Southern League play-off finals today

The Southern League play-off finals take place today.

In the Central division, it's Spalding, who have former Yusifu Ceesay in their ranks, versus Real Bedford. If the latter win, it will mean there will be two Bedford teams, who play on the same site, in National League North.

Meanwhile, in the South, it's Farnham versus Gloucester. If Gloucester win, it will be interesting to see which league they will be placed in. Will they go in National League North with Merthyr or Oxford moved to National League South? 

There's local interest in the Southern Premier Division One South play-off final, with Malvern hosting Shaftesbury. The Division One Central play-off final sees Hitchin facing Biggleswade.

Northern Premier League Play-Off This Afternoon

The Northern Premier League Play-Off takes place this afternoon.

The game is between Hednesford Town and Warrington Ryelands.

Hednesford finished 2nd in this league whilst Ryelands finished 4th.

Kick-off at Hednesford is at 3pm. 

Several former Hereford player are expected to be in the Hednesford squad. 

NEWS | A just giving page has been setup to support Neil Grayson

Former Hereford United player Neil Grayson has sadly been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and Dementia.

His all-action style was much loved by football fans across the country. Often described as “hard as nails” his abrasive “no nonsense” attitude resulted in many bruising encounters, and yet the quality of many of his goals belied his public persona.

Grayson now aged 61 signed for Hereford United from Northampton Town in July 1997 and scored 16 goals for the club including a famous double against Brighton in the 2-1 FA Cup 1st round win that season.

Due to a financial crisis at Edgar Street Grayson was sold to Cheltenham Town in February 1998, at the time Bulls manager Graham Turner said "It was down to pure financial desperation that we had to sell Neil, we needed funds urgently and it was absolutely vital for the short term survival of the club to sell a player, we had a shortfall in gate receipts recently and we had the wages and a tax bill to pay. You don't mess about with the taxman"

Grayson was still playing and scoring at National League level for Stafford Rangers in 2008 at the age of 43, and carried on playing in the lower end of the pyramid until he was 50.

Grayson was special guest on Saturday when Cheltenham played Colchester and the game was stopped in the 9th minute for a one minute applause. A just giving page has been setup to help support Grayson and you can donate below.

Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving

📸 MH Archive

Hereford United At The Saatchi Gallery

The FA are taking over the Saatchi Art Gallery in London next weekend for an exhibition entitled 'The Art Of Possibility'.

The exhibition looks at the both the FA Cup and the Womens FA Cup, past, future and present.

It blends recently commissioned pieces with archival material, rare photography, and immersive digital installations covering over 150 years of football history and culture. 

And it wouldn't be complete without Hereford United's victory over Newcastle United.

'By weaving together iconic moments and contemporary expression, The Art of Possibility revisits defining chapters in football history—from 2005 FA Cup Final to Hereford United vs Newcastle United 1972—while reimagining them through a modern, artistic lens. The result is an exhibition that not only honours tradition but also highlights the broader cultural impact of the game on communities in the UK and beyond.' 

More details: https://www.thefa.com/news/2026/apr/20/fa-cups-exhibition  

Detailed look at week one of Edgar Street pitch renovations

Work has started on the Edgar Street pitch. Picture: Ben Bowen

Major pitch improvement works at Edgar Street are underway, with the first week of a planned summer drainage project already showing visible progress.

The work comes after a season in which the Edgar Street pitch caused repeated disruption, including multiple postponements and the relocation of three home fixtures to Worcestershire due to waterlogging issues.

Those problems, particularly during periods of heavy winter rain, left the pitch struggling to recover between matches and contributed to a congested fixture schedule across the campaign.

While some work was carried out during the season, the current programme is a full drainage overhaul designed to improve long-term performance and reduce the likelihood of similar disruption in future seasons.

In the opening week, work began with the removal of pitch equipment including sprinklers, posts and nets, alongside minor repairs to the sprinkler systems. Materials were then delivered to site as preparations continued, with groundsman Ben Bowen sharing updates of the work on social media.

By midweek, the project moved into its main construction phase, with trenches cut across the pitch and laser levelling used to guide the layout of the new system. Large deliveries of sand, stone and pipework had also arrived as excavation work got underway.

Contractors KMM Hire, led by Jon Morgan, are overseeing the installation. By the end of the first week, the main carrier pipe had been installed and further drainage pipes and stone backfill were being laid as work progressed across the surface.

