Highlights from Buxton yesterday. Not the best quality to say the least.
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Sunday, August 09, 2026
Skinner's Penalty Not Enough For Hereford
A late penalty for Hereford was not enough to take home any points from Buxton yesterday.
Aaron Skinner was brought down in the area and he stepped up to score from the resulting penalty which levelled the sides.
But in the dying minute of the ten added Buxton scored the winner.
Saturday, August 08, 2026
Hudson Out For 12 To 14 Weeks
Hereford captain Lewis Hudson will miss a number of games following an injury at Bromsgrove last Saturday.
He had a scan earlier this week on his knee.
"Hoody will be out for 12 to 14 weeks," said manager Aaron Downes.
Also missing from the defence this afternoon were Kyle Howkins (suspended) and Joseph James (personal reasons).
Both should be in contention for a starting place against Marine next Saturday.
Match Report: Buxton FC v Hereford FC
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| Skinner Celebrates |
Buxton FC v Hereford FC in the Enterprise National League North.
Following the encouraging performance, win and solid clean sheet in the final pre-season friendly at The UK Electrical Stadium against Bromsgrove Sporting last Saturday the Bulls headed to The Tarmac Silverlands Stadium to face Buxton FC on the opening day of the season in the Enterprise National League North.
Kyle Howkins was suspended following his sending off against Marine AFC at the end of last season and Lewis Hudson was missing after going off at Bromsgrove. Harry Tustin who had returned on a season long loan from Cheltenham Town in the week was on the bench as was new loan signing announced yesterday until January Harrison Iwunze from Notts County with the Bulls looking to back up the victory against the Rouslers in the final pre-season friendly. There was a minutes applause prior to kick-off to honour Buxton's Charlie Cresswell, a much-loved member of their backroom team and Keith Chamberlain who served on the Bucks committee and Social Committee who both sadly passed away recently.
Hereford started on the front foot with early possession and a cross by Keziah Martin from the left found Cawley Cox but his flicked header whistled wide of the left post.
After 7 minutes the Bulls had the best opening, Cawley Cox playing a ball across to Luke Spokes inside the box who's low left foot drive produced a strong left handed save from the Bucks goalkeeper Logan Stretch who's on a season-long loan from Sheffield Wednesday.
The Bucks’ first chance came from a free-kick 10 minutes in near the left corner, Connor Kirby lofted the ball which was headed away by Aaron Skinner.
20 minutes in and Buxton we're starting to get a bit more possession with long throws from Ben Grist particularly giving them some territory in the Bulls half but Hereford held firm.
The first yellow card of the game came on 23 minutes when Ashton Mee went in for a strong tackle on Kam Kandola midway inside the Hereford half.
Bulls’ first free-kick was in a dangerous position on the edge of the box on the right, Martin swung the ball in left footed but it went straight into the wall.
There was then a loose ball by Bill Phillips inside the Hereford half gifted the ball to Sisa Tuntulwana who went on a run towards the Bulls box but fortunately he shanked his effort high over the bar.
The Bulls next chance came from Cawley Cox after just over half an hour gone who tried his luck from 30-yards out which went just over the bar.
Buxton opened the scoring on 38 minutes after a free-kick on the right side of the box was fizzed in by Liam Brockbank which Theo Richardson fumbled falling right to Sisa Tuntulwana who tapped in for a soft goal to concede from a Hereford point of view.
The Bucks striker then had a wild effort from the edge of the box which was high and wide before Aaron Skinner delivered a good ball from the right hand side of the box towards the back post which Jordan Williamson managed to get his head to which looped over the bar.
It was a half where Hereford started well but the hosts grew more into the half as it wore on with the fortunate strike being the difference between the two sides.
Half-time: Buxton FC 1-0 Hereford FC
Into the second-half and Preston Bitemo had the first opportunity for Hereford from the edge of the box who's first-time shot was high over the bar before a free-kick on the right hand side of the area, Spokes took it finding Aaron Skinner who managed to get his head to the ball which fizzed narrowly wide of the target.
