Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Patched up Bulls remain unbeaten at Edgar St.


SeeBlocker watched the game for Bulls News

Captain Luke Graham With Today's Mascots
Hereford’s injury crisis saw Leadbitter being replaced by Collins at right back. In midfield Forest Green loanee Green started in favour of Artus, who was named on the bench. O’Keefe’s broken arm will keep him out for a number of games so Purdie came in to replace him in the centre of midfield.

The game started off with the Bulls attacking the Blackfriars end and Walker cut inside his man but his shot was well wide of the upright. Hereford created some more half-chances in the following minutes, but the ball was picked up by the keeper from beneath West’s feet.

An early foul on Welling’s Pires, just outside the box, saw the free kick curl around the two man wall and was parried by Evans the follow up came to nothing.  A scuffed pass found West but once again, the shot went agonisingly wide.

After the Bulls managed to win a corner, it was taken short and then delivered into the box. Welling cleared and the keeper wiped out Walker in the process of clearing.  Walker received a ball on the wing and ran into space down the right. His man closed him down and Hereford won another corner. A headed half clearance was made and the second ball went out for a Hereford throw. A long throw by Bush was cleared for yet another corner. A moment of uncertainty followed as Lee Butcher fumbled the ball but managed to hold on.

Overall, the first half was a pretty dull affair.

HT: Hereford 0 Welling 0

The Bulls came out unchanged after the break, but seemed to have a bit more urgency in their play.
After four minutes of the second period, Smith nipped down the left wing to provide a decent cross straight into the hands of the Wings’ keeper who could only push the ball to Sharp who bundled the ball over the line.

Chris Sharp Scores - Action Pictures From Andy Compton Of The Hereford Journal
 Hereford 1 Welling 0

Loick Pires raced through the centre of Hereford’s defence and sent his shot well wide. A corner was given by the referee much to the surprise and disgust of the Hereford defence. The corner dropped into the box and Bergqvist challenged Bush unfairly and gave away a free kick.

A penalty claim for the Bulls after 57 minutes was waved away by the referee after Smith appeared to be impeded in the box.

The Bulls were eager to double their lead and once Smith had collected the ball on the left, he got around his man and sent in a good cross. The resulting corner was delivered and headed powerfully by McDonald but was a yard too high.

A double substitution saw Sharp and West leave the field to make way for Rankine and Artus. Rankine appeared to have recovered from his knee problem and was soon to make his mark when his marker received a bloody nose. 

BN Pic
An Artus shot from 20 yards could only be parried by the keeper and the ball fell to the feet of Rankine. He clinically struck the ball past Butcher to score Hereford’s second although, most in the ground thought he was at least 3 yards offside, apart from the linesman.

Rankine Scores Hereford's Second


But Looks At The Lineman To Check It's Been Given
In the fourth minute of injury time, the ball was played into the box and in the ensuing goalmouth scramble the ball eventually went over the line by Lafayette as a consolation goal.

FT: Hereford 2 – 1 Welling

Att: 1,527

Sponsers’ MOTM: Purdie

Hopefully this result will breed confidence amongst the camp especially with the current injury situation. We’re still not firing on all cylinders but with Purdie in centre midfield along with the recent addition of Green, the midfield looks more solid.

Hereford: Evans; Collins, McDonald, Graham, Bush; Walker, Green, Purdie, West (Artus 75); Smith, Sharp (Rankine 75). Subs not used: Gwynne, Brown, Harris.

Welling: Butcher, Bergqvist, Franks, Hudson, Jake Obersteller, Dyer, Gallagher, Clarke, Healy, Pires (Hughes-Mason 75), Lafayette. Subs not used: Turner, Joe Obersteller, Day.

Cards: Yellow for McDonald, Purdie and Welling’s Clarke


Excellent Result Given The Injury Problems Said Addison


Hereford United director Colin Addison felt that given all the injury problems in the squad, the team had done well to take all three points this afternoon.

"Excellent three points considering all the injuries," Addison told BN.

"Having to make changes and reorganise and people playing out of position, they've done very well, it's an excellent result.

"Played 6, won 3, drawn 2, lost 1, I think it's a very good start.

"After saying that I still feel we can play better, I sure Martin and Andy will look at that.

"It's not a matter of not trying but we can play better, a little bit more positive, keep the ball better, a little bit more positive in and around the final third. The public love to see goals going in."

