Hereford enter the final game of the season 2 points (one win) above the dotted line following a point at Torquay in the penultimate match. However, a defeat could see Hereford miss out on promotion due to their inferior goal average to Mansfield and Newport.
An incredible 12,616 witness a historic 1-0 win courtesy of a 47th minute winner by David Jenkins; securing promotion to Division 3. Page 19 of Ron Parrot's good book tells all having chosen this game as the match of the season, securing it a detailed match report.
Goal Average: Hereford's first season in the league still employed goal average as its tie-breaker for teams that finished on equal points. The more familar goal difference would go on to replace it in the mid '70s. Like the 2 points for the win that encouraged away teams to park the bus and go for a point, goal average was criticised for encouraging low scoring games. The goal average was simply goals scored divided by goals conceded.
A team finishing the season scoring 75 goals, but conceding 40 goals (+35 goal difference), would have a worse goal average than a team scoring 50 goals whilst conceding 25 (+25 goal difference). They would have goal averages of 1.88 and 2.0 respectively, meaning under the old system the latter team would finish higher due to their superior goal average.
On the Pitch: The manager's notes and the last page sum up the magnitude of what is at stake. Coilin Addison acknowledges that the day is the culmination of 10 months hard work before proudly stating that Hereford have more than proved themselves worthy of their place in the Football League. The notes sum up what is needed: a point. You definitely get the sense that the day could have been added to the list of the many Sliding Door football moments that can haunt you for the rest of your life.
Supporters Club Jottings' advertises the Herefordshire Senior Cup will be taking place at the end of the season. Hereford will be taking on 3rd Division Shrewsbury over two legs. Interestingly, any profits from these games go to the Herefordshire FA. After a silverware-free season, Hereford picked up the trophy courtesy of a 1-1 draw at Gay Meadow (30/4/73) followed by a 2-0 win at Edgar Street (4/5/73). Crowds of 2,203 and 4,826 respectively watch on with the Hereford goals scored by P. Lee, Owen and Tucker.
Off the Pitch: Bits and Pieces reveals that the player of the year trophy will be awarded during half time by loyal fan Ingrid Marshall, who has been nominated by the vice chairman.
Opponents Crewe had competed in the Welsh Cup, winning it in 1936 & 1937 before being prevented from competing in 1938 as a third success would have resulted in them keeping the trophy.
Supporters' Club Jottings reveals that Hereford are playing Europe in the form of an eight day tour of Mallorca during June, courtesy of Tristar Holidays. Hereford will be playing Real Mallorca with the trip costing £37 (roughly £600 today), which includes accommodation in a 5-star hotel.
In the Opposition: Starting out at Liverpool, where he would make the first team only once, right back Tommy Lowry would go on to become Crewe's appearance record holder, notching up 481 appearances. Clearly a loyal type, post-football he would go on to work for Rolls Royce in the town for a further 25 years.
In the News: On the same day that Hereford celebrate promotion, Liverpool and Celtic are crowned champions in England and Scotland respectively.
In the Charts: Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree by Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando is at No.1.
On TV: Children's science fiction drama The Tomorrow People makes its debut on ITV on 30th April.
In the Maternity Ward: Sports presenter Gaby Logan was born on 24th April 1973.
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