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.

Volunteer Helping Day At Edgar Street On Sunday

 

Hereford FC is holding a 'volunteer helping day' next Sunday at Edgar Street.

The details:

Hereford FC is inviting supporters and volunteers to take part in a Volunteer Helping Day at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium on Sunday 19th July.

From 10am until 2pm, willing volunteers are welcome to help complete a range of jobs around the stadium and get the MandM Edgar Street Stadium looking its best.

Tasks on the day will include cleaning, painting and general tidying, along with a number of other small jobs around the ground. No previous experience is required and there is no need to bring any tools or equipment. All we ask is that you come along with a willingness to get stuck in and help us prepare our home for the new season.

Whether you can stay for one hour or all four, every bit of help will make a difference.

For Health and Safety reasons, this registration form must be completed in advance.

Thank you, as always, to our fantastic volunteers and supporters for their continued help and backing. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day. 

Steve Bull At Edgar Street

Bishop's Cleeve On Friday Evening

Hereford FC's second pre-season friendly is at Bishop's Cleeve.

The game takes place on Friday evening with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Address:

Bishops Cleeve Football Club

Everyone’s Energy Stadium

Kayte Lane, Bishops Cleeve 

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire 

GL52 3PD

Admission:  

Adults £10

Concessions £5

14 to 17 £3

Under 14 Free

PLEASE NOTE: Under 14s MUST be accompanied by a paying adult.

MATCH INFO:

Date: Friday 17th July

Gates: 6pm

Kick Off: 7.45pm

Free Parking (inside the ground)

Cash and Card accepted

Food Truck

Donut Stand

Live DJ

Raffle

Dogs on leads are allowed. 

Founding Shareholders Boost Squad Builder

As in previous years Hereford FC's founding shareholders have made a significant donation in support of the club's Squad Builder.

The news, confirmed this afternoon, has lifted the amount raised to £65,000. The target is £75.000.

In addition to the founding shareholders 133 supporters have helped the cause to date.

Chairman Chris Ammonds commented:

"I think it is important to specifically thank the Founding Shareholders for their generosity once again – their sizeable and brilliant donation to Squad Builder comes on top of the contribution they made to the pitch refurbishment work this summer, along with West Ham United captain and former Hereford United star Jarrod Bowen.

“As I have said many times, we as a club are very fortunate to have a group of supporters who care so much about it, and the money raised through Squad Builder – from the Founding Shareholders and wider fanbase – is a clear demonstration of that.

“While we all know that times are tough, it would be amazing to hit £75,000. I know this would make a huge difference to Aaron and Harry as they look to put together the final pieces of our squad for the National League North season that lies ahead.”

 

 

Why World Cup games are not being shown at Edgar Street

Hereford chairman Chris Ammonds has explained why the club has not been showing World Cup games.

The country is currently at fever pitch with England reaching the semi-finals, where they will face old foes Argentina on Wednesday.

Many pubs and clubs in the city have been full of fans whenever the Three Lions have played, where "fan zone" type atmospheres have been created. 

Westfields have been open during matches, with an outdoor projector showing Thomas Tuchel's side.

Hereford fan Steve Thomas therefore asked fans on the HFC Exiles and Friends Facebook page if the Bulls "could have been making a good few pounds" towards the squad builder club could have opened up like other clubs have.

"Maybe the cost would've been too much. Any thoughts on this?"

In reply, Mike Meddins said: "They have done it in other tournaments but very few turned up. Less than 20 people at most."

Responding to that comment, Ammonds said tht was exactly the reason.

"Historically it hasn't worked at the club as many people already have their 'go to' pubs for the big live sporting events," he said.

"It’s quite complex really as people have habits they tend to stick too. We did talk about opening but you have to take into account what has happened in the past and make a ‘reasoned’ decision using all the info available.

"It’s different for clubs who have social clubs that are open every night with less alternative options nearby."

Around Pegasus Yesterday

Pictures from around Pegasus yesterday.

As ever at this well run club, Hereford's players and supporters were made very welcome.

