Three games were played in the National North League this evening.
Hednesford 2 Harborough 1
Morecambe 2 Telford 1
Oxford 2 Buxton 3
After tonight's games Hereford remain in 6th place.
Friday, August 28, 2026
Chester Face 'Toughest Game' Said Downes
Hereford manager Aaron Downes has said that Chester are in best team in the league at the moment but he feels coming to Edgar Street will be their toughest game so far.
"They are, at this moment in time, the best team in this division,"Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"They are the form team, best defensive record in the division, only conceded the one goal.
"So they are a good side.
"They have an experienced manager, he's won this division I believe, he knows the league and has a clear identity of how he wants to play.
"It will be a tough game, probably our toughest game but I also believe it will be their toughest game coming down to us.
"So we've got to make sure we don't disappoint."
There will be a big crowd with Chester set to bring close to 600 supporters.
"We've got the best supporters in the division and when this place is rocking there is no better place in this division and that's for sure.
"They will bring a good crowd, they are a well supported football club, big traditional football club especially for this level.
"But what I do know is that our supporters will make this place very hostile, make it a difficult place for teams to come.
"They've done that in the two home games we've had so I don't expect any different tomorrow.
"We've just got to make sure we give them something to shout about and get behind and cheer, stand up, clap, sing and support."
Witts Joins Hereford FC
18 year old defender Callum Witts has joined Hereford FC.
But he won't be playing for the club just yet as he is going to Coleshill Town on loan until at least January.
“I’m really happy to welcome Callum to our football club,” said manager Aaron Downes.
“He’s been training with us for the last couple of weeks and is highly-regarded from his time at Coventry. He’s a centre-back with really good attributes and we feel he has great potential for us.
"He will now go on loan to Coleshill to get some valuable experience under his belt at a good level of competitive men’s football."
Witts left Coventry last May and had a trial with Sheffield Wednesday in July.
Parkinson Ahead Of Hereford Clash
 |
| Harrison Iwunze Is A Handful Said Parkinson |
Chester FC manager Phil Parkinson has spoken about tomorrow's game against Hereford at Edgar Street.
Currently Chester top the league and Parkinson is feeling really good.
"Obviously with the start we've made with four wins, top of the league, we go into the game with real confidence," he said.
"It's a good few years since we've been to Hereford, there's usually a decent atmosphere at the game
"They look a decent side, young, very vibrant, energetic.
"They are the same as us, they'll be confident, they've won their last three, not conceded a goal, looking forward to it.
"They've got some good attacking threats in their side.
"The lad they've got on loan from Notts is scoring every game, he's a handful.
"I'm sure he'll cause us a few problems."
National North Weekend Preview
NL's Sam Elliott previews this weekend in the National North League:
It’s wall-to-wall Enterprise National League North football for the next four days, so let’s take a look at the first instalment.
A marathon weekend begins on Friday night with three fixtures - and they are all eye-catching.
Strong starters Oxford City will top the table if they beat Buxton later on.
Morecambe manager Adam Lakeland wants more from his players after their poor beginning. The Shrimps are bottom with just a point but he has challenged his team to kick start the campaign with victory over AFC Telford United.
Harborough Town’s powerful first few weeks already has them in a promotion place. An away win Hednesford could see them jump to second.
The bulk of the weekend programme takes place on Saturday.
Chester manager Phil Parkinson called his team “perfect” on Saturday - but they face their biggest test yet tomorrow with Hereford much improved on last year, winning their last three.
Hebburn Town are third and see now reason why they can’t push for another promotion. What will King's Lynn Town do to their dreams?
Title hopefuls Macclesfield fans are also pleased with their ten point return from four matches. A trip to Darlington is never easy - but James Gale’s double back in March is still fresh in Silkmen minds.
South Shields have the same record with Andy Whing’s Brackley Town lying in wait on Saturday,
Managerless Radcliffe are up and running after a change but have they got enough to win at Marine after adding to Morecambe’s woes?
Scarborough Athletic and Southport will be neither unhappy or totally satisfies by their starts to the new campaign but the winner of this one will have reason for optimism.
Elsewhere, Bedford Town battle Spennymoor Town, Merthyr meet Chorley and Spalding United host Worksop Town, who want a top seven place.
