Hereford Ahead In Shrewsbury Friendly

At half time it's Hereford 1 Shrewsbury 0.

Billy Phillips scored for the Bulls early in the half.

Merrett Joins Hereford On Loan

Defender Will Merrett has joined Hereford on loan from Forest Green Rovers until the end of October.

He starts tonight against Shrewsbury.

Former Hereford United Player Fred Kemp Has Died

Fred Kemp who played for Hereford United during the early part of the 1974/75 season has died.

Kemp, who died last week, was born in 1946.

Then manager Colin Addison signed Kemp in the 1974 close season, but before the season had started John Sillett had taken over from Addison.

After just 13 games Kemp left Edgar Street and joined Addison who was then in charge at Durban in South Africa. 

Kemp scored two goals whilst with Hereford, one of which was during Hereford's 6-3 win over Blackburn. 

Slightly Different Recruitment Route This Season At Hereford

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he feels there are some exciting young players in the squad being put together by manager Aaron Downes.

"I think there are some really exciting young players in our squad this year," said Ammonds.

"We've gone down a slightly different route in our recruitment this summer and I'm really looking forward to see how that works out."

A longer term project with some players on two year contracts?

"Aaron and Harry have a real belief in young players and a real confidence in young players.

"They very much think if they are good enough then they are old enough.

"When we spoke to them about taking on the job permanently they said to us as a board that they would be looking to offer some two year deals, not a huge number because that over-commits yourselves a little bit financially.

"But they said if we can identify some good players, young players that we think have got potential and could become assets for the club then we've got to be realistic about where we are in the pyramid.

"But if we take a lad on a two year deal and he has a great year for us and then we can make some good money out of that player whilst also helping him progress then that's got to be something we are looking at doing.

"I think we've picked up some really good young players.

"There's a lot of athleticism  I think this year compared to last year so it's going to be interesting to see how that plays out."

Shrewsbury expected to bring big following

Shrewsbury are expected to bring a big following tonight for the pre-season friendly at Hereford.

According to the ticket portal for the match, the Shropshire side only have four seated tickets left to sell. Unlike previous friendlies at Edgar Street, the Len Weston Stand will be open to away fans. 

Hereford U18's beaten by clinical Cirencester U18's in fifth pre-season friendly

Hereford U18's we're beaten 5-1 by a clinical Cirencester Town U18's side last night at Belmont Wanderers' Newton Farm in their fifth pre-season friendly.

Hereford had a young side out with only Owen Bradford, Jaiden Jarvis, Joel Byard, Alfie Andrews and Max Chamberlain involved from the previous game a narrow defeat at Worcester City Reserves.

Cirencester opened the scoring on 6 minutes after a mix-up at the back from the young Bulls allowed midfield 17 to nip in.

The young Bulls got back into the contest equalising on 13 minutes with a neat strike by Cal Luke past the goalkeeper after being played through before the visitors retook the lead before half-time in fortunate circumstances despite the best efforts of Hereford goalkeeper Oscar Evans-Clay who palmed the ball away before coming out to Centurions striker 9 who's shot was initially blocked by Fin Mayne but it trickled into the net. 

Into the second-half and the visitors added a third on 60 minutes with a superb strike from the edge of the box by their left winger 7 before he got his brace and a fourth despite the best efforts of Zak Virgo, a corner from the right was played into the box by him finding central midfielder 16 who's header was initially superbly saved by substitute goalkeeper at half-time Zak Virgo but the rebound looped high up in the air and he was on hand to tap in.

The dangerous wide man for the visitors rounded out the scoring securing his hat-trick and a fifth after a loose ball across the edge of the box from Alfie Andrews fell to him before poking past Zak Virgo.

Words: Sam Cummins

Trial To Look At Goalkeeper Tactics

Supporters often feel goalkeepers waste time, sometimes by pretending to be hurt. A new trial aims to change this practice.

This from BBC Sport:

English football will implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, with permission granted by the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, had been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the pitch.

If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, that team's coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute after play has restarted, telling the fourth official of their choice.

If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.

The first game to feature the trial will be the Carabao Cup preliminary round tie between Tranmere and Rochdale on Saturday.

BBC Sport understands that the Australian A-League will trial a variation with the captain always having to leave the field.

The tactic of gaining a timeout as the keeper is treated has become increasingly common and controversial in recent seasons.

It has not been uncommon for the goalkeeper to sit on the turf and signal for the physio, with all the other players rushing to the technical area for a team talk. As soon as the coach has delivered their instructions, the keeper gets up to play on.

