Enterprise National League North results and updated table

Saturday’s results from the Enterprise National League North:

Alfreton Town (0) 1-1 (1) Oxford City
Bedford Town (2) 2-2 (0) Hereford [1609]
Buxton (1) 2-0 (0) Scarborough Athletic
Chester (0) 1-0 (0) AFC Fylde
Chorley (0) 0-1 (1) Curzon Ashton
Darlington (1) 2-3 (2) Marine
Kidderminster Harriers (3) 4-1 (1) King's Lynn Town
Merthyr Town (0) 1-2 (0) Macclesfield
Peterborough Sports (1) 2-3 (1) AFC Telford United
Radcliffe (1) 2-5 (2) South Shields
Southport (1) 1-2 (2) Leamington
Spennymoor Town (0) 0-1 (1) Worksop Town

The updated league table can be found here: http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/p/league-table.html

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Bedford 2-2 Hereford FC

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to todays 2-2 draw at Bedford, click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Bulls battle back for battling point

Hereford came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at relegation rivals Bedford.

Goals from Lewis Hudson (57) and Andy Williams (64) secured the point in a much better second performance.

Earlier, Ryan Doherty (18) and Josh Castiglione (29) put Bedford 2-0 up at the break.

Hereford are now five points behind King's Lynn but with two games in hand.

The attendance was 1,609 with 538 Bulls fans.

Hereford have it all to do in second half

Hereford trail 2-0 at Bedford at half time in their huge six-pointer this afternoon.

Goals from Ryan Doherty (18) and Josh Castiglione (29) have put the Eagles in control, with the Bulls - backed by a healthy following - offering little.

As it stands, Hereford are six points from safety with two games in hand.

Paul Caddis' King's Lynn are now fifth bottom, but have a much better goal difference.

Hereford team news from Bedford

This afternoon’s Hereford side to take on Bedford Town.

Hereford: Richardson, Hudson, Sohna, Lane, Quansah, Munday, Daly, James, Willcox, Tustin, Howkins

Subs: Skinner, D'Ath, Williams, Oppong, Martin, Lewis, Hamilton

This Weekend In 2004

This weekend in 2004 was Easter Weekend. Hereford were at home to Barnet on Easter Saturday April 10th and away at Aldershot on Easter Monday April 12th.

A look back:

Bulls take the sting out of Bees

Hereford United 2 - 0 Barnet

Hereford United made it eight wins in a row this afternoon, a Conference record, as they overcame a promotion-chasing Barnet side 2-0. The Bulls seemed to take the game reasonably easy, maybe with Monday's clash against Aldershot in mind. Barnet rarely troubled United, who had to play the last ten minutes with ten men.

Hereford had to make one change from the side that beat Halifax a week ago, Simon Travis replaced the suspended Michael Rose at left wing back. The first half hour was not the most entertaining to say the least due to lack of opportunities and the referee stopping play continuously. Scott Willis was booked for his first offence of the game, and Gustavo Lopez and Ben Strevens were cautioned for the visitors.

The first chance of the game fell to Rob Purdie who volleyed over the bar from fifteen yards after a well worked throw in allowed Ryan Green to cross. Shortly after, the referee made another debatable decision when he failed to book Lopez after he had appeared to elbow Tony James in the face. James was taken off to receive four stitches and returned about ten minutes later.

United took the lead with seven minutes of the first half remaining. A neat passing move following a good run from Purdie allowed Scott Willis to net his second league goal for Hereford from twenty-five yards, although the ball did take a deflection on its way into the top corner. After the goal Hereford began passing better than they had been, and finished the half strongly.

Just minutes after the restart Steve Guinan had a wonderful chance to double United's lead, but when one-on-one with 'keeper Gore, following a through ball from James, his shot was turned behind for a corner. Barnet came back into the game and had chances to equalise through Ben Strevens who volleyed over and had a shot blocked from Andy Tretton before the referee gave Barnet a penalty. Tretton will have felt hard done by when he challenged for a header with Matt Redmile, the referee pointed to the spot and claimed that Tretton was leaning over Redmile, preventing him from winning the header. This was just one of the dubious decisions R. Lewis made. However, Ian Hendon's powerfully struck penalty was brilliantly tipped away by Matt Baker as he dived to his right to keep the Bulls in front.

