Match Report: Morecambe v Hereford

A First Hereford Goal For Kameron Muir - Picture From Steve Nibblet

 

Match report – Morecambe FC v Hereford FC – 10th November 2026

One of the more imaginative songs from the travelling Bulls faithful, sung to a tune just about recognisable as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” included the refrain “win away, win away, we always win away”. Well, not quite, but the Bulls certainly had chances to put the game out of reach of the home side in an excellent spell in the second half, before Morecambe got back into it. In the end it could have gone either way and the scoreline seemed a fair reflection of the balance of play.

The Bulls lined up with Theo in goal as always, and with Hudson now fully fit and Skinner nursing a hamstring tweak, the back four was James, Howkins, Merrett and Hudson. The midfield was, using current terminology Kandola, Tustin & Spokes in the 6, 8, and 10 roles respectively. Iwunze was the main striker with Martin and Muir wide right and left. The latter two dropped deeper when we were out of possession, so the formation flexed between 4-3-3 and 4-5-1. After his 2 goals at Chorley, Cox might have expected a start but he remained on the bench.

The first action was a free kick conceded by Spokes which was a comfortable save for Richardson. Kandola then had a low shot from outside the area which was pushed away for a corner by the home goalkeeper. Then Spokes broke away down the left and with Morecambe hesitating thinking he had fouled, Spokes struck a low cross across the face of the goal with no-one in position to tap it home.

Hereford continued to press but then fell behind to Morecambe’s first real chance of the game. After some good interplay down the left, Daly curled an excellent shot into the top corner. Richardson could do little about that, but it’s worth saying that the Morecambe attack sprang from a badly misplaced Hereford header near halfway, so in that respect it was entirely avoidable.

From that point on Hereford’s game became sloppy and a bit aimless. The only tactic seemed to be knocking it over the top hoping that Iwunze could get on the end of it, but the home defence was too well organised for that to succeed.

Howkins and the Shrimps’ number 9, Garner were battling away all night, and the ref had to speak to them both, which of course made no difference whatsoever. We all know how Howkins plays, and he loves the physical challenge. Sometimes I think he enjoys the wrestling too much to the extent of ignoring the ball, but I’m glad he’s ours.

Neither side created much for the rest of the first half, at last the Bulls started to put a few passes together, but without threatening to score.

Half time: Morecambe 1 Hereford 0

In his post match interview Downes said that the team hadn’t really committed to playing the way he wanted to and he had to “reaffirm” his message. He also mentioned that he made some tactical adjustments which he was not going to share with us. I could see that James was dropping into the middle of the back four when the home side attacked down the left side of the Bulls’ defence, which was most of the time. Presumably Martin was expected to cover the right flank when James did that. It was pointed out to me that Kandola was then able to play further forward and down the right side of midfield which enabled him to escape the attentions of Morecambe’s midfield who had subdued him for most of the first 45 minutes.

All of that made a big difference, Hereford came out for the second half in a much more positive mood. Muir crossed for Iwunze but his looping header didn’t bother the keeper. Then it could have all gone very badly when Morecambe had a three on one breakaway but thankfully a poor touch allowed Hereford to recover.

On the 51st minute Hereford won a corner. The ball was partially cleared but only to Spokes, who lofted it back into the box where it bounced and bobbed around before Hudson managed to connect and scramble it into the net to make it 1-1. Only 4 minutes later Hereford won the ball in the opposition half and Spokes advanced before feeding the ball to Muir on his left. The young loanee cut in on the goal before scoring with a low shot, his first goal for the club.

For Morecambe Lewis had a header on target from a free kick forcing a low save from Theo, who seemed to be wrong footed at first, making it all a bit more dramatic than it needed to be. Then Hereford had two good chances. Firstly, Iwunze broke down the left and hit a powerful shot on target, but the angle wasn’t good and the keeper had it covered, with Tustin in position on the far post a cross might have been better. A couple of minutes later Tustin made an excellent run, also choosing to shoot rather than pass and his powerful effort smacked against the crossbar.

Having had chances to put the game to bed the Bulls suddenly found themselves pegged back. Neill, with almost his first touch since coming on as sub slipped an excellent through ball to Daly who netted comfortably for his second of the game. The rest of the game was a flurry of substitutions and goal mouth action at both ends. Either side could have won it, but neither could find the vital touch to finish the game off.