The Bucks first chance of the second 45 came from a corner on the left, Kirby delivered high towards the back post which was well cleared by Keziah Martin.
Sisa Tuntulwana was then afforded too much room on the edge of the box on the right but his shot was high and wide before Kian Scales went down inside the box after he appealed that Kam Kandola had brought him down but the referee waved the appeals away.
Much like towards the end of the first-half Buxton had started with a lot of the play but Hereford we're containing them well. On 56 minutes Jordan Williamson was replaced by the returning Harry Tustin.
On 64 minutes the Bulls’ task was made difficult after Preston Bitemo went in for a challenge on Connor Kirby which sparked a melee between both sets of players, Bitemo was shown a straight red card whilst Kirby was taken off on a stretcher and an ambulance called. Hopefully the Bucks midfielder is ok and wish him a speedy recovery.
Keziah Martin then made way to be replaced by Harrison Iwunze to make his debut for the Bulls.
Buxton’s next opportunity came when we allowed the ball to bounce around inside the box before Adam Barton flicked the ball goalwards with a header which Theo Richardson eventually collected before a good chance for Hereford to draw level when Harrison Iwunze flicked the ball into the path of Cawley Cox who tried to lift the ball over Logan Stretch but he couldn't make a clean connection and the ball fell comfortable wide.
Harry Tustin went in for another challenge on Josh Shaw which resulted in another melee and one of the Buxton players kicking the ball at the Bulls midfielder, Tustin received a yellow card. From the resulting free-kick midway inside the Hereford half Will Trueman launched the ball towards Adam Barton who flicked the ball on towards Max Woltman but his header was comfortably collected by Theo Richardson.
On 82 minutes and great opportunity for Hereford to get back on level terms when Liam Roberts fizzed a great ball across the face of the box but no yellow shirt was on the end of it followed by Buxton's Sisa Tuntulwana who ran onto a ball for the hosts on the left side of the area but dragged his shot wide of the right post.
On the stroke of 10 minutes of additional time being announced in the first minute Aaron Skinner was brought down for a penalty inside the box by Kieran Burton, Skinner stepped up and calmly sent Logan Stretch the wrong way slotting the ball into the bottom-left corner to equalise.
Afterwards Billy Phillips was replaced by Danny Waldron before deep into second-half stoppage time there was late heartache for the Bulls on 98 minutes with Buxton grabbing a winner in cruel fashion, Sisa Tuntulwana was allowed to run from the half-way line to the edge of the Bulls box before playing the ball across to Max Woltman who got his shot away which was palmed away by Theo Richardson but only straight into the path of Tuntulwana who couldn't miss to grab his brace.
Full-time: Buxton FC 2-1 Hereford FC
Goal scored by Aaron Skinner from the penalty spot
Hereford FC Starting XI:- 1 Theo Richardson, 2 Aaron Skinner, 4 Kam Kandola ©️, 5 Will Merrett, 7 Keziah Martin, 9 Cawley Cox, 14 Luke Spokes, 15 Jordan Williamson, 18 Liam Roberts, 20 Preston Bitemo, 23 Billy Phillips.
Substitutes:- 8 Harry Tustin, 10 Danny Waldron, 19 Harrison Iwunze, 21 Ollie Lewis, 24 Jack Tolley, 25 Harry Jones.
Attendance 1502
Hereford started the game on the front foot but as the first-half wore on they came more into it and held the slender lead at the break. The second-half after Preston’s red card it was difficult but the Bulls still kept the Bucks at arms length and in a game where we could of taken a point which we certainly would of taken but it wasn't to be, gutting to concede in the dying embers of the game which we didn't deserve but that's football sometimes.
The second game of the season and first back at the MandM Edgar Street Stadium for the Bulls next with the visit of Marine AFC. COYW
Words: Sam Cummins
Bulls News Prediction League: standings after match one
The Bulls News Prediction League table has been published for the first time this season.
Hereford fell to a 2-1 defeat on the road at Buxton, a result nine competitors saw coming - eerily, the same number as saw the 2-0 defeat at Spennymoor on the first day of last season.
