This Afternoon's National North Results

This afternoon's results: 

Brackley 0 Radcliffe 1

Chorley 2 Buxton 3

Darlington 3 Spennymoor 0

Harborough 1 Worksop 1

Hednesford 2 Spalding 0

Kings Lynn 0 Southport 0

Macclesfield 1 Hereford 2

Marine 1 Oxford City 1

Merthyr 1 Morecambe 3

Scarborough 1 Bedford 2

South Shields 3 Chester 1

Telford 2 Hebburn 2 

Hereford are now top again with 26 points from 12 games, Oxford are second with Macclesfield third, both with 24 points. 

New Roll For Pell

 

Hereford's coach Harry Pell took on a new role this afternoon at Macclesfield as a groundsman.

This happened before the second half got underway as the referee wasn't happy with a small section of the plastic pitch which was holding water.

Before the game kicked off the Macclesfield groundsman had used a sponge roller to mop up this section which was towards where the Hereford supporters, braving the wind and rain, were stood.

But at half-time nothing was done to mop up the water by Macclesfield. Maybe because at this stage Macclesfield were losing 1-0 and were down to 10 men?

So when the referee came out for the second half he looked at the water-logged area and decided to halt proceedings until action was taken by the Macclesfield ground staff.

But they appeared reluctant to do anything much about it. Then one of the Macclesfield staff went to the other end of the ground and found a broom with which he tried to brush the water off but to no avail.

The referee, to his credit, was not having this and spoke to both managers and staff. It's understood he said that he wanted the game to go ahead and would wait until work was undertook to get the worst of the water off the pitch.

At this stage Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds had noticed where two big red sponge brushes were kept and Harry Pell went to get one.

The Hereford coach rushed on the pitch and started to sponge the water into the container. A minute later he was joined by goal-keeping coach Shane Edwards with the second sponge roller.

Soon the worst of the water had been removed, the referee then tested the area with a ball, watching how well it bounced, and directed the game should continue.

It's not thought Hereford will make any complaint about what happened but it's expected the referee will report the incident to the FA. No doubt the Hereford supporters will remember this game for many years to come not only for their 2-1 win but ten minutes of being shown how to use a sponge roller by Harry Pell and Shaun Edwards. 

Match Report: Macclesfield FC 1-2 Hereford FC

Aaron Skinner's Penalty Put The Bulls Ahead

Macclesfield FC v Hereford FC in the Enterprise National League North.

After suffering the first defeat of the season at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium a fortnight ago to surrender top spot the Bulls we're back on the road with a trip to the Leasing.com Stadium against the side that replaced them at the summit Macclesfield FC in a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash.

The second two week hiatus allowed Hereford to get Joe Willis and Fin Holmes yet more recovery time to get up to full speed with both on the bench. There were two changes with Harry Tustin and Danny Waldron both coming into the eleven, Cawley Cox dropped to the bench and Preston Bitemo wasn't involved.

In miserable wet and windy conditions with the country in the grips of Storm Boelo the game kicked-off with an early free-kick for the Silkmen on the left, Luke Duffy pumped the ball into the area towards the back post just evading the onrushing Sam Heathcote who collided into the advertisement hoarding behind the goal.

The Bulls thought they'd taken the lead after having the ball in the back of the net with a strike by Harrison Iwunze but a foul was given due to a push in the back by him on Tom Wilson.

Danny Elliot then fizzed a drive from 30-yards for the hosts into the clutches of Theo Richardson.

On 15 minutes Hereford’s bright start was rewarded when Harry Tustin’s shot from the edge of the box on the right was spilled by Macclesfield keeper Christian Diddle which Danny Waldron would of got to but he was hauled to the ground by Elliot Osborne for a spot-kick who received his marching orders for denying a goalscoring opportunity. Aaron Skinner stepped up with a skip and a hop before calmly sending Dibble the wrong way to break the deadlock.

On the 30 minute mark a high boot on Waldron by Josh Kay just inside the Bulls’ half resulted in the Silkmen midfielder picking up a booking which could quite easily have been a red.

At this point there were puddles starting to form on the 3G surface near the Hereford box before Macclesfield screamed for a penalty of their own when Duffy floated a corner towards the back post where Heathcote was grappling with Kyle Howkins but the appeals were waved away by the referee.

Kay clipped a cross into the danger zone from the right but Elliott's effort from near the penalty spot with his outstretched leg flew over the bar.

