Mark Jones takes a look ahead to the Herefordshire FA County Challenge Cup Final.
And so, we reach the end of a long and glorious season. Our greatest glory may well be in rising when we fall, but rarely, since August 2017, have the Bulls so much as stuttered, let alone fallen. Starting way back when with a nutty 3-3 draw at Kings Langley, but finishing by winning 18 of their last 20 games, the team ultimately obliterated the dogged challenge to their dominance of Kings Lynn, Kettering, Weymouth and Slough.
However, it would be churlish to belittle the achievements of those clubs, all of whom finished more or less with 100 points, with Kettering comfortably outscoring even Hereford, and Kings Lynn doing the double. Cruel as ever, the play-offs have dispatched Kettering and Weymouth with no promotion to show for their efforts.
We can now look forward to August in another new division, whether northern or southern, another step up in terms of the competitiveness of the opponents, hopefully a few more away supporters to enhance the match atmosphere at Edgar Street, and another step closer to the Premier League!
It’ll be a summer of saying fond farewells to, inevitably, a few departees (in many cases solely down to the increased travelling to matches), and the eagar anticipation of new and exciting signings. Those farewells will, I’m sure, be incredibly heartfelt, as this squad of players have given everything to the cause. The fondest feelings of all may be reserved for Mr Rob Purdie, now famously a cat rescuer but who apparently had some sort of previous career doing something or other.
But first, before all that, it’s Lads Club at 3pm this afternoon at Edgar Street, and the HFA County Cup final. Yes, Liverpool may have Stanley Park separating two giants of the game, but Hereford has the Chicko.
Although it’s something of a seasonal coda for the hosts, for the visitors it’s their cup final. Well, it’s everyone’s cup final, but you know what I mean.
Lads Club compete in the West Midlands League (Regional) Premier Division, and their season is still going, with matches last Thursday and this Wednesday. They're comfortably mid-table following promotion last season. In terms of the pyramid, they're one division below the Midland Premier, where Hereford FC started three seasons ago.
With no news on pedalo injuries, sunstroke or lingering hangovers from the holiday several of the players enjoyed last week, Pete Beadle has a full-strength squad to select from.
Last year's match saw the Bulls run out 3-0 winners, although the result masked the fact that it was still 0-0 with 20 minutes left. John Mills then scored twice, which saw the prolific marksman notch his 100th goal for the club, with the Beast adding another to flatter the hosts.
Let's hope for a fitting end to a season that has delivered such good memories, in both league and knockout competitions. This is it for a few months – enjoy!