With it being double points for the first game of the season, Dhall, Douglas Trendle (for the second season in a row), Jamer99, Louis.B, Podge, Teddington Bull, The Eagle Has Landed, wainright, and Whitewell Wizards picked up 20 points.
The updated table can be found here.
Next up is Marine at Edgar Street next Saturday.
Be sure to email your username and prediction to bnpredictions@outlook.com by 2pm on Saturday, including if you want to enter for the first time.
Today's National League North results
AFC Telford Utd 1 Brackley Town 2
Buxton 2 Hereford 1
Chorley 1 Chester 2
Darlington 1 Worksop Town 2
Hebburn Town 3 Southport 1
King's Lynn Town 1 Harborough Town 1
Marine 0 Macclesfield 1
Merthyr Town 2 Hednesford Town 0
Morecambe 1 Spennymoor Town 1
Oxford City 1 Bedford Town 0
Radcliffe 0 Spalding United 2
Scarborough Athletic 0 South Shields 1
REACTION | Aaron Downes - Buxton 2-1 Hereford FC
Aaron Downes gives his post match reaction to todays 2-1 defeat to Buxton. Click on the play button to hear his thoughts.
Heartbreak for Bulls as Buxton grab dramatic winner
A 98th minute winner from Sisa Tuntulwana saw Buxton break Hereford's hearts on the opening day of the National League North season.
It looked like 10-man Hereford would come away with a point after Aaron Skinner scored penalty on the 91st minute. Buxton had earlier gone ahead through Tuntulwana in the 38th minute before Preston Bitemo saw a straight red card in the 64th.
Six-man bench with Jones promoted to first team
Hereford have only named a six-man bench for today's opening league game against Buxton.
Harry Jones is one of the players, with the youngster wearing the number 25 shirt.
It was likely that Lewis Hudson would miss out, along with Joe Willis and Fin Holmes. However, there's also no Joseph James.
Richardson, Skinner, Kandola, Merrett, Martin, Cox, Spokes, Williamson, Roberts, Bitemo, Phillips.
Subs: Tustin, Waldron, Iwunze, Lewis, Tolley, Jones.
Howkins suspended today
The Bulls defender was booked twice during last April's game against Marine, but wasn't noted by the referee.
Howkins subsequently received a one match ban afterwards, which has been carried into this season.
Today's National North Fixtures
Today's National North League Fixtures:
AFC Telford v Brackley Town
Buxton v Hereford
Chorley v Chester
Darlington v Worksop Town
Hebburn Town v Southport
King's Lynn Town v Harborough Town
Marine v Macclesfield
Merthyr Town v Hednesford Town
Morecambe v Spennymoor Town
Oxford City v Bedford Town
Radcliffe v Spalding United
Scarborough Athletic v South Shields
From The Archives - Pre-Season At Bromyard
On this very day in 2002 Hereford United travelled to Bromyard for a pre-season friendly.
A look back:
Bulls charge in
the goals
Bromyard
Town 0 - 12 Hereford United
There were celebrations all round at
Delahay Meadown tonight despite Bromyard Town taking a 12-0
thumping against Hereford United.
The Express & Star West Midlands League Premier Division side opened their new stand and were grateful that the county's premier club could make the trip to celebrate the event.
The Bulls took just one hundred and fifty seconds to take the lead as a ball from Rob Purdie was headed goalwards and pushed away by Jamie Lambert in the Bromyard goal, only for United defender Andrew Tretton to knock home. A minute later, a Paul Parry cross from the left wing found John Grant, who side-footed the ball from twelve yards past the goalkeeper and it bobbled in off the far post.
Ian Wright and Jamie Pitman both wasted openings as Hereford held onto their early advantage, which was extended on eighteen minutes. A Grant shot was parried for Purdie to follow up, but his effort was blocked by a wall of defenders. However, the ball fell to Tretton for a tap-in.
Three minutes later, it was four. Trialist Andy Baird hit a ball to the left of the box where Rob Sawyers was well placed, and he hit an angled shot into the back of the net. A similar shot from Rob Purdie on the half hour sailed over the crossbar, and Grant went closer a minute laster when he linked onto a long ball from Teesdale and shaved the woodwork.
