.png)
Hereford FC are set to hold a Fans Forum on Friday December 4th.
The Forum will be held in Radfords and will kick-off at 7pm.
Chairman Chris Ammonds will be in charge and both manager Aaron Downes and assistant manager Harry Pell are expected to attend.
The club hopes to broadcast the event 'live'.
Hereford FC are looking for volunteers to help take the frost covers off Edgar Street tomorrow morning.
If you can help please be at the ground by 10am.
The covers were placed on the pitch at 5pm this evening to protect it from frost ahead of tomorrow's FA Trophy Tie against Brackley.
'Tipmans Tips' supercomputer has been at work predicting where teams in the National North League will finish this season.
Reportedly the computer has been fed information on every team – including results so far, injuries, potential spending, managerial rumours and more.
This is what it's come up with:
Winner and play-off positions: 1st South Shields (91 points), 2nd Macclesfield (88 points), 3rd Oxford City (78 points), 4th Morecambe (77 points), 5th Buxton (77 points), 6th Hereford (76 points), 7th Chester (74 points).
Mid-table: 8th Hednesford Town (68 points), 9th King’s Lynn Town (67 points), 10th Bedford Town (66 points), 11th Chorley (64 points), 12th Spalding United (63 points), 13th Worksop Town (61 points), 14th Hebburn Town (61 points), 15th AFC Telford United (61 points).
Escaping the drop: 16th Brackley Town (60 points), 17th Scarborough Athletic (57 points), 18th Merthyr Town (56 points), 19th Marine (55 points), 20th Harborough Town (54 points).
Relegated: 21st Radcliffe (54 points), 22nd Darlington (45 points), 23rd Spennymoor Town (45 points), 24th Southport (43 points).
Hereford FC have decided to lay down frost covers over their Edgar Street later this afternoon.
With temperatures set to drop to minus 4C, the club are hoping the frost covers will provide enough protection to allow tomorrow's FA Trophy Tie against Brackley to go ahead.
The club has asked for supporters to help lay the covers.
If you can help please be at the club for 5pm.
.png)
Hereford FC have the opportunity on Saturday to regain a bit of home form, using the FA Trophy as a springboard to improve Edgar Street performances ahead of the visit of struggling Darlington next weekend.
Brackley Town are the visitors, and the two sides will be watched only on two sides, as the Len Weston Stand will be closed given that interest in the game won’t quite be at the level of league games so far this season. It goes without saying of course that interest in the game will nevertheless be at a level most other non-League clubs would bite your hand off for.
In what is a typically tight National League North mid-table, the Saints may be down in 18th place but they’re only eight points off the play-offs. Their form isn’t great, having lost three of their last five. Early days still of course, but at this level they’re unaccustomed to being at the wrong end of the table.
Their ex-central defender Gareth Dean is now manager, and I can only really remember Jason Cowley rattling him as a player when the sides have met at Edgar Street previously. Having said that Jason Cowley is capable of rattling a stoned rasta. Apart from that, Dean’s trips to Hereford have largely been fruitful as a player. Hopefully that will change in his role as manager.
They lost at home to Chester last weekend 1-0 thanks to not showing up in the first half and having a man sent off in the second.
This is a cracking opportunity away from the pressures of the league to prove that a/ there’s no Edgar street hoodoo, and b/ that the second half against Morecambe is the start of a long-term return to the form shown against South Shields and others earlier in the season, games in which the Bulls ran all over the opposition, but combined that constant pressing with high-quality passing football when in possession. That heady mix saw them top the table before it recently went missing a bit, but then returned with a vengeance for 45 minutes against Morecambe. If it can stay back for the rest of the season the play-offs beckon, at least, which represents a pretty astonishing turnaround in fortunes for the club.
Two games into captain Lewis Hudson’s comeback from injury, and he picked up at Morecambe from where he left off last season with his happy knack of scoring goals. Rich reward for the months he’s spent in rehab. Not THAT rehab. He’ll be looking to overtake Harrison Iwunze’s goal haul by Christmas.
Talking of which, no news yet on loan extensions for the Notts County youngsters, with Iwunze due back at the club on New Year’s Day and Kam Muir set to return before the end of this month. Fingers crossed that negotiations are ongoing and will deliver some good news soon.
Muir, in scoring the other goal on Tuesday, justified Aaron Downes’ decision to start him in the game, and it seems his potential could be about to explode all over the National League North if a deal can be done to keep him until at least Christmas. At Morecambe the lad showed signs he could play anywhere along the front line, and great defensive discipline to tuck back in when Hudson advanced.
Aaron Skinner and Billy Phillips are still injury doubts, but apart from that everyone is fit.