Full time: Morecambe 2 Hereford 2

Hereford: Richardson, Hudson, Kandola, Merrett (Phillips 85), Martin (Cox 72), Tustin (Bitemo 90), Spokes, James, Iwunze (Waldron 90), Howkins, Muir (Holmes 76)

Subs: Willis, Lewis

Morecambe: Boney, Coxe, Williams, Hogan, Baines, Collins, Garner, Daly, Lewis, Cain, Curley

Subs: Scales, Newby, Buckley-Ricketts, Neill, O'Kane, Blois, Davis

Attendance 2114 with 146 in the away area. 

Overall, a point each seems about right. After a poor first half Hereford dominated for the first 25-30 minutes of the second, and the effort and commitment was impressive. Downes sounded disappointed overall, not content with the draw.

Man of the match? Two contenders for me: Howkins and Spokes. The big man didn’t miss a header all night and gave Garner a real battering. I think Garner was quite relieved to be substituted. Spokes used the ball well and beat the right back several times and got good crosses in, and overall did a good job as the midfield playmaker.

Downes praised the fans for their commitment and non-stop singing and chanting, and he made sure that the players came across and got close to the supporters to acknowledge them. There’s a good bond with the fans at the moment and it’s good to see it appreciated.

Harwood Bull

Hereford v Buxton Live On DAZN

The game between Hereford and Buxton set to be played on Tuesday December 8th will be live on DAZN TV.

It is one of 13 games in the National North and National South to be shown in December and January. 

Meanwhile Hereford FC have reported that they will show the Brackley v Hereford game, which is on November 24th, in the Hereford Suite.  

Highlights From Morecambe v Hereford

Highlights from last night's National North League came between Morecambe v Hereford.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXfXdqIni0Q 

Picture from Steve Niblett. 

Two Good Teams Said Lakeland

Morecambe manager Adam Lakeland gave his views after last night's 2-2 draw with Hereford.

"Two good teams going at it," said Lakeland.

"Probably a good game for people to watch but may be not the best football game.

"I thought neither team had long spells of control in the game, it was a first and second ball game, a moments game, a break out and transition game, set play game.

"They are a really effective team, their away form has been excellent.They've kept that momentum from surviving last season and they've had a really strong start to the campaign.

"We knew it was going to be difficult particularly with the result we had at the weekend.

"We grew into it and we scored, brilliant goal Matty.

"I think it's fair to say that for the remainder of the first half the game was played a lot between the 18 yard boxes and there wasn't really much in it.

"I felt it was really even, two good teams competing really hard, really fairly despite some bizarre decisions for both teams.

"But the game and the momentum swung to them when the referee did not give a foul  on Cameron Cox, that then led to the corner that they went and equalised from.

"It should have been a free kick, disappointing decision.It's cost us because I felt we were sound in the game really at 1-0.

"You have to give credit to them as I think they smelt blood and I think the whole atmosphere and mood in the stadium changed and we went and conceded a soft and really disappointing goal within a couple of minutes.

"I thought we lost our way a little bit when it went to 1-1 and then to 2-1.

"But the players found a way to then fight back in and level the game.

"I felt we deserved the draw in the end.

"But I would have liked that game to have been played out without them being given a leg up with the corner and first goal." 

REACTION | Lewis Hudson - Morecambe 2-2 Hereford FC

Lewis Hudson gives his post match reaction to last nights 2-2 draw with Morecambe. Listen to the play button to hear his thoughts.

REACTION | Aaron Downes - Morecambe 2-2 Hereford FC

Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to last nights 2-2 draw at Morecambe, click on the play button to hear his thoughts.

Tonight's National North Results

Three games in the National North League this evening.

Darlington 1 Oxford City 1

Morecambe 2 Hereford 2

Scarborough 1 Marine 3 

Hereford remain in second position with 30 points from 16 games.

South Shields, 32 points from 15 games, stay top with Oxford City, 28 points from 15 games, third.

However whilst Macclesfield are fourth they have only played 13 games from which they've gained 27 points. 

Full Time At Morecambe

It ended: Morecambe 2  Hereford 2

Whilst Morecambe took the lead in the 13th minute, the second half started well for Hereford.

Lewis Hudson equalised on 50 minutes when he headed in following a corner.

And then just four minutes later Kameron Muir made it 2-1 to Hereford. He was close to goal and side footed the ball past the keeper. 

Harry Tustin hit the post on 66 minutes. 

But two minutes later Morecambe made it 2-2 when Matty Daly doubled his tally. 

A lot of pressure from Hereford towards the end. Seven minutes of added time.  