Welling scored their goal in the 90th minute dashing hopes of a clean sheet for the Bulls especially as keeper Evans had made two great saves seconds before.

"I thought the save from the first header was absolutely stunning. I couldn't see them missing the first header.

"Then it was a poor header from Bushy, I think it was Bushy in the left back position, couldn't get it away. It popped up and their guy got a great header in from three yards. It was a great save but unfortunately when he knocks it back they got on to it again and it ended up in the back of the net.

"We just about deserved it today."

Over 150 Supporters Join The Trust


Over 150 Hereford United fans have already joined the Supporters Trust which was only launched last Thursday.

Jesse Norman Signs On The Dotted Line Watched By
Treasurer Jack James And Tasha Webster

One of those joining this afternoon was local MP Jesse Norman.

Meanwhile director Colin Addison was full of praise for the trust and its aims.

"I think its a good thing for the club," Addison told BN.

"There's going to be liason meetings from time to time so everybody is updated.

"We are all here for the benefit of Hereford United Football Club.

"Jon Hale explained it very well, the ideas and thoughts for the future.

"Let's hope it will work, but we've got to make it work.

"Everyone wants to see Hereford United back in the Football League as soon as possible."


Second Half Pictures From Edgar Street


A selection of pictures from the second half of today's match at Edgar Street.
Chris Sharp Scored Hereford's First Goal


Paul Green In A Tangle
Smith Gets An Arm Across Him
And Rankine Gets His Shirt Pulled
Celebrations After Rankine Scores Hereford's Second Goal

The Meadow End Applauding The Hereford Victory
 

Striker Odhiambo Is Turkish Target


Bulls News understands that striker Eric Odhiambo is the man the Bulls are waiting on international clearance for.

The 24 year old, whose full back brother Eddie trialled for the Bulls last summer, has signed a deal at Edgar Street but is now tied up in red tape over international clearance - which may take some time to resolve.

Having started out as a trainee with Leicester, he signed for Inverness as a 20 year old in 2009, spending two years in the SPL before moving out to Turkey with Denizlispor on a three year deal.

He has been in dispute with the Turkish second tier side for some time. The BBC reported last November that he was on the verge of signing for Torquay, but the problem halted a planned move in January.


Ex-Bull Watch


Febian Brandy was sent off for Sheff Utd as they lost at home to MK Dons. Harry Pell scored from the spot as Wimbledon beat Fleetwood. Sam Clucas scored for Mansfield as they beat Dagenham. Matt Lund netted Rochdale's equaliser as they drew at Oxford. Sam Winnall scored for Scunthorpe in their draw with Newport.

Jordan Rose was sent off for Tamworth as they lost at Cambridge. Gavin Williams scored Woking's consolation from the penalty spot as they lost to Gateshead. Jose Veiga saved a penalty for Worcester but they still lost at Boston. Stuart Fleetwood scored for Eastleigh as they won at Boreham Wood. Tristan Plummer netted a penalty as Weston-Super-Mare won at Chelmsford.

Meanwhile, Lateef Elford-Aaliyu has signed for Tamworth. The former West Brom trainee was a free agent after leaving Crawley after a short term deal in the summer.


Results Round-Up


Cambridge lead the table by goal difference after a 3-0 win over Tamworth put them a goal ahead of Barnet, who beat Hyde 3-2. Nuneaton are third, also level on points with the top two, after a 2-1 win at Grimsby. Lincoln are fourth after beating Dartford 2-1, with Southport up to fifth following their 1-0 win over Aldershot. Forest Green are ahead of the Bulls on goal difference following a 3-1 home win over Alfreton.

At the foot of the table Aldershot stay on -3 points, but are seven short of safety after their loss. Chester picked up their first points with a 2-0 win at Wrexham, while Macclesfield slip down after a 1-0 home loss to Braintree. Woking are only a point clear of the bottom four after losing 2-1 at home to fellow strugglers Gateshead. Salisbury moved clear of the bottom four after a 3-1 win over Halifax, with the Shaymen having two men sent off before half time.


First Half Pictures


A selection of pictures from the first half at Edgar Street this afternoon.