Despite a 4-0 scoreline, Hereford appeared suspect at the back with 'keeper Ken Griffiths uncomfortable with several balls. However, Matt Clarke and Pitman linked well on the right wing which allowed the two to overlap. It was Pitman who released Grant on thirty six minutes, and from the ex-Crewe striker's cross, Rob Purdie unleashed a shot from twelve yards to make it 5-0.
Six minutes before the break, Hereford made it six goals as Purdie sailed over a corner from the left for Paul Parry to drive from twenty five yards. John Grant got a head to the ball from six yards out, as he aimed the ball downwards and goalwards.
The 6-0 half time scoreline seemed a little unfair on Bromyard, who had attempted to exploit Hereford's defensive frailties on several occasions with limited success. However, the second half saw more of the same. Andrew Tretton narrowly missed the target with a close range header just after the break, whilst a Andy Baird goal was disallowed for offside.
On fifty three minutes, John Grant did well to cut in from the left as he searched for his hatrick, and he unleashed a low drive from the edge of the box to make it seven goals without reply. The Bulls proceeded to make three changes, and one of those introduced notched the eighth goal. Steve Guinan, who had replaced Baird in attack, rounded the goalkeeper before driving the ball home whilst under pressure.
Bromyard then had their best spell of the match, as their attack led by Keith Aingel tested Hereford goalkeeper Griffiths on several occasions. However, it wasn't to last long as on sixty seven minutes, Jamie Pitman made it 9-0 with a shot from the right edge of home penalty area.
A minute later, a superb save by Lambert following a Rob Sawyers header must have boosted confidence, and the tenth goal appeared to elude Hereford who hit the side netting through Guinan and post through Rose. Furthermore, Jamie Lambert pulled off another couple of excellent stops from Bristol City youth player Nick Hartley and substitute Danny Williams.
With twelve minutes left, Danny Williams put the Bulls into double figures as he linked onto a through ball and rounded the goalkeeper, and two minutes later Paul Parry turned from provider to goalscorer as he turned in a ball from close range to make it 11-0.
The dozen was completed with five minutes to spare. Rob Purdie linked onto a good piece of build-up play on the left wing for before knocking the ball to Guinan, who ensured the rout was complete.
The introduction of coach Richard O'Kelly, aged fourty-five, with three minutes left revealed how the game was treated as a friendly encounter in what must be his last match, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career.
So it will be Hereford who will be having sweet dreams tonight, but Bromyard stopper Jamie Lambert shouldn't suffer too many nightmares despite the scoreline.
The Express & Star West Midlands League Premier Division side opened their new stand and were grateful that the county's premier club could make the trip to celebrate the event.
The Bulls took just one hundred and fifty seconds to take the lead as a ball from Rob Purdie was headed goalwards and pushed away by Jamie Lambert in the Bromyard goal, only for United defender Andrew Tretton to knock home. A minute later, a Paul Parry cross from the left wing found John Grant, who side-footed the ball from twelve yards past the goalkeeper and it bobbled in off the far post.
Ian Wright and Jamie Pitman both wasted openings as Hereford held onto their early advantage, which was extended on eighteen minutes. A Grant shot was parried for Purdie to follow up, but his effort was blocked by a wall of defenders. However, the ball fell to Tretton for a tap-in.
Three minutes later, it was four. Trialist Andy Baird hit a ball to the left of the box where Rob Sawyers was well placed, and he hit an angled shot into the back of the net. A similar shot from Rob Purdie on the half hour sailed over the crossbar, and Grant went closer a minute laster when he linked onto a long ball from Teesdale and shaved the woodwork.
Despite a 4-0 scoreline, Hereford appeared suspect at the back with 'keeper Ken Griffiths uncomfortable with several balls. However, Matt Clarke and Pitman linked well on the right wing which allowed the two to overlap. It was Pitman who released Grant on thirty six minutes, and from the ex-Crewe striker's cross, Rob Purdie unleashed a shot from twelve yards to make it 5-0.