The project, which started after the final home game of the season and meant the club had to controversially turn the junior football finals away, is set to continue throughout the summer as the club works towards delivering a more reliable playing surface for the new season.

Loanees give thoughts on Edgar Street departures

Players who have been on loan at Edgar Street have been sharing their thoughts on social media as they return to their parent clubs.

Here's what they've been saying.

George Munday, Cambridge United

What a few months of footy it’s been, so many ups and downs but this group stuck together and got the job done, so thankful to everyone at the club for my time here and the support from the fans week in week out has been unreal, some group and some club

It’s been a pleasure🤍🖤

Freddy Willcox, Cheltenham Town

Thank you to everyone associated with this football club. It’s been an honour to play for Hereford and buzzing to achieve our goal 🤍🖤

Cormac Daly, Nottingham Forest

Thank you to everyone @hereford_fc for this season. Loved playing for this fantastic club. Thank you to all the supports who helped getting us over the line.

Harry Tustin, Cheltenham Town

Thank you @hereford_fc It’s been an absolute pleasure to play for the club, I want to thank everyone involved teammates, staff and fans your support has been top draw🤍🖤

Edgar Street Renovation

The renovation work at Edgar Street started last week.

Groundsman Ben Bowen has been posting on his Facebook work detailing the progress. 

Last Friday he reported:

Jon Morgan (kmm hire) Usk is our contractor doing the work at Hereford FC

Main carrier pipe is in

Trenches going in for new drainage

Pipe and stone going in

Full steam ahead

On target

 

Match Report: Hereford Women 3 Long Itchington 0

At the start of the day Long Itchington sat fifth in the league (30 pts) Hereford were tenth with three games in hand (16 pts), on paper it was going to be a tough battle.

Hereford started brightly and created some fantastic chances in the early stages. On 16 minutes Mylie Jordan put the Bulls 1-0 up with a great strike from just inside the box. Eight minutes later after Sheree Smith battled well in midfield to overturn the ball, Jordan doubled the tally to 2-0.

Hereford applied more pressure on their opponent's adding a third when Megan Boardman’s cross from the left hand side whistled across the goal, seemingly through the keeper for Tianna Chant to knock it in at the back post. With just over ten minutes remaining of the first half the game had slipped away from Long Itchington.

HT Hereford 3-0 Long Itchington

The second half saw Boardman replaced by Ava Morris. Throughout the second period Hereford dominated the game, rarely letting Long Itchington out of their own half.

Hereford created some great chances but the opponents keeper, who had a busy game did very well to keep the scoreline at 3-0. 

At times it looked as if Jordan was going to get her hat-trick but it wasn’t to be.

A fantastic team effort from the Hereford Women today supported positively by the head coach Clive Powis and manager Malcolm Cowell who’s professionalism in running the Women’s team is clearly evident.

FT Hereford 3-0 Long Itchington

Hereford Women Defeat Long Itchington

Hereford Women won their league game, played at Bromyard, this afternoon.

They defeated Long Itchington 3-0, all the goals coming in the first half. 

Next is the HFA County Cup Final on Wednesday evening. 

White placed on transfer list

Jaiden White is available for transfer

Former Hereford winger Jaiden White has been transfer-listed by Sutton United.

He joined the National League side last summer from Hereford, but struggled to make an impact.

The 24-year-old right-winger had loans at National League North Hereford and Chester during his season with the London club, making eight appearances for the Bulls.

That was on top of the 29 appearances the season before, when he joined from Redditch in November. He netted 10 times and provided four assists during his first spell with the club.

When the U's announced White's signing from Hereford last summer, they said they had "secured a real coup in bringing one of the most exciting forwards in all of non-league to Gander Green Lane".

South Shields v Kidderminster final

South Shields and Kidderminster will square off for a place in the National League.

Kidderminster beat Macclesfield 3-1 in today's first National League North Play-Off Semi-final before South Shields saw off Buxton 1-0.

The final will be next Saturday (1pm kick off).

Meanwhile, second will also face third in the National League South Final with Hornchurch hosting Torquay.

Hornchurch beat Weston-super-Mare 2-0, while Torquay dispatched of Dorking 4-2. 

The final is at the same time next Saturday. 

News Round Up

Charlie Cooper, son of Chelmsford manager Mark Cooper, has been released by Yeovil. Recently Cooper had a spell with Hereford on loan and more recently has featured for Kidderminster.

