Match Report: Hereford FC v Worcester City

Cawley Cox Scored From The Spot

Hereford FC v Worcester City in a pre-season friendly.

The Bulls played their third pre-season friendly and first back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium welcoming Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Central Division side Worcester City looking to build on Friday nights 2-0 defeat at the Everyone's Energy Kayte Lane Stadium against Bishops Cleeve. It was good to be hosting the Blues who along with Worcester Warriors and Junction 6 Limited the owners of Sixways Stadium had helped us so much last season letting us use their facilities to host the two games against Darlington and Chester when the MandM Edgar Street Stadium was unplayable, the friendly was also special in that it was a game that funds we're being raised for two brilliant charities St Michael’s Hospice (Herefordshire) and St Richard's Hospice (Worcestershire).

Fin Holmes who pulled up in the game at Bishops Cleeve on Friday night was as expected not involved with the returning Kyle Howkins coming into the starting XI along with Trialist B from the Bishops Cleeve game thought to be Jordan Williamson who was now Trialist A. There was again a selection of U18's on the bench along with the returning from injury Danny Waldron making his first appearance for the club since his summer move.

It was nice to see Andy Williams taking the warm-ups with Harry Pell on holiday along with Aaron Skinner being involved after injury.

There we're a few former Bulls in the Blues ranks with Mitch Roberts, Matt Richards and Connor Stanley all with the Worcestershire outfit aswell as legendary striker Steve Guinan's son Zac.

The game started with each side trading early possession before Hereford started on the front foot thinking they had opened the scoring after only 2 minutes when Cawley Cox was played through on the right side of the box before the Bulls striker delivered a low cross into the box where Trialist A was on hand to tap in but the goal was ruled out for offside.

First corner of the game went Hereford's way on 6 minutes, Luke Spokes delivered from the left but Blues captain Charlie Wise headed away.

Keziah Martin thought he was then fouled midway inside the Worcester half but the referee played on and the ball rolled to Luke Spokes who saw his first-time effort whistle narrowly past the right post.

20 minutes in and Hereford we're controlling possession but just we're lacking that killer ball in the final third, before shortly afterwards the best chance when Keziah Martin swung in a corner from the right which was met by a combination of Cawley Cox and Kam Kandola but the ball looped harmlessly wide.

On 28 minutes Hereford we're awarded a spot-kick after superb work by Trialist A who with neat feet drove into the box before being upended by Archie Deurden, Cawley Cox cooly despatched the penalty into the bottom-right corner to get his first goal for the club.

5 minutes later and the Bulls doubled their lead after good work from Billy Phillips on the right side of the box before playing a ball across the face where Luke Spokes was on hand to tap into the bottom-left corner before wheeling away. Straight after the goal Harry Jones came on to replace Kam Kandola.

On 39 minutes Kyle Howkins was replaced by Ollie Bradley in the Bulls defence before Hereford saw out the remainder of the half.

It'd been a dominant first-half performance by Hereford with a well taken penalty by Cawley Cox to get his off the mark for his new club and a well worked second by Luke Spokes being the difference between the two sides without the Blues testing Theo Richardson in the Bulls goal.

Half-time: Hereford FC 2-0 Worcester City

The Bulls we're unchanged from the side that ended the first 45 with the visitors coming out with more purpose at the start of the half with their first chance being a throw-in from the right, Harry Burns launched the ball in towards Charlie Wise but Lewis Hudson managed to get his head to the ball before Luke Spokes cleared.

On 49 minutes Worcester pulled a goal back with their first chance of the contest after a corner on the right was delivered by Brandon Smalley finding Will Glennon who's cushioned header was poked in by Luke Rowe.

Hereford responded with a well worked corner from the right by Keziah Martin to Luke Spokes who layed the ball across to Harry Jones before the Bulls youngster saw his curling right foot shot brilliantly tipped over the bar by Worcester goalkeeper Cristiano Dzialuk for a corner before Keziah Martin tried his luck from the edge of area but he could only lift the ball high over the bar.

The Blues' Zac Guinan had a snapshot from the right side of the area which was deflected off Lewis Hudson going narrowly over the bar for a corner before on 59 minutes former Bull Connor Stanley did well on the left flank before playing a good ball to front post where Brandon Smalley instinctively flicked the ball goalwards but it was into the arms of Theo Richardson.

Three minutes later Luke Spokes was replaced by Josh Lloyd before with 65 minutes on the clock Billy Phillips was taken off with Jack Tolley coming on.

