Match Report: Worksop Town 0-3 Hereford FC

Worksop Town v Hereford FC in the Enterprise National League North.

Following securing back-to-back wins on Tuesday night with a commanding victory against Radcliffe despite the dubious dismissal of Kam Kandola in the second-half the Bulls travelled to The KC Sofas Stadium to take on a Worksop Town side that was one place below them just outside the Play-Off places in the early Enterprise National League North table.

Following his harsh sending-off on Tuesday night Kam Kandola was eligible to feature with his three-match ban not kicking in until Chester with Preston Bitemo serving the final game of his three-match ban before being back available for the clash with the Seals next week. The only change from the win on Tuesday night came with Notts County youngster Harrison Iwunze coming in for Keziah Martin who dropped to the bench.

The Bulls started the first half kicking from right to left in their home shirt, away shorts and home socks due to Worksop playing in their home kit and their would be a colour clash.

5 minutes in and both sides eased themselves into the contest without any real clear cut chances for either before Harrison Iwunze played the ball across to Billy Phillips who's strike took a deflection off Tigers captain Andrew Boyce for a corner.

First clear cut chance came with 12 minutes gone after Worksop's Lewis Whitham cross into the box found Vaughan Redford who’s half volley at the far post was brilliantly tipped away by Theo Richardson for a corner.

Kam Kandola played a ball over the top to Phillips who did well on the left before he fed it back to Kandola who's drive whistled narrowly wide of the left hand post.

After a long throw from the right by Aaron Skinner was headed out by Mason O’Malley which was picked up by Luke Spokes his first-time fell comfortably into the arms of Worksop shot-stopper Max Dearnley.

Good work by Iwunze found Skinner on the left side of the box, the full-back clipped ball towards the back post was met by Harry Tustin who headed wide from close range.

On 34 minutes the Bulls opened the scoring a good ball by Spokes from the right flank across the face of the box was tapped into the roof of the net from close range by Iwunze to get his third goal in three.

Before the on loan Notts County man was involved again doing well to beat Deegan Atherton on the left byline before driving into the box and taking a shot straight at the Dearnley before Cox lifted the ball over the advancing Tigers keeper but also narrowly past the left post.

Hereford saw out the remainder of the first 45 to deservedly go into the interval with a slender advantage after growing into the half.

Half-time: Worksop Town 0-1 Hereford FC

The hosts’ Whitham blazed high over the bar from the edge of the box to start the second period before a corner was played short on the right by Oli Greaves into the feet of Sam Essien who's first-time curler was tipped over the bar by the finger tips of Richardson for another corner.

Whitham had a go from 25-yards with his right which was collected by Richardson to his left.

On 69 minutes the first change for Hereford with Cawley Cox being replaced by Danny Waldron followed by Aleksandrs Starcenko having a go from an acute angle on the left which was turned behind by Richardson.

The Tigers we're reduced to 10-men with 8 minutes to go when Aleksandrs Starcenko completely lost his head and kicked the ball into the Bulls crowd after a free-kick was given to Hereford. A melee ensued, Skinner appeared to be hit in the face by a Worksop player which he tried to explain to referee Luke Hood but he ignored his claims.

Shortly afterwards Kandola played a good ball to the edge of the box but Spokes’ effort was wide.

Hereford doubled the lead on 87 minutes, substitute Jordan Williamson glided across from the left touchline before threading a neat ball through to Spokes on the edge of the area, the Bulls midfielder sent Dearnley the wrong way slotting into the bottom-right corner.

 

In stoppage time on 93 minutes the victory was wrapped up, James played a sweeping cross over the top for Waldron to run onto before the substitute tucked the ball into the bottom-right corner.

Full-time: Worksop Town 0-3 Hereford FC

Goals scored by Harrison Iwunze, Luke Spokes and Danny Waldron.

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 2 Aaron Skinner, 4 Kam Kandola ©️, 5 Will Merrett, 8 Harry Tustin, 9 Cawley Cox, 14 Luke Spokes, 17 Joseph James, 19 Harrison Iwunze, 23 Billy Phillips, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 7 Keziah Martin, 10 Danny Waldron, 15 Jordan Williamson, 18 Liam Roberts, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, 25 Harry Jones.