National  League Southend has reported a loss of £1.34M loss for last season. 

Former Hereford midfielder Tate Campbell will remain at Forest Green Rovers for next season.

Hereford Women are set to play Long Itchington in a League fixture tomorrow. The fixture will take place at Bromyard's Delahay Meadow with a 2pm kick-off. 

National North Play-Offs This Afternoon

The play-offs for the National North League take place this afternoon.

National League North Promotion Semi-Finals

• Kidderminster Harriers v Macclesfield FC ko 12.30pm
• South Shields v Buxton ko 4pm

Also taking place this afternoon are the two National South play-offs

National League South Promotion Semi-Finals

• Torquay United v Dorking Wanderers ko 12.30pm
• Hornchurch v Weston-super-Mare ko 4pm  

The National North League final take place next Saturday.

From The Archives - Hereford Win At Yeovil

For today's archive article it's back to May 2001 and an away game for Hereford at Yeovil.

May 1st:

YEOVIL TOWN 2 - 3 HEREFORD UNITED

YEOVIL Town were robbed of the chance to play in the Football League when Ian Rodgerson's last minute effort meant the Nationwide Conference Championship going to Rushden & Diamonds. The Somerset side needed at least a point to keep their chances of promotion going, but Hereford United were victorious.

Having drawn their previous four games and not lost in their last five, Hereford can't have been too confident of victory. United did Yeovil a favour a few weeks back when the beat table-topping Rushden & Diamonds 3-1 at Edgar Street, but Yeovil had to gain something from tonight's match to even have a chance of overtaking the Northamptonshire side. Rushden were three points ahead having played a game more, and with one game left to play.

Yeovil's Marcus Jones missed out with a calf injury and James Bent was on the bench. Warren Patmore also wasn't fully fit, again taking a position on the bench, but Barrington Belgrave returned from suspension. Hereford also welcomed back a suspended player, Matt Clarke playing at right-back. Jimmy Quiggin dropped to the bench as Hereford reverted to a 4-4-2 formation.

The Huish Park pitch was in fairly good condition, but the Hereford faithful were uncovered and praying that there was no downpour. It turned out that there wasn't, but there was the threat of one after a wet day in Somerset.

On the pitch, Hereford started well, attacking the home goal, but within ten minutes Yeovil had gained control of the match, something which they didn't lose until the final minute. Scott Cooksey made a good save from Terry Skiverton as Yeovil piled on the pressure.

In fact, they took eleven minutes to take the lead. After four consecutive corners, the ball was cleared after efforts from Belgrave and Darren Way, but when it fell to Nick Crittenden, Cooksey could only watch as the ball sailed into the corner. The twelve yard shot deflected off Phil Robinson. The home fans were delighted, and really got behind their side but just two minutes later, Hereford spoiled the party.

Rob Elmes popped up at the other end to equalise in front of the Yeovil fans. It was a poor peice of defending by the home side as Paul Sturgess provided a long throw on the left for Elmes, who had found space, to head high into the net.

For the remainder of the half, Yeovil were by far the superior side. Hereford made a couple of attacks, but Scott Cooksey was the busier of the two goalkeepers. Gavin Williams and Rob Elmes had weak attempts saved by former Bull Tony Pennock, but it was Yeovil who pressurised. A Michael McIndoe freekick was deflected wide following a shot from Way, and Cooksey just got the better of Barrington Belgrave to save.

With the first half drawing to a close, Yeovil should have gone 2-1 up. A McIndoe pass was picked up by Belgrave, but Scott Cooksey blocked well on the near post to keep the scores level.

The second period continued in a similar vein, but Hereford went into a shock lead after just five minutes. A Matt Clarke cross was badly cleared by Terry Skiverton, and John Snape was on hand to control well before sending a superb superb lob over several defenders to nestle in Tony Pennock's right corner. Hereford piled on the pressure, with a run of corners and a Parry header that just missed the target.

However, the Glovers fought back. Dave Piper hit back for Yeovil with thirty two minutes left. Simon Betts made a good run on the left hand side for Piper to head a low ball into the corner of Cooksey's net, who was helpless to save. The final half hour was sure to be pulsating, and resulted in a Yeovil ambush on the Hereford goal with few counter attacks. Belgrave forced a superb save from Cooksey, as did Darren Way.