Macclesfield’s George Wilson shrugged off Joseph James on the left touchline before galloping down the flank, he proceeded to roll the ball into the path of Duffy but his curler failed to test Richardson and flew high over the bar.

Spokes almost doubled the lead when space opened up on the edge of the box for him, his venomous low shot was tipped away by Dibble who dived low to his right.

Shortly before half-time a high ball by Skinner was latched onto by Waldron who drove into the area - cut onto his right but the Macclesfield shot-stopper was equal to it deflecting the ball out for a corner with his right leg.

A man up and the Bulls were full value for their narrow one-nil lead at the break which if it hadn't been for Dibble it could have been more.

Half-time: Macclesfield FC 0-1 Hereford FC

After half-time the referee came out to look at the area which had started to collect water and took the players back into the changing rooms, a short while afterwards assistant manager Harry Pell and goalkeeping coach Shaun Edwards both even came out to roll the problematic area to get the second-half underway!

Seven minutes after the restart Macclesfield equalised, Duffy was afforded too much time allowing him to advance 35-yards out before unleashing a piledriver which flew past Richardson into the bottom-left corner.

Hereford almost regained the lead responding through Spokes having a dig which Dibble batted away before Tustin made way for Holmes.

The visitors however didn't have to wait too much longer to regain the lead on 63 minutes - Phillips did well midway inside the Silkmen half, threaded a delicate ball through to Iwunze who showed good strength to hold off Heathcote before exquisitely placing the ball into the bottom-left of the net to get his ninth for the club.

Kam Kandola flashed a shot which beat Dibble but flew narrowly past the left post before the hosts were reduced to nine men when Kay picked up his second yellow for a challenge in the middle of the park on Phillips.

Kandola tried his luck again from a similar position to his chance earlier which flew past the right upright.

Macclesfield went back on the offensive looking for a way back with Duffy whipping a corner in from the right with Paul Dawson meeting it with a powerful header into the ground only for Skinner to superbly block on the line.

Before 5 minutes of additional time were announced Spokes made way for Willis who it was great to see back out on the pitch to gain his first minutes following his return from injury.

Hereford almost put the game to bed only for Dibble to pull off a quick double save to keep the hosts in the contest - firstly he pushed away Cawley Cox’s drilled shot before the rebound found Phillips but the Silkmen shot-stopper again came up with a big stop.

Deep into the five minutes Muir stung the palms of Dibble from the right side of the box from an acute angle before seeing out the remaining seconds to seal a massive win to return to the summit.

Full-time: Macclesfield FC 1-2 Hereford FC

Goals scored by Aaron Skinner from the penalty spot and Harrison Iwunze.

Hereford FC: 1. Theo Richardson, 2. Aaron Skinner, 4. Kam Kandola ©️, 5. Will Merrett, 8. Harry Tustin, 10. Danny Waldron, 14. Luke Spokes, 17. Joseph James, 19. Harrison Iwunze, 23. Billy Phillips, 28. Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes: 6. Joe Willis, 7. Keziah Martin, 9. Cawley Cox, 11. Fin Holmes, 18. Liam Roberts, 21. Ollie Lewis, 30. Kameron Muir.

Attendance 3,235 (469 away)

The Bulls come away with a superb victory on the road in the top-of-the-table clash to regain top spot at the summit. Full credit to Harry Pell and Shaun Edwards for both coming out just after half-time and rollering the problematic area and getting the game back underway! 

Hereford return to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium on Tuesday night with the visit of AFC Telford United in a local derby. COYW

Words: Sam Cummins 

REACTION | Kyle Howkins - Macclesfield 1-2 Hereford FC

Kyle Howkins gives his post match reaction to todays win at Macclesfield. Click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Macclesfield 1-2 Hereford FC

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction after todays 2-1 win over Macclesfield, click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Full time: Macclesfield 1-2 Hereford

Hereford are back at the top of the table after a 2-1 win over nine-man Macclesfield.

Aaron Skinner’s penalty gave Hereford the lead with the home side having Elliot Osborne sent off. 

The second half was delayed because the referee was concerned with standing water on the 4G pitch - and the Bulls assistant manager Harry Pell emerged with a roller to soak it up!

Macclesfield levelled through a Luke Duffy piledriver - but then Harrison Iwunze scored on the break to restore Hereford’s advantage. 

Josh Kay was sent off for a second yellow card, and that should’ve been it.  Macclesfield made it uncomfortable in the dying stages though. 