Three wins and three solid clean sheets on the bounce! The Bulls we're brilliant once taking the lead in the first-half and after the Tigers we're reduced to 10-men with 8 minutes to go sealed a superb victory with the two late goals.

The Bank Holiday weekend kicks-off with the visit of the Seals Chester FC to the MandM Edgar Street Stadium. COYW

Words: Sam Cummins 

Downes delighted as Bulls rise to different kind of challenge

Aaron Downes

Aaron Downes said he was “very happy” with Hereford’s 3–0 win at Worksop, praising his side’s ability to adapt to a tight pitch, a high‑energy opponent and a different type of challenge than their recent home victories.

The Bulls made it three wins in a row — all with clean sheets — thanks to goals from Harrison Iwunze, Luke Spokes and Danny Waldron. But Downes was quick to stress that the scoreline did not tell the full story of a demanding afternoon.

“It was a great performance first and foremost,” he said, but added: “But I’m not going to stand here and say we were by far the better team. It was a tight game.”

Worksop’s intensity and the compact surface forced Hereford to adjust their approach. 

Downes said the team “had to go a bit different today" because of how they wanted to play on a tight pitch against a good side, highlighting the hosts’ energy and ability to “get amongst us”.

The match swung on a crucial moment in the first half when Theo Richardson produced a superb save to keep the game level. Downes called it “an unbelievable save" to keep the scores level, before Hereford nabbed a goal to have the advantage at half-time.

Iwunze’s opener came during Hereford’s best spell of the game, a dominant final half hour of the first period in which they pressed aggressively and created chances. The second half, however, became more fragmented as Worksop changed shape.

“They matched us up,” Downes said. “It became very bitty, if I’m honest, and a real fight.

"I thought we stood up to that and that was a real test of our strength because we've had some real free-flowing football in the last two games at home. Today was a different challenge and we stood up to it."

The Bulls defended their box well, and took advantage when Aleksandrs Starcenko was sent off for kicking a stray ball into the away end. Spokes’ late strike and Waldron’s stoppage‑time finish sealed the win.

With momentum building and another clean sheet secured, Hereford head into the bank holiday double‑header in strong shape - though will face Chester who are the only side in the league with maximum points after the first four games.

Luke Spokes gives verdict on Hereford’s 3-0 win over Worksop

Luke Spokes has spoken to the media after a goal and an assist in Hereford's 3-0 win at Worksop Town.

Press play to listen in full.

Aaron Downes reacts to Hereford's third win on the bounce - listen in full

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has given his thoughts after his side beat Worksop Town 3-0 on the road this afternoon.

It is the Bulls' third win and third clean sheet on the bounce.

Press play to listen in full.

Three Points At Worksop

Hereford won their third game on the trot with a 3-0 victory at Worksop this afternoon.

It was 1-0 at the break but two goals from Spokes and Waldron late in the game sealed the victory.

Hereford are up to sixth place.

Enterprise National League North results and updated table

This afternoon’s results from the National League North.

AFC Telford United 1 - 1 Hednesford Town (0 - 0)
Buxton 1 - 2 Hebburn Town (1 - 1)
Chester 1 - 0 Spalding United (0 - 0)
Chorley 2 - 1 Scarborough Athletic (0 - 0)
Harborough Town 4 - 2 Darlington (1 - 2)
King's Lynn Town 1 - 4 Marine (1 - 0)
Macclesfield 2 - 1 Brackley Town (0 - 1)
Radcliffe 2 - 1 Morecambe (0 - 0)
South Shields 1 - 1 Merthyr Town (0 - 0)
Southport 4 - 1 Bedford Town (2 - 1)
Spennymoor Town 1 - 4 Oxford City (1 - 3)
Worksop Town 0 - 3 Hereford (0 - 1)

The updated table can be found here: https://bullsnews.blogspot.com/p/league-table.html

Half time: Worksop 0-1 Hereford

Harrison Iwunze’s goal after 34 minutes has given Hereford a half time lead at Worksop. 

He drilled a Luke Spokes ball into the roof of the net to give Hereford the lead. 

The Bulls have also gone close through Kandola, Tustin and Cox. 

