Downes: We've done Jamo justice

The minute's applause midway through the first half against South Shields in memory of James Plumridge

There were moving scenes at Edgar Street during Saturday's 6-0 demolition of South Shields as supporters remembered 22-year-old James Plumridge a year on from his death.

The dad of two took his own life in September 2025 and was remembered during a minute's applause in the 22nd minute of Saturday's National League North clash.

Jamo's dad Maurice was among the supporters on the Meadow End as supporters home and away joined in the touching tribute to Jamo.

After the game, Hereford boss Aaron Downes said of the support: "Fantastic, brilliant support, but there's a special mention. I know it's the one-year anniversary next week for Jamo, that was a special day.

"We've commemorated it a couple of times now and both times we've got results. So maybe that's fate. I'm a big believer in fate, and maybe that is.

"I think we've done his father and the good cause and the good that they're doing, I think we've done it justice today.

"Really happy for them."

In memory of Jamo, a mental‑health‑focused clothing brand JAMO launched, and later JAMO Juniors, an initiative aimed at encouraging children to talk openly about mental health.

More than £19,293 was also raised after his death for a memorial bench, Hereford FC wreath and to support his two children.

In his post-match interview, Downes said he was very speechless and very humbled of the support in general, and he is so proud to be manager - and will do everything he can to keep the feel-good factor going.

It Was Humiliating Said Williamson

Billy Phillips Scored Three For Hereford

South Shields manager Mike Williamson said that this afternoon's 6-0 defeat at Hereford was 'humiliating'.

"It's painful at the minute, it's raw," said Williamson.

"I think I can only apologise to the fans foremost, that wasn't us.

"We've all got to take responsibility, I've got to take responsibility.

"Obviously we didn't get off to the best of starts, we know what they are about, they are effective at it.

"We can't accept that at every level.

"It's a tough one, it's humiliating, we looked lost out there.

"I take responsibility, it's on me, we will work this week to rectify it.

"They are aggressive, they are on the front foot, they live and die by the sword.

"We didn't secure the ball enough.

"I'm not going to take about the ref but it's difficult when you've got an aggressive team on the front foot, you need protecting but it's on us.

"Every thing went wrong, we weren't clean, we didn't win any duals.

"We knew they were going to go man for man, I didn't see anything like the type of team we are." 

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Hereford FC 6-0 South Shields

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to todays win, click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Hat-trick hero Billy Phillips opens up after 6-0 win over South Shields

Billy Phillips has spoken about his goals as he claimed a hat-trick in Hereford’s 6-0 demolition of full-time South Sheilds.

Press play to listen to the interview in full. 

Very Early To Be Worried Said Downes

Aaron Downes With Club Chairman Chris Ammonds After Victory At Harborough Last Tuesday

South Shields are the visitors at Edgar Street tomorrow.

Whilst they sit in third place in the table, they have played one less game than Hereford and are two points behind.

The bookmakers favour them to win the title, currently they are 5/2.

However Hereford manager Aaron Downes says it's very early in the season.

"One team could just go on a massive run, you don't know," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We're not focusing too much on that, I think it's still very early to be worried about anything like that.

"It's a case of picking up as many points as you can and make sure you keep consistent in the standards you keep and the levels of performance.

"We'll see where we are at Christmas time." 

We Got Beat By The Better Side Said Harborough Manager

Harborough manager Mitch Austin admitted that his team were beaten 'by the better side' last night.

“I’m bitterly disappointed, as in the first half I hought we made a good account of ourselves and I felt we could get at them in the second,” Austin told the Harborough Mail.

“A mistake so early has knocked the stuffing out of us. It’s poor because we gave it to them, to an extent. They’re a very good team and we got beat by the better side.

“We’ve been really good in phases again tonight but we’re missing that clinical edge. It might be something to look at, but let’s not panic, we’ve come up against a good team.”

In the second half there was an incident involving the Hereford keeper Theo Richardson and several Harborough players. Versions differ but it appears Richardson was clearing the ball when he caught one of the Harborough players.

“That was handbags, wasn't it!?

“We needed one of them things (decisions) to fall our way and unfortunately they didn’t.”

Later in the interview Austin was booked for 'fronting up with the Hereford staff'. 

“I felt like their assistant was a bit classless while he was winning, They then go up the other end and score and he celebrated even worse.

“I just said to him he should win with a bit of class. I can lose with class, so he can win with it. But that’s just non-league I suppose.