A quick word on Aaron Downes – some very smart tactical tweaks during the midweek game turned the tide Hereford’s way. He reads everything shrewdly and reacts quickly. His keen sense of a duty of care towards his players (which in fairness was also something Paul Caddis had in spades) and the bond he’s building with fans are really starting to build the sort of momentum that can overcome the few recent bumps in the road in terms of home form.
In terms of Trophy pedigree, Brackley won it in 2018, while Hereford reached the final in 2021. If the sides are drawing after 90-odd minutes it’s straight to penalties. Fans will recall that this was what happened last season in the competition when Radcliffe were the visitors, with the poor old pitch really starting to look at that point like it was in some serious trouble. No such issues this season – cheers Jarrod.
With the Bulls still second in the league even after recent wobbles, a 90-minute showing here of energetic hounding when out of possession and free-flowing football when in possession would bode very well for an exciting remainder of the season.
COYW
Chorley FC have released a statement confirming that manager Andy Preece has left and moved to Scunthorpe.
'Confirmation this evening that Chorley Football Club have reluctantly agreed a compensation package with Scunthorpe United, which will see Andy Preece move on to the National League outfit to become their new First Team Manager. Assistant Manager, Chris Anderson, will also be joining Andy as part of the move.
Naturally, this is disappointing news for everybody connected with Chorley Football Club, but we fully understand Andy's decision. Opportunities of this nature do not arise often and, after careful consideration, it became clear that this was one he felt he could not turn down.
Andy leaves Victory Park having made an outstanding contribution to the football club, both on and off the pitch.
He first arrived at the Club in July 2018 as Assistant Manager and Director of Football. During that time, he helped guide the Magpies to promotion from the National League North and establish Chorley among the leading clubs in non-league football. Andy stepped into the manager's position in May 2022 and has continued to drive the club forward.
Since becoming manager, Andy has consistently led the team into the promotion picture, securing play-off finishes and representing the football club with the upmost integrity. His experience, professionalism and relentless work ethic have ensured that Chorley has continued to be competitive, year on year.
Beyond first-team football, Andy's impact across the football club has been immense. He has played a major role in the successful development and growth of the Steven Gerrard Academy programme at Chorley, helping to increase participation numbers and strengthen opportunities for young people to progress through football and education.
His commitment to developing people has extended throughout the club, supporting coaches, staff, volunteers, and players in a variety of different roles and helping to create a culture where individuals have been encouraged to learn, grow and fulfil their potential.
Andy’s contributions therefore extend far beyond results, league positions and points totals. He has helped shape the modern structure of this football club and leaves behind foundations that will continue to benefit Chorley Football Club for many years to come.
The Board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Andy for everything he has given to the Club over the past eight years. He leaves with the gratitude and respect of everyone associated with Chorley Football Club.
Football continually evolves, and this now presents an opportunity to begin an exciting new chapter.
The Board will now begin the process of identifying and recruiting a successor.
In the meantime, footballing operations will be overseen by our Chairman, Jamie Vermiglio, supported by senior members of the playing squad and football staff, until a new First Team Manager is appointed.
We would like to reassure supporters that plans for the future remain ambitious and unchanged. The football club remains fully committed to building on the progress achieved over recent years and ensuring that Chorley Football Club continues to compete at the highest level possible both on and off the pitch.
Everybody at Chorley Football Club would like to wish Andy, Chris and their families every success in the future and thank them for their dedication, hard work and commitment to the Magpies.'
Andy Preece has been named as the new Scunthorpe manager.
Just last Saturday he was in the dug-out at Chorley when Hereford were the visitors
Scunthorpe United is delighted to announce Andy Preece as the club’s new first team manager.
The 59-year-old signs an 18-month contract and joins the Iron to leave behind a long affiliation with National League North side Chorley, where he guided the Magpies to two play-off campaigns in his four years as manager, losing on both occasions to the side eventually promoted; Brackley Town and Scunthorpe, respectively. Prior to that he was both assistant manager and Director of Football at Victory Park.
Surpassing over 1,000 games as a manager, Preece comes with a wealth of experience taking charge of Bury, Worcester City, Northwich Victoria & Airbus UK (Wales), along with Chorley, with his experience at his first side Bury dating back to 1999 as a player-manager. As a player, he turned out in over 500 professional games as a centre forward for Worcester City, Wrexham, Stockport County, Crystal Palace, Blackpool, Bury and Carlisle United.
Following a rigorous and comprehensive recruitment process, the Board undertook an extensive search to identify the right candidate to lead the Club into its next chapter. The process involved careful consideration of a number of candidates, with Andy appointed after detailed discussions, interviews and thorough due diligence.
The club recognises the importance of this appointment to our supporters, players, staff and wider football community. We are confident that the new manager will bring renewed energy, direction and determination as we look to build on our foundations and achieve our objectives.