Half Time At Morecambe

In tonight's game at half time:

Morecambe 1 Hereford 0

The home team took the lead, against the run of play, in the 13th through Matty Daly.

Right at the end of the half, Hereford's best chance when Luke Spokes shot well but it deflected for a corner.

Hereford Team News At Morecambe

Hereford manager Aaron Downes has made two changes for tonight's game at Morecambe.

Will Merrett returns after a one match suspension and there's a start for Kameron Muir.

But Aaron Skinner misses out with a slight hamstring injury. 

Hereford: Richardson, Hudson (C), Kandola, Merrett, Martin, Tustin, Spokes, James, Iwunze, Howkins, Muir

Subs: Waldron, Cox, Lewis, Bitemo, Willis,  Phillips, Holmes

 

Williamson Loaned To Worcester

 

Hereford FC have loaned winger Jordan Williamson to Worcester FC.

It's a dual registration deal so he can be called back if required.

He will be in the Worcester squad to face Racing Club Warwick at Sixways this evening.

Hereford manager Aaron Downes spoke about the loan.

“This is a positive move for all parties,” he said.

“Jordan has been a mainstay in our squad this season, but we both feel it’s beneficial for him to get more minutes and Worcester is a great football club, playing at a good level.

“There is a lot more to come from Jordan in a Hereford shirt and we wish him well. I’d like to thank Worcester and look forward to continuing our growing relationship.”

National North - Preview Of Tonight's Fixtures

A preview of the three fixtures taking place in the National North League this evening.

 Craig Elliott takes charge of Darlington for the first time since he was confirmed as Steve Watson’s replacement.

The Quakers are third from from bottom in the Enterprise National League North with 11 points from 15 matches.

Elliott arrives after leaving Bradford (Park Avenue) and will hope to introduce himself to his new supporters with a win over Oxford City.

"I have kept a clear eye on Darlington in recent years, and I think this is a great opportunity," said Elliott, who is hoping to avoid a fourth defeat in five games.

"They're a big club with great support, and they want to keep moving forward. Just like me, the club is very ambitious. I can assure everyone that I will work very hard and honestly to help the club climb the table."

Hereford will return to the top of the division if they win at Morecambe.

But Shrimps manager Adam Lakeland is demanding a response following Saturday’s 6-2 hiding at Hednesford.

“We have to make sure we learn from this and bounce back quickly,” he said.

The other game in the league sees Scarborough Athletic face Marine and it’s a big one with both sides sitting outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Brackley Warn Section Of Their Supporters

Brackley FC have released a statement following some unacceptable behaviour at their game last Saturday.

Hereford play Brackley in the FA Trophy at Edgar Street next Saturday. Then on Tuesday November 24th Hereford travel to Brackley for a League match. 

The Board addresses unacceptable supporter behaviour at Saturday’s home match against Chester.

Behaviour by some supporters at Saturday’s match was completely unacceptable and demonstrated a complete lack of respect for those around them. The use of vile and obscene language and abuse directed at officials and opposition players has no place at St James Park and will not be tolerated.

The club prides itself on being a community club where families with children can come to enjoy a match and feel comfortable and safe.

Everybody accepts that at competitive sporting events emotions can run high but there is a line that cannot be crossed where language is used that would not be acceptable anywhere else, not in a supermarket or the high street or in a pub or the workplace.

Such behaviour ruins the experience for fellow supporters and brings the club into disrepute. Further, it could have serious consequences for the club from the football authorities, including disciplinary and financial sanctions.

Following the events of Saturday those identified individuals will be subject to serious sanction and action is currently underway to this effect.

We will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone whose behaviour creates an intimidating atmosphere or threatens club officials, staff, volunteers or fellow supporters and damages the good name of our club.

The overwhelming majority of our supporters are fantastic and we ask everyone to continue supporting the team passionately but respectfully.

The Board of Brackley Town Football Club

 

The Last Time At Morecambe

Hereford Supporters At Morecambe In 2012

It's over 14 years since Hereford last played at Morecambe but on that day the Bulls took all three points.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Much improved Bulls take all three points at Morecambe

Hereford United justifiably came away from The Globe with a victory this afternoon thanks to a 27^th minute strike from Lyle Taylor and a solid team performance as they took their points tally to four from a possible six since the return of Richard O’Kelly.

The team saw one enforced change with Simon Clist ruled out with a strain.  Rob Purdie dropped to fullback and Nicky Featherstone got the start in midfield.

