger as he cracked in three of his thirty yard drives forcing Hodgson to save two of them. Nuneaton did force Baker into a point blank save from Jones’s shot, after a dangerous cross from the left and Purdie missed a one on one just seconds before the final whistle for Hereford.
This was an impressive Hereford display, helped by both sides willing to attack and besides the 10 minute scoring spree by United it was a fairly even contest. Now Hereford have over a week to prepare for the Woking game live on Sky.
It was Hereford who started the brighter attacking down the slope towards the Cock and Bear stand with Rose going close with two shots inside the first four minutes. But it was Boro who should taken the lead when a free header at the back post was put across the Hereford goal, instead of on target. Then it was Hereford’s turn to go close as Danny Williams saw his deflected free kick come back of the Nuneaton bar, before Nuneaton four minutes later wasted a chance to take the lead.
This was an end to end game and it was Parry turn to see his effort blocked on the goal line by Terry Angus, but Guinan should have scored earlier in the move yet he was slow to react. After this Nuneaton at a had spell of pressure where they had a shot deflected just wide for a corner and then Clarkson wasted yet another chance as the ball fell to him, only for him to shoot at Baker. As Nuneaton looked to be getting on top a series of Hereford corners brought about two chances for the Bulls, at the end of the first half. As first Clarke had a shot from sixteen yards saved and Grant, played in by Guinan, ran through the Nuneaton defence only to place his shot onto the bar from six yards out!
The second half took time to get going before Guinan got his first goal for Hereford as he turned in a Rose free kick from the right wing, after eight minutes. Nuneaton were quick to respond bring two saves out of Baker in a minute, first from eight and then twenty yards. Guinan was again the man involved as Danny Williams and John Grant combined well to set up a chance for Guinan to force a save out of Hodgson in the Nuneaton goal. A repeat of Guinan forcing a save out of Hodgson resulted in Pitman heading home his fourth goal of the season from the rebound in the 57th minute. Then four minutes later Parry finished off the scoring spree for the Bull as he slotted home from sixteen yards after good work by Grant.
The game fizzled out a bit with neither side creating much and both sides making two subs each. For Hereford Purdie came on for Grant with twenty minutes remaining and then Voice on for Guinan with eight minute left. Rose wasn't the only Hereford to show any danger as he cracked in three of his thirty yard drives forcing Hodgson to save two of them. Nuneaton did force Baker into a point blank save from Jones’s shot, after a dangerous cross from the left and Purdie missed a one on one just seconds before the final whistle for Hereford.
This was an impressive Hereford display, helped by both sides willing to attack and besides the 10 minute scoring spree by United it was a fairly even contest. Now Hereford have over a week to prepare for the Woking game live on Sky.
Written by Tim Ward - 31st August 2002.
| Nuneaton Borough | Hereford United |
| Steve Hodgson | Matt Baker |
| Andy Thackeray | Matt Clarke |
| Ian Clarkson (captain) | Michael Rose |
| Jason Peake | Richard Teesdale |
| Terry Angus | Ian Wright (captain) |
| Jamie Squires | Tony James |
| Barry Williams (off, 76 minutes) | Jamie Pitman |
| John Turner (off, 64 minutes) | Danny Williams |
| Gary Jones | Steve Guinan (off, 83 minutes) |
| Mark Quayle | John Grant (off, 72 minutes) |
| Lee Howey (off, 58 minutes) | Paul Parry |
| Subs | Subs |
| Andy Wheeler | Scott Voice (on, 83 minutes) |
| Richard Lavery | Ken Griffiths |
| Jason Harris (on, 64 minutes) | Rob Sawyer |
| Michael Love (on, 58 minutes) | Richard O'Kelly |
| Warren Peyton (on, 76 minutes) | Rob Purdie (on, 72 minutes) |
| Yellow cards | Yellow cards |
| - | - |
| Red cards | Red cards |
| - | - |
| Scorers | Scorers |
| - | Steve Guinan (53 minutes) |
| - | Jamie Pitman (57 minutes) |
| Paul Parry (61 minutes) | |
| Man of the Match | Michael Rose |
| Attendance | 1354 |
| Referee | Mr. G. Chapman |
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Highlights Hereford v Chester
Highlights of yesterday's 1-1 draw between Hereford and Chester are now on line.
To view: https://herefordfc.co.uk/2026/08/highlights-hereford-fc-1-1-chester-fc/
National North Bank Holiday Monday Preview
Little rest for clubs in the National North League as they are all set to be playing again tomorrow.
This review from NL's Sam Elliott.
Chester weren’t too frustrated by two Enterprise National League North dropped points at a much-improved Hereford.
But the 1-1 draw did mean new arrivals Hebburn went top - and Phil Parkinson’s side will get another tough examination when Morecambe arrive on their back of their first success.
It’s a day of fantastic matches in the division and first plays third as Macclesfield host new table toppers Hebburn Town.
Oxford City missed the chance take over on Friday, and they want to get back to winning ways at Worksop Town.
The rain caused South Shields havoc at Brackley Town after the abandonment, but after Bart Cybulski’s hat-trick on Saturday, they know they must not take Spalding United lightly.
AFC Telford United are the surprise early bottom markers - can they start their climb against Bedford Town?
Elsewhere in the division King's Lynn Town v Scarborough Athletic could produce goals with Harborough Town playing Marine and Southport looking to recover from a weekend hiding at home to Hereford.
Hereford Women Draw With Dudley
Hereford Women drew their 'home' game with Dudley Ladies this afternoon.
It ended 1-1.
The game was played at Bromyard.
Next Sunday Hereford are playing at Edgar Street as it's a Cup match.
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