Meanwhile, Chris Anderson will also depart Victory Park to join Preece as his assistant. Joining Chorley in 2022 as Preece’s assistant when he succeeded Jamie Vermiglio, Anderson arrived after three years as manager of AFC Liverpool in the North West Counties League. His playing career took in stops at Morecambe, Lancaster City, Squires Gate and Clitheroe.
 |
| Andy Williams Scored A Penalty For Hereford Against Brackley In February 2025 |
Hereford are 5/8 to win their FA Trophy Tie against Brackley on Saturday.
Currently Hereford are 2nd in the National North League table whilst Brackley are 18th.
Both have played 16 games but Hereford have 30 points, Brackley have 19 points
Last Tuesday Hereford drew 2-2 at Morecambe (9th), last Saturday Brackley lost 1-0 at home to Chester (8th).
Hereford's home form is won 4, drawn 1 and lost 3.
Brackley's away form is won 2, drawn 2 and lost 4.
Goal difference: Hereford plus 14, Brackley minus 9
Recent (very similar overall) form: Hereford LWLLWD, Brackley WLLDWL
Hereford 5/8 Draw 3/1 Brackley 17/5
Prices to watch Hereford's FA Trophy tie against Brackley on Saturday are as follows.
Supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets online in advance. Tickets bought after midnight on Friday will be charged at the matchday rate.
Terrace:
Adult advance – £15.50
Adult matchday – £16.50
Concession advance – £13
Concession matchday – £14
Under-16 advance – £3
Under-16 matchday – £4
Seating:
Adult advance – £18
Adult matchday – £19
Concession advance – £15.50
Concession matchday – £16.50
Under-16 advance – £3
Under-16 matchday – £4
Concession prices apply to supporters receiving their State Pension.
All children aged under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Please note that season tickets are not valid for this FA Trophy fixture.
The Len Weston Stand will be closed for this game.
Away supporters will be housed in Block D of the Main Stand.
Hereford FC enter this season's FA Trophy on Saturday with a home tie against fellow National North outfit Brackley.
After the Bulls were dumped out of the FA Cup by Stafford, it is hoped that there will be a better run in the Trophy.
Going out of the FA Cup so early did nothing to help the club's finances. Getting to Round One in the competition is usually quite lucrative, Round Three when the bigger clubs enter the fray is even better.
Early games in the Trophy don't usually attract big gates, however the prize money does help.
"We've got a proud history as a football club with Cup runs and I am going to try and continue that," said manager Aaron Downes.
"I was disappointed with the FA Cup so the Trophy represents a real good opportunity for us as a football club.
"I'll be giving it the respect it deserves.
"I want to win every match, even more so at home.
"I'll be doing everything I can to make sure we are prepared and ready and organised for Brackley in the Trophy."
A large selection of HFC pin badges will be on sale pre match this Saturday v Brackley. The badges pictured are available at £4 and £1 each ( cash only ) from a sales point in front of the matchday ticket office. All net proceeds go directly to HFC.
Another National North club is having problems with a small section of its supporters.
This time it's youngsters behind the goal.
This from Darlington FC:
Over recent fixtures a small group of youths have been causing issues within the Tin Shed, behind the goal.
This includes general poor behaviour and throwing food stuffs, spoiling match day experiences for other fans.
This area will now be specifically watched by CCTV equipment and staff placed around this area.
Any further incidents will result in individuals and groups being removed, ejected following contacting of parents and subsequent bans issued.
Watching football at DFC should be enjoyed by all, and not subjected to this behaviour.
Hereford Under 18's played Cheltenham Town this evening at Belmont.
Final Score: Hereford 4 Cheltenham 3
Hereford's goals were scored by Owen Bradford (3) and a Harry Jones penalty.
Hereford are now 4th in the table with 15 points from 6 games.
The three teams above them have all played more games.
1 - Malvern 21 points from 8 games.
2 - Alcester 18 from 10
3 - Cheltenham 16 from 9
Next Thursday Hereford are away at Pershore in the HFA Giantkillers Cup.
 |
| A First Hereford Goal For Kameron Muir - Picture From Steve Nibblet |
Match report – Morecambe FC v Hereford FC – 10th November 2026
One of the more imaginative songs from the travelling Bulls faithful, sung to a tune just about recognisable as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” included the refrain “win away, win away, we always win away”. Well, not quite, but the Bulls certainly had chances to put the game out of reach of the home side in an excellent spell in the second half, before Morecambe got back into it. In the end it could have gone either way and the scoreline seemed a fair reflection of the balance of play.
The Bulls lined up with Theo in goal as always, and with Hudson now fully fit and Skinner nursing a hamstring tweak, the back four was James, Howkins, Merrett and Hudson. The midfield was, using current terminology Kandola, Tustin & Spokes in the 6, 8, and 10 roles respectively. Iwunze was the main striker with Martin and Muir wide right and left. The latter two dropped deeper when we were out of possession, so the formation flexed between 4-3-3 and 4-5-1. After his 2 goals at Chorley, Cox might have expected a start but he remained on the bench.