Morecambe were first to threaten but Carlton dragged his shot well wide from a wide right position.  Townsend’s long ball to Facey was flicked on but easily cleared then when Evans’ helped the ball into the host’s area, pressure from Taylor and Barkhuizen forced a hasty hack into touch.  The Shrimps had a good chance to take the lead on nine minutes when Burrow outpaced Towner and rounded Cornell only to put his lob wide of the target.

Lunt played a flighted ball to Facey and The Bulls’ striker flicked on to Barkhuizen who turned it inside to the advancing Will Evans but the two-goal Macclesfield hero’s shot was deflected for a corner.  The corner was half-cleared but this time Evans’ shot was high over the bar.  O’Kelly was out on the edge of his technical area throughout, quick to applaud any good work and shouting encouragement when attacks broke down all while making copious scribblings on his notepad.  Taylor benefited from a slide rule pass from Lunt but his crisp effort was saved by Roche.  At the other end, Reid’s shot was easily collected by Cornell before Facey’s cross with the outside of his foot was fractionally long for Taylor but the Bournemouth youngster was to find the net on 27 minutes.

A Purkiss free kick just in the Bulls’ half was met by a Townsend header before Facey helped it on to Taylor who spun and fired home from 12 yards.  The Bulls pressed forward in search of a second goal and Facey’s hooked cross found Barkhuizen but his shot was blocked and Facey’s speculative effort whilst falling backwards rose over the bar.  When Barkhuizens found Taylor in the box, his cheeky back-heel bounce off keeper, Roche for a corner.  Morecambe countered down the right and Reid’s deep cross was headed back across the goal by Alessandra but Burrows challenge on Cornell was penalised.

HT  Morecambe 0  Bulls 1

Hereford deserved their interval lead by virtue of good possession football, some searching forward play and solid well organised defending.

The Shrimps had to replace their young fullback, McGinty, at half time as he suffered a dislocated shoulder and started the second period with more determination.  The Bulls’ were closing well to break up play but their early attempts at forward movement was a little hurried and when the hosts broke into the box, Cornell had to move smartly to tip away a shot from substitute Redshaw.  Big Jim Bentley was clearly up for the fight as he bellowed instructions from the sidelines to encourage, in particular, Parrish to get forward down the right.  In fact it was Parrish that had to be tracked right back to the byeline by the busy Barkhuizen to assist Purdie.

Facey was replaced by Arquin just before the hour mark but both he and Taylor were slow to get a shot off when chances presented themselves in the box.  Towner beat Burrow to a through ball and the home number 14 received deserved stick from the visiting fans as he fell clutching his face when he had, quite clearly, not been touched  Clucas came on for the tiring Barkhuizen with twenty minutes remaining but his fresh legs did not prevent Parrish whipping in a dangerous ball which Towner was a little fortunate to get a glancing header too.  Purdie turned a ball inside to Lunt and Kenny floated a delightful ball into the path of Clucas but McCready was quickly across to block the shot.  At the other end, The Bulls had a let-off when Redshaw scooped over the bar from the edge of the six-yard box.

With Morecambe playing with three up top. O’Kelly brought on Stefan Stam for Taylor to see out the final two minutes of normal time plus the five added with a back three and Purdie pushed right up on Parrish to keep him largely in his own half.

The Bulls had a fine chance to double the advantage as the game came to a close.  Will Evans broke away but his shot from the edge of the box was parried away by Roche.

FT  Morecambe 0  Bulls 1

Hereford: Cornell, Purkiss, Townsend, Anthony, Purdie, Barkhuizen (Clucas 67), Featherstone, Lunt, Evans, Taylor (Stam 88), Facey (Arquin 59). Subs not used: Bartlett, Colbeck.

Morecambe: Roche, Parrish, Hauning, McCready, McGinty (Redshaw 46), Reid, McDonald, Hunter (Drummond 75), Carlton, Burrow (Jevons 75), Alessandra. Subs not used: Kettings, Cowperthwaite.

This was a victory that was surely earned on the training ground as The Bulls displayed a much more organised and disciplined display at the back.  Playing a higher line and holding it provided a better basis for Cornell to come and gather the through balls.  Morecambe were unable to push into The Bulls’ penalty area as easily as Macclesfield did on Tuesday and the result was a much more confident performance all round.

No eyed deer what the gate was but there looked to be about 120 celebrating the win.

Impressed.

 

Three National North League Fixtures This Evening

There are three National North League fixtures set to take place this evening.

Darlington v Oxford City

Morecambe v Hereford

Scarborough v Marine