“I won’t lose any sleep over it, we’ve got another game to play at theirs. Tonight, I’ve got to congratulate them and lick our wounds a bit, and take our medicine.” 

It's Nice To Finally Get Off The Mark Said Cox

Cox Watches As The Ball Flies Into The Back Of The Net

After last night's game at Harborough Hereford striker Cawley Cox was interviewed by Terry Goodwin for BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Cox scored the second of Hereford's three goals, his first for the club.

"It's nice to finally get off the mark," he said.

"I needed this goal to be fair.

"Everyone around the club, the players, staff, fans, have been very supportive, I really appreciate that.

"It's a big goal for me, thank you everyone.

"I said to the boys you can see why they haven't lost here for two years, they are a good outfit, they are difficult to beat.

"To score three here I think most teams will struggle to do that this season, so I think that's a really good win here, we move onto Saturday."

Have you looked at the table?

"Yes I have looked, it's very very early on so we are not getting ahead of ourselves.

"It's nice to see and it's a good marker to start with but we've got to keep it there now."

How have you settled in?

"Yes, really well to be fair. I think everyone gets on with everyone and you can see whenever anyone scores everyone is buzzing for each other.

"Pells and the Gaffer have created a really good atmosphere in and around the club. Everyone around the club is so close knit, I'm really enjoying my time here so long may it continue."

 

REACTION | Cawley Cox - Harborough Town 0-3 Hereford FC

Cawley Cox spoke to the media after last nights 3-0 win over Harborough. Click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Harrison Iwunze’s reaction to brace against Spennymoor - listen in full

Two goals from Harrison Iwunze helped Hereford to three points as they beat Spennymoor Town 2-1 at Edgar Street.

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Harry Pell gives verdict on Hereford’s win over Spennymoor - listen full

Hereford assistant manager Harry Pell has spoken to the media after Hereford beat Spennymoor 2-1 at Edgar Street.

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Buzzing Skinner speaks out after Hereford’s win at Southport - listen in full

Aaron Skinner spoke to the media after bank holiday Monday’s 1-0 win at Southport.

Skinner scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Kyle Howkins was fouled.

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Downes wants Bulls to make life easier after windy Southport win

Aaron Downes said he was pleased with Hereford’s four‑point Bank Holiday return after the Bulls battled their way to a 1–0 win at Southport to move second in the National League North table.

Hereford had to work hard in tough conditions, with a strong wind and the slope at Haig Avenue making the first half particularly difficult. Downes felt his side handled it well.

“I’m really happy with our first half performance,” he said. “Really tough conditions for both teams when you’re going uphill into the wind like we were first half.

"That was really difficult to get out your half and we played it excellently. We got into their final third a lot. We went in behind direct when we needed to. We move the ball quick when we needed to and switched it.

The Bulls dominated territory after the break but struggled to turn pressure into clear chances. Downes admitted that was frustrating.

"I really wanted us to be a lot quicker, move the ball quicker, more decisive with the ball," he said.

"We dominated territory in the second half, absolutely, until the last five/six minutes."

Hereford eventually broke through when Kyle Howkins was fouled in the box and Aaron Skinner calmly dinked home the penalty. Downes said the win was deserved but felt his side should have made life easier by testing Southport's keeper more.

"We didn't really carve out or create a real clear-cut opportunity," he said. "I'm happy with a lot of what we've done today but I’m disappointed we haven’t created eight, ten chances for the dominance we had with the football.

“That's the annoying thing to me, that cutting edge we just didn’t have today so I'm frustrated with that."

Southport pushed late on, forcing Theo Richardson into a superb save to protect the lead.

"It's an excellent save right at the end and, this is not disrespectful, but it wouldn't have been deserved if they got something out of the game," Downes said, but added: "We could have been a lot more clinical and would have made the game out of sight if we had better decision-making in that final third."

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Southport 0-1 Hereford FC

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to todays 1-0 win at Southport, click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Downes hails aggressive Bulls as they stand up to challenge

Aaron Downes

Aaron Downes said he was “nearly as tired as the players” after Hereford battled their way to a deserved point against league‑leaders Chester at Edgar Street.

The Bulls extended their unbeaten run to four games and became the first side to take points off the Seals this season. Downes felt the 1–1 draw was a fair reflection of a fiercely competitive contest.