 
Healy Gets Above Smith
Dom Collins Takes A Throw-In
Welling Clear A Lewis Cross
Dan Walker Making Ground


Welling Goalkeeper Collects From A Lewis Corner
 

Good Dogged Performance Said Foyle


Martin Foyle In the Hereford Dug-Out
Given all the injury problems at Edgar Street, manager Martin Foyle was pleased to take all three points from this afternoon's match against Welling United

"Absolutely delighted with the three points," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"It was a good dogged performance.

"I wouldn't say we were spectactular but I thought we started the game well, a good opening ten minutes, a couple of corners, a couple of shots.

"Then we took our foot off the pedal a little bit, we started going slow with the ball. Plenty of possession but we were not hurting them.

Foyle had a few harsh words for the players at the break.

"I think the players knew it wasn't as good as we can do but if you look back over the previous week some haven't trained.

"Rod did a little bit Thursday night, Ranks only did a bit last night."

Sam Gwynne missed out today.

"We certainly had to cope with their height because they are a big side. That's why I played Dom Collins instead of Gwynne.

"The back four have been great and haven't conceeded any goals that were their fault It's been elsewhere we've been giving some cheap goals away."

Foyle seems pleased with both loan players that arrived earlier this week.

Michael West
"Michael West has come in, great attitude. Greeny, old school, only 26, he certainly wanted to come here, wanted to play and grind out a result.

Paul Green
"Both boys have had a big part to play today."

Finally the goals.

Sharp Appeared To Score Hereford's First Goal
"Sharp claimed the first one which I would have done.

Rankine Looks To The Linesman Along With The Welling Defence But The Goal Is Given
"I think Rankine was going to stop instead of shooting thinking he was miles offside but the linesman did say that somebody over the far side kept him onside but you've got to finish any chance that comes your way."


Stats From Edgar Street


Below are the main stats from Edgar Street where Hereford United defeated Welling United 2-1 earlier this afternoon.

Scorers: Sharp (49), Rankine (84) / Lafatette (90)

Possession: Bulls 47%  Welling 53%

Shots on Target: Bulls 5  Welling 5

Shots off Target: Bulls 6  Welling 5

Corners: Bulls 5  Welling 5

Fouls: Bulls 13  Welling 8

Cards: Yellows for McDonald and Purdie

Rob Purdie
Man of the Match: The sponors selected Rob Purdie.

Attendance: 1527 with about 45 in the away end.

Conference Table: Hereford are 7th just three points behind leaders Cambridge United

Bulls Profit From Keeper Errors

The Bulls beat Welling 2-1 in today's Conference match at Edgar Street.

Both Bulls goals came from the Welling keeper spilling fairly easy catches. Chris Sharp was close enough for the ball to bounce off him for the first, while Michael Rankine finished the second with aplomb.

Full report later.

Full Commentary From Edgar Street


There will be full commentary of this afternoon's Conference match between Hereford United and Welling United both on BBC Hereford and Worcester and on Bulls Player.

H&W commentary is on 94.7FM around Herefordshire and also on the internet.


Beadle Keen For Youth Players To Progress To Senior Squad


Peter Beadle, who runs the Hereford United youth team, has said that he is hopeful at least one or two of his players make it to the first team squad.

Given the current injury problems with the senior squad, there's a small chance that one or two could be on the bench for the game against Welling this afternoon.

"My aim is to get youth players into the Hereford first team as quickly as we can," said Beadle as reported by the Worcester News.

"If Martin (Foyle) takes one player at the end of this season then we’ve been successful. If he takes two players, then we’ve done extremely well.

"We have to aim to get as many boys into the first team squad for the next campaign but hopefully they will push on and do that this season.

"Everyone knows about the financial difficulties the club have been in and sometimes people tend to forget about young players."

Friday, August 30, 2013

Eight Players Carrying Injuries Says Foyle


Hereford United currently have eight players carrying some degree of injury and manager Martin Foyle will have to make several changes for tomorrow's match against Welling United.

On top of that there has been a couple of players with a bug.

To help bolster his squad Foyle has brought in two players this week. Michael West arrived just in time to play at Alfreton last Monday whilst Paul Green joined up with the Bulls yesterday. Both are expected to start tomorrow.

However despite the shortage of fit players the bookies make Hereford favourites to win the game.

Both William Hill and Coral are offering 6/5 for a Hereford win.

Best price for a draw is 5/2 with BetVictor.