Goalkeeper treatment has also been used to disrupt the opposition's momentum when they are on top.

In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and break up play.

Ifab, meanwhile, has issued a clarification to the mistaken identity rule after Fifa used it to book two players for simulation at the World Cup.

Paraguay's Miguel Almiron and Breel Embolo of Switzerland both received bookings. Embolo was already on a caution meaning he was sent off in the quarter-final defeat by Argentina.

Ifab says that while it was well received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol, it "may not be used as such until that review is concluded".

Measure intended to be proactive as a deterrent

At Ifab's AGM in February, head of referees Pierluigi Collina said finding a solution to stop the goalkeeper tactical timeout was a priority.

At the 2026 World Cup, Collina told his officials to prevent players from going to the technical area on all stoppages.

The effectiveness of the measure is open to debate, as the three-minute hydration breaks in each half created a natural opportunity for a team talk.

In its own discussions, English football felt that merely stopping players going to the technical area would not deter coaches from using goalkeepers to break up play.

English football chose this trial as it follows the logic applied to outfield players, who must themselves leave the field for one minute if the physio comes on.

It is intended to be proactive as a deterrent rather than reactive to a team talk as it happens.

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy suggested last season that lawmakers could act to close the loophole in this exact way.

"I think they can change it really quickly," Murphy said. "If a keeper goes down injured, instead of him having to go off, one of the outfield players should go off then it's fair all round.

"It's a little change that makes a world of difference."

Officials will not prevent players from visiting the touchline as an injury is treated but it is hoped the prospect of playing with 10 players for a minute will act as an adequate disincentive.

This is especially the case in the final minutes of games, when teams trying to hold on to a result would use the goalkeeper to kill momentum. Now they would have to play with 10 players.

There are a few exemptions when a team-mate will not have to go off.

• Where a goalkeeper says they do not need the physio and they have not caused play to stop

• The goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided

• If a goalkeeper is fouled and needs immediate treatment

• If a goalkeeper is bleeding

• If there is a serious injury (has to be substituted) or concussion.

If the goalkeeper is substituted, the substitution is not delayed.

There have been some concerns that a requirement to leave the field for one minute could lead to players, both goalkeepers and outfield, attempting to play on with an injury.

The results of the trials will be assessed by Ifab at its meetings throughout the seasons, and this could lead to a permanent law change globally from 2027-28.

 

Hereford 25/1 To Win National North Title

Hereford are 25/1 to win the National North League title this coming season.

Currently South Shields are favourites at 4/1.

Close behind are Macclesfield and Morecambe at 5/1.

Chester are 6/1, Hednesford 8/1 and Brackley at 10/1. 

Buxton, Darlington and Scarborough are 20/1.

Hereford, along with several other clubs, are 25/1. 

HUST PRIZE BULL 500 CLUB – Prizes for JUNE 2026

HUST PRIZE BULL 500 CLUB – Prizes for JUNE  2026

Congratulations 🎉 to our top prize winners: 

£100 – 232 - David Spiers from London 

£75 – 327 - John Shillabeer from Stafford

All prizes listed here: https://www.hust.org.uk/prize-bull-500-club-june-2026-winners/

#areyouawinner

Hereford On DAZN Twice In August

Two Hereford games are set to be broadcast live on DAZN during the month of August.

They are:

August 15th Hereford v Marine

August 31st Southport v Hereford 

More details:  https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/news/football/national-league-2026-27-dazn-live-games-every-game-live/eawr2658swty1mxbpjbhryu8s

Back to 2012 - Hereford Put Shrewsbury Out Of The FA Cup

Mention by current Shrewsbury manager Gavin Cowan of Hereford defeating them in the FA Cup gives BN a reason to look back to November 3rd 2012.

Superior Bulls outplay Turner’s shambolic Slops

Hereford United cruised into the Second Round of The FA Cup at Edgar Street’s lunchtime kick-off when two goals from master craftsman Ryan Bowman and a value added early Will Evans strike made them comfortable winners despite a Summerfield free kick finding the net when Pell was wrongly penalised.

Hereford's Goalscorers - Ryan Bowman and Will Evans - Pictures from Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal

Martin Foyle opted for a 4-5-1 formation with O’Keefe starting in a forward midfield role to replace Marsh in the only change from the line-up at Southport while former Bulls Chris Weale, Rob Purdie, Darren Jones, Lee Collins and Paul Parry all started for the Bayston Hill outfit.