Ian Hendon tried to score again, this time from a free kick thirty-five yards out, but Baker gathered at the second attempt. The Bees were almost gifted a goal when Baker rolled the ball out to Travis on the left, but the ball bobbled over his foot. Guiliano Grazioli was about six yards out, one-on-one with Baker, but managed the scuff his shot wide of the post.

In the 76th minute Hereford were awarded a penalty when Guinan was given the smallest of nudges by Chris Plummer as Green crossed from the right. Skipper James stepped up confidently and hammered home to the left of the goalie, who dived the wrong way.

In the 80th minute United were reduced to ten men when Willis slid in late and was booked for a second time. Hereford pushed for a third and came closest from a Danny Williams, who had replaced David Brown, free kick thirty yards out that went inches wide of the bottom corner and in the last minute when Guinan who, once again, failed to net when one-on-one with Gore much to the dismay of most of the 4,447 in attendance.

A very solid performance from Hereford who didn't have to work too hard for their victory. It will be very pleasing for the team as they only have one days rest before they go to Aldershot who need the three points to help secure their place in the play-offs at the end of the season.

 

Carey-Bertram keeps title race alive

Aldershot Town 1 - 2 Hereford United

The Nationwide Conference title race is still alive - just - after Daniel Carey-Bertram's late goal handed Hereford United a slender victory over play-off challengers Aldershot Town.

The Bulls fielded a side missing the suspended Michael Rose, as well as Scott Willis and Danny Williams, and as a result, Rob Betts started the match as the only change to the team that beat Barnet 2-0 on Saturday.

Graham Turner's men could not have started better, going ahead in under three minutes. Rob Purdie smashed the ball into the roof of Nikki Bull's net after David Brown headed down well in controlling a Betts cross at the far post before threading the ball through to the ex-Leicester City man.

However, United found themselves under much pressure in the opening period, and Aldershot were a little unlucky not to be level at the break. Just a minute before half time, Tim Sills had a great opportunity to equalise, as he got his head to a corner while Matt Baker was nowhere, but he got no direction on the ball as it sailed wide.

Baker, though, made some crucial stops in the first half. Efforts from Jamie Gosling and Lee Charles were stopped by the goalkeeper, while Roscoe D'Sane had an excelling opening, but failed to connect when Adam Miller fed him in front of goal.

Within two minutes of the restart, Sills had made amends. A corner from the near side was scrambled in after hitting the crossbar, and the assistant referee on the far side indicated that it had crossed the line. A few minutes later, John Nutter fired wide of the far post when it looked easier to score, while Andy Tretton's pass-back to Baker was almost intercepted by the lively and pacy Roscoe D'Sane.

The pressure continued as United defender Tom Smith required treatment for a knock on the back. Rob Warburton headed wide at the far post, while a free-kick caused one or two problems for Baker in the Hereford goal. At the other end, Jamie Pitman fired high and wide with an awkward shot, while Ryan Green forced a good save before United's winner.

So came the decider; Mark Beesley had barely been on the field for a minute when he surged into the box on the left channel, passing the ball to Daniel Carey-Bertram. The youngster took a couple of touches before firing the ball around two defenders and into the bottom corner.

 

 

National North League - This Afternoon's Fixtures

A list of the games set to take place in the National North League this afternoon:

Alfreton Town v Oxford City
Bedford Town v Hereford
Buxton v Scarborough Athletic
Chester v AFC Fylde
Chorley v Curzon Ashton
Darlington v Marine
Kidderminster Harriers v King's Lynn Town
Merthyr Town v Macclesfield
Peterborough Sports v AFC Telford United
Radcliffe v South Shields
Southport v Leamington
Spennymoor Town v Worksop Town 

National North League Weekend Preview

Andy Williams Goes For Goal Against Bedford At Edgar Street Earlier This Season

 This from Tom Scott of the National League:

The Enterprise National League North is bubbling away nicely as we begin the final fortnight of action this season.

Incredibly, all three title races could go the distance - and this one is no different.

AFC Fylde can't win it this weekend but will have one hand on the title if they come through against Chester and South Shields lose at Radcliffe.