On 70 minutes Cawley Cox was replaced by the returning after injury Danny Waldron to make his first appearance in a Hereford shirt before a change between the sticks with Theo Richardson being replaced by Ollie Lewis.

The visitors next chance came from Connor Stanley who twisted and turned inside the box before firing over the bar before further substitutions we're made by the Bulls with Trialist A replaced by Kayode Sahabi, Lewis Hudson for Harley Jones Williams and Keziah Martin made way for Riley Bevan.

Conner Stanley did well before crossing from the left side of the box towards Will Glennon but he couldn't make a clean connection with the ball and it skewed wide before Logan Stoddart crossed from the opposite flank to Will Glennon but his header was wide.

On 83 minutes Preston Bitemo was replaced by Josh Mills before the Blues has a free-kick in a dangerous area on the edge of the box on the left, Glennon stepped up but his drive was straight into the arms of Ollie Lewis.

With two minutes of normal time remaining Harry Jones was replaced by Harry Metcalfe before Ollie Bradley made way for Davyd Antoniuk.

On the stroke of full-time Danny Waldron wrapped up the scoring with a stunner getting his first goal for the club when he saw Cristiano Dzialuk off his line about 35-yards out before lobbing the ball over the stranded Blues goalkeeper.

Despite Worcester coming more into the contest in the second-half Hereford kept them at arms length with all of the U18’s coming on putting in a stellar shift.

Full-time: Hereford FC 3-1 Worcester City 

Goals scored by Cawley Cox from the penalty-spot with his first goal for the club, Luke Spokes and Danny Waldron with his first goal for the club.

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 4 Kam Kandola, 7 Keziah Martin, 9 Cawley Cox, 14 Luke Spokes, 15 Trialist A, 17 Joseph James, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips, 28 Kyle Howkins.

Substitutes:- 10 Danny Waldron, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, Harry Jones, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Harry Metcalfe, Kayode Sahabi, Davyd Antoniuk, Harley Jones Williams, Riley Bevan, Josh Mills.

Captain Lewis Hudson With The Autopark Trophy

Another good runout in the third pre-season fixture of the campaign and our first back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium aswell as a first victory which saw the Bulls collect the inaugural Autopack trophy.

Back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium next up for the fourth pre-season friendly against Enterprise National League side Solihull Moors. COYW

Words by Sam Cummins 

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Hereford FC 3-1 Worcester City

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to tonights 3-1 win over Worcester City. Click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Waldron stunner seals first friendly win

A stunner from Danny Waldron sealed a 3-1 win for Hereford against Worcester City tonight 

Waldron saw the keeper off his line in stoppage time and lobbed him from about 35 yards.

Earlier, a Cawley Cox penalty and a strike from Luke Spokes saw Hereford go into half time 2-0 to the good.

Luke Rowe scored for Worcester five minutes from the break. As with with the previous two games, lots of Under-18 players featured.

Jordan Williamson is also believed to have played, named as a trialist. 

Bulls lead 2-0 at half time

Hereford are 2-0 up against Worcester City in tonight's friendly thanks to goals from Cawley Cox (penalty) and Luke Spokes.

Team news for Worcester friendly

HUST Update: Ongoing Projects And Matchday Draws

This from HUST:

New Season, Ongoing Projects and Matchday Draws! 

 

The new season is nearly upon us...

 

We have new Management, players and pitch to look forward to as we start our 2026/27 campaign, on our return to The Street for the first league match of the season on 15th August! #COYW

 

Ahead of the excitement are 3 pre-season friendlies taking place on the hallowed turf and first up is against Worcester City on Tuesday Night.

 

HUST is delighted to be supporting the fundraising for both St Michael's Hospice and St Richard's Hospice, with all proceeds from the 50/50 Matchday draw being shared between these good causes.

 

HUST is pleased to confirm that for our 12th season we will be delivering the 50/50 Draw and Golden Goal Competition on Matchday. We would like to place on record our thanks to everyone who enters the draw and/or volunteer on Matchday to help sell the tickets.

 

The 2025/26 season was challenging in more ways than one and no less for the Matchday draws. With home matches played away from home and reduced cup matches, these naturally took a toll on the potential revenue created. Despite this, HUST is delighted to confirm that nearly £23,000 has been donated to our club, thanks to your continued support.