The Bulls kicked off attacking the, now apparently safe, Blackfriars end and straight away showed their intentions with an early burst into the box.  A hoofed clearance was fed back to McQuilkin who turned the ball inside to Bowman only for the striker to be chopped down 35 yards from goal.  Pell touched the ball to Will Evans whose trademark low drive was turned round the post by Weale.  From the resulting corner, The Bulls took the lead with just three minutes on the clock.

Rob Purdie fending off Josh O'Keefe

O’Keefe swung the corner in which was partially cleared but McQuilkin clipped it back into the box for Todd to nod down and Will Evans drove the ball in from 10 yards.  Fired by the early success, United stormed forward again and McQuilkin was crudely hacked to the ground after the ball had gone but referee Sutton appeared to miss the incident completely.  Morgan saw a shot rebound off the post when Bittner was unsighted but in the twelfth minute, The Bulls doubled their advantage when Bowman showed the supposedly higher graded opponents how strikers should perform.

An accurate clearance from Bittner found Bowman just in the Shrewsbury half and his chested control allowed him to turn and run at the stumbling Shrewsbury back division.  He sidestepped a challenge and unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that left the hapless Weale clutching thin air.

Players running to celebrate Bowman's Goal

The Slops responded when a Taylor cross from the right was headed well wide by Darren Jones but United were playing by far the better football and Clucas jinked his way past the awkward looking Grandison before his low cross was hacked to safety by Lee Collins.  Bowman showed too much intelligence for Jones as he won a free kick to the right of the box but Quilks’ deft cross was, again, hoofed clear.  A Clucas’ corner was met by a thumping Stam header before Evans’ shot screamed inched wide.  Sam Clucas then dispossessed a hesitant visitors midfield and fired a thirty-yarder just wide as The Bulls continued to dominate proceedings.

Jon Taylor got free on the right but his poor cross drifted behind for a goal kick before Pell was strangely penalised for what was as close to the perfect challenge as you’re ever likely to see.  Summerfield, who apart from Rob Purdie was the only visitor to look remotely like a professional footballer, stepped up to hit a cracking shot past Bittner on thirty minutes.

There followed a brief period of Shrewsbury pressure that produced little more than midfield possession before our ‘arry was lectured by the referee following another perfectly normal ball-winning challenge.  Clearly undeterred, the referee did produce a taxing yellow card when Pell finally actually did something wrong and doubtless offered a little Essex advice for good measure.

As the half drew to a close, Purdie squared the ball to the advancing Darren Jones but his 25-yarder went comfortable into the arms of the well-positioned Bittner.

HT  Bulls 2  Shrewsbury 1

The Bulls were quickly on the offensive after the break with Bowman’s brightness leaving Grandison little choice other than a late lunge to stop the marauding striker.  Across from the visitors right was palmed over by Bittner and when the corner was cleared, Pell released Heath down the left.  The ball was switched inside to Bowman who was unceremoniously bundled to the ground by Jones and Quilks’ low free kick landed in the grateful hands of Weale.  The Bulls were a little fortunate when Summerfield’s shot struck the foot of the post before Taylor’s cross was headed wide by a very quiet Paul Parry under pressure from the impressive Stefan Stam.

Will Evans whipped the legs from under Rob Purdie and was duly carded for his efforts.  It was odd when Jeremy Helan committed the identical foul on Harry Pell he didn’t receive the same punishment.  Smikle replaced McQuilkin with 65 minuteplayed and Darren Jones’ name was added to the referee’s collection of yellows following yet another clattering challenge on Bowman before United restored the two-goal lead from the spot.

A chipped ball into the Shrewsbury box enabled Bowman to get in front of Collins who clumsily brought him down leaving the referee pointing to the twelve-yard spot.  Bowman cheekily dinked the ball past the bewildered Weale as the Meadowend roared the predictable inquiry “Turner, Turner, what’s the score”.

Jon Taylor got a cross in from the right but Bittner was confidently out to collect and when Rob Purdie burst into the box, Stam again cut out his cross.  Simon Clist replaced Sam Clucas as the fourth official indicated the three extra minutes and The Bulls played out the closing minutes of keep-ball to loud Ole’s from the all but 897 of the 3251 in attendance.

On to Round Two!

FT  Bulls 3  Meole Brace 1

Bulls: Bittner, Gallinagh, Todd, Stam, Heath, Clucas (Clist 90), Evans, Pell, O’Keefe (Graham 87), McQuilkin (Smikle 67), Bowman.  Unused subs: Hanford, Marsh, Perry.