Get Your Talking Bull While You Can!
This from Talking Bull:
Just a reminder that 'Off & Running' the latest edition of Talking Bull is on sale.
However, be aware that because of excellent online sales we have already sold a quarter of the entire print run! So, if you would like to get your hands on a printed copy we suggest that you arrive early at the M+M Edgar Street Stadium tomorrow.
Watch out, and listen out, for our sales team outside of the stadium ahead of the top-of-the-table clash against Chester. Cash sales remain at just £3 per copy.
Alternatively, if you wish to guarantee a copy if you place an online order by 11am on Saturday morning we will ensure an issue is set aside for you, and will be posted by 12 noon tomorrow.
New 8-issue subscriptions can also be obtained via our store.
Talking Bull – Online Shop | Talking Bull
Three National North Fixtures This Evening
There are three National North League Fixtures taking place this evening.
Hednesford v Harborough
Morecambe v Telford
Oxford v Buxton
The nine fixtures set to take place tomorrow include Hereford v Chester.
Meet the Manager - Hugh Brookes | The London Bulls Podcast | Ep.40
Join KD Rai and Tom Gough as they chat to new Hereford FC Women's Manager, Hugh Brookes.
They discuss how Hugh came to management and coaching. Starting young Hugh became involved in the women's game early on and found a real love for the game.
The guys move onto the task of managing the Women's team, the opportunity, the hurdles and the season to come.
Tom and KD talk signings, the squad and the games to be played. They talk about the first game of the season against Bromsgrove Sporting where the final result was 2-2.
Enjoy and thanks for listening!
Link to Hereford FC Women's Fixtures 🔗 https://herefordfc.co.uk/fixtures/women/
Link to the Membership!🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/londonbulls
Get in contact with us:
✉️ Email: londonbulls1924@gmail.com
🎧 Listen and Subscribe on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yR2C0CXsnQcgXihCSsxvE?si=aa472e23d3584b7c
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-london-bulls-podcast/id1740085118
Also available on other podcast services
News Round Up
Former Hereford striker Montel Gibson didn't have the best of nights playing for Larne in their Europa Conference League Qualifier earlier this week. He came on in the 69th minute, was booked on the 71st minute and was sent off just before full time for a second yellow. Gibraltar based Lincoln Red Imps won the tie with a penalty in extra time.
Another former player in the news is Mustapha Bundu. He's been out of action with a muscular problem but has now returned to training with Hannover 96. He's also had a fractured right hand
As of this morning there are still tickets available to see former Hereford striker Andy Williams at Edgar Street this evening.
Morecambe have said that their pension fund issues have been sorted so are hopeful that their National League player embargo will soon be lifted.
Chester tester
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Hereford FC host Chester on Saturday in what is arguably the first true test this season of whether the Bulls have what it takes to go from relegation near-certainties to promotion possibles in just a few months.
Four points were picked up from the Cestrians last season, and but for a last-gasp equaliser ‘up there’ the Bulls would have done the double.
This season the Seals are looking to improve on last season’s seventh place (they lost to Macclesfield in the play-off quarter-finals), and they’ve started well, in fact they’ve started perfectly, with four wins from four games.
Captain Declan Weeks, so often the player who makes them tick from his central midfield position, continues to be an influential presence. However, last season’s bright spark Dylan Mottram-Henry couldn’t resist the bright lights and sheer glamour (what other reason could there be?) of playing for Hednesford Town.
Talking of which, something that wasn’t a huge concern at Edgar Street last season but may be this is player poaching. The club has wisely started investing in putting more players on contracts and making some of those contracts two years’ long. If the side continues to develop in the way it’s promising to, small clubs with big backing could come sniffing. It’s to be hoped that ‘the project’ being developed by Downes and Pell at Edgar Street, and the wisdom and relative far-sightedness of putting players on contracts, should see off the worst of any predatory behaviour. If an EFL club comes knocking you wouldn’t want to stand in anyone’s way, but Hednesford…?
A 93rd-minute goal from Dan Ward was enough to maintain Chester’s 100% record so far this season against Spalding last Saturday, and their top spot in the table. Not a result to send any undue apprehension down Offa’s Dyke to Hereford, but when they’re good they do seem to do just enough in games and not concede.