With fifteen minutes left, Colin Addison sent on Warren Patmore to liven up the front line. However, it was to no avail, as Scott Cooksey played a blinder in the Hereford goal to save everything that the home side could throw at him. Patmore attempted to beat Cooksey, but failed. Belgrave also had two efforts in succession saved by the former Shrewsbury 'keeper.

In the last minute, Ian Rodgerson hit from close range to deny Yeovil any chance of Football League action next season. Rob Elmes headed goalwards from a free kick initially which was well saved by Pennock, and unmarked Rodgerson was close by to net a rebound past the helpless 'keeper. Seconds later, there were claims for a penalty for Yeovil after a foul on McIndoe, but the referee just waved them away.

Referee Mr. D. Spicer of Totten made no bookings in the game, although on several occasions he couldn't have been far off! An attendance of 4,639 turned out, including a couple of hundred from Hereford.

Yeovil must feel extremely disappointed that not only that they didn't get a point, but they didn't win. Hereford defended sturdily, although desperately at times, and managed to find enough breaks to end the championship race. Although the mathematics reveal that Yeovil can still be champions, Rushden need to avoid a defeat against Chester City on Saturday to make sure.

Despite Hereford earning £5,000 from the McIndoe transfer had Yeovil been promoted, it was a much more rewading night for their fans. The home side will be playing Conference football next season but must be title favourites if things stay as they are.

Hereford - Cooksey, Clarke, Robinson, James, Sturgess, Parry, Rodgerson, Shirley, Snape, Williams, Elmes
Substitutions - none.

Man of the Match - John Snape.  

News Round Up

Former Hereford defender Zac Lilly has been offered a new deal at Brackley.

Radio Hereford FC have reported that 3,780 unique IP addresses tuned into the station during Hereford's last game of the season.

As at lunchtime today Kidderminster say they have sold over 4000 tickets for their National North League semi-final tie against Macclesfield on Saturday. 

Former Bull looks back on pro career

Justin Donawa

Justin Donawa said he is grateful for his time in English football after leaving Hereford to return home for family reasons.

The 29-year-old Bermuda winger joined the Enterprise National League North side in January after his release from Brackley Town, signing on the same day as fellow Bermudian Keziah Martin.

Donawa made 14 appearances for Hereford, scoring in a 5-2 victory over Chester, before his departure was announced on April 17.

“I didn’t exactly know when this part of my life would come to a close, but I’m so grateful to have been able to live out a dream that so many kids have of playing professionally,” Donawa wrote on social media.

“It has allowed me to see and do things I never thought I would and meet some amazing people along the way.

“There were many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change the past seven years for the world.

“Thank you to all the team-mates, managers and clubs that have given me opportunities and helped me along the way. Looking forward to the next chapter!”

After sharing the post on Instagram, there was an outpouring of support from well-wishers, including Lewis Hudson, Matt Preston, Cormac Daly, Mikey Lane, Keenan Quansah, Keziah Martin, Adam Rooney and Freddy Willcox.

Donawa, whose partner is Bermuda women’s national team winger Keunna Dill, played for English teams such as Darlington, Brackley Town and Solihull Moors.

The couple have a one-year-old daughter called Kaori.

Darlington launch Boost the Budget with huge target

Darlington have issued a rallying cry to supporters to “go again, together” after falling short in their National League North play-off push.

The Quakers have set a Boost the Budget target of £180,000 for the 2026/27 campaign, after raising £181,600 last year, with fans contributing more than £1.1m to the playing budget over the past nine years.

In an emotional statement, the club admitted: “This one hurts. No point pretending otherwise. We came closer than we have in years. We believed it.”

Despite the disappointment, Darlington insist there is no need for a rebuild, highlighting a “core… that’s shown it can mix it with anyone” and backing the leadership of Steve Watson and Terry Mitchell to take the next step.

“At a club like ours, there’s no reset button. No parachute payments. No safety net. There’s just us,” the statement added.

Supporters have been urged to play their part once again, with the club stressing that every pound raised goes directly into strengthening the squad.

“Your backing is what turns that into a real chance of going up. Not a guarantee – football doesn’t do guarantees – but a proper shot.”

Reflecting on the past season, the club pointed to memorable moments on and off the pitch, from “wins that lifted the roof off the Tin Shed” to the traditions and matchday rituals that define Darlington.

“That’s Darlo… Not a league position. Our club. The one we kept going when nobody else would.”