Second Half Pictures Pegasus v Hereford

Five second half pictures from yesterday's friendly at Pegasus.

 

First Half Pictures Pegasus v Hereford 11-07-26

Pictures from Hereford's first pre-season friendly.

 

Hereford's Starting Eleven At Pegasus This Afternoon

Pictures of Hereford's starting eleven for the friendly at Pegasus this afternoon.

They were led out by Lewis Hudson. 

Several potential first team players were missing from the eleven including Aaron Skinner and Kyle Howkins.  Both didn't play because of minor injury.

 

Match Report: Hereford Pegasus v Hereford FC

Hereford Pegasus v Hereford FC in a pre-season friendly.

The first pre-season friendly of the 2026/2027 season saw the Bulls make the short trip to the K.G.D. Stadium Old School Lane to take on Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division side Hereford Pegasus in extremely hot and humid conditions.

Aaron Downes and Harry Pell included new signings Cawley Cox, Kam Kandola, Luke Spokes, Fin Holmes and Billy Phillips in their first starting XI of the new season with the returning, Theo Richardson, captain ©️ Lewis Hudson, Joseph James, Keziah Martin and Preston Bitemo all also starting. New signings Danny Waldron and Joe Willis along with Aaron Skinner and Kyle Howkins weren't involved due to picking up knocks with Joe Willis potentially long term with a muscle strain in his quad which is a shame, hopefully he'll be back soon to make his Hereford debut. A selection of the U18’s we're also involved which was brilliant to see along with two trialists with one believed to be Jordan Williamson which if the case fans will be keen to see how the local lad progresses with the striker being with today's hosts Hereford Pegasus last season where he netted over 30 goals.

The game kicked-off with Hereford kicking from right to left and started with high intensity with Fin Holmes going on a good run down the left-flank but it unfortunately came to nothing.

With 13 minutes gone there was a stoppage in play with someone in the crowd needing medical attention in the hot conditions, hopefully they we're ok.

When play did resume the first corner of the game came from the Bulls on the left, Luke Spokes delivered into the danger area but it was cleared at the front post by a Hereford Pegasus defender.

Hereford Pegasus' first opening came on 17 minutes when former Bull Harrison Summers did well down the right before clipping a ball to the back post where a striker got his head to but could only flick the ball narrowly over the bar.

The first real chance of the game came from Hereford on 22 minutes with Cawley Cox's drive from just outside the box stinging the palms of the goalkeeper before Billy Phillips did well down the right before squaring the ball towards the edge of the box but Luke Spokes’ first-time curler whistled agonisingly over the bar.

With just under half an hour gone Hereford had the majority of the play, looking for Fin Holmes as an outlet on a number of occasions down the left channel.

Keziah Martin delivered the first Bulls corner from the right which Lewis Hudson got a powerful header to but it was brilliantly blocked by a defender before the rebound came back to Cawley Cox near the penalty spot but he could only snatch at the chance and his half-volley went narrowly past the right post.

A hydration break was then called on 30 minutes before 6 minutes later Hereford opened the scoring, Fin Holmes did well once again on the left, faced up a defender before threading a neat ball through to Luke Spokes who from a tight angle managed to squeeze his strike past the goalkeeper and into the opposite corner to get his first goal for the club.

After breaking the deadlock Fin Holmes again caused havoc down the left, he played a crisp pass into Billy Phillips but his close range effort was saved by the goalkeeper for a corner before yet again he drove at the left-back before his ball found Keziah Martin but he could only hook his shot high over the bar.

The Bulls’ Fin Holmes again found space on the left side of the box, cut inside before his shot was collected by the goalkeeper low to his right at the second attempt.

Hereford Pegasus got away with a scare after a mix-up at back allowed Cawley Cox in but before the Bulls striker could pull the trigger a defender got back in the nick of time to clear for a corner.

Just before half-time Hereford won a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box on the left about 25-yards out after good work by Luke Spokes, Martin ran over the set-piece before Spokes’ right foot curler was beaten away by the goalkeeper seeing the Bulls go into the break with a slender one-nil advantage.