Much-travelled Dom McHale was briefly at Edgar Street (along with everywhere else) and is now at the Deva. He’s clearly a gifted player and you get the feeling he gets more up for this sort of game than he would against 20 people away from home in the winter. However, he hasn’t been seen so far this season.
Tom Peers is their target man up front, but it’s Ma’kel Campbell who’s started the season in Harrison Iwunze-esque fashion, with three goals from midfield. The 19-year-old Londoner was signed from Morecambe in the summer having spent his teenage years at Fulham.
The Chester midfield does look strong, and in Kam Kandola’s absence this will be a big game for Luke Spokes in combatting that strength.
Big-money (well £12,500) signing Connor Woods got that late goal against Hereford at the Deva last November, but has yet to score this season, having only got seven goals last season.
An arguably bigger threat up front comes from Jacob Hazel, who’s previously scored 19 in a season for Darlington at this level and 13 for Boston in the division above.
The Bulls go into this one having not conceded a goal in three games. The win last weekend at Worksop will possibly gradually look even better as sides go there and struggle with the pitch surface and cramped surroundings.
Aaron Downes is currently blessed with one striker who defenders don’t like playing against, one who can’t stop scoring, and another who has an assist (and it was some assist) and a goal in hardly any minutes played so far in his Hereford career. It’ll be interesting to see what combination of Cox, Iwunzi and Waldren the manager opts for at the start of the game.
So the defence is going well and picks itself for this, the other end of the pitch is going well, Theo Richardson is going well, but the side will go into this one without the aforementioned Kam Kandola in the middle. He takes Preston Bitemo’s place on the suspension naughty step, with Bitemo possibly taking the stand-in captain’s place on the field, although Keziah Martin could move into the middle to partner Luke Spokes if necessary. That may give fans the chance to get a proper look at Fleetwood loanee Liam Roberts on the left flank.
500 from Cheshire, 500 more than usual from Herefordshire intrigued by the good start…could be a 4,000 bank holiday weekend gate. Win this and those growing hopes and dreams of a decent season may just start to look like they’re rooted in some sort of reality.
Finally, I sincerely hope there’s no kit clash for the rest of the season that requires the white top-yellow shorts combo. I’m certainly no Coco Chanel, but I’m pretty sure that it’s an utterly horrific fashion faux pas.
COYW
Thursday, August 27, 2026
7240 Watched Hereford Defeat Chester in 2004
Hereford and Chester have been rivals for sometime. No more so than in the 2003/04 season.
And in that season both sides were going for promotion.
Right at the end the teams met at Edgar Street in front of 7240 supporters.
A look back to April 24th 2004.
Champions
beaten at Edgar Street
Hereford
United 2 - 1 Chester City
Hereford United
defeated Chester City in the Blues' final Conference game at
Edgar Street this afternoon. The Champions didn't manage a single
shot on target as Hereford won 2-1, equaling the Conference goal
scoring record of 103.
The Bulls made two changes from the team that beat Leigh RMI, Steve Guinan who has a neck strain wasn't risked and so Danny Carey-Bertram was handed a rare start. Michael Rose also replaced Simon Travis to face his old team.
It took Hereford twenty minutes to break the deadlock. Tony James controlled the ball in his own half and then hammered a pass forward to David Brown. The ball dropped between two centre backs and Brown ran onto the pass and lifted it over the 'keeper Ian Turner into the far corner.
Chester didn't threaten the Hereford goal often, they managed only two efforts in the first half, both were from outside of the box and went wide. Hereford, however, looked sharp upfront and should have led by more than one goal at the break. Rose, who looked desperate to score, had a free kick from twenty-five yards slam against the post before being hacked clear; Tom Smith almost bundled in a Rose cross from the left; and late on in the half Brown had a golden opportunity to double United's advantage. James' clearence was neatly knocked out wide by Jamie Pitman and Rob Purdie managed to skin a defender before pulling the ball back to Brown, who blazed over the bar from close range.
Chester attacked The Whites from the restart and found themselves level within two minutes of half time. A first corner was cleared out for another corner by James, but the second corner hit James on the head and flew past Matt Baker to give City an equaliser.