Hereford held on - as did the pitch. 

Half time: Macclesfield 0-1 Hereford

Hereford have the lead at half time in this top of the table clash - thanks to a penalty from Aaron Skinner. 

Macclesfield are down to 10 men. Elliot Osborne was sent off for pulling Danny Waldron shirt after 15 minutes, and Skinner converted the resulting penalty. 

Danny Elliott has had a couple of chances for Macclesfield, but Hereford have piled on the pressure in the latter stages of the half to stretch the home side. 

Team news: Macclesfield v Hereford

Hereford name Harry Tustin and Danny Waldron in the starting lineup for today’s game at Macclesfield. 

Aaron Downes makes two changes to the side that lost 1-0 against Hednesford a fortnight ago. 

Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Kandola, Merrett, Waldron, Spokes, James, Iwunze, Tustin, Phillips, Howkins. 

Subs: Willis, Martin, Cox, Holmes, Roberts, Lewis, Muir 

Today's National North League Fixtures

A list of today's National North League fixtures (assuming the weather does not intervene).

Brackley v Radcliffe

Chorley v Buxton

Darlington v Spennymoor

Harborough v Worksop

Hednesford v Spalding

Kings Lynn v Southport

Macclesfield v Hereford

Marine v Oxford City

Merthyr v Morecambe

Scarborough v Bedford

South Shields v Chester

Telford v Hebburn 

October 24th 2014 - Lonsdale Said Investment Delayed

 

Today Hereford FC is solvent but on this day 12 years ago supporters were counting the days before Hereford United was wound up.

Chairman at the time was Andy Lonsdale and he spoke to Andrew Easton about possible investment in the club.

Hereford United chairman Andy Lonsdale has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the expected investment in the club which he said would be revealed next Monday will be delayed.

Last Monday Lonsdale had also promised he would name who was putting up the investment, but today when asked by Andrew Easton, he declined.

So where did the money to pay the Council come from?

"It came from the account we're operating from our accountant Phillip Gambrill.

"It's money we had to pay people but at the hearing on Monday more people had jumped on the back of the petition hence the adjournment for another six weeks."

Easton: "Why has it taken so long to pay the Council,  it's been outstanding for weeks and weeks?"

Lonsdale: "I quite agree. Basically we've had a roller-coaster ride since the CVA was rejected.

"Every time we go back to court, thinking we are going to win, someone is on our back and we have to go away and re-assess things."

Easton: "Isn't that because the club still owes so many people money?"

Lonsdale: "The debt when we went into the club was £1.4M. The council was a small minority of that. So we paid the football creditors. I think we've paid all the football creditors. If we haven't let me know."

Easton: "So you are confirming that all football creditors have been paid in full?"

Lonsdale: "To the best of my knowledge."

Easton: "You're the football chairman, you should know"?

Lonsdale: "I fully understand that but we've told the accountants (Phillip Gambrill) to sort it out."

Easton: "The odd thing is that at the 11th hour money always seems to turn up. It looks like you are trying to be difficult. There was this issue on Monday in the court when there was the possibility of you being wound up and all of a sudden there's the promise of a mystery investor so that saved your bacon. You had the threat from the Council that they were going to take the lease back from you, all of a sudden £50K is found.

Lonsdale: "What you got to realise is if the CVA had gone through everything would have been stable now. The CVA was rejected, we have now got to find £1.4M as quickly as possible.

"Every time we talk to investors they ask what the debt is. The minute we try to sort the debt out, someone else comes on the back of the petition. You tell me how we are going to cope with that. I don't know."

Easton: "The impression that is given is that you are skint. Where is the investment coming from."

Lonsdale: "If we were skint we wouldn't have invested £500K into Hereford United Football Club (1939), the club we've tried to preserve which all the locals want closed down.  So I totally disagree with what you are saying. We wanted to try and preserve the history of the club."

Easton: "Do you have a name for the new investor?"

Lonsdale: "No, because we nearly at the 11th hour signing the paperwork. It will all be done very shortly. We paid the rent today. We are not in court until December 1st and by then this will all be sorted out.

Easton: "Who owns Hereford United?"

Lonsdale: "Alpha Finance who is Alan McCarthy as everyone is well aware for the last two or three months since Tommy Agombar sold his shareholding and his loans. The two directors are in Poland. I'm in regular contact with them." 

 Easton asked Lonsdale if he had passed the officers and directors test.

"I haven't had the results yet.  No I haven't. I suggest you take that up with the FA."