The Coasters are aiming for a record third National League North title and are edging closer and closer.

The race for the play-offs is just as close the title battle - Kidderminster Harriers can confirm a top-seven finish with a point against King's Lynn Town.

Macclesfield are also eyeing a play-off place. The Silkmen know a win against Merthyr Town will do the job for them - but a draw could be enough depending on results elsewhere.

Buxton are flying and know they'll probably need to win most of their remaining games to book a play-off place.

A win over Scarborough Athletic - who currently sit fifth - would do John McGrath's side a world of good.

Darlington are also currently in the mix and have a host of clubs over their shoulder vying for position with them - Marine are next up for the Quakers.

One of those clubs looking upwards are Spennymoor Town.

The Moors' recent form - one defeat in eight games - has put them firmly back in contention to extend their season ahead of the visit of Worksop Town.

No sides will drop this weekend but some could take a giant leap towards confirming Step 2 football once more next season.

Oxford City are one of them. Ross Jenkins' side are six unbeaten ahead of the visit of Alfreton Town.

The Reds need a win and a favour - from Curzon Ashton at Chorley - to make things interesting heading into the final two weeks of the season.

Hereford know all about making things interesting!

After seven straight defeats, the Bulls have back-to-back wins and firmly have their destiny in their own hands - starting with a trip to Bedford Town.

Elsewhere, Peterborough Sports are down already but will be looking to fight for their pride in front of their home fans as AFC Telford United visit.

The Bucks know only a win will do to continue their hunt for a play-off place.

It's been a whirlwind for Southport who are now incredibly on a run of just one defeat in 11 games - Leamington are in town. 

Another Memory From Bedford

Following John Cutler's comments about games between Hereford United and Bedford (See earlier article) another Hereford supporter has remembered a game at Bedford.

Michael Sessarego commented:

"I recall as a child being taken to Bedford to see an FACup match. 

"We, Hereford, lost and they went on to play Everton who beat them and went on to win the cup." 

Below an extract from Bedfordeagles about the game which Bedford won 2-1, Ron Fogg scored for Hereford. 14232 watched the tie.

 In the third round on 22 January 1966, Bedford met their Southern League rivals Hereford on a snow-covered surface at the Eyrie-the match was in doubt until a few hours before the start and would almost certainly have been postponed today. They were give an early boost when Peter Hall headed home a cross from Bill Brown, watched by Hereford full-back Selwyn Vale and David Sturrock (right). 

  

HUST Chairman Comments On Jarrod Bowen's Gesture

 

HUST acknowledges the splendid gesture from Jarrod Bowen to contribute to the close season pitch renovations, along with the founding shareholders. Jarrod needs no introduction to supporters, as his early playing days were at Hereford United.

HUST chairman, Richard Tomkins says “Matchdays I often share a cup of tea in the volunteers’ room with Ben, our groundsman, who is of course Jarrod’s uncle. If we’re not talking football pitches, then we’re talking about Jarrod’s footballing career. From Edgar Street to Hull to West Ham United and England, Jarrod presents as a commensurate professional. 

We know that footballers get training on interviews in front of the cameras, but in these days when some players get ‘bad press’, it’s a mark of the man and the Bowen family that he’s been brought up thinking of others. All Hereford supporters and indeed junior players in the county, thank Jarrod from the bottom of our hearts.”

Past Encounters With Bedford Town

Whilst tomorrow will be the first time Hereford FC have travelled to Bedford Town, Hereford United played Bedford several times.

John Cutler looks back: 

Our first ever trip to the Eyrie was on 24 November 1945. We came away with a fine 3-1 victory in front of 2,000 fans. Man of the match for us that day was Frank Haycock a star centre forward from Aston Villa who had been signed on temporary forms. He was known to our fans as Frank but was known elsewhere by his real name of Frederick or Freddy. He marked his debut for the Bulls with a superb brace – his first goal was outstanding - he back heeled the ball over his shoulder, and then turned and hammered the ball into the back of the net! Sadly Frank would only play three times for us before he returned to the Villa.

 

The other match was Hereford United’s first home game of the 1966/67 season. The date was 20 August 1966 when we beat Bedford 5-0, in front of 4,869 fans – the best opening gate since 1953.