United came back strongly, and Brown had a good chance from close range. Neat work down the right wing resulted in Green finding Carey-Bertram who poked the ball to Brown, but he was closed down quickly as Hereford hoped to regain their lead instantly. Carey-Bertram, who caused the defenders of Chester plenty of problems, rattled the side netting after running onto a high ball into the Hereford attack.
The introduction of Mark Beesley, Danny Williams and Bertrand Cozic livened Hereford up, and the fresh legs of Beesley were just what United needed. Within two minutes of his substitution for Brown, who was booked, Beesley forced sub-goalkeeper Andy Woods into a wonderful save, tipping Beesley's thirty yard effort over the bar. From the resulting corner, swung in by Rose, the ex-Chester favourite forced 'keeper Woods into another brilliant save as his powerful drive was blocked by the goalie.
It was the dangerous Beesley who scored Hereford's winner, finally. The ball was played to his feet from Purdie, and he created space and blasted a shot towards goal. The ball hit former Hereford defender Chris Lane, and was diverted into the far corner, wrong footing Woods in goal. Beesley almost got another when Rose hit a deep corner to Beesley, who volleyed against the outside of the post.
Chester created one of their only opportunities in injury time when substitute Darren Stamp looped a header just over the bar. In the final minute Williams found Green with a through ball who, when one-on-one, lobbed the 'keeper but the ball fell just wide of the post and denied Hereford the goalscoring record.
In an entertaining game in front of the biggest attendance of the Conference season, 7,240, United set themselves up perfectly for Thursday nights away leg of the play-offs, which sees them face Aldershot Town, who could only manage a home draw with Tamworth today.
The Bulls made two changes from the team that beat Leigh RMI, Steve Guinan who has a neck strain wasn't risked and so Danny Carey-Bertram was handed a rare start. Michael Rose also replaced Simon Travis to face his old team.
It took Hereford twenty minutes to break the deadlock. Tony James controlled the ball in his own half and then hammered a pass forward to David Brown. The ball dropped between two centre backs and Brown ran onto the pass and lifted it over the 'keeper Ian Turner into the far corner.
Chester didn't threaten the Hereford goal often, they managed only two efforts in the first half, both were from outside of the box and went wide. Hereford, however, looked sharp upfront and should have led by more than one goal at the break. Rose, who looked desperate to score, had a free kick from twenty-five yards slam against the post before being hacked clear; Tom Smith almost bundled in a Rose cross from the left; and late on in the half Brown had a golden opportunity to double United's advantage. James' clearence was neatly knocked out wide by Jamie Pitman and Rob Purdie managed to skin a defender before pulling the ball back to Brown, who blazed over the bar from close range.
Chester attacked The Whites from the restart and found themselves level within two minutes of half time. A first corner was cleared out for another corner by James, but the second corner hit James on the head and flew past Matt Baker to give City an equaliser.
United came back strongly, and Brown had a good chance from close range. Neat work down the right wing resulted in Green finding Carey-Bertram who poked the ball to Brown, but he was closed down quickly as Hereford hoped to regain their lead instantly. Carey-Bertram, who caused the defenders of Chester plenty of problems, rattled the side netting after running onto a high ball into the Hereford attack.
The introduction of Mark Beesley, Danny Williams and Bertrand Cozic livened Hereford up, and the fresh legs of Beesley were just what United needed. Within two minutes of his substitution for Brown, who was booked, Beesley forced sub-goalkeeper Andy Woods into a wonderful save, tipping Beesley's thirty yard effort over the bar. From the resulting corner, swung in by Rose, the ex-Chester favourite forced 'keeper Woods into another brilliant save as his powerful drive was blocked by the goalie.
It was the dangerous Beesley who scored Hereford's winner, finally. The ball was played to his feet from Purdie, and he created space and blasted a shot towards goal. The ball hit former Hereford defender Chris Lane, and was diverted into the far corner, wrong footing Woods in goal. Beesley almost got another when Rose hit a deep corner to Beesley, who volleyed against the outside of the post.
Chester created one of their only opportunities in injury time when substitute Darren Stamp looped a header just over the bar. In the final minute Williams found Green with a through ball who, when one-on-one, lobbed the 'keeper but the ball fell just wide of the post and denied Hereford the goalscoring record.