Six minutes before the break, Hereford made it six goals as Purdie sailed over a corner from the left for Paul Parry to drive from twenty five yards. John Grant got a head to the ball from six yards out, as he aimed the ball downwards and goalwards.
The 6-0 half time scoreline seemed a little unfair on Bromyard, who had attempted to exploit Hereford's defensive frailties on several occasions with limited success. However, the second half saw more of the same. Andrew Tretton narrowly missed the target with a close range header just after the break, whilst a Andy Baird goal was disallowed for offside.
On fifty three minutes, John Grant did well to cut in from the left as he searched for his hatrick, and he unleashed a low drive from the edge of the box to make it seven goals without reply. The Bulls proceeded to make three changes, and one of those introduced notched the eighth goal. Steve Guinan, who had replaced Baird in attack, rounded the goalkeeper before driving the ball home whilst under pressure.
Bromyard then had their best spell of the match, as their attack led by Keith Aingel tested Hereford goalkeeper Griffiths on several occasions. However, it wasn't to last long as on sixty seven minutes, Jamie Pitman made it 9-0 with a shot from the right edge of home penalty area.
A minute later, a superb save by Lambert following a Rob Sawyers header must have boosted confidence, and the tenth goal appeared to elude Hereford who hit the side netting through Guinan and post through Rose. Furthermore, Jamie Lambert pulled off another couple of excellent stops from Bristol City youth player Nick Hartley and substitute Danny Williams.
With twelve minutes left, Danny Williams put the Bulls into double figures as he linked onto a through ball and rounded the goalkeeper, and two minutes later Paul Parry turned from provider to goalscorer as he turned in a ball from close range to make it 11-0.
The dozen was completed with five minutes to spare. Rob Purdie linked onto a good piece of build-up play on the left wing for before knocking the ball to Guinan, who ensured the rout was complete.
The introduction of coach Richard O'Kelly, aged fourty-five, with three minutes left revealed how the game was treated as a friendly encounter in what must be his last match, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career.
So it will be Hereford who will be having sweet dreams tonight, but Bromyard stopper Jamie Lambert shouldn't suffer too many nightmares despite the scoreline.
Written by Terry Goodwin - 8th August
2002.
| Bromyard Town | Hereford United |
| Not given | Ken Griffiths |
| Matt Clarke (off, 58 minutes) | |
| Robbie Sawyers (off, 73 minutes) | |
| Andrew Tretton | |
| Ian Wright (off, 58 minutes, captain) | |
| Richard Teesdale | |
| Jamie Pitman | |
| Rob Purdie | |
| Andy Baird (off, 58 minutes) | |
| John Grant (off, 73 minutes) | |
| Paul Parry | |
| Subs | Subs |
| Tony James (on, 58 minutes) | |
| Matt Baker | |
| Steve Guinan (on, 58 minutes) | |
| Danny Williams (on, 73 minutes) | |
| Michael Rose (on, 58 minutes) | |
| Nick Hartley (on, 73 minutes) | |
| Yellow cards | Yellow cards |
| - | - |
| Red cards | Red cards |
| - | - |
| Scorers | Scorers |
| - | Andrew Tretton (3, 18 minutes) |
| John Grant (4, 39, 53 minutes) | |
| Robbie Sawyers (21 minutes) | |
| Rob Purdie (36 minutes) | |
| Steve Guinan (61, 85 minutes) | |
| Jamie Pitman (67 minutes) | |
| Danny Williams (78 minutes) | |
| Paul Parry (80 minutes) | |
| Man of the Match | Rob Purdie |
| Attendance | c.300 |
| Referee | Mr. K. Morris (Hereford) |
Hudson Confirmed As Hereford Captain
Lewis Hudson has been confirmed as Hereford captain for this season.
Kam Kandola will be vice-captain.
"We've a leadership group and we've got a captain and vice-captain, that's important to me," said manager Aaron Downes.
"We're comfortable with the people we've got."
Friday, August 07, 2026
The 21 players Hereford have got and their squad numbers
Hereford boss Aaron Downes will have 21 players at his disposal for the start of the 2026/27 season.