The message ended with a clear call to action: “Back the club. Back the manager. Back the players. Back each other… When Darlington pulls together, we’re a different animal.”

Morecambe Season Ticket Prices - Expensive To Sit Down

Morecambe's season ticket prices are close to, if not, the highest in the National North League. The club, relegated from the National League, is asking £508 for adult tickets in some parts of their stadium.

Early bird prices, which end on Tuesday, are for adults £479. The equivilent early bird price at Edgar Street is £375 which rises to £425.

However their terrace prices are below Hereford's. Adults are £323 compared with £364 at Edgar Street. 

 

News Round Up

John Brough, who made over 100 appearances for Hereford United, has quit as manager of Cirencester Town. It's the second time he has stepped down from the post, the first being back in May 2024.

One person was arrested during the National League North play-off clash between Macclesfield and Chester on Tuesday. More than 3,200 fans attended the Cheshire derby at the Leasing.com Stadium, with Macclesfield securing a dramatic 2-1 win thanks to a last-gasp goal.

Cheshire Constabulary said a “comprehensive” operation was in place, including mounted officers and drone support, with only minor disorder reported. A 24-year-old man was arrested, but Superintendent Simon Parsonage praised the “friendly atmosphere” and thanked supporters for their behaviour.

South Shields boss Ian Watson has thanked Sunderland AFC for allowing his side to train at the Academy of Light ahead of their National League North play-off semi-final.

The Mariners host Buxton on Saturday after missing out on the title, and Watson said the “amazing” gesture has left his squad in a “good place” as they bid to reach the final.

More than 4,000 tickets have now been sold for Saturday’s play-off semi-final between Kidderminster Harriers and Macclesfield.

The London Bulls Season Review Out Now

Join Tom Gough and Jo Clements as they review the 2025/26 season. 

Oh dear...

Well its not pretty but it has to be done. 

Tom and Jo talk about the preseason or lackthereof, and its impact on the season. 

They move on to the start of the season and the recruitment issue...

Jo and Tom talk about the highlights (not many pre-February) and the lowlights of the season (Loads) and how tough it has been being a fan this season. 

They discuss the appointment of Aaron Downes and Harry Pell, their impact and the impact of the signings they made. 

Tom and Jo talk through the end to the season and that final day survival.

It's a tough listen and watch but it has to be done!! 

Links to the podcast 

YouTube: 2025-26 Season Review | The London Bulls Podcast | Ep.37

https://youtu.be/Qba4oNmTWGI?si=aBXRJ5vUCTfV3hBY

 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JXkD8Hl8LQlMEQXnLI2DJ 

Lakeland To Manage Morecambe

Adam Lakeland has been appointed manager of recently relegated Morecambe FC.

He has signed a three year contract.

This from Morecambe:

Morecambe Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Lakeland as First Team Manager with immediate effect.

The Club has reached an agreement with FC Halifax Town after meeting the terms of Lakeland’s release clause, allowing him to make the move to Morecambe on a new 3-year contract.

Adam joins Morecambe following an impressive spell with Halifax, where he earned widespread recognition for his leadership, tactical approach, and ability to build competitive, resilient squads. His track record of developing players and fostering a strong team identity made him the standout candidate to lead the Club into a new era.  

Prior to Halifax, Lakeland enjoyed successful spells at both Kings Lynn Town and Curzon Ashton and brings valuable experience at both National League and National League North levels. He has a track record of leading various teams to promotions and play-off positions and last season led Halifax to an 8th place finish in the National League.

Chairman Kuljeet Singh expressed the owners’ enthusiasm about the appointment, highlighting Lakeland’s ambition, professionalism and, importantly, alignment with the Club’s long-term vision and values both on and off the pitch. He said, “We are excited to be able to make this announcement which is part of our stated aim of rebuilding the club that our supporters can all be proud of once again.

"Adam and his staff will have all the resources available for the first team to be successful again and I am looking forward to our wonderful fans getting behind our new-look management team.”

Speaking on his appointment, Lakeland said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Morecambe Football Club. The project, vision and ambition of the club matches that of mine, and ultimately the opportunity to manage a club of Morecambe’s size, history and heritage was something I couldn’t turn down."

"Despite dropping down a league on a personal level, if I didn’t believe I could return to the National League quickly, I would not have considered this project. There are no guarantees, and the National League North is a very difficult division to get out of, but I believe I will be given the tools to build something here and that excites me."