STFC: Weale, Grandison, Jones, Collins, Summerfield, Purdie, Taylor, Hall (Wildig 85), Parry, Helan (Proctor 69), Morgan.  Unused subs: Anyon, Jacobson, Wright, Richards, Gornell.

The Bulls were, without question, the better side and showed a determination to win and quality that was lacking from their badly organised League 1 opponents.  Money in the bank and a second round draw to look forward too will bring a smile to all Bulls fans this evening.

Ryan Bowman will rightly take the plaudits for the way he dominated the visitors defence but very honourable mention in despatched must go to Stefan Stam who I thought was imperious at the back.

 

Bowman Gets A Brace

Harry Pell and Ryan Bowman

Ryan Bowman, man of the match this afternoon, spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game. The striker scored two of the three Hereford goals.

"It was amazing to get the win," said Bowman.

"The lads have been up for it all week. Everyone was buzzing before the game.

The Bulls were 2-0 ahead after just twelve minutes.

"We did that last week against Southport and they got back into it but we were hoping they wouldn't get back into it today."

Bowman described his first goal.

"Got a bit of space, got past the defender and I thought I'll have a go, why not.

"And I just seen it in the top corner.

"I won my fair share of headers, worked hard, got hold of the ball.

"I was happy with my performance today."

Keeper James Bitner was seldom tested in the second half.

"Defence played a big part today. Once we got the penalty ( which Bowman converted) it took massive pressure off our shoulders."

 

 

Shrewsbury Manager Looks Forward To Hereford Friendly

Shrewsbury manager Gavin Cowan has said that he is looking forward to the friendly at Hereford on Tuesday evening.

Yesterday Shrewsbury played West Bromwich and lost 4-1.

"I really wanted that fixture because Hereford are relatively local rivals," said Cowan.

"I remember playing for Shrewsbury when Hereford were in League Two against them in the FA Cup and having a couple of really good two legs against them.

"And I feel it's a great one for the fans to go down there to see them again.

"Probably haven't seen them for a good decade or so, may be more, I'm not sure of the timescale.

"But I think it's a really good one for us to go down there.

"It's great for the fans to jump on the train, enjoy the night.

"There will be a big fanbase there.

"Another good thing is that they've invested a lot in their pitch this season.

"It will be a great day, good little healthy rivalry and hopefully everybody comes out of it positive for pre-season." 

Match Report: Hereford FC v Solihull Moors

Hereford FC v Solihull Moors in a pre-season friendly.

Hereford welcomed higher graded opposition in the form of Enterprise National League side Solihull Moors to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium for their fourth pre-season friendly and second at home after claiming their first win on home soil 3-1 on Tuesday night against Worcester City. This would be a step up in opposition for the Bulls with the Moors finishing with 14th last season in the Enterprise National League and some former Bulls loanee's in their ranks with winger Kian Ryley having a month with Hereford in 2023 and forward Callum McFarlane spending time with the Bulls last season.

New signing in the shape of local lad Jordan Williamson who had featured as a trialist against former club Hereford Pegasus, Bishops Cleeve and Worcester City and announced pre-match new loan signing from Fleetwood Town Liam Roberts both started. Also announced in the week U18’s players’ player of the year last season Jack Tolley featured on the bench as did a selection of the U18's as in the previous friendlies.

The Bulls kicked off kicking from the Meadow End towards the Blackfriars End.

Hereford started well with new loanee Liam Roberts doing well on the left-flank nicking the ball off Matty Carson before delivering a cross into the box but Solihull in the end managed to clear.

The first corner came the way of Hereford on 12 minutes, from the left Billy Phillips delivered towards the back post almost onto the head of Kyle Howkins but the ball was taken off his head for another corner by Moors goalkeeper Nathaniel Ford.

Liam Roberts then played a good ball back to Billy Phillips on the edge of the box but he snatched at the effort and dragged his first-time shot wide.

The first chance for the visitors came from a corner on the right played short with a one-two between Matty Carson and Scott High, before Carson saw his strike go high over the bar failing to trouble Richardson.

With half an hour gone new signing Jordan Williamson did well winning a free-kick for the Bulls on the right side of the box, Keziah Martin's drive towards the top-right corner stinging the palms of Nathaniel Ford who tipped the ball around the post for a corner.

Hereford had pressed the Moors well not allowing them to get into a rhythm meaning with 40 minutes gone they hadn't had any meaningful chances which is how it stayed until the half-time break meaning it was a stalemate.