Easton then reminded Lonsdale that he had told him it would only be a couple of days on September 4th.

"I thought it would be.

"At the end of the day I'm operating as the chairman of Hereford United. I answer to Alan McCarthy, the owner and the two directors."

Easton: "Shouldn't you answer to the fans? There are a lot of upset people in the city and the county"

Lonsdale: "That's not my fault. Tell me what have I done wrong?

"When we came into this club on June 1st straight away we were into a petition hearing with Martin Foyle and Andrew Porter, the manager and assistant manager looking for compensation of £150,000.

"None of our making, none of these debts of £1.4M are of our making. We've only been involved with the club for five months. All of these debts are from the past regime and Hereford United football club has been losing money for the last three or four years. But the fans still supported them.

"Is it because we are Londoners? Is that why?"

Easton: "Anyone taking over a business would check the books first"

Lonsdale: "We did check the books but there were other things that came out of the woodwork we were not aware of. But we decided to carry on.

"At that point none of the original team that played in the Conference were still at the club. They'd all gone because they hadn't been paid, they've all been paid now."

Easton: "Why don't you tell us that you have the investment, you have the money and everything is going to be alright?"

Lonsdale: "The money is available through the investment. The investment isn't signed and sealed yet. It will be within two to three weeks. It will be sorted and a name will be known and a sponsor will be on the shirts."

Easton: "You said you'd tell us on Monday."

Lonsdale: "I don't know whether you are trying to goad me into an argument here because it's not going to happen. We are dealing with a not insignificant amount of money. It's not like we can go to the bank and say give us £1M. Raising big finance takes a long time.

"And when you're under a petition and the company is insolvent, we bought the company for £2 when it was under the petition.

"We knew what we was getting into.

"We're trying to resolve the problems we inherited as best we can and as quick as we can.

"The development, oh sorry the investment, will be known very shortly.

"Once we've got the investment there will be a new board of directors and possibly a new chairman. It's all down to the new investors."

Easton: "A new chairman, is that because you're not going to pass the officers and directors test?"

Lonsdale: "No, because they might decide they won't their own."

Later Lonsdale said he had put money into the club.

Easton: "How much?"

Lonsdale: "I've put in in excess of £40K."

Easton: "Will you talk to us on Monday?"

Lonsdale: "Yes, if the documents are signed and sealed by them. Yes I will if not I'll tell you where we are with the investment.

"We're still under the threat of the petition that frightens off a lot of investors because they don't want to lose their money.

"That's the reason we haven't gone for sponsorship and haven't looked for advertising. I'm not prepared to throw other peoples money away."

 

Tomorrow Is A Big One Said Rooney

Macclefield manager John Rooney has been talking about tomorrow's game against Hereford.

"We know this one tomorrow is a big one, first versus second in the League," said Rooney.

"I know it's early on in the League but it's two teams in good form, we know it's going to be a tough test as we saw last season when we played them here and at their place.

"Two really good games, tough physical games, and we'll be expecting more of the same tomorrow.

"We know they've got a couple of new players especially at the top end of the pitch to what they had last year and in good form so we'll need to nullify that.

"We've watched a few of their games back and working on threats where we think we can hurt them.

"Their manager has got them playing a good style of football there, one that's winning games on a regular basis and that's why they are up there in the League table.

"We expect a really tough game but as you know in this League every game is a tough game.

"It's one we are fully focused on and looking forward to.

"I think it's too early to call it a six-pointer, it's still relatively early, but it's two teams in good form looking to get all three points." 

Macclesfield - It's A Great One For Us Said Downes

Macclesfield Last Season

After a two week break Hereford have a game tomorrow at top of the league Macclesfield.

Manager Aaron Downes is looking forward to getting back on the field. 

"It's a great one for us," Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester. 

"It's one of our toughest games away from home, one we are excited about, really looking forward to.

"And grateful that it's come as we are desperate to get going again.

"But, make no bones, it will be a difficult game, a tough game.

"They are a good side.

"We've got to make sure we focus on what we do and how we do things which we always speak about.

"I really want us to make sure we do have that focus on what we are doing and how we are doing things because it's really important.

"It will be a tough game for sure but at the same time it will be a tough game for them." 

Football Regulator Wants Levy On Clubs

The Independent Football Regulator wants clubs in the top five divisions to pay a levy towards its running costs.

Whilst Hereford is currently one division below, there is always the possibility that any levy might be extended to cover more lower leagues.