"The club has suffered in recent seasons both on and off the pitch, particularly this season, but I’m confident that given the appropriate support and resources that I can start rebuilding the club and build a team for the supporters to be proud of. The hard work starts immediately, and I look forward to the next chapter in my career here at Morecambe." 

Support Hereford FC Women At HFA Cup Final

Hereford FC Women are hoping that club supporters will turn out in good numbers next Wednesday evening, May 6th, for the HFA County Cup Final in which they will play Hereford Pegasus Ladies.

The game is being held at the HFA County Ground with a 7.45pm kick-off. 

News Round Up

Southport have recorded a loss of £87K for the year ended July 31 2025. They have only made a profit in one year of the last nine. Total losses are over £2M.

Striker Callum McFarlane, who had a spell on loan with Hereford last season, is on the Solihull Moors retained list. 

The NPL Premier Division play-off final will be between Hednesford Town and Warrington Ryelands.

Former Hereford striker Lenell John-Lewis is staying with Boston for a further season. 

Another former player, defender Ben Pollock, has been offered a new contract by Spennymoor but Mitch Hancox has been released. 

 

From The Archives - Hereford Safe From Relegation

Back to April 30th 2011 and Hereford United faced Bradford City in their last home game of the season knowing that they might have needed more than one point to remain in League Two.

NOT PRETTY, BUT SAFE AT LAST

Ultimately, the result of this one was all-important, with the Bulls snatching a late leveller to ensure League football for another season. The point gained, together with results elsewhere, means that the outcome of next week’s end of term trip to Moss Rose will be academic. As a spectacle, this afternoon’s business, played in bright sunshine, but with a tricky wind, was a nervy, disjointed affair with a paucity of lively action. Panic seemed about to set in when Bradford converted a late penalty, but Stuart Fleetwood equalised with a direct free kick minutes from the final whistle.

Fleetwood's free kick hits the post and goes in - pictures from Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal.

David Syers made an acrobatic attempt to open the scoring for the visitors, clad in their traditional “egg and bacon” strip. Adam Bartlett watched as the shot drifted tamely wide. Fleetwood then drew a foul from Ex-Bull Robbie Threlfall, and John Leslie’s free kick was cleared by Luke Oliver. Fleets then misplaced a pass and the speedy Omar “He’s Making Eyes At Me” Daley got free from Ryan Green. The pass was collected by Jake Speight who forced Bartlett into a confident stop. Again the in-form keeper denied Daley by claiming a hanging cross at full stretch.

Joe Colbeck embarked on a purposeful run, and a neat move involving Rob Purdie, Leslie and Kenny Lunt did not finish with a shot on target. Another move involving the same cast once more lacked the final, telling delivery. Nicky Featherstone then raced onto a through ball and went to ground in the area, and a hopeful appeal for a penalty was waved away. Lunt and Featherstone played Purdie in, but a timely intervention by Lee Bullock prevented a shot. Colbeck unselfishly cut a ball back for Fleetwood, which fell just behind the striker. After a quick piece of counter-attacking from the Bantams, Gareth Evans’s long range effort cleared the bar by some margin, and just before the interval Daley was able to waltz unchallenged through the centre of the park, though this too came to nothing.

HT: HUFC 0 BRADFORD CITY 0

After the break, Daley’s cross took a wicked deflection which Bartlett kept a wary eye on to make the save. Speight was then thwarted by Joe Heath with a well-timed tackle. Stefan Stam then pulled Speight back just outside the box, avoiding what seemed an inevitable card, and the resulting free kick was headed clear by Michael Townsend. News that Accrington had taken the lead against Barnet was greeted with the afternoon’s biggest cheer thus far. Neither side had troubled the opposing goalkeeper, as the game became littered with misplaced passes.

Leslie turned cleverly inside to set up Fleetwood whose shot from an angle had too much altitude. At the other end, Syers’ attempt lacked power and direction. Bartlett’s wind-assisted clearance was mis-read by Oliver, but the giant defender recovered in time to give away a corner, just before Colbeck, the subject of some banter from visiting fans, could intervene. Bantam banter? Then a Fleetwood drive was beaten to safety by Lenny Pidgeley. The game seemed destined to remain goalless as fans’ reacted to news from elsewhere on the scoreboard, and calculated what each new goal meant in terms of the league table. Waide Fairhurst did well to direct an awkward header goalwards, but Pidgeley scooped the ball round his post.