 

We continued to deliver the Social Inclusion Project supporting vulnerable members of our community to watch a match at home. We have money available in the fund to support yet more people, this coming season. You can "Pay A Ticket Forward" by donating to HUST to be used for this project. Thank you to everyone who continues to donate and support this valuable project.

 

HUST was delighted to support Hereford FC with the donation of 2 x portable PA Speaker systems for the Exec Club bar and Radfords. In addition, and in partnership with Hereford FC, HUST assisted with match funding the new Fans Zone outside of Radfords.

 

We are also awaiting confirmation of completion of further projects at the Club that HUST has agreed to match fund. These projects are to enhance the supporter match day experience. More details when they become available.

 

The Supporters Official Coach felt like we were on the road every week last season! We were thrilled with the uptake of this service to our travelling fans with a total of 912 seats being sold across the season. 65 of which were Junior Bulls!

We will be launching the Travel Club Membership later this week! Look out for details and save money on coach travel!

 

Listening to our members we have been aware that our current website is outdated and as such, doesn't give us the opportunity to upgrade to offer an e-commerce platform. We are excited about a new website, currently being built, which will enhance the fan experience to join HUST, enter competitions and book onto the coaches. We will be launching this very soon!

 

Following our members vote to shareholders to consider the return of the Hereford United name, we are awaiting further details from the Hereford FC board in relation to a survey, requested by shareholders, to canvas the entire supporter base. We will share this as soon as it becomes available.

 

An amazing day was had by all with a united display of support for the Red Card for Racism event. An unwelcome situation that our amazing fans rallied round and sent a clear message that this behaviour and any negativity towards our diverse fanbase and players, was not welcome here!

 

The sad loss of Ron Parrott, our much loved Club Historian, gave HUST, at Ron's request, permission to look after a selection of his collection of Hereford United/FC memorabilia, including an unfinished book! This is a project we are honoured to be delivering and we are exploring ways we can do this, both as a bricks & mortar and digital museum. We are in discussions with Ron's previous co-writers as to the best way forward for the book.

 

Our Supporter WhatsApp groups are popular and we will look to develop more to connect our exile fanbase.

 

None of the above would be possible without the tireless work of the HUST board members, volunteers and everyone who donates or buys tickets for competitions or coaches. 

Worcester To Hereford Road Closed

Supporters travelling to Hereford FC's Edgar Street from Worcester for the pre-season friendly tomorrow evening are reminded that the A4103 road is closed at Leigh Sinton.

Diversions are in place but these could add up to an hour to the journey.

The friendly between Hereford and Worcester kicks off at 7.45pm. 

News Round Up

Former Hereford striker Montel Gibson has left Hednesford and signed for Ulster Club Larne. He could feature for them against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday evening.

Forest Green Rovers have agreed a deal with goalkeeper Ethan Ross who trialled for Hereford in August 2017.

Hereford have thanked supporters who gave up their time this morning to help clean up Edgar Street. 'It’ll make a massive difference ahead of our first home friendly on Tuesday night.' 

 

Regulator Gives Morecambe A Warning

National North League Morecambe Football Club have received a warning notice issued by the Independent Football Regulator ("IFR").

These are the circumstances as noted by the FSA (Football Supporters Association)

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has issued its first warning notice, to the owners of Morecambe FC, for failing to respond to their requests for information about the running of the club.

Clubs have a legal requirement to comply with requests from the IFR, and this marks the first time that the IFR have taken action in this way since they came into being last year.

Club directors Kuljit Singh and Harjit Singh failed to reply to two requests for information, and so have been served with the warning notice.

“The IFR has issued a warning notice to Morecambe Football Club Limited and to the club’s two owners,” an IFR statement read.

“It has been provisionally determined that the owners breached information requirements imposed upon them without reasonable excuse and, in accordance with the Football Governance Act, the IFR is therefore minded to issue a censure statement against these individuals and the club.”

Although Morecambe were relegated to National League North last season, the IFR are able to enforce their regulations as the requests came at a time when Morecambe were in the National League and thus under their scope. The IFR covers the top five divisions in the men’s game. 

This is Morecambe's response:

Whilst the Club and its owners can confirm that they fully support and respect the regulator’s oversight of the football industry, they are disappointed by the decision to issue this warning notice, particularly in light of the extensive cooperation, transparency and engagement demonstrated by both the Club and its directors throughout the regulatory process.