 

It was a very significant game in Hereford United’s history as it marked four milestones. The first one was the Southern League debut of the great “Gentle Giant” John Charles who would go on to make a significant contribution to HUFC history, the second was the debut of Edwin “Eddie” Holliday the England International – both players scored a goal each  – the third milestone belonged to prolific goal scorer Albert Derrick who was not going to be outshone by these great players as he secured his first ever hat-trick in Hereford United colours.

 

The fourth and final milestone was a very interesting one. Roger Griffiths (who would later on in his career play for more than 75 minutes with a broken leg vs Newcastle in “that’ cup tie) made HUFC history himself that day - coming on in the second half for the injured Peter McCall – and so becoming Hereford United’s first ever substitute!

 

John Cutler

“Tupsley Whites”

 

On a knife edge

Hereford FC travel to Bedford for a huge relegation six-pointer on Saturday, their final away trip of the season and the biggest game of the season…until Tuesday.

Prior to Monday’s game against Merthyr, it was all looking like we were about to enter ‘need a miracle’ territory. Now, after two heroic wins in three days, the Bulls are back to something like a 50/50 chance of securing their National League North status for next season. It’s absolutely on a knife edge, but another win here would tip things still further from ‘need a miracle’ to ‘this is on’. Phewee, 2025/26 has been deeply traumatising, and the most nerve-jangling is still to come.

Bedford manager Lee Bircham signed a contract extension pre-season that will keep him at the club until summer 2027. The new deal comes after back-to-back promotions. They won’t be going up again this season, but he’ll have done well if he keeps them in the division. If they win this, they’ll have taken a huge step in that direction. If they lose it, they’re in big trouble, particularly as they travel to South Shields next.

If the Eagles landed in the NLN hoping that momentum from promotion would give them a rocket-boosted start as it did Merthyr, they’ve been disappointed. They’d been in the relegation places since Hereford hosted them in September, but in an expertly timed run they’ve won three of their last five games, in the process moving clear of the bottom four. They’re six points ahead of Hereford having played two games more, and have a better goal difference. This is therefore a game of pivotal importance to both clubs, and they’re one of the few clubs Hereford can catch and pass if relegation is to be avoided; a Bulls win here would obviously be a huge leap towards achieving that.

On Easter Monday they irritatingly and agonisingly beat Paul Caddis-managed Kings Lynn with an 87^th minute penalty courtesy of midfielder George Moncur, son of ex-West Ham midfielder John Moncur, who is his agent, a relationship which could presumably become awkward from time to time over the dinner table. That result incidentally leaves Kings Lynn far from safe, with a tricky run-in.

In terms of threats, the Bedford shortlist comprises just one name – Tyrone Marsh. That’s not to say they’re a one-man team, it’s just that the striker has had such an exceptional season that he stands out like a sore thumb. The local lad has scored 26 goals following a summer move from Boreham Wood, including one against Hereford in the reverse fixture. He’s missed the last three games through suspension, but will be back for this, unfortunately. The relatively good news is that prior to his suspension he hadn’t scored in five games. Hopefully that means he’s dried up for the season, rather than ‘due one’.

**EDIT - Marsh is serving a four-game ban so will miss this game - excellent news** 

In what could be seen as a twist of fate that actually favours the Bulls, Bedford were furious at an FA decision recently to suspend loanee striker Callum Ebanks – meaning he’ll miss this game. Ebanks, on loan from Buxton, has been hit with a three-match ban over an incident dating back to October.

That game between the clubs in September was one of the many this season in which Hereford chucked away any chance of victory in the first quarter of an hour, by which time they were two goals behind, before clawing their way back to earn a 2-2 draw.

However, two clean sheets in a row and a marked upturn in form from Kyle Howkins and Matt Preston, coupled with a new-found ability to score early goals rather than concede them, will hopefully result in the visitors being two-up after 15 minutes here instead. The likeable centre backs, each carrying an impressive collection of long-term aches, pains, stresses and strains, put in a remarkably assured display at Marine in particular, and can carry that form into this game.