Just 9 minutes remained when James Hanson, a master at playing the simple ball, collected a return pass and ran into the area. Before he could cut it back, he was clearly pulled back by Stam, and referee Mr Phillips had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Speight stepped up to slam the ball past Bartlett. For a few minutes, Hereford seemed to go to pieces, giving the ball away cheaply and not achieving any fluency in their moves. Then with 87 minutes on the clock, the desperate Bulls were handed a lifeline. Fairhurst went on a marauding run, only to be checked on the edge of the box by Lewis Hunt. Fleetwood assumed control of the situation. Taking the kick himself, and ever mindful of his recent goal drought, our Stu lashed an unstoppable drive into the far corner of Pidgeley’s net. The relief shown by the team, management, and the fans was palpable.

Many of the team celebrating after the game

FT: HUFC 1 BRADFORD CITY 1

Attendance: 3219, including 254 Yorkshiremen.

HUFC: Bartlett, Green, Townsend, Stam, Heath, Leslie, Purdie (Fairhurst 58),Lunt, Featherstone (Kovacs 90), Colbeck (Patulea 86), Fleetwood.

BRADFORD CITY: Pidgeley, Oliver, Hunt, Threlfall, Daley (Williams 82), Worthington, Bullock, Syers, Evans (O’Brien 59), Speight (Dean 90), Hanson. 

 

Relegation would have cost £500K says Keyte

David Keyte, the Hereford United chairman, is delighted the Bulls will be in League Two again next season as relegation would have cost the club £500K.

"I think when we look back over our first year it's been quite a journey," Keyte told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"In all honesty we probably made one or two wrong turns and had to reverse out of cul-de-sacs but yes it's nice to get over the finishing line.

"I would like to say I thought the crowd was superb today.


Part of The Meadow End This Afternoon

"We always thought there were 3,000 people wanting to come out and help us and they were here today, Great Day.

"Since Christmas Jamie Pitman and the team probably couldn't have given much more than they have.

The players coming back onto the pitch after the game

"In the last couple of months he's fallen on a formula based on the players he'd got, the 4-5-1. No pretty at times and I think Stuart Fleetwood in the last four or five matches has been out on his feet. But it was working.

"Jamie is his own man which I think will stand him in good stead.

"Had we lost the Football League grant that's about half a million pounds a year we would be worse off.

"So significent result today."

The National League North attendance table

Hereford had the third highest average attendance last season.

Only Macclesfield and Kidderminster had more than the Bulls' 2,611.

However, that includes the three matches that Hereford played away from Edgar Street.

At the foot of the attendance table are the four teams who were relegated.

Hereford of course finished fifth bottom and only stayed up on goal difference.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Hereford United 4-1 Hartlepool United - 30th April 1996

We wrap up Throwback Thursday with a fantastic win on this day 30 years ago, Steve White, Nicky Cross, Dean Smith and Gareth Stoker secure the win. 

After 6 years of throwbacks the tape library has been exhausted and its time to bring the series to a close, a massive thank you to everyone who has viewed the videoss. If you do come across any VHS or DVD Hereford United footage, please email me at matthewhealey@hotmail.com. There are still bits missing in the archive.

Hereford 1 Mackenzie 2 Watkiss 3 Fishlock 4 Smith 5 Cross 6 James 7 Stoker 8 Wilkins 9 White 10 Hargreaves 11 Pitman Sub Lyne Hartlepool 1 Jones 2 Billing 3 McAuley 4 Henderson 5 McGuckin 6 Howard 7 Halliday 8 Ingram 9 Allon 10 Canham 11 Walton Sub Conlon Attendance 3,942

Dramatic winner for Macclesfield

Macclesfield beat Chester 2-1 in tonight's National League North Play-Off Eliminator thanks to a 98th minute winner.

Luke Duffy grabbed the to the delight of the home crowd. Earlier, Josh Kay cancelled out Connor Woods' opener for Chester.

Macclesfield will now travel to Kidderminster in Saturday''s semi-final. 

 

Meanwhile, Spalding defeated Halesowen 1-0 in a SFL Premier Central semi-final.  Former Hereford winger Yusifu Ceesay scored the only goal of the game. 

 

And in a Southern League Division One South semi-final, Malvern defeated Bishops Cleeve 2-1 after extra time. They will play Shaftesbury in the final.

 

Finally, Gloucester defeated Poole Town 3-2 so they have reached the Southern League Premier South final. 

