Hereford U18's bow out of the FA Youth Cup at 1st Round proper stage

Hereford FC U18's bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the 1st Round proper stage last night after an 8-0 defeat at the MGroup Stadium the home of Oxford City to the hands of EFL Youth Alliance South side Oxford United.

The U’s opened the scoring on 2 minutes when Kevin Appiah was played through before goalkeeper Will Utley came rushing out to claim but the loose ball rebounded into the path of Fiki Adesanya who slotted in.

Hereford were very unfortunate not to get back on level terms midway through the 1st half when Jack Tolley did well on the left, beat Euan Griffith before curling towards the top-right corner which beat the out-stretched keeper Will Jackson but cannoned back off the woodwork.

Before Oxford doubled their lead before half-time on 43 minutes after Harry Jones was dispossessed on the edge of the box by Hayden Vaughan who jinked into the box before slotting into the bottom-right corner past Utley.

A hat-trick of injuries to Josh Lloyd, Jack Tolley and Liam Coll in the first 45 didn't help the young Bulls' cause.

Barely after the whistle had gone after the break the U's added to their lead when they were awarded a penalty with referee Charlie Bullock pointing to the spot when Harry Firth brought down Adesanya before Kesh Purcell sent Utley the wrong way slotting into the bottom-right corner.

The young Bulls' best chance to get one back came after some sloppy play at the back from Oxford’s Albie Collins who upto that point had looked assured gave the ball away to Harley Jones Williams who was one-on-one with Jackson but the U’s keeper dived low to his right to preserve his clean-sheet.

However the hosts upped the ante showing their higher graded status adding a fourth after substitute Isaac Odhiambo’s run saw him marauder his way into the area before calmly steadying himself and sweep into the bottom-left corner before keeping the relentless pressure on Hayden Vaughan played a great ball from the right into Purcell who tapped in from close range.

Forward Purcell who'd been a thorn in the side of Hereford all night showed good physical strength to hold off Jones which allowed him to shield the ball into the path of Dourish before sweeping into the right side of the net.

The young Bulls were trying to stem the flow as best they could late on but the hosts notched a seventh from a corner routine by Hayden Vaughan on the right which was flicked on by Collins before a combination of himself and Purcell who will be claiming his hat-trick bundled home from close range.

However the debate to who got the final touch for the previous strike wouldn't be the case for the eighth with the hosts rounding out the scoring when Liam Kiriisa played in Purcell who opened his body up before curling past Utley into the opposite bottom-right corner to seal a comprehensive victory and progress into the 2nd Round for the U’s.

The scoreline not a true reflection of the cup tie which the Bulls continued to battle throughout and if Tolley's first-half strike had found the top-right corner whilst at only 1-0 it could of been a different outcome but it wasn't to be and in the end the hosts showed their EFL Academy prowess.

It's been a great run by the U18's this season and one they can be very proud of getting the club to the first round proper for the first time in six years since the 2019/20 season when the U18's we're defeated 5-1 by Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

It's back to the bread and butter of league action next for the U18's with the visit of Cheltenham Town U18’s to Newton Farm.

Words: Sam Cummins

Hereford Out Of The FA Youth Cup

Hereford are out of the FA Youth Cup.

The tie finished: Oxford United 8 Hereford 0.

Oxford were 2-0 ahead at the break. Six more goals, including a penalty, in the second half sealed the victory.

Sammy Lee At Edgar Street Next Wednesday

FA Youth Cup - Half Time

At half time in tonight's FA Youth Cup First Round tie it's:

Oxford United 2 Hereford 0

Oxford took the lead after just two minutes and added a second on 43 minutes. 

Hereford had to make three substitutions during the half because of injuries.

The start of the tie was delayed by 15 minutes as the Hereford coach was held up. 

From The Archives - Youth Team Defeated By Manchester City

Given Hereford FC Under 18's are away at Oxford United in the FA Youth Cup this evening BN looks back to January 14th 2014.

In the 2013/14 season Peter Beadle was in charge of Hereford United's Youth Team.