“It was a good game. Really good game,” he said. “Good game from two good teams in my opinion. It was a tough game for us. You can see they move the ball well, they've got good patterns, they get the ball forward quickly as well and they're an athletic side. They’re energetic.

"It was a tough challenge for us today and I think we stood up to it.”

Downes praised his side’s ability to impose themselves at key moments.

“There were patches of play in both halves where we moved the ball really well and we were aggressive out of possession, good in possession at moments," he said.

"Overall, that was a good game of football."

Hereford took the lead through Billy Phillips after excellent work from Keziah Martin and Aaron Skinner. Downes called it “a good goal, great work from Kez… Skins does great down the side and Bill finds himself free in the box and it’s a great finish.”

Chester equalised through Billy Waters shortly before half‑time, with some supporters feeling the goal may have been offside. Downes wasn’t ready to judge it.

"I haven't seen it back yet so I will review it, but a few of the boys are saying it is," he said.

"The linesman's in a good position from where I've seen it, so I don't know. No quibbles at the minute, but I might tell you differently tomorrow when I've viewed it."

The visitors enjoyed a strong spell early in the second half, forcing Theo Richardson to several saves.

While Chester found some momentum, Hereford’s best second‑half chance fell to Harrison Iwunze, who headed wide from a good cross.

But Downes said his side got into some good areas in the second half but didn’t come up with an end product, which was disappointing, but the manager was satisfied overall.

“A draw’s probably a fair result,” he said. “It’s probably a good point for both teams.”

Downes opens up as Bulls claim point against Chester

Aaron Downes has said a draw against Chester was a fair result and a good point for two good sides.

Press play to listen in full.

Will Merrett gives verdict on tough Chester match - listen in full

Man of the match Will Merrett has spoken to the media after Hereford’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Chester at Edgar Street.

Press play to listen to the interview in full.  

Worksop's Red Card

Last Saturday afternoon Worksop's Alexs Starcenko was sent off for, it appears, kicking the ball into the stand where Hereford fans were sitting.

It was thought he had been given a yellow card earlier in the game but the referee showed a straight red card.

Not for the first time this season it has to be questioned whether the referee was influenced by so many players surrounding him.

Here's how Worksop reported the sending off:

'Towards the end the game became more open as Starcenko saw red after picking up a second yellow card for dissent, giving the away side the boost to go on and win the game.'

Hereford FC:

'Starcenko is sent off for angrily smashing the ball into the away supporters.'

Bulls News Report:

'The Tigers we're reduced to 10-men with 8 minutes to go when Aleksandrs Starcenko completely lost his head and kicked the ball into the Bulls crowd after a free-kick was given to Hereford. A melee ensued, Skinner appeared to be hit in the face by a Worksop player which he tried to explain to referee Luke Hood but he ignored his claims.'

Hereford Supporter:

'The sending off was unusual to say the least. The ball went into the crowd, and one of the Bulls fans grabbed the ball and refused to give it back to the Worksop player. There was a lot of abusive language in both directions and other players and fans joined in. It could have got quite nasty.
Another ball was taken but before the play could restart the original ball was thrown back onto the pitch, at which point the Worksop player got hold of it and smashed it into the crowd. Immediate red card and a bit of a fracas followed. Skinner tried to make out that he had been hit in the face, the Bulls players were taunting the guy who was sent off and the Worksop players were furious.
There’s no excuse for what the Worksop player did, someone could have been hurt the way he lashed the ball into the crowd.'

 

Another Hereford Supporter:

'He (Starcenko) did lose his cool, spectacularly - play had stopped, he hit a screamer into the away section, straight red. Followed by 11 vs 10 handbags in our box, home 'keeper included (that should be another card) which saw Skinns take one on the chin, he'll live, and maybe one more yellow from a very weak referee.'

Earlier Hereford manager Aaron Downes spoke about this kind of incident as two similar had happened in the previous two games.

"It's frustrating because they are so strong on the law that only one player can get around the referee," Downes told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I would like to think that the National League and the FA would take action on opposition teams that surround the referee because on both occasions everybody, it's clear to see there's more than one person surrounding the referee to change, to influence, the decision.

"From a Radcliffe point of view you can't blame them, they were trying to influence the referee and it worked.

"The referee pulled a yellow card out ready to yellow card our player (Kandola) then put it back in his pocket and then pulled a red card out after the players surrounded him.

"I'm telling my players let the captain deal with it but maybe I'm being naive because I don't want our football club getting a fine because we can't afford to do that.