Half-time: Hereford Pegasus 0-1 Hereford FC 

Into the second half and there we're a shot of changes with Ollie Lewis coming on in goal, U18’s Jack Tolley, Josh Lloyd, Ollie Bradley, Josh McGowan and Kayode Sahabi along with two trialists with one believed to be Jordan Williamson.

The first opportunity of the second 45 came from Hereford on right side of the box, substitute Jack Tolley delivered towards the back post but a Hereford Pegasus defender headed away.

Shortly afterwards the first corner of the half for the Bulls on the left, Tolley swung the ball in but the goalkeeper comfortably claimed.

Hereford Pegasus' had their first chance of the second-half with a free-kick on the right which almost found the head of an attacker but it flew just wide of the left post.

Hereford almost doubled their lead when Josh Lloyd did well on the right before crossing into the box almost finding the onrushing Jack Tolley but the ball was just behind him and the hosts managed to clear before a trialist had a snap shot which was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.

The hosts we're now starting to impose themselves a bit more, they had their first corner on the right, former Bull Carlos Moreira delivered into the area but Kam Kandola managed to sweep up the danger and clear.

Hereford Pegasus got back into the game equalising on around 65 minutes when Sam Griffiths found space on the edge of the box before striking low and hard with his right foot into the bottom left-corner.

After equalising Hereford Pegasus started to see more of the ball but Hereford continued to battle well with the side changed at half-time with many of the U18 gaining valuable experience with the exception of Ollie Lewis and the two trialists.

A Hereford Pegasus midfielder had a strike from the edge of the box which was comfortably into the arms of Ollie Lewis before shortly afterwards another had an drive from the left side of the box which flew past the left post.

There was then almost a comical moment when a goal bound long ball by Riley Bevan bounced over the goalkeeper and was trickling in but the hosts stopper got back in time to keep it out despite offside being given.

Free-kick for Hereford Pegasus on the right byline which was headed away by Harry Metcalfe before Carlos Moreira delivered another from the opposite side which was headed towards goal but Ollie Lewis collected.

The final action of an entertaining friendly came from a corner for the hosts on the left, Moreira swung the ball in but it was too high and evaded everyone.

Full-time: Hereford Pegasus 1-1 Hereford FC

Goal scored by Luke Spokes with his first goal for the club.

Hereford FC Starting XI:- Theo Richardson, Harry Jones, Lewis Hudson ©️, Kam Kandola, Keziah Martin, Cawley Cox, Fin Holmes, Luke Spokes, Joseph James, Preston Bitemo, Billy Phillips.

Substitutes:- Ollie Lewis, Jack Tolley, Ollie Bradley, Josh Lloyd, Harry Metcalfe, Kayode Sahabi, Milo Corbett, Liam Coll, Jack McGowan, Jude Gaudin, Riley Bevan, Josh Mills, Ethan Secker-Howe, Trialist, Trialist.

With 806 in attendance it was a good first run out in the first game of pre-season in difficult hot and humid conditions. The Bulls dictated the first-half before with changes in the second-half Hereford Pegasus came more into it however Hereford still had chances but 1-1 probably being a fair result in the end to kick off pre-season.

The Bulls are back on road on Friday evening for the second pre-season friendly of the campaign and a return to the Everyone's Energy Kayte Lane Stadium for the first time since the 2017/2018 season to face Bishops Cleeve. COYW

Words by Sam Cummins 

Harry Pell shares thoughts as Hereford begin pre-season friendlies

Hereford assistant manager Harry Pell has spoken to Bulls News after the 1-1 draw at Hereford Pegasus.

Press play to listen to his interview in full.

Aaron Downes gives update after Hereford’s first pre-season friendly

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has spoken to the media after his side drew 1-1 with Pegasus in their first pre-season friendly.

Press play to listen in full.

Hereford draw at Peggy

This afternoon's friendly ended

Pegasus 1 Hereford 1

806 watched the game.

Hereford took the lead when Spokes scored in the first half.

Pegasus equalised in the second through Campbell.

Reaction, report and pictures to follow