They had a decent run in the FA Youth Cup eventually going out courtesy of no less than Manchester City.

Here's the City report on the game:

City u18s edged past Hereford United to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

The young blues needed extra time to see off the spirited Bulls, but extra time goals from Thierry Ambrose and Bersant Celina finally proved enough to secure victory after the visitors had cancelled out Ambrose’s opener in the dying minutes of normal time.
After easing through the previous round with a comfortable win over Doncaster at Hyde before Christmas, City were in buoyant mood as they welcomed Hereford on a freezing January night.

The Bulls are well-travelled in the FA Youth Cup, having come through five previous ties in which they were drawn as the away team in each round. A dramatic penalty shootout against Bournemouth preceded this trip to Manchester, after overcoming Chesterfield, Atherstone and Stourbridge. (And MK Dons!)
A tasty home encounter with high-flying Tottenham or Fulham awaited the victors of this clash, and City were eager to advance in a competition they last won in 2008.
Although several younger members of Patrick Vieira’s EDS squad are eligible for this competition, Jason Wilcox elected not to call on the talents of the likes of Marcos Lopes, Jose Angel Pozo and Olivier Ntcham, instead keeping faith with the side currently sitting top of the u18 Premier League.
The boss made just two changes from the side that despatched Doncaster so convincingly in the last round of the competition. Spanish right back Pablo Maffeo replaced James Horsfield, and Nathaniel Oseni came in for Tosin Adarabioyo to partner Mathias Bossaerts at the heart of the City defence.
There was a familiar look to the attack which has been terrorising opposition defences all season. The Blues had netted 39 times in the previous 10 matches, and Jorge Intima, Brandon Barker and Ambrose were called upon once again to provide the firepower upfront.
City were in no mood to ease the visitors in gently, and Ambrose chalked up his 11th goal of the campaign inside 30 seconds. The French striker was lurking in the six yard box to poke home Barker’s pinpoint cross from the left to give the Blues the perfect start.
But Hereford refused to be cowed, and might have had an equaliser from the spot within five minutes when Angelino was adjudged to have brought down Jarrod Bowen. Goalkeeper Angus Gunn was the hero for the Blues, pulling off a magnificent save to push Billy Murphy’s kick onto the post and preserve the early lead.
A feisty start showed no signs of abating, with plenty of fierce tackles flying in as both sides attempted to gain influence in the centre of the park. Kean Bryan headed wide from a Jack Byrne cross, while Gunn was called upon once more to tip a powerful free kick over the bar from Cory Williams.
The Blues continued to probe, and Bryan had another chance on the half hour, volleying wide from Intima’s cross, while Angelino’s powerful shot was pushed behind for a corner by Kyle Moore in the Hereford goal.
It was end to end action as the half time whistle approached. Williams was inches away from finding an equaliser, but his acrobatic effort curled just over the bar, while Barker might have doubled City’s lead, but fired just past the top corner after being played through by Angelino.

The game continued in thrilling fashion after the break, and Intima dragged his shot wide after a good run upfield within two minutes of the restart, while Moore was forced to push the ball behind direct from a Jack Byrne corner which was dipping under the crossbar.
City laid siege to the Hereford goal, and Barker was desperately unlucky to see his shot saved by the excellent Moore, after brilliant build up play from Bryan. Substitute Denzeil Boadu was next to test the Bulls’ keeper but he was unable to get any power on the shot.
The game lost some of its spark as the second period progressed, but the substitute Will Haines found an equaliser for the visitors just minutes before full time, bundling home a free kick after Nathaniel Oseni’s foul.
There was a frenetic pace to the concluding minutes of normal time as both teams tried to find a winner before extra time was required and Angus Gunn made an excellent low stop to prevent Hereford netting the deciding goal with the last kick of the 90 minutes.