Latest odds from SkyBet:

Hereford 11/10  Draw 12/5  Welling 21/10 


Trust Taking Memberships In Addisons From 2pm


The Supporters Trust will be in Addisons tomorrow from 2pm to take membership applications.

A table will be in the skittle alley area of the bar, right next to the pitch, for sign-ups and completed forms from last night's Launch. Fans can also sign up online.



Any queries can be sent to membership@hufctrust.co.uk.


Addison In Fine Form


Colin Addison

Colin Addison was the final guest to speak last night at the launch of the Hereford United Supporters Trust. And it wasn't long before the former player and manager soon had the audience in fits of laughter.

MC Trevor Owens introduced him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, he is a living legend at Hereford United - Colin Addison."

Colin started by getting personel.

"Thank you Trevor - he's put a little bit of weight on!"

And then he turned to Gareth Davies who had spoken earlier.

"Well done Ging, you did well as my warm up man, took all my jokes."

Earlier players Luke Graham and Sam Smith were at the launch.

"Have they gone? Oh bloody hell.

"No heckling tonight by the way."

Addison had spent the weekend in London with his family and on Monday had watched some football.

"I've got a lovely story to start with.

"A young player called Harry Pell sends his best wishes to everybody at Hereford United.

"We got tickets and went to see the game. Pell scored a super goal.

"I had twenty minutes with him at the end of the game.

"And he kept asking how's things at Hereford United. Please send my best wishes to everybody."

And then a story from Worcester Races last Tuesday. Both chairman David Keyte and director Nic Nenadich had horses running that afternoon.

"In between the running of Nic's two donkeys, believe me one is still going now, I managed to catch up with David. I missed both the Alfreton and Tamworth games.

"David was quite excited about the possibility that the trust is going ahead."

Then Colin look around for one of Hereford's best known supporters.

"He's still there?

"Mr Blandford, Mark, you'll need the boots on Saturday. Did you hear that?

"I'm going to do a bit of training tomorrow just in case I get a call." 

Finally a pat on the back for the new Trust.

"There will be a Hereford United team here, that's for sure, we'll go on for years and years when we have people like you."

Rankine 50/50 For Welling Match


Bulls striker Michael Rankine is 50/50 to be fit for tomorrow's game with Welling.

Having missed Monday's trip to Alfreton with a knee problem picked up in the entertaining home win over Tamworth, Rankine is unlikely to be fully fit but may be able to play some part.

The Worcester News reports that Rob Purdie has a shin problem, with assistant boss Andy Porter telling the paper they are struggling to get players in: 

“We are spending a lot of time on the phone at the moment but it’s hard work. Clubs are not always keen to let players go out on loan during the first 10 matches just in case they get injuries, just like we have had here.”

New utility man Paul Green is expected to start in midfield tomorrow, with Kingsley James out for a couple more weeks and Josh O'Keefe unable to play with his arm in a cast.

The Bulls are understood to have an unnamed player lined up who is returning to the UK from a Turkish club, but the matter is being held up by international clearance with the Turkish club disputing monies owed to the player.


News Round-Up


Conf South side Hayes and Yeading are reported to be facing a £2million shortfall to finish their new ground. They were due to move into the new ground for the start of the season, but work halted over payment rows with builders and the local press now say a seven-figure funding gap is halting progress. The club are currently playing home games at Woking, and have permission to stay there for the full season if necessary.

The Conference has postponed Farnborough's match on Saturday, warning the club it has only until next Thursday to complete the necessary process to be accepted into the competition. Barnet keeper Graham Stack says he wants to break the Conference record for clean sheets this season. He has kept three clean sheets in five games so far.

Ahead of the Wrexham-Chester derby match tomorrow, 'CFC' graffiti has been daubed on the Racecourse ground sparking anger from Wrexham fans. The game kicks off at 1pm with Chester fans having to travel on club transport with a Police escort. Ahead of the match, Chester have signed veteran defender Danny Higginbotham on a deal to the end of the season. The 34 year old cost £6.5million in transfer fees during his career, ending last season with Sheff Utd.

Former Bulls keeper James Bittner has been released by Newport after his month long deal expired. First choice Lenny Pidgley is fully fit after missing much of pre-season for personal reasons. Former Bull Lionel Ainsworth has joined Motherwell on loan from Rotherham until January. The 25 year old started only eight League games for the Millers last term and had been told he would not feature this season.