Ticket prices to go up next season

Ticket prices are going up across the board next season with a family of four having to fork out as much as £61 to sit and watch a match. 

Early bird season tickets for adults will be £326 terrace and £375 seating - up from £310 and £346.50 respectively. The standard price meanwhile will be £364 terrace (up from £357) and £425 seating (up from £405). 

Meanwhile, the Executive Club season ticket are £625 for an adult. That is a flat price, with no early bird option. 

There is an option to pay in four monthly installments.

Due to last Saturday's dramatic draw against Peterborough Sports being enough to preserve their National League North status, Hereford have started the ball rolling much earlier than last season. They have announced that season tickets will go on sale later this week.  

Matchday prices

Seating

Adult: £21 (advance), £24 matchday

Concession: £18.25 (advance), £21 matchday

U16: £5 (advance), £6.50 matchday

U16 Block A: £4.50 (advance), £6.50 matchday

Junior Bull: £4 (advance), £5 matchday

Terrace

Adult: £18.25 (advance), £21 matchday

Concession: £15.75 (advance), £19 matchday

U16: £5 (advance), £6.50 matchday

Executive Club

Adult: £27

U16: £11

All matchday prices are going up. For example, an advance adult terrace ticket was £17.50 for the 2025/26 season, while it was £20 to sit. 

Club's justification

Hereford say that prices have been set taking into account the increased costs the club daces in all areas, and the need to provide the management team of Aaron Downes and Harry Pell with as competitive a budget as possible.

"We are very pleased to launch our ticket pricing structure, particularly off the back of safeguarding our National League North status," said Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds.

"Having frozen season ticket prices last summer, there is a small increase this time around to cover the ever-increasing costs we face, and also to ensure we can give Aaron and Harry as much support as possible in terms of their playing budget.

"While we acknowledge that any increase is difficult to discuss and announce, we feel it is a necessity, having not put prices up last year as a 'thank you' to supporters, even though the reality was we probably needed to."

Ammonds added that the club can not let itself get into the position like it faced in the season just gone, therefore bumper season ticket sales will be a huge boost as it looks ahead with positivity and optimism. 

Huntbach Asks For More Support For Women's Team

 

Katy Huntbach, who plays for Hereford Women, has released the following post.

25 years. That’s how long I’ve given to football—competing at a high level, building relationships, creating memories, and achieving things I’ll carry with me for life. I may not be at my physical peak anymore, but my passion for the game hasn’t faded for a second. 

What has remained constant, though, is the lack of consistent support from the men’s side of the club I’ve represented. 

At a time when the women’s game is growing at an incredible pace, it’s deeply frustrating to see local support moving backwards. 

I currently play for Hereford Women, and our home ground is Edgar Street. Yes, the pitch has been unavailable for a long while this season—but it’s hard to ignore the fact that the men’s team have recently been able to play there multiple times a week, while we haven’t been able to host a single fixture. Not even a cup final—an event that has been held there for the past two seasons.

 

Now I appreciate the mens game generates a lot more than the woman's, I am not blind to this, but how can it ever improve if things don't change? 

There are also questions around finances. Players are asked to pay a £200 signing-on fee, as well as secure sponsorship of the same amount, with no incentive for sponsors! On top of that, the team has generated thousands of pounds over the past two seasons through FA Cup competitions. So where is that money going? Greater transparency and proper recognition for sponsors isn’t too much to ask—it’s essential for trust and continued support. 

A few months ago, when our manager became unwell—thankfully now on the road to recovery—the team was held together by the incredible commitment of a parent, Paul Mear, who travelled two hours just to coach and support us. That level of dedication should have been matched by the club. It wasn’t. Not even with acknowledgment. 

Now, with our cup final just one week away, there has been little to no visible promotion or communication from the club. For a moment that should be celebrated and championed, the silence is deafening. Visibility matters. Support matters. And right now, both are lacking. 

This club has the players, the history, and the potential to be something truly special. I joined Hereford Women with pride—not just to wear the badge, but to help build something meaningful for the next generation. Because young girls in this area deserve a pathway into competitive football without having to make the same sacrifices many of us did—I would travel a three-hour round trip just to train at a decent level. 

This isn’t just about one team. It’s about respect. It’s about equality. And it’s about the future. 

With the right support, this team will thrive. Without it, we risk losing something incredibly valuable. 

And that would be a failure no club should accept.