Half-time: Hereford FC 0-0 Solihull Moors 

The Bulls made two changes at half-time with Jack Tolley and Harry Jones coming on for Keziah Martin and Danny Waldron.

A good ball through to Harry Jones was intercepted by Alex Whitmore before the ball was loose with Matty Carson going in for a hard challenge on Jordan Williamson right on the edge of the box on the right which resulted in a free-kick for the Bulls and a yellow card for the Solihull Moors full-back, from the set-piece Liam Roberts’ left foot curler was comfortably into the arms of Nathaniel Ford.

With their first opportunity Solihull opened the scoring on 56 minutes when Junior Tiensia was through on the left channel before beating Kyle Howkins and drilling the ball high into the centre of the net.

Shortly afterwards there was a raft of changes for Hereford with Ollie Lewis, Josh Lloyd, Josh Mills, Ollie Bradley, Owen Bradford, Riley Bevan, Jude Gaudin, Kayode Sahabi and Harley Jones Williams all coming on.

Solihull’s Junior Tiensia swung a ball into the box from the left which skimmed off the head of Moors summer signing from Brackley Town Ben Wodskou and went harmlessly wide.

Following the Bulls changes Solihull had started to have more possession before Ben Wodskou showed good feet inside the box but somehow rifled his left foot strike high over the bar from 5-yards out.

Introduced as a second-half substitute former Bulls loanee Kian Ryley found space inside the box but his low strike from an acute angle on the left was brilliantly saved by the legs of Ollie Lewis before Josh Mills unfortunately picked up an knock and had to be replaced by Davyd Antoniuk.

The visitors’ Cameron Green tried his luck from the edge of the box but it easy pickings for Ollie Lewis and fell straight into his arms.

Riley Bevan threaded a neat ball through to Jude Gaudin inside the box before his shot was blocked by Tyler French with the rebound coming back to Jack Tolley but his strike was also well blocked by Alex Whitmore.

A loose ball by Solihull midway inside their own half allowed Jude Gaudin to intercept before getting a good right footed strike away which needed a strong right hand from Nathaniel Ford.

Corner for the visitors on the right by Matty Carson found Luca Hancock who's diving header was brilliantly saved by Ollie Lewis before from the resulting corner from the opposite side Solihull doubled their lead, former Bulls loanee Callum McFarlane delivered to the edge of the box where he found another in the shape of Kian Ryley who drilled the ball into the bottom-left corner to get a goal on his return.

Hereford we're unlucky to quickly concede a third shortly afterwards with a cross from the right by Ben High towards Ben Wodskou but the ball took a nick off the head of the unfortunate Davyd Antoniuk and went into the left side of the net for an own goal.

The Bulls not deterred went straight back on the attack looking to respond almost getting a goal back after a loose ball at the back from Matty Carson went straight to Harley Jones Williams but the striker could only lift the ball over the bar before the final opportunity of the game going to the Moors with Callum McFarlane finding space inside the box before his low effort being superbly tipped around the post for a corner by Ollie Lewis.

Overall the three-nil scoreline flattered the visitors with the U18’s doing well when they came on in the second-half despite the scoreline.

Full-time: Hereford FC 0-3 Solihull Moors 

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 7 Keziah Martin, 9 Cawley Cox, 10 Danny Waldron, 15 Jordan Williamson, 16 Liam Roberts, 17 Joseph James, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 14 Luke Spokes, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, Harry Jones, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Owen Bradford, Kayode Sahabi, Davyd Antoniuk, Harley Jones Williams, Riley Bevan, Josh Mills, Owen Bradford, Jude Gaudin.

Yet again a good workout in the fourth pre-season friendly of the campaign against a higher graded Moors side. In the first 45 we we're by far the better side but couldn't find a way through with Solihull failing to have a opportunity before a tough second-half but the U18’s who came on all gave a good account of themselves. After the game it was great for fans to have the opportunity to meet the players and management in the Fan Zone outside of Radford's Bar.

Onto the penultimate friendly and final one at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium when the Bulls again host higher graded opposition in the A49 derby against Sky Bet League Two side Shrewsbury Town. COYW

Words: Sam Cummins 

Second Half Pictures Hereford v Solihull Friendly

A selection of pictures from the second half of this afternoon's friendly.

 

First Half Pictures From Today's Friendly

A selection of pictures from the first half of today's friendly at Edgar Street where Hereford played Solihull.