In an entertaining game in front of the biggest attendance of the Conference season, 7,240, United set themselves up perfectly for Thursday nights away leg of the play-offs, which sees them face Aldershot Town, who could only manage a home draw with Tamworth today.
Written by Brian
Goodwin - 24th April 2004
| Hereford United | Chester City |
| Matt Baker | Ian Turner (off, 49 minutes) |
| Ryan Green | Chris Lane |
| Michael Rose | Jamie Heard |
| Jamie Pitman | Andy Harris |
| Andy Tretton | Phill Boland |
| Tony James (captain) | Scott Guyett |
| Tom Smith | Lee Elam |
| Robert Betts (off, 69 minutes) | Ben Davies |
| Danny Carey-Bertram (off, 83 minutes) | Sean Carey (off, 14 minutes) |
| David Brown (off, 60 minutes) | Michael Twiss |
| Rob Purdie | Kevin Rapley (off, 80 minutes) |
| Subs | Subs |
| Bertrand Cozic (on, 83 minutes) | Darryl Clare |
| Chris MacKenzie | Andy Woods (on, 49 minutes) |
| Andy Wells | Darren Stamp (on, 80 minutes) |
| Danny Williams (on, 69 minutes) | Ian Foster (on, 14 minutes) |
| Mark Beesley (on, 60 minutes) | - |
| Yellow cards | Yellow cards |
| David Brown (unsporting behaviour, 59 minutes) | Scott Guyett (unsporting behaviour, 17 minutes) |
| - | Jamie Heard (unsporting behaviour, 27 minutes) |
| - | Michael Twiss (unsporting behaviour, 39 minutes) |
| - | Ian Foster (dissent, 74 minutes) |
| - | Andy Harris (unsporting behaviour, 90) |
| Red cards | Red cards |
| - | |
| Scorers | Scorers |
| David Brown (20 minutes) | Tony James (own goal, 47 minutes) |
| Mark Beesley (70 minutes) | - |
| - | - |
| Man of the Match | Michael Rose |
| Attendance | 7,240 |
| Referee | Mr. K. Stroud (Dorset) |
Badges On Sale At Chester Match
A large selection of official HFC pin badges will be on sale pre match this Saturday v Chester. The badges pictured are available at £1 and £4 each ( cash only ) from a sales point in front of the matchday ticket office. All net proceeds go directly to HFC.
Bulls On The Road to Southport - Book Your Coach Seat Today
BULLS ARE BACK ON THE ROAD ON BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY - TO SOUTHPORT
MONDAY 31ST AUGUST 2026 - Coach leaving Radfords at 09:00am
We are delighted to confirm that seat prices will remain UNCHANGED for the coming season!
Travel Club Members only £20 - Join Today!
HUST Member £25
Non Members £30
U16 - £10 - Must be accompanied by an adult
Junior Bulls Travel FREE (funded by Junior Bulls CIC)
Book Your Seats Today
If you are registered disabled, please email community@hust.org.uk to book your seat
* Pick-up points En-route
09:00 – Hereford FC
09:20 - Leominster OK Diner
09:30 - Ludlow
10:00 - Shrewsbury
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO BOOK NOW
Please BOOK TODAY so that we can confirm the coach size required with Jones Coaches - THANK YOU
https://www.hust.org.uk/bulls-on-the-road-official-coach-travel-2026-27-season/
HUST 50/50 Matchday Draw - First Prize of £300 Still Unclaimed
HUST 50/50 Matchday Draw RADCLIFFE RESULTS
1st Prize £300 - 137192 - NOT YET CLAIMED
CONGRATULATIONS to Matt Satorley, Mike Rees and Dave Carr
Ticket 134561 - still unclaimed from the Worcester City game
Please email finance@hust.org.uk presenting evidence of your ticket and we will pay out by bank transfer
Tickets available online (for Saturday vs Chester) until 3pm Friday (24 hrs before KO) https://linktr.ee/hufctrust
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
An Evening With Sammy Lee
The second in a series of events at Edgar Street will feature Sammy Lee, well known for his time with Liverpool.
This is set to be held on Wednesday November 11th.
As previously noted, Steve Bull will be at Edgar Street on Wednesday September 16th.
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