The first action was a free kick conceded by Spokes which was a comfortable save for Richardson. Kandola then had a low shot from outside the area which was pushed away for a corner by the home goalkeeper. Then Spokes broke away down the left and with Morecambe hesitating thinking he had fouled, Spokes struck a low cross across the face of the goal with no-one in position to tap it home.
Hereford continued to press but then fell behind to Morecambe’s first real chance of the game. After some good interplay down the left, Daly curled an excellent shot into the top corner. Richardson could do little about that, but it’s worth saying that the Morecambe attack sprang from a badly misplaced Hereford header near halfway, so in that respect it was entirely avoidable.
From that point on Hereford’s game became sloppy and a bit aimless. The only tactic seemed to be knocking it over the top hoping that Iwunze could get on the end of it, but the home defence was too well organised for that to succeed.
Howkins and the Shrimps’ number 9, Garner were battling away all night, and the ref had to speak to them both, which of course made no difference whatsoever. We all know how Howkins plays, and he loves the physical challenge. Sometimes I think he enjoys the wrestling too much to the extent of ignoring the ball, but I’m glad he’s ours.
Neither side created much for the rest of the first half, at last the Bulls started to put a few passes together, but without threatening to score.
Half time: Morecambe 1 Hereford 0
In his post match interview Downes said that the team hadn’t really committed to playing the way he wanted to and he had to “reaffirm” his message. He also mentioned that he made some tactical adjustments which he was not going to share with us. I could see that James was dropping into the middle of the back four when the home side attacked down the left side of the Bulls’ defence, which was most of the time. Presumably Martin was expected to cover the right flank when James did that. It was pointed out to me that Kandola was then able to play further forward and down the right side of midfield which enabled him to escape the attentions of Morecambe’s midfield who had subdued him for most of the first 45 minutes.
All of that made a big difference, Hereford came out for the second half in a much more positive mood. Muir crossed for Iwunze but his looping header didn’t bother the keeper. Then it could have all gone very badly when Morecambe had a three on one breakaway but thankfully a poor touch allowed Hereford to recover.
On the 51st minute Hereford won a corner. The ball was partially cleared but only to Spokes, who lofted it back into the box where it bounced and bobbed around before Hudson managed to connect and scramble it into the net to make it 1-1. Only 4 minutes later Hereford won the ball in the opposition half and Spokes advanced before feeding the ball to Muir on his left. The young loanee cut in on the goal before scoring with a low shot, his first goal for the club.
For Morecambe Lewis had a header on target from a free kick forcing a low save from Theo, who seemed to be wrong footed at first, making it all a bit more dramatic than it needed to be. Then Hereford had two good chances. Firstly, Iwunze broke down the left and hit a powerful shot on target, but the angle wasn’t good and the keeper had it covered, with Tustin in position on the far post a cross might have been better. A couple of minutes later Tustin made an excellent run, also choosing to shoot rather than pass and his powerful effort smacked against the crossbar.
Having had chances to put the game to bed the Bulls suddenly found themselves pegged back. Neill, with almost his first touch since coming on as sub slipped an excellent through ball to Daly who netted comfortably for his second of the game. The rest of the game was a flurry of substitutions and goal mouth action at both ends. Either side could have won it, but neither could find the vital touch to finish the game off.
Full time: Morecambe 2 Hereford 2
Hereford: Richardson, Hudson, Kandola, Merrett (Phillips 85), Martin (Cox 72), Tustin (Bitemo 90), Spokes, James, Iwunze (Waldron 90), Howkins, Muir (Holmes 76)
Subs: Willis, Lewis
Morecambe: Boney, Coxe, Williams, Hogan, Baines, Collins, Garner, Daly, Lewis, Cain, Curley
Subs: Scales, Newby, Buckley-Ricketts, Neill, O'Kane, Blois, Davis
Attendance 2114 with 146 in the away area.
Overall, a point each seems about right. After a poor first half Hereford dominated for the first 25-30 minutes of the second, and the effort and commitment was impressive. Downes sounded disappointed overall, not content with the draw.
Man of the match? Two contenders for me: Howkins and Spokes. The big man didn’t miss a header all night and gave Garner a real battering. I think Garner was quite relieved to be substituted. Spokes used the ball well and beat the right back several times and got good crosses in, and overall did a good job as the midfield playmaker.
Downes praised the fans for their commitment and non-stop singing and chanting, and he made sure that the players came across and got close to the supporters to acknowledge them. There’s a good bond with the fans at the moment and it’s good to see it appreciated.
Harwood Bull