Swansea City supporter Jackarmy spent yesterday in Hereford.
I woke up early on Saturday morning, excited about watching Hereford
later in the day. A few fellow Swans fans texted me early - there were
in the region of 60 of us at yesterday's game- to have a debate on
whether we should wear Swans colours or not. We decided it was Herefords
day and we would remain anonymous. We were happy to spend our money
helping the club to a good start.
I arrived at the ground with Mrs
Jack around 11am, and parked in the large car park next to the ground.
An elderly local lady gave me her parking tickets as she was leaving the
car park, so that was an extra three quid for me to throw in the
collection bucket.
Walking from the car park to the ground, you
could hear the buzz and excitement all around, there was a feel good
feeling as we walked to pick out tickets up, people were buying
shirts and polos in the enclosure, the place was buzzing. In the queue
for the ticket pick up, there was excitement, I spoke to a couple in
their 70s who were both crying, the emotion had set in.
We decided to go to town for lunch, so bought a programme on the way. The programme sellers were full of joy and excitement.
We
walked to town, there were loads of fans in new shirts, both home and
away, and many in Cargill shirts. You could see what it meant to people,
groups of blokes, to entire families, all there to support their
beloved club. We met a few fellow Swans fans, and had lunch together.
All the Swans fans were were really pleased to be supporting Hereford,
we remember the days when our club was minutes away form going to the
wall, it was the fans who saved the club. Many of us there yesterday
were instrumental in that.
A nice lunch was had in Moka?
We made
our way to the ground, and headed for Addisons. Plenty of FC Utd fans in
there, mixing with the home fans, and about 20 of us. The FC fans
wanted to shake everyone's hand, they were great fans, proper football
people.
I sat next to a guy, and got talking to him. It turned out
that he was Joel Edwards Grandad. He said that Joel had taken a knock on
Tuesday, and was having physio before the game. He hoped that Joel would
play some part in the game, but it wasn't to be.
The Butty Bach was
going down well, so the driving contract was then signed, I had driven
to Hereford, the Mrs was now driving home!
At about 2.15pm, we
decided to make our way into the ground. Some of us went to the Meadow End, and us fellas with the wives had bought tickets for D block in the
Merton. Everyone was smiling, happy that the club had been resurrected,
looking forward to the day, and the future.
Our guys in the meadow end looked around and saw all kinds of emotions, laughing, joking, even a big guy with no shirt and tattooed all over openly crying, it was too much for him. In D block, it was mainly families and couples, the girl next to me had been dragged along by her boyfriend, she had no choice whether she went or not, but after the game she said she may now be a regular.
Our guys in the meadow end looked around and saw all kinds of emotions, laughing, joking, even a big guy with no shirt and tattooed all over openly crying, it was too much for him. In D block, it was mainly families and couples, the girl next to me had been dragged along by her boyfriend, she had no choice whether she went or not, but after the game she said she may now be a regular.
The FC Utd fans were now in song on the terrace
opposite, some fine singing, and some well practiced songs. The Hereford
fans on the Meadow found their voices, but will need to put in some
practice if they are to match FC. One of my mates said that the Hereford
fans need a drummer to get them going. You are not having ours, he's
the master!
The game started, and you could sense a few Hereford
players were nervous, but as long as they could survive the first half
hour, they would settle. This they did, even with FC Utd fans making
lots of noise throughout. Chances were few, but Sam Pearson needed a bit
more composure in front of goal, and Hereford would have been one up,
that being the only home chance of the half. Harvey Rivers had done well
in the Hereford goal, and with Tony James in front of him, they both
proved massive signings for Manager Beadle.
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| Some Of The FC United Supporters |
Half time came, and a huge applause for the home team was given. The
poor girl in the refreshment hut next to D block had a busy time, being
on her own with a long queue forming. She did well to serve Burgers,Hot
dogs,drinks etc, but needed a hand in there. Lesson for the caterers.
The second half kicked off, the old bloke behind me saying that Hereford were going to win, he said he could feel it in his bones, just like he did when Newcastle had visited many years before. He was right again!
The second half kicked off, the old bloke behind me saying that Hereford were going to win, he said he could feel it in his bones, just like he did when Newcastle had visited many years before. He was right again!
When
Beadle introduced the subs, a few thought that Hereford would go down a
gear, but the subs proved inspirational. Dale Hodge and Sam Hunt had
played for Newbidge on Wye a couple of years back, I had seen them a few
times as my mate was the Manager at that time, and neither had done
much at Newbridge. But they proved yesterday that they both have
something to give this Hereford side, so good luck to them.I had also
seen Macdonald play a few times for Monmouth in the past, he is a very
good player and will score and make goals easily at Midland League
level. He looked yesterday as if he has been to a burger bar for the
last 3 months, but some nice touches and movement from him may well win
him a contract. Lose some weight Macca.
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| Dan McDonald |
The home fans had suddenly remembered how to make some noise, they could sense a win now, and got behind the team. Some of the home players who were used to playing in front of 30 fans and 6 dogs, we're now in a new arena, and boy did they thrive on it. Hereford were now in control, players were winning tackles and finding a man with their passes.
In the last 10 minutes, FC had a couple of half chances, but either fired wide or Harvey was positioned right to take the ball.
Then
came the final whistle, what a performance, what a day. The players
gave a lap of honour, the fans happy, the players happy, and Mr Beadle
over the moon. Well done Hereford, all of you.
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| The Meadow End At The Final Whistle |
Great day out, we will return for more.