Theo Richardson was forced into one close range save, but Hereford have largely restricted Worksop’s attackers. 

Listen to the second half: https://tinyurl.com/v8s6x5zf

Team news: Worksop v Hereford

One change for Hereford in this afternoon’s match at Worksop. 

Keziah Martin drops to the bench, with Harrison Iwunze starting. 

Hereford: Richardson, Skinner, Kandola, Merrett, Tustin, Iwunze, Cox, Spokes, James, Phillips, Howkins. Subs: Waldron, Williamson, Roberts, Martin, Lewis, Tolley, Jones. 

This Afternoon In The National North League

A full set of fixtures this afternoon:

AFC Telford United v Hednesford Town
Buxton v Hebburn Town
Chester v Spalding United
Chorley v Scarborough Athletic
Harborough Town v Darlington
King's Lynn Town v Marine
Macclesfield v Brackley Town
Radcliffe v Morecambe
South Shields v Merthyr Town
Southport v Bedford Town
Spennymoor Town v Oxford City
Worksop Town v Hereford 

This Weekend In 2004

A look back to this weekend in 2004.

Hereford United were away at York City In The Conference League.

United cruise to victory

Hereford United kept their unbeaten start to the season intact with a 3-0 victory over York City at Bootham Cresent this afternoon. The result sees Hereford jump two places up the table into second position. Dagenham & Redbridge lead the table and are the only team with a 100% record.

Graham Turner named the same squad to the one that claimed a point in midweek at Crawley Town. The Bulls took the lead thirteen minutes into the game, although York City had started the brighter and were unlucky not to score in the fifth minute. Paul Robinson powered a header goalwards from sixteen yards but Johnathan Gould dived to his left and tipped the ball over. Danny Williams scored with what was Hereford's first notable attempt on goal. Adam Stansfield skinned the left back and cut the ball back to Williams, who was on hand to power into the top corner from little more than six yards.

Craig Stanley went close from twenty five yards minutes later and was again involved in a nice move with Stansfield that resulted in a late sliding challenge by player-manager Chris Brass who was punished with a booking. The resulting free kick was taken by Williams who crossed for David Brown, who headed United's second on the half hour mark. Stansfield had a glorious chance to make it three before half time after 'keeper Paul Crichton spilt a long range effort from Mark Robinson. However, Stansfield volleyed over from inside the six yard box. Stansfield then turned provider for Brown, but this time his shot was deflected for a corner two minutes before half time.

United started the second half much brighter than they did the first. Simon Travis played Stansfield in on goal but as the goalkeeper rushed out the ex-Yeovil attacker chipped inches wide. On fourty nine minutes Brown grabbed his second and Hereford's third. Crichton, in goal for York, rushed out of his box to clear but took a touch on his chest and was unaware of Brown approaching from behind. Brown stuck a foot in, disposessed the goalie and chipped into an open net.

Stansfield then forced a corner with a powerful effort from a tight angle after fifty minutes. United's then chances came in numbers, Tamika Mkandawire had a header saved from a Williams corner before Brown and Stansfield had a chance for a fourth.

As the half wore on, the Bulls started to take their foot off the gas. Graham Hyde and Lee Mills were introduced for the impressive Williams and man of the match Brown. The two subs combined to see Mills head just wide from a Hyde corner. The Minstermen rarely threatened Gould's goal as when they had chances they were off target. Andy Bishop had the best opportunity when the ball fell to him in a one on one position with United's 'keeper, but he dragged his shot inches wide.

Hereford's overall performance was brilliant and York will have to improve significantly if they want to push for a play off position. United should have scored more than they did; the finishing let them down on occasions. The total of twenty four goal attempts for the Bulls reflects this. However, neither Graham Turner nor the 459 Hereford fans in a crowd of 2602 will not be dissapointed with an away victory of 3-0.

HUFC Team: Gould, Travis, Tretton, James, Mkandawire, Robinson, Williams, Pitman, Stanley, Stansfield, Brown. Subs: Smith, Scott, Purdie, Hyde, Mills.

Travis salutes the fans

The 459 Hereford fans gave the lads such a lift said Simon Travis after today's win at York.