The Club and its owners strongly dispute that a warning notice is justified in the circumstances. They consider that insufficient weight has been given to the significant mitigating factors, the unprecedented operational challenges inherited following the acquisition of the Club in August 2025, and the considerable efforts made to work constructively with the IFR at every stage.

Notwithstanding that this alleged breach is at the IFR’s lowest level of seriousness, the Club and its directors are taking legal advice and will submit detailed representations within the 14-day period prescribed by the IFR. They remain confident that those representations will demonstrate why no further regulatory action is warranted.

Morecambe FC thanks its supporters, sponsors and staff for their continued support and loyalty throughout this period and continues to welcome informed and transparent engagement via appropriate and professional channels with any of its supporter and community representative parties, as it was pleased to see yesterday with the Shrimps Trust.

Following the Club’s rescue last August by Panjab Warriors, the Club and its owners are proud of the many positive steps taken in recent months both on and off the pitch in preparation for the new 2026/27 football season and are looking forward to it with renewed optimism. 

Updated Steve Bull Evening Details

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/aceevents/2302619

Match Report: Bishops Cleeve v Hereford FC

Bishops Cleeve v Hereford FC in a pre-season friendly.

Following on from last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division side Hereford Pegasus in the first pre-season friendly of the campaign on Friday night the Bulls made their first trip to the Everyone's Energy Kayte Lane Stadium since 2017/2018 to take on Pitching In Southern Football League Division One South side Bishops Cleeve in their second pre-season outing.

From that side trialist A who wasn't involved on Saturday came into the starting XI and there was a selection of U18’s involved on the bench which was again superb to see along with trialist B believed to be Jordan Williamson who came on in the second-half on Saturday.

The game kicked-off with Hereford kicking from right to left with early possession before the friendly sprang into life after a loose pass across the back from the Bulls allowed the Mitres to gain a free-kick on the edge of the box, their left winger stepped up but his shot flew high over the bar.

Luke Spokes had the first shot for Hereford on 6 minutes but his effort was blocked by a Bishops Cleeve defender and it trickled through to goalkeeper Sam Gilder.

The first corner was awarded to the host on the left which was played in but the header from a defender went over the bar before the Bulls went up the other end and Luke Spokes' right footed shot beat Sam Gilder but also fizzed past the right post.

After quarter of an hour a worrying sight when Fin Holmes pulled up after going on a run down the left flank, he was visibly upset and had to be replaced by trialist B. Hopefully it's not serious.

5 minutes later the Bulls had their first corner which Luke Spokes played short to newly introduced trialist B who played it back to him before crossing into the area but Bishops Cleeve managed to clear.

On 28 minutes the referee called for a drinks break, after the restart trialist A went on a good run down the right channel before delivering into the box where Cawley Cox rose highest but couldn't direct his header on target.

Shortly before the half-time whistle on 47 minutes Billy Phillips drove into the box, shifted the ball onto his right foot before curling the ball goalwards but Sam Gilder collected.

Hereford had played well in the first-half without finding a way through and had pushed towards the break especially but it was goalless at the interval.

Half-time: Bishops Cleeve 0-0 Hereford FC 

The Bulls came out for the second-half with Ollie Lewis coming on to replace Theo Richardson in goal which was the only change.

The first chance of the second 45 came 10 minutes in on 55 minutes with Hereford having a corner on the left, Spokes lofted the ball in but he put too much on it and it drifted out for a goal-kick.

Bishops Cleeve had their first opportunity with a free-kick on the right near the touchline, their right winger delivered into the area which found a centre half at the back post but his header went narrowly wide.

Luke Spokes then did well to ride a couple of challenges before laying the ball off to trialist B who's snapshot was well blocked for a corner by a Bishops Cleeve defender, from the resulting corner the ball found it's way out to Luke Spokes on the edge of the box but his shot was saved by Bishops Cleeve replacement goalkeeper Lewis Clayton.

On 61 minutes a raft of chances we're made by the Bulls with Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Kayode Sahabi, Harry Jones, Riley Bevan and Harley Jones Williams all coming on.

Bishops Cleeve then had the best chance thus far to break the deadlock with a drive from inside the box from close range which was superbly repelled by Ollie Lewis for a corner.

The Bulls' Keziah Martin then found space on the right hand side of the box after a good Hereford move before his left foot shot went narrowly wide.