The boy Blues began extra time in the same way they had opened the match two hours previously. In an almost exact replica of the first goal, Ambrose gave City the lead for the second time, powering home a Brandon Barker cross within the first minute of kick off.
At the other end, Gunn was forced to make an unorthodox save with his face as the Bulls continued to test City’s resolve, and the England youth international keeper also had to be at his best to save when one on one.
City finally put the game to bed after 104 minutes of play when Bersant Celina curled a beautiful strike into the top corner from an indirect free kick in the Hereford penalty box for his third goal in two games.
Hereford continued to press for a goal right up until the final whistle, but City prevailed and the FA Youth cup journey continues into the fifth round.

---

 

Big Night For Hereford's Under 18 Squad

 

Hereford FC Under 18's have an FA Youth Cup Tie this evening.

They are away at Oxford United in the First Round. The tie is being played at the MGroup Stadium. 

Hereford have already defeated AFC Wolverhampton City, Stourport Swifts and Easington Sports in the competition.

But Oxford United will be a stiffer test. Last season they reached round five before losing to Manchester United.

Interestingly the Oxford side are coached by former Hereford midfielder Pablo Haysham. 

Kick off is at 7.30pm.

For those who wish to follow the game RadioHereford FC will have full match commentary.

Behind the microphones will be Keith Hall and Sam Cummins. 

Hospitality At Edgar Street Is First Class

Last Saturday a group of us went to hospitality at Edgar Street ahead of Hereford's game against Kings Lynn.

Arriving around 12.30pm we were greeted by MC Martin Brain and club directors George Webb and Darren Ball.

A few minutes later chairman Chris Ammonds made an appearance and spoke to several of us.

Once we were all seated, Martin welcomed everyone to the Hereford Suite and soon a video of Hereford United and then Hereford was shown. It was right up to date as it finished with clips from the game at Macclesfield a week ago.

After the video manager Aaron Downes spoke to the guests and then responded to a few questions. One in particular was about midfielder Billy Philips who Downes said might not make the team. He was injured last Tuesday playing against Telford. 

Then it was time for lunch which was roast chicken along with all the trimmings followed by sticky toffee pudding.

Table by table you are guided to the serving area where you can choose what you would like.

All of us on our table thought the meal was excellent. 

Time then for a question and answer session with an invited guest.

We didn't know who this might be until Martin welcomed former Hereford United and later Hereford player Rob Purdie. Who better?

Rob spoke about his career in football, the FA Vase Final at Wembley where he scored for Hereford being one of the highlights. He also mentioned how he is still in touch with several of the players from his first spell with Hereford United over 20 years ago.

Asked who was the best player he ever played with, the answer was Ben Smith. 

Today he is a fireman in Hereford and has progressed up the ladder to become station commander.

It was getting closer to 3pm and guests were shown to their reserved seats in block D of the main stand for the game.

At half time it was back into the Hereford Suite for suitable refreshment and after full time to meet the man of the match who was Harry Tustin.

Other than the football itself it was a first class afternoon.

Martin Brain is an excellent master of ceremonies. But it's team effort.

So a mention for hospitality hosts Dave and Nikki White, both volunteers, who look after everyone. Then there's Terry Smith who does the catering, and also those serving the food and the bar staff.

Would we go again? Most definitely.

Although it won't be for some months as most home games are sold out except for Boxing Day which still has some spare places.

Contact Martin Brain for more details: mbrian@herefordfc.co.uk  

Another Embargo For Morecambe

Morecambe Football Club has acknowledged the National League’s decision to place it under another player registration embargo and says it is working hard to have this resolved and removed as soon as possible.

The club were put under embargo last Monday October 26th.

The reason given by the National League was ‘non-compliance with league financial regulations - football creditors’. 

It's the second time this season Morecambe have been subject to an embargo. This was about pension contributions.

Hereford are away at Morecambe next Tuesday evening. 

 

 

“Meet the Manager - Under 18s Boss” - London Bulls Podcast OUT NOW!!

Tom and KD sit down with Hereford FC Under 18 Men’s Head Coach, Anthony ‘Smudge’ Smith, ahead of their FA Youth Cup tie against Oxford United.