It only seems like yesterday when thousands of Bulls fans were biting their nails as Downes' team stayed in National League North by the skin of the teeth.
Hereford start their ninth season in the division away at Buxton on Saturday.
Below is Hereford's squad.
1 Theo Richardson - goalkeeper
The undisputed number one, Richardson initially joined Hereford on loan in January 2025 before making the move permanent. He was the first player nailed down for this season due to already being under contract.
2 Aaron Skinner - defender
The joint longest-serving member of the team, Skinner starts his fourth season at the club. In two of his three campaigns with the Bulls, he's been named player of the season. While predominantly operating as a full-back, Skinner can also play in central midfield.
3 Lewis Hudson - defender
The Bulls captain, Hudson has been with the club since January 2024. As well as being a mainstay of the back line, he has proved he can pop up with the odd goal too.
4 Kam Kandola - defender
Kandola was plucked from Kidderminster, where he won the National North League play-offs last season. He in effect replaces Matt Preston in central defence.
5 Will Merrett - defender
The 20-year-old is on loan from Forest Green. He impressed at Alvechurch while on loan and was named the manager's player of the season.
6 Joe Willis - midfielder
Willis joins Hereford from Alvechurch. However, after picking up an injury in pre-season, he is set to miss the start of the season.
7 Keziah Martin - midfielder
After initially joining Hereford on loan in January, the Bermuda international joined permanently two months later. He can play either in central midfield or out wide.
8 Harry Tustin - midfielder
The 19-year-old impressed after joining Hereford on loan in February and is back with the Bulls for a second spell, where he will spend the entire season
9 Cawley Cox - striker
Downes snapped up the striker quickly, ensuring he is set to be the Bulls' main striker. The 22-year-old, who previously played for Westfields and Hereford Pegasus, joins from Merthyr.
10 Danny Waldron - striker
Hereford fans will be hoping Waldron will replicate the the 2023/24 season when he scored 16 goals for Rushall, which helped secure a move to Southend. He has also recently played for Tamworth, Brackley and Kidderminster.
11 Fin Holmes - midfielder
The wideman excelled at Halesowen, scoring 17 and assisting 17 goals last season. However, an injury in pre-season means who will miss the start of the season.
14 Luke Spokes - midfielder
Another player who has starred for Kidderminster. The 25-year-old - who looked good in pre-season - has also played for Weston-Super-Mare, Bath an Chippenham.
15 Jordan Williamson - striker
Williamson was brought in on trial after starring at Hereford Pegasus, where he scored 32 goals last season. After impressing in some friendlies, he was signed permanently.
17 Joseph James - defender
Normally playing at right-back, James can also operate in the heart of the defence. He was brought in at the back end of last season.
18 Liam Roberts - midfielder
The winger is on loan from Fleetwood. His first senior goal came direct from a corner in a League Cup tie at Barnsley.
19 Harrison Iwunze - striker
The 20-year-old was brought in on loan from Notts County just before the season started. He has been on loan at Kettering.
20 Preston Bitemo - midfielder
Bitemo has an injury-ravaged career at Hereford, but did well on loan at Kettering and was arguably the Bulls' best player in pre-season.
21 Ollie Lewis - goalkeeper
The 19-year-old is the back-up keeper and only played in the HFA County Cup last season.
23 Billy Phillips - midfielder
Phillips joined Bristol City's academy at under-14 level, and had National League South level during loan spells at Bath and Chippenham.
24 Jack Tolley - midfielder
Another local player, Tolley makes the step up from Under-18 level after being with the first team during pre-season.
28 Kyle Howkins - defender
Like Skinner, Howkins starts his fourth season at the club, having made 125 appearances.
Hereford 23/10 To Take Three Points At Buxton
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| Aaron Skinner At Buxton Last Season |
The National North League starts the new season tomorrow and for Hereford it's an away game at Buxton.
The bookmakers are currently offering 23/10 for Hereford to win the fixture.
Buxton 1/1 Draw 14/5 Hereford 23/10.
Meanwhile Hereford remain at 25/1 to win the League title, Buxton are currently 20/1.
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