Interviewed by Terry Goodwin for BBC Hereford and Worcester, Travis said;" It's a twelfth man for us. It's a long way to travel. They're dedicated and we appreciate it more than they will ever know."

Travis, in particular, noticed some of the songs that the Hereford supporters came up with this afternoon. One about York had him visible smiling and acknowledging the fans.

Talking about the game Travis said that after the Bulls had weathered the storm of the first five or ten minutes they got into the game.He then spoke about the first goal.

"The ball went wide and it was cut back in and Danny (Williams) had a good first-time finish into the far corner. A very good goal."

He also recalled the third goal.

"I think the keeper just got the ball tangled at his feet. Brown did ever so well to track back and win the ball off him and produced a great chip into an empty net. It was a very good finish."

Meanwhile Chris Brass, the York player/manager, praised Hereford performance this afternoon.

"You have to give Hereford a hell of a lot of credit. They're a very good side. I'm sure they will continue to cause problems this year," Brass told BBC Radio York.

"They are going to be there or thereabouts, as will Aldershot, at the end of the season.

"Graham has brought in one or two welcome additions but you can see that the nucleus of the side has played together for a while.

"You have to match them in the work rate and commitment, but today Hereford bettered us.

"Two of their goals came from our mistakes and the third (the middle one) from my free-kick. All of their goals could have been stopped." 

Hereford v Radcliffe Highlights

 

Highlights from Tuesday's nights game between Hereford and Radcliffe are now available to watch.

Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIkvbihfo-0 

National North Weekend Preview

Hereford Celebrate A Goal At Worksop Last Season

 A look forward to tomorrow's fixtures in the National North written by NL's Tom Scott.

The first midweek is done and dusted as we look ahead to another frantic weekend in the Enterprise National League North.

With some surprising - and some not so surprising - results a few days ago, what will happen on matchday four?

Chester are the division's early pace-setters with one of only two perfect records in the division still standing.

The Seals host Spalding United while the other 100-percenters South Shields - fresh from their midweek win at fancied Morecambe - host Merthyr Town.

Newcomers Hebburn Town sit just behind the top two after a fine win over then-unbeaten Worksop Town in midweek.

The Hornets head to Buxton while Worksop host Hereford who have claimed back-to-back wins since their opening day defeat.

At the other end, Morecambe are in dire need of a win to get their season going and head to winless Radcliffe who parted with Bernard Morley this week.

Marine are the only other side without a point - the Mariners are the only side in the division also yet to score ahead of their trip to King's Lynn Town.

Hednesford Town have led their last two games going into the final knockings but somehow came away without a win in either.

Kelvin Davis' side make the trip to another winless outfit - AFC Telford United.

Harborough boss Mitch Austin has liked what he's seen so far from his side's first foray into National League North football.

Darlington are next in town, a side whose only points so far this campaign have come on the road.

Oxford City take their unbeaten record on the road to Spennymoor Town while Bedford Town head to Southport after a fine midweek win at home.

Elsewhere, Scarborough Athletic currently have the best goals-for column in the division - they head to Chorley who bagged their first win on Tuesday at Marine.

Macclesfield had a stalemate in midweek at Spalding and will look to continue their promising start with the visit of Brackley Town. 

Charging Bulls

Hereford FC are back in action on Saturday following an entertaining win on Tuesday night against Radcliffe. The first half of that game wasn’t far off as complete a performance as you could wish for, apart from maybe the clinical finishing to enable the scoreboard to reflect the approach play and general dominance.

The fact that it was a performance achieved without Joe Willis, Lewis Hudson and Fin Holmes suggests that the squad will have sufficient strength in depth to capably face the rigours of winter, a cold, wet Tuesday night somewhere on the doorstep of the Arctic Circle, and the ups and downs of a full season in the National League North in general.

This side looks like it will at least win more than it will lose. That said, Marine and Radcliffe aren’t South Shields or Chester, and the Bulls will soon face the latter without Kam Kandola. That will be a true test, both for the side as a whole and for Preston Bitemo as Kandola’s understudy.

But first it’s Worksop, and the second plastic pitch of the season.

They narrowly won their opening two games 2-1, including an impressive victory at Darlington, but came unstuck last time, losing 1-0 at newcomers Hebburn.