This from the IFR:

The Independent Football Regulator has set out a proposed club levy of £20.3m. The plan is for the wealthiest clubs to shoulder the biggest burden IFR budget represents 0.22% of English football industry’s annual £9bn revenues. 

The IFR budget is composed of three elements: 1. Its annual operating costs of £18.3m. 2. A £1m fund to cover potential litigation costs associated with regulatory actions. 3. The recovery of the IFR’s set-up costs incurred by Government and the IFR up to August 2027 spread over a 10 year period. The amount charged to clubs for the recovery set-up costs in year one will be £1m. All regulated clubs in the top five divisions of English men’s football will be required to pay the levy to fund the IFR’s operations from 2027/28, replacing the current Government funding arrangement. 

Under the proposed approach, illustrative fees are as follows: The highest-earning Premier League clubs would contribute up to £1.8m per season, with fees averaging at less than 0.25% of their total revenue. Most Premier League clubs will pay £600,000 per season. 

Championship clubs not in receipt of parachute payments would pay around £45,000 per season League One clubs would pay around £9,000. League Two clubs £6,000 National League clubs will pay less than £600 per season. There will be a six-week consultation period for clubs to discuss the levy.  

IFR CEO Richard Monks: “The announcement of the levy is another big moment for the IFR. Over the last year we have been busy laying the ground for the world’s first independent football regulator. 

 “We have already started to deliver real change in football – whether that’s through the stringent suitability checks we are running on owners and directors or through the State of the Game report which shone a light on how the football industry needs to change. 

“The levy we are proposing today represents a fair and balanced approach and will ensure that most clubs pay around 0.1% of their annual revenues. 

“We are confident football will see this is a relatively modest investment to help achieve a more sustainable ecosystem which will provide peace of mind for fans, clubs and the communities they serve.” 

The IFR will now also shift its focus to building the licensing system for the 116 clubs. 

Bulls fans set to get a soaking at Macclesfield

Hereford fans are set to get a soaking on Saturday.

The Bulls head to Macclesfield to take on the National League North leaders.

Hundreds of fans are set to make the journey, with Hereford places second in the table.

If you are travelling, it will be wise for them to take your best winter jacket with the weather forecast set to be awful.

Storm Austen has already hit large parts of the UK, and the weather isn't set to get any better on Saturday a separate storm, called Boelo, bringing heavy rain to the north of England.

It is also an open away terrace at Macclesfield, so there won't be an opportunity for fans who have chosen to stand to seek cover.

Hopefully the journey will still be worth it and Hereford come back with three points. 

National North League - Weekend Preview

A preview of the fixtures taking place in the National North League this weekend written by NL's Tom Scott.

There's another big weekend coming up in the Enterprise National League North - and there's really only one place to start.

Top two Macclesfield and Hereford go toe-to-toe as the early pacesetters get a chance to show their mettle.

John Rooney's table-toppers have just one defeat to their name all season while the Bulls going into the game winless in three in all competitions.

Only one other side could end the weekend at the summit. 

Oxford City take their league-best away record to Marine who are bang at it after six straight wins in all competitions.

There's also a big clash a little further down the table as South Shields' unbeaten home record comes under scrutiny from Chester.

Southport head to King's Lynn Town after parting company with boss Mark Duffy this week - the Port have just one win in nine games while the Linnets are unbeaten in three.

So far so good for Grant Shenton at Radcliffe - can he make it three wins in three on their travels to Brackley Town?

Hednesford Town have won three in a row including a win at high-flying Hereford - Spalding are up next after a disappointing midweek in the FA Cup.

Chorley are also glad to have a chance to put their FA Cup defeat to bed - Andy Preece's side host Buxton who themselves are desperate for a win after four games without one.

Harborough Town have taken 13 points from their six home games this season and welcome Worksop Town who are unbeaten in their last two league games - although they haven't won on the road since early September.

Draw specialists Merthyr Town host Morecambe.

The Martyrs have seen stalemate in half of their league games and are winless ins six games in all competitions ahead of the visit of the Shrimpers who suffered an FA Cup shock last weekend.

Despite that, Adam Lakeland's side have just one defeat in their last six league games.

Scarborough Athletic finally put a win on the board last week after four games without one - Bedford Town are up next.

Elsewhere, AFC Telford United host Hebburn Town while Darlington - who bid farewell to Steve Watson this week - meet Spennymoor Town in a battle of the bottom two.