At the other end of the pitch, we likey Mikey. Mikey Lane now has two in two having got off the mark for the club on Easter Monday, and can profit again here against a defence that let seven in against Merthyr recently. It would be lovely and thoroughly deserved for George Munday to get back among the goals too.

Joseph James should continue at right back, with captain Lewis Hudson leading by example in his determination to see this season end on a high note on the other side of the defensive four.

A big away following is expected (Hereford have been allocated 800 tickets), some unfortunate fancy-dress choices will be made, and it would be absolutely wonderful for the travelling fans to see another big performance on yet another plastic pitch, and three points coming back to Edgar Street. Four home games then round off the season, starting with yet another six-pointer against Oxford on Tuesday night.

Hold onto your hats folks, here we go again…

COYW

Hereford 2-1 To Win At Bedford

Montel Gibson Scored For Hereford Against Bedford Earlier This Season

Hereford are 2-1 to win their National North League fixture at Bedford tomorrow afternoon according to the bookmakers.

Currently Bedford are 18th in the table with 50 points from 43 games. 

Hereford are 22nd with 44 points from 41 games.

As for goal difference Bedford's is minus 11, Hereford's is minus 18.

Last Wednesday Hereford won 1-0 at Marine (12th). Last Monday Bedford won 1-0 at Paul Caddis's Kings Lynn (17th), Hereford defeated Merthyr (7th) 3-0 at Edgar Street.

Bedford's home record is won 8, drawn 4 and lost 9.

Hereford's away record is won 5, drawn 5 and lost 12.

Recent form:

Bedford LWLDWW

Hereford LLLLWW 

Bedford 13/10  Draw 11/4  Hereford 2/1 

Match Report Marine 0 Hereford 1

Nigel Preece watched Hereford win at Marine last night.

I felt traumatised still recalling the long drive home from Alfreton two weeks back; I like Liverpool; so I thought why not do an overnighter? Frankly, there was also the thought when I booked my trip that defeat in this game could more or less confirm the R word, at least a stopover in a decent city might cushion the pain a little. 

The win on Monday rekindled hope and I was doubly glad I'd booked train tickets and a hotel; decent deals too, Grand National meet starts today (Thursday), I suspect I may have been taken for a ride (sorry) if the game had been 24 hours later. 

Journey up went far too smoothly, I even made the 1 minute unscheduled change at Crewe (not a place to spend an extra 30 minutes at if you can avoid). 

A potter round Liverpool city centre included stops at the Dispensary (that's a pub, not a pharmacy), the Baltic Fleet and the Bridewell (an ex police lock up, you can sup in an old cell, worth a visit) before a train to Waterloo. It was such a glorious day I took the walk from there along the beach towards Crosby. Gormley's sculptures had been recommended by a fellow fan and I'm glad I made the effort (kept me out of the pub too). Didn't know what to expect but there are dozens of sculptured statues placed all over the beach at varied distances from the water; the most striking bit was where the lowish late afternoon sun made it difficult to distinguish between the silhouette of statues and people on the edge of the sea. 

Who knew you would get such culture in a scribbled match report? Back on a different sort of culture, my little pub tour continued with a short visit to the Cornerpost, followed by an hour in the Crosby Co-op (yes, it's a pub).

Right, time for an important football match. We lined up the same as Monday and got off to the same positive start. Our season's been littered with deflating early goals, this time we got the uplift. Good work from Munday found Lane in a bit of space, inside right, and his low shot fizzed into the net. Perhaps a slight deflection? It was difficult to see but no one in the well inhabited away end behind that goal  cared. 

It was a feisty affair again, Marine weren't afraid to get it wide,then into the mixer as they said in the 1980s but, by and large, we stood up well to the challenge and looked like there was more to come from us on the break. Several clearances from both sides ended up in the back gardens of surrounding houses, please mister can we have our ball back. 

One exquisite touch from Lane, followed by a sharp turn should have ended with a better outcome but it summed up our forward play for much of the game, promising but end product (final ball) lacking. 

Lane was clattered, earning a panicky home defender a card, Sohna's free kick was palmed away. Daly and Munday had shots that went wide and a good chance for Marine was tipped over by Richardson.  