Two big threats are midfielder Alecs Starcenko and striker Kian Harratt.

Latvian Starcenko is part of the furniture at the KC Sofas Stadium having been there for six seasons. He’ll be instrumental in much of their play, and is one for Kandola to keep an eye on as the latter plays his final game before a suspension-induced early-season break.

Harratt arrived in the summer from Oldham and looks to be a very impressive signing. He’s played in the Championship for Huddersfield under Neil Warnock, scoring against Middlesbrough and QPR, and also played in the EFL for Port Vale, Fleetwood and Oldham. He’s still only 24, has scored two already this season, and is a clear danger. That said, he’s taken a lot more minutes to score his two than Harrison Iwunze has to score his. The Notts County youngster’s blistering pace and physical presence, alongside his finishing, constitute a real threat from the Bulls up front.

Harratt’s fellow striker and new signing Ryan Viggars will be suspended for this following a sending off – we’re not alone!

Another new signing, Andrew Boyce, has been made club captain, and at 36 has a wealth of experience, winning promotion from the NLN with Scunthorpe in 2025. Hopefully, at 36, he’ll also find the flicks, tricks and rapid movement of the Hereford front five horrible to cope with.

The Tigers had a perceived weakness last season against long throws, and Boyce will presumably have been brought in to address that, as he’ll have cleared more long throws in his long career than most people have had hot dinners.

They themselves have a long throw expert in Deegan Atherton, so an aerial threat could be the order of the day.

The Bulls picked up all six points In the two games these sides contested last season, Worksop’s first in the NLN. The Tigers didn’t find life easy at step 2 last season but achieved their primary aim of avoiding relegation and finished five points clear of Hereford. They look stronger this time.  

In terms of the visitors, there’s been some talk this season about whether one or two strikers should be played. Given that the midfielders keep getting sent off, and given how effective Harrison Iwunze and Danny Waldren were when they came on against Radcliffe, maybe the talk should be about playing three strikers rather than one, and keep the midfielders to the bare minimum as they’re clearly not to be trusted to stay on the pitch.

One midfielder who has managed to stay on the pitch so far has been Luke Spokes, who has a languid fluidity you don’t see too much at this level. His effortless ability to ghost past players suggests that his first goal of the season is imminent, as, hopefully, is Cawley Cox’s.

Of the other new arrivals, the busy-but-channelled energy of Billy Phillips and the composure of Will Merrett seem set to contribute considerably to a transformation of the ‘product’ on offer at Edgar Street this season.

No injuries or red cards would be good here, and a win could see the Bulls top the table.

COYW

Pushing On Up | The London Bulls Podcast | Ep.39

Join Jo Clements, Tom Gough and KD Rai as they discuss the start to the season!!

Well, it’s been a great start and this has been picked up on by these three. Aren’t they clever! Jo and KD have been to them all so far with Tom missing the Radcliffe game (typical).

The three talk about how Hereford have played, the managers tactics, subs and how good we look!

They look over the last three games and look forward to the next three which pose very real challenges and all for different reasons.

Listen to KD lose his mind, Jo fails to row back on outlandish predictions and of course Tom be the voice of reason (still not him writing this description…).

It’s very hard not to get carried away and you can watch that here in beautiful technicolour!

Thanks for listening, let’s keep pushing on!!

Links to the podcast!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/mgpchPpx9wo

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gy1kY0xIBjdi26J7R8OQ4

Link to Hereford FC Women's Fixtures 🔗 https://herefordfc.co.uk/fixtures/women/

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Also available on other podcast services

Bulls News Prediction League: standings after match three

The Bulls News Prediction League table has been updated after Tuesday's 3-0 win over Radcliffe at Edgar Street.

Only five people saw the 3-0 win coming, so congratulations to Team Topaz, Jamer99, Beware of the bulls, Bmth Bull, and You Better BULLieve it, who all get a maximum 10 points.

In total, 99 of our 104 competitors entered, with 83 going for a win, 11 for a draw and five for a loss.

The updated table can be found here.

Next up is Worksop away on Saturday.

Be sure to email your username and prediction to bnpredictions@outlook.com by 2pm on Saturday, including if you want to enter for the first time.