Halifax have signed released York midfielder John McReady. The 21 year old made only four sub appearances for the Minstermen last season but made 37 appearances for Darlington in the Conference the year before. Former Bull Darren Peacock takes in his first FA Cup game as a manager tomorrow when his Lancaster City side takes on Farsley in the Preliminary Round. Peacock is unbeaten so far, winning two and drawing two of the Dolly Blues' league matches.


Trust Thanks King Mantis


The Hereford United Supporters Trust would like to thank King Mantis for donating their services at last night's Trust Launch.


The band are available for all sorts of functions, and can be booked through their Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/KingMantisOfficial

Video filmed by Steve Niblett.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Successful Supporters Trust Launch


Hereford United Supporters Trust held their launch event at the Starlite Rooms this evening. Several directors, two players and around 100 supporters were in attendance.

Trevor Owens
Trevor Owens, sports editor of BBC Hereford and Worcester, was MC and he started the proceedings by saying he had been a Hereford United fan for 42 years 'or whatever it is'.

Then the serious part of the evening.

"We want to get across the message about what the Supporters Trust involves," said Owens.

Jon Hale
Jon Hale of the Supporters Trust was the first speaker and started his speech with a plea.

"I've just had a text from Martin Foyle. If anyone in the room has got a pair of boots you're in on on Saturday!

"I would like to welcome you all to the Hereford United Supporters Trust launch night. It seems to have been an awful long time coming around but we're delighted to see such a good turnout.

"On Tuesday night the board of directors sat and listened to us for two hours whilst we explained what the trust can do to help Hereford United and the supporters of Hereford United.

"I'm delighted to say that meeting was extremely helpful on both sides. I'm delighted they gave us the chance to justify why we feel we need a trust at Hereford.

"They now know that we are all behind what they are doing. We are here to help them.

"Finally I would like to thank the 25 plus members of the working group who in the last three months have sweated blood, given their time, effort and much much more to make sure that we as a trust get our constitution in place and get tonight on the agenda.

"We want Hereford United to continue as a professional football club."

So what is a Supporters Trust?

"A Supporters Trust is a formal, democratic and not for profit organisation of supporters who attempt to strengthen the influence of supporters over the running of the club they support.

"Members of the Supporters Trust will have a voice. When you sign up to the trust you have a vote, one member one vote.

"There will be times when we ask our members to vote on certain issues and certain agendas.

Supporters Listening To The Proceedings
"If you are a member of our trust you will have a voice and the majority voice will be the way forward. We want supporters of this football club to have involvement and to be a part of the future of professional football at Hereford United.

"I'm delighted to say on Tuesday night when we met the board of directors they agreed to get the liason meetings going again. And that will be a massive part of what we can do with the trust.

"We really want that liason with the board of directors and the reaction we got from them on Tuesday night was 100% positive and for that I thank them.

"We want to raise the profile of the football club. This is a point we laboured on Tuesday night and they were in total agreement. Raise the profile, embrace the supporter, get people interested again in Hereford United. And that goes back to having a voice and making them feel they are part of how this football club progresses, a hugh part.

"We are not critical of anything they have done in the past. We want to run alongside the board and run alongside HUISA and make this club great again.

"There are supporters worldwide who are chomping at the bit to help this football club and that is why every single one of you tonight is in this room. We have a common cause.

"Ulitimately over a period of time the Trust will raise money and will have money in their coffers. We would like to think we will be in a position, at some stage in the future, that the Supporters Trust of Hereford United could buy shares in the football club. 

"We want to have an influence in the way this football club moves on.

"We also accept that there are supporters around the world who can't get to games on a Saturday afternoon. We saw it when donations came in recently. We are trying to embrace that.

"We had 10,000 fans at Leicester on that brilliant game, we can get them back in even if they are not at the game on a Saturday afternoon.

"That's what the Trust is about. Give them a voice, get them back involved. We want that interest back at this football club ultimately for the benefit of Hereford United."

Kevin Rye
Next on stage was Kevin Rye from Supporters Direct.

"I would encourage you all to become involved as much as you are able or as little as you are able and make it as successful as you possibly can make it," said Rye.