There was a break in play with the ref going over to part of the home support, then speaking to the home dugout, not sure why, we may find out in due course. 

We had a couple more fruitless corners before the break. A decent first 45 however, the Mr Negative within me felt there was no way we'd go another half without conceding, confidently stating we'd need at least 1 more goal to get the win. 

Salt and pepper cheese pie was good, Harwood Bull, if and when you're next in Marine. 

No changes as we defended the goal in front of the decent and vocal away support, overall attendance 1048, a low one these days for Marine, no doubt affected by their season fizzling out and the frs (r stands for red, work the rest out kids, it is my Evertonian mate's description after all) were on the telly. 

Marine started brightly, we were under the pump for 10 minutes or so though credit to our determination and organisation as I don't recall any significant danger. The first real chance of the second half fell to Lane, after a typical storming Tustin break, sadly his crisp shot was deflected wide. 

It was pretty even after that, Marine dominating territory, we were creating space on the break albeit, again, we failed to turn any such opportunities into real chances. 

James was booked for time wasting, Richardson was forced to make two excellent saves as Marine upped the pressure. Our keeper then, as often is the custom, went down injured, I assume he wasn't trying to relieve the pressure and was genuinely struggling? We're above such low tactics after all!!

More clearances ended up in adjacent gardens, D'Ath came on for Lane, one superb bit of defending by Howkins was celebrated by a scream and clench of the fist, highlighting the all round commitment.  

It was far from one way traffic, Sohna shot wide, Willcox had an effort saved and someone, Tustin perhaps, couldn't quite get on the end of a dangerous cross. 

One sharp turn and shot from Marine went narrowly wide, a nervy moment and the final stages did get a bit too frantic at times, we were all grateful for only 3 extra minutes. Richardson punched clear from one cross, Willo came on for Daly and thankfully the final whistle went. Joy and relief all round. 

A critical win and credit to the players for putting in a real shift. I was wrong, thankfully, with my half time assessment of needing at least another goal, we survived this time but need to demonstrate a bit more composure in break situations, Aaron Downes said as much in his post much interview. Hard to be critical though given the effort and schedule. 

A short train ride back to the centre of Liverpool and a much needed wind down back in the Bridewell. 

No rest for the Supporters too, a huge game on Saturday, unsure if I can make the journey yet but I'm sure many of you will. 

COYB

 

BULLS ON THE ROAD - OFFICIAL COACH TRAVEL TO BEDFORD - BOOK NOW

BULLS ON THE ROAD - OFFICIAL COACH TRAVEL TO BEDFORD

Join us on our last away trip for the 2025/26 season 

Let's get behind the lads and keep the winning momentum going. 

Fancy dress optional 🦘 

SATURDAY 11TH APRIL 2026

Coach leaving Radfords at 10:15am 

Travel Club Members only £20

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

* Pick-up points En-route

https://www.hust.org.uk/bulls-on-the-road-official-coach-travel-2025-26-season/

OUR THANKS TO JONES COACHES FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT 

Bedford Next For Hereford

Next for Hereford is a trip to Bedford on Saturday.

It's expected given it's a 'new' ground for supporters and after last night's 1-0 win at Marine there will be a good away attendance for this vital fixture.

This from Bedford:

THIS FIXTURE IS ALL TICKET - TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE. NO TICKET SALES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE GATE.

Please be aware that this fixture is segregated.

Bedford Town supporters should purchase tickets in the normal way, through the home area of the website.

Hereford supporters should purchase tickets from the away section. Hereford have an allocation of 800 for the away section of the ground. This will be the north stand/Tea Hut end of the Eyrie.

Any visiting supporter who has accessibility or additional needs, please contact info@bedfordtownfc.com . This includes if the individual requires seating. Special arrangements will be made to allow seating for anyone requiring it.

Please ensure you are purchasing for the correct area of the ground. Ticket sales will have your postcode checked, and you may be contacted if you purchase what we believe to be tickets for the incorrect area.

Due to this game being all ticket, online ticket sales will remain open until 3:30pm on Saturday 11th April. They will not close early, in line with our standard ticket sales procedure.

To purchase tickets: https://bedfordtownfc.ktckts.com/event/bdt2526h09/eagles-vs-hereford