"When teams influence the referee like they are it makes you think we should be surrounding them and doing that.

"But that's not the way the laws are stated and written to us so the National League and the FA need to look into this because they either stick to the laws they've enforced on us or not.

"It's something we might look into mentioning."

 

Downes admits Iwunze 'grasps it now' as hot streak continues

Harrison Iwunze celebrating his goal against Radcliffe midweek

Harrison Iwunze has wasted no time making himself at home with Hereford.

Just weeks into his loan spell from Notts County, the 20‑year‑old already has now scored three goals in three games — Marine, Radcliffe and now Worksop — and looks every bit the lively, powerful forward Aaron Downes hoped he was getting.

Iwunze arrived earlier this month with a decent pedigree behind him. He signed his first professional deal at Notts County last year and extended it in the summer, having featured in their pre‑season friendlies against Nottingham Forest, Randers, Viborg and Alfreton Town, scoring in a 5–0 win at the latter.

He also made three EFL Trophy appearances last season, including one against Manchester United’s Under‑21s, before a short loan at Kettering Town alongside Bulls midfielder Preston Bitemo.

Downes said Iwunze needed a little time to understand how Hereford play, but has quickly caught on.

“Harrison had to understand what we’re about, he came in quite late into preseason,” he said after the 3-0 win at Worksop, which was Iwunze's first start.

“He grasps that now and I thought it was the right time to start him.

"We wanted to go two up today and and we did that and get a foothold in the game.

"I thought all three strikers were excellent again and it's really good to be a manager to have those options.

You can pick one, two, and all three of them could all fit in those formations.

"His overall play was really good and it caused problems for defenders."

It’s not hard to see why Downes wanted him. When the loan was announced, the manager described him as “a big, strong boy and a striker who is going to put defenders under pressure,” highlighting his “power, strength, pace” and eye for goal.

He also noted that Iwunze is “held in high regard at Notts County” and that the Bulls were pleased to be trusted with his development.

Iwunze himself said he is “athletic” with “a lot of tenacity” and “hungry to score goals”, adding that Downes’ front‑foot approach “definitely sounded like a bit of me".

Hereford next face Chester at home on Saturday, currently the only side in the league with four wins from four.

Downes facing headache after shock sending off

Kam Kandola (right) captained Hereford at Worksop

Hereford will be without vice-captain Kam Kandola for the next three matches after his shock sending off against Radcliffe.

The influential Bulls player, who arrived this summer after his release from Kidderminster Harriers, was shown a straight red for a late tackle - despite the referee initially pulling a yellow card from his pocket, but upgrading it after a melee in front of the dugouts.

Hereford will not appeal the decision, and after Saturday's 3-0 win at Worksop Town, Aaron Downes insists the squad has enough depth and flexibility to absorb the loss as the Bulls prepare for a demanding bank holiday weekend.

Kandola impressed throughout the 3–0 win at Worksop, smiling his way through a strong performance in midfield. His suspension now forces a reshuffle, but Downes was measured in his assessment of the options available.

“Yeah, of course it leaves you a bit headache,” he said. “You’ve got your vice captain missing out of the side.”

Downes quickly pointed to the versatility within the group. Preston Bitemo returns from suspension, while Luke Spokes — who played deeper on Tuesday — is another option. Keziah Martin can also move inside if required.

“We’ve got very able bodies,” Downes said, adding: "We’ve got good options.”

The manager said he is “relatively happy with the squad”, even if he would prefer to have Kandola available. The suspension also raises the question of who will wear the armband, with Downes confirming that a discussion will take place this week.

He pointed to the leadership qualities throughout the group, adding club captain Lewis Hudson continues to attend matches despite his long‑term injury.

He was seen at Edgar Street on Tuesday with his leg in a brace, and Downes previously warned about him being out of action for more than three months.

“Lewis Hudson is our captain and he’s a good captain,” Downes said. “He comes every game also, it’s not compulsory.”

Downes added that he has “two or three, four or five options” for the temporary captaincy, underlining the strength of the leadership core.

“It’s somebody else’s opportunity to come in now,” he said.

Hereford face Chester at home, the league's only side with four wins from four, on Saturday, before a trip to Southport on bank holiday Monday.

Luke Spokes gives verdict on Hereford’s 3-0 win over Worksop

Luke Spokes has spoken to the media after a goal and an assist in Hereford's 3-0 win at Worksop Town.

Press play to listen in full.