"And in the end achieve what every supporters trust tries to do as a minimum and become a partner in the ownership and the running of the football club on a regular basis.

"In the end that's the way to get Hereford on a more even keel in the future."

Next to speak was Gareth Davies but not before Trevor Owens had a few words to say.

"We have a few things in common. We both come from Mid-Wales. We both played in defence. He was quite good and got paid for it and I didn't!

"We've been good mates for a number of years. He's Hereford United through and through. Please welcome Gareth Davies."

Gareth Davies
"Am I different to any of you?" asked Gareth.

"No, because I'm a Hereford United fan.

"I came here as a young kid and fell in love with the club.

"And you are all here for that reason too.

"With football it's what you do off the pitch and I'm trying to give little bits back to Hereford United in the spare time I've got.

"No different to you, we've all got jobs. 

"We've all got skills to give Hereford United. 

"It's important what we all do together, we become a team.

"It's not just those eleven players ot the squad of sixteen. It's not about them always, it's about what we do off the pitch.

"I don't buy food in town, I come here and buy a nice hearty breakfast!

"Everybody has got a part to play.

"We've got the different supporters groups, we got the local junior league, Roger from the HFA, Bulls News and we all need to work together.

"If the right arm doesn't know what the left arm is doing then we're not going to make this club stronger.

"Hopefully we can all work together to build a better club and better partnership in the future." 

Trevor Owens thanked Gareth and then made an interesting point about how much easier it is to work with the club these days.

"When you are dealing with football clubs day in day out, this club at one stage had the PR skills, well frankly they were bloody awful.

"Today to their enormous credit, the current board and those working in the club like Lee and Jamie, they have improved 500% if not more.

"It's much, much better."


Trevor Owens With Colin Addison
Last, but by no means least, to speak was Colin Addison.

More to follow later.


Green Signs On Loan

The Bulls have signed Forest Green utility man Paul Green on a months loan.
The former Lincoln man is in his second season at the New Lawn, having played 25 times last term. 

However a pre-season injury has kept him out of the FGR squad so far this campaign and the move to Edgar Street will give him a chance to get plenty of playing time.

26 year old Green, described as both a defender and midfielder, started his career as a youth player at Aston Villa but was released on a free transfer late in 2006.

He then signed for Lincoln City for whom he made 116 appreances in four seasons.

Next was a move to Tamworth in the summer of 2011. He made 40 appearances for the Lambs that season.

In July 2012 he joined Forest Green Rovers. An injury kept him out of the squad for the first two months of the season but afterwards he became a regular.

Green is expected to make his first appearance for the Bulls on Saturday.


Trust Predictions For Welling


The Supporters Trust are taking predictions for Saturday's game with Welling.

The game, being the last of the month, is a double points game with up to 10 points up for grabs for anyone that can correctly predict the result and scoreline.



Predictions can be sent to predictions@hufctrust.co.uk, with your username, or can also be filled out at tonight's Launch Night with forms available.

The Prediction League is also now on Facebook (link) and Twitter (link).


Supporters Trust Launch This Evening


This evening sees the launch of the Hereford United Supporters Trust (HUST) at the Starlite Rooms from 7.00pm.

Guest speakers Gareth Davies and Colin Addison will help launch the event that will also see live music with King Mantis, a giant video wall featuring HUFC memories and a raffle from which 20% of proceeds will go to the Adam Stansfield Foundation.

Food is also available to buy and the bars are open.

Club photographer Steve Niblett will be there snapping away, and Keith Hall will be grabbing interviews.

BBC Hereford & Worcester Sports Producer Trevor Owens will be Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Doors open at 7pm, and it is free entry to all ages.

Come along and discover how the Trust can benefit supporters and Hereford United.

Pre-Match Breakfast On Saturday


Does Size Matter?


Harwood Bull watched last Saturday's game at Edgar Street.

Back in Hereford from my northern outpost last weekend, I hurried along to Edgar Street for my first viewing of Martin Foyle’s new squad. There were some reassuringly familiar faces on the Meadow End, but hardly any I recognised on the pitch. The first impression was that Foyle has definitely gone large, in particular in the forward line, with the big figures of Rankine, Walker and Smith charging around, mostly to fairly limited effect.

