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It's a special Thursday
Today is Thursday April 29th. For many people it will be just like any other Thursday, but for Hereford United and its supporters this is a special Thursday. Special because today the Bulls play the Shots in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Conference play-offs. For the first time since dropping into the Conference, Hereford are in with a real chance of promotion into Division Three and a win this evening will bring that aim that much closer.
The game is to be played at the "Rec" in the centre of Aldershot. Not perhaps the best stadium in the Conference but one with great atmosphere in which the supporters can do their best to back their team.
Aldershot have a cunning plan to upset the Bulls support. They spilt the away fans. Those who like to sit are put in the opposite end of the stand to where the vast majority of the Bulls will be. It's not so easy to join the signing when the main group is fifty or so yards away.
On the other hand it does mean that there are Bulls fans close to the action where ever on the pitch and should there be more Bulls fans than the 1300 expected by Aldershot then an extra area can be used. This area is to the one side of the goal, next to the seated area. So if there are enough Bulls fans at the ground the Shots plan will backfire. In effect there could be Bulls fans on three sides of the pitch encouraging their team.
When the Bulls played the Shots on Easter Monday it was estimated that at least 800 Hereford fans travelled to Aldershot. Today that number could double. Extra coaches, minibuses, even threads in the forums askling for lists will ensure a good turn-out. If some London Bulls had their way there would have been a special train from the Capital to the ground. As it is, it could be very crowded around tea-time on the main-line to Aldershot. Some commuters might wonder what's going on. Why are all these football supporters on our train on a Thursday they will ask.
Hereford's streets will go quiet this evening. Most of the inhabitants will either be watching the game on Sky or listening to live commentary on BBC Hereford and Worcester. Some will watch at home and some in the pub or club. Many will wish they too had been able to travel to Aldershot, but perhaps work will have made it difficult. Others will say it isn't easy to go to two games in four days but all will be at Aldershot in spirit even if not in body.
The same applies to the many Bulls fans the world over who will be able to listen to the internet broadcast also being provided by BBC Hereford and Worcester. No-one can tell how many Hereford United supporters there are but it is a safe bet that the vast majority will find some way to keep in touch with the action. The advent of the mobile phone and texting will help.
By just after 9.30pm this evening the result will be known. Hereford will start as favourites and should give a good account of themselves. Whatever the result there will only be a break of just under 90 hours before the teams meet again for the second-leg next Monday. A full house at Edgar Street is expected.