They first discuss Smudge’s football upbringing from Malvern Town to where he is today. Also on the agenda is Smudge’s philosophy and how he is trying to prepare his players not just for today but also for the potential careers ahead of them.

Smudge talks of his joy at seeing two of his players playing for the senior team so far this season and hopes that more can follow in their footsteps.

Of course they talk about the amazing cup run so far and other great results. Wednesday’s game is one to enjoy!

Thanks for joining us Smudge, and good luck against Oxford United to you and your players!!

🔗 Link to Hereford FC Under 18 Fixtures https://herefordfc.co.uk/fixtures/under-18s/

 🔗 Link to the podcast: https://linktr.ee/LondonBulls?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=3c5e1182-be84-4298-b08f-b612aba471d6

Clucas Linked With Move To Worthing

 

Former Hereford United winger Sam Clucas has been linked with a move to National League Worthing.

36 year old Clucas has been without a club since being released by Shrewsbury in August. 

The release came despite Clucas's contract having another season to run.

As well as playing for Hereford Clucas has had spells with Hull, Swansea and Stoke. 

 

Worksop Ban Fan Who Threw Liquid Over Referee

Worksop Town have banned an un-named supporter who threw liquid over the referee at last Saturday's game against Brackley.

This from Worksop:

 Worksop Town FC is becoming increasingly concerned about a number of recent incidents involving unacceptable behaviour from individuals attending our matches.

 Today's incident, which saw a supporter throw liquid over the match referee, is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

 Such behaviour not only brings the club into disrepute but could have serious consequences, including financial penalties, disciplinary sanctions and other restrictions on our club.

 We can confirm that the individual responsible for today's incident has been identified and banned from the club until further notice.

 We will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone whose behaviour threatens the club, its officials, staff, volunteers or fellow supporters.

 The overwhelming majority of our supporters are fantastic, and we ask everyone to continue supporting the team passionately but respectfully.

 Please remember, we all have a responsibility to protect our club.

Fixtures For Hereford In November

These are the fixtures for Hereford in November. Only one League home game this month.

Saturday, November 7: Chorley (a) - 3pm

Tuesday, November 10th: Morecambe (a) - 7.45pm 

Saturday, November 14: FA Trophy 2R - Brackley (h) - 3pm

Saturday, November 21: Darlington (h) - 3pm

Tuesday, November 24: Brackley Town (a) - 7.45pm

Saturday, November 28: Scarborough Athletic (a) - 3pm

 

Hereford Women Defeated By Alvechurch

This afternoon's result from Bromyard:

Hereford Women 0 Alvechurch 2 

The visitors took the lead in the third minute from a corner and doubled their advantage in the 80th minute. 

Alvechurch remain unbeaten in the league. 

Hereford are 7th in the table with 9 points from 8 games. 

Next Sunday Hereford are at 'home' to Telford in the League Cup. 

Second Half Pictures Hereford v Kings Lynn

A selection of pictures from the second half of yesterdays game:

A 

Keziah Martin Shirt In Charity Auction

 

A shirt worn by Hereford's Keziah, amidst others, is up for auction in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

This from Bernews: 

A signed, match-worn shirt belonging to Bermuda international footballer Keziah Martin is being auctioned in England to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice, with bidding open until November 9.

The Hereford FC midfielder’s number seven shirt is among more than a dozen signed jerseys being offered through auction house Brightwells, with all proceeds benefiting the Herefordshire charity.

According to the official auction listing, the shirt was worn by Martin during Hereford’s 3-1 pre-season friendly victory over Worcester City on July 21 and throughout the club’s pre-season preparations.

The match at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium was itself a charity fundraiser, supporting St Michael’s Hospice in Herefordshire and St Richard’s Hospice in Worcestershire.

The online auction opened on October 31 and runs until November 9. St Michael’s Hospice provides free palliative and end-of-life care to patients and support for their families across Herefordshire and surrounding areas.

Martin, 26, initially joined Hereford on loan from Buxton in January before signing a permanent contract in March.

The Bermuda international made 23 appearances during the latter part of the 2025-26 campaign, scoring twice and providing five assists.