On 68 minutes the hosts opened the scoring in fortunate circumstances after an error by Kam Kandola who lost the ball midway inside the Hereford half which allowed Adulai Sambu to nip in before taking the ball round the advancing Ollie Lewis and calmly roll it into the empty net before Jude Gaudin came on to replace Keziah Martin.

The Mitres then had a good chance to double their lead after a good one-two inside the box allowed a striker to volley goalwards but it was wide of the right post before another change for the Bulls with Josh Mills coming on.

Substitute Riley Bevan tried his luck from the edge of the box but it was into the arms of Lewis Clayton, the hosts we're starting to have a lot more of the possession with the Hereford side now made up predominantly of U18’s.

On 85 minutes the Mitres doubled their lead after a corner on the left was played into the area which was headed home by Reegan Messenger before on 91 minutes the hosts’ left winger cut in and aimed for the bottom-right corner but his effort whistled narrowly wide.

A first defeat of pre-season for the Bulls after an unfortunate error for the first and a set-piece for the second with five minutes remaining, plenty to build on but it was another good exercise and more valuable experience for the U18’s.

Full-time: Bishops Cleeve 2-0 Hereford FC

Hereford FC Starting XI:- 21 Theo Richardson, Trialist A, 17 Joseph James, 4 Kam Kandola, 3 Lewis Hudson ©️, 20 Preston Bitemo, 7 Keziah Martin, 14 Luke Spokes, 23 Billy Phillips, 9 Cawley Cox, 11 Fin Holmes.

Substitutes:- 21 Ollie Lewis, Harry Jones, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Harry Metcalfe, Kayode Sahabi, Davyd Antoniuk, Jude Gaudin, Josh Mills, Harley Jones Williams, Riley Bevan, Trialist B.

Another good runout in the second pre-season fixture of the campaign despite a first defeat, more minutes in the legs and more game time for the U18’s that we're involved. Hopefully the injury to Fin Holmes in the first-half isn't serious and he'll be available for the upcoming friendlies as we build upto the start of the season.

Next up the third pre-season friendly and our first back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium against Worcester City. COYW

Words by Sam Cummins 

Hereford lose tonight's friendly

Hereford lost 2-0 at Bishops Cleeve in tonight's pre-season friendly.

Second half goals from Adulai Sambu and Reegan Messenger secured the win for the Gloucestershire side.

Goalless at the break

It's 0-0 between Bishops Cleeve and Hereford in tonight's pre-season friendly.

There's been few chances for both sides.

However, Fin Holmes had to go off injured for Hereford.

Starting line-up against Bishops Cleeve

Hereford line up as follows for tonight's friendly against Bishops Cleeve.

Theo Richardson, Trialist A, Joseph James, Kam Kandola, Lewis Hudson, Preston Bitemo, Keziah Martin, Luke Spokes, Billy Phillips, Cawley Cox, Fin Holmes.

Amazon Support Darlington's Community Programmes

This from the National League:

Darlington have announced a new partnership with Amazon who will support the club's community programmes.

Announced earlier this week, the wide-ranging programme is designed to strengthen support for communities across the North East, growing Darlington's existing work in mental health, disability and youth engagement - supported by a £25,000 donation from the retail giant.

The partnership, which runs through to 2027, will also see employees from Amazon's Darlington fulfilment centre volunteer alongside the Foundation at community activities and events throughout the town.

Amazon's donation will help expand the Darlington FC Foundation's Think With Your Feet mental health football programme, which uses football to support adult mental health through a safe, informal setting where participants can be physically active while accessing peer support. 

The funding will also enable the launch of new pan-disability football sessions, alongside focused engagement work with vulnerable children and young people.

Jack Docherty, Site Lead of Amazon's Darlington fulfilment centre, said: "Amazon cares deeply about serving the communities where our employees live and work, and our partnership with Darlington Football Club and its Foundation reflects that. We've been a proud supporter of the Darlington community since we opened our doors here in 2020, and we're delighted to build on that support through this new partnership with Darlington Football Club."

Mick Dawson, Commercial Director of Darlington Football Club, added: "This moment marks an important milestone for Darlington Football Club and will help us extend the reach of our programmes to support many more people across our community. It's fantastic to welcome Amazon to the club as a supporter, and we're looking forward to working together to make a positive difference for people across the North East."

The donation and volunteering programme form part of Amazon's broader community investment across the country. The company co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need, including the Junction Multibank, which opened in Middlesbrough in 2024 in partnership with local charity The Junction and has since distributed more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Wales, Scotland, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham.