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However, which Bulls side will turn up? The one that has lost two and drawn one in games against three of the bottom five at home already this season, or the one that made short work of Marine and Farsley? The one that repeatedly finds a way to win away from home, or the one that failed to show up against Brentwood at home?
My money’s on a big performance and a win here, led by club captain Lewis Hudson playing against his old club, and setting an energetic and inspiring example to everyone else.
With a lack of zip seemingly an issue of late, the return to the starting line-up of the ever-zippy Yusifu Ceesay coupled with Jaiden White being keen to make an impact on debut should ensure that energy levels are high. Presumably the post-Brentwood ‘discussion’ is still fresh enough in the players’ minds to ensure that the whole team are up for this.
Alex Babos served his one-match suspension against Brentwood so should be available here. Kyle Howkins has had a well-deserved rest recently having enjoyed a really solid season so far, but should be back in defence having sat out most of the Brentwood debacle.
The aforementioned Jaiden White, cup-tied for the Trophy game, should play some part, possibly up top with Jason Cowley, who was another rested player against Brentwood as he eases his way back to full fitness. Step 2 may have come too soon for White when a teenager at Kidderminster, and Bulls fans will be hoping he’s now ready at the grand old age of 22. An exciting and intriguing signing, and it seems more fitting that he’ll be making his debut at home rather than away at Darlington following the postponement of that game last weekend.
Tate Campbell will miss this one through suspension, as well as the following two (back for the trip to Scunthorpe), following his straight red card against Brentwood. Dylan Mitchell could make his debut as cover for twinkle-toes Tate, with the Swindon youngster coming in on loan in quite timely fashion, especially as he’s had the luxury of getting to know the squad before getting properly started, courtesy of the postponements.
Several times this season when the Bulls have failed to produce a favourable result, results elsewhere have gone their way. That wasn’t the case last Saturday when the Darlington game was postponed, with most results going the wrong way from a Hereford perspective. That resulted in a slip from seventh in the table to ninth, and ejection from the play-off positions for the time being, and then Tuesday’s results meant a further slide to 11th. All that means that even a win in this one won’t restore the Bulls back to the play-off positions, but certainly will put them right back in the mix.
Rushall are having a tough time. As one of the smaller clubs in the division they’re finding it harder to sustain the momentum they had last year, their first year at this level.
They’ve lost five of their last seven games, seven of their eight away games this season, and concede more than two goals a game away from home. They haven’t won for almost two months. Last season they lost both games to Hereford 1-0, but were a little unlucky to do so.
Last Saturday they drew 1-1 at home to fellow strugglers Warrington, and then on Tuesday, again at home, lost 1-0 to Brackley.
Jaden Charles, son of former England international Gary Charles, arrived at the club in January as a result of Nuneaton going pop. He was with Hereford for a month in 2021 which I have to admit to having no recollection of whatsoever. That’s more to do with my failing memory than any lack of contribution he made, I’m sure. Anyway, he’s nominally a left back so it says it all about the sort of season Rushall are enduring that he’s one of their top scorers with two goals. He can also swing a sweet left peg in dead-ball situations.
Ex-Bulls captain Nathan Cameron has been a near ever-present for them this season.
The Bulls’ sole focus is now the league of course after early exits from both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy, but they’re excellently positioned to have a good crack at competing towards the top of the table for the rest of the season, and what better opportunity to go into the winter, and a truly tough December programme of games, than a low-hanging fruit home banker against the bottom club?
Three points an absolute must. COME ON HEREFORD!
COYW