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Whilst tomorrow will be the first time Hereford FC have travelled to Bedford Town, Hereford United played Bedford several times.
John Cutler looks back:
Our first ever trip to the Eyrie was on 24 November 1945. We came away with a fine 3-1 victory in front of 2,000 fans. Man of the match for us that day was Frank Haycock a star centre forward from Aston Villa who had been signed on temporary forms. He was known to our fans as Frank but was known elsewhere by his real name of Frederick or Freddy. He marked his debut for the Bulls with a superb brace – his first goal was outstanding - he back heeled the ball over his shoulder, and then turned and hammered the ball into the back of the net! Sadly Frank would only play three times for us before he returned to the Villa.
The other match was Hereford United’s first home game of the 1966/67 season. The date was 20 August 1966 when we beat Bedford 5-0, in front of 4,869 fans – the best opening gate since 1953.
It was a very significant game in Hereford United’s history as it marked four milestones. The first one was the Southern League debut of the great “Gentle Giant” John Charles who would go on to make a significant contribution to HUFC history, the second was the debut of Edwin “Eddie” Holliday the England International – both players scored a goal each – the third milestone belonged to prolific goal scorer Albert Derrick who was not going to be outshone by these great players as he secured his first ever hat-trick in Hereford United colours.
The fourth and final milestone was a very interesting one. Roger Griffiths (who would later on in his career play for more than 75 minutes with a broken leg vs Newcastle in “that’ cup tie) made HUFC history himself that day - coming on in the second half for the injured Peter McCall – and so becoming Hereford United’s first ever substitute!
John Cutler
“Tupsley Whites”