Smith did score an outstanding goal, starting on a run from the centre circle, he ignored passing options to left and right, and with three Tamworth players converging on him, let fly into the top corner from 25 yards out. All the more remarkable for the fact that for the other 89 minutes he showed none of the basic qualities that you would expect from someone with claims to be a professional footballer. I suppose if he scores a few more like that in the season we won’t complain, but I’m not holding my breath.

Walker is from the same mould. They are both big, strong, powerful players, but I’d trade some of that for some ability on the ball. Someone like Bowman for example …….

Rankine battled hard throughout the game, in an endless tussle with the centre backs. Most of it was 50-50 stuff, except the ref gave 90% of the decisions against Rankine. He finally saw sense and gave the defender a yellow late in the game.

Even Bush at left back is big lad, but for my money our two best players were the two smallest guys, Leadbitter & Artus. 

The following match at Alfreton I didn’t see, but apparently we were ‘bullied’ out of it. I’m sure Foyle is a decent manager, but his interviews are just a string of managerial clichés, and I’m not entirely sure what he means. If he just means we lost out to a more physical team, what were all our big guys doing? They aren’t in the team for their flair, so they need to deliver on the physical side. I’m not convinced that size is the answer. Remember Kyle Perry?


Hereford Will Be Good For West Says Davis


Michael West At Alfreton Last Monday
Crewe manager Steve Davis is hopeful that Michael West will benefit from his loan spell with Hereford United which started last Monday.

West moved to Crewe from Ebbsfleet just over twelve months ago but has failed to break into their first team so far.

"Westy had gone out and played on Monday. It's good for him to get some game time," said Davis as reported by the Sentinel.

"Mike knows the competition around his position at the moment and he recognises, and I recognise, the importance of him playing some competitive games.

"He hasn't had that for a while. For him to develop and force his way into the team here he needs to get out there and play real matches. It will be good for him."

22 year old Davis played for the first 68 minutes in Hereford's game at Alfreton on Monday.

With the current injury situation at Edgar Street, West could play the full ninety minutes in Hereford's next game which is at home against Welling United on Saturday.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Supporters Trust Pleased With Board Meeting


This from the Supporters Trust:

On Tuesday evening, a delegation from the Supporters Trust working group met with the Board of Hereford United to outline the Trust's Aims and Objectives and discuss ways the two parties could work together on a variety of planned projects.
 
After a highly productive two hour session, where a wide range of matters were discussed, the Trust and Board agreed a mutually beneficial pathway towards promoting both parties to fans and the community. This pathway will include the re-introduction of the Liaison Meetings between the Board and the various supporters groups around the club, allowing the groups a clear dialogue with the Board to take the club forward in a variety of projects.
 
The Trust have invited all board members to Thursday's Launch Night, and we are hopeful that several will not only attend but also join the Trust.


News Round-Up


Yoann Arquin scored for Notts County as they took Liverpool to extra time in the League Cup last night. Former Bulls loanee Byron Webster also scored for Yeovil to take their game with Birmingham into extra time, but the matter was shrouded in controversy with the goal coming after the Blues had put the ball out for an injury. An argument ensued, with Yeovil eventually gifting the Championship side a goal in extra time to level matters before going out on penalties.

Alfreton say they are in talks with an Asian-based consortium over investment into the club. The Reds have pushed the boat out financially this summer, agreeing big money deals with the likes of John Akinde and John McGrath. Hyde have released midfielder Tunji Moses by mutual consent. The 29 year old is seeking regular football after nearly three years as a bit-part player with the Tigers.

Alfreton have signed two more players, bringing in teenager Jack Andrews and 21 year old Jay McFadzean. Left sided utility player Andrews was released by Nottm Forest in the summer while McFadzean, whose two brothers both play for League sides, is the third member of his family to play for the Reds.

There are no Bulls in the England C squad to face Latvia on September 10th. The full squad is McDonald (Braintree), Walker (Dover), Oastler (Aldershot), Wood (Alfreton), Everton-Richards (Tamworth), Dunkley (Kiddy), Andrew (Macclesfield), Dean, Armson (Nuneaton), Dunk, Berry, Donaldson (Cambridge), Marsh-Brown, Hyde (Barnet), Norwood, Taylor (Forest Green).


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

From the Archives - Scott Starts For The Bulls


With former Hereford United keeper Ben Scott in the news this week for helping to save the life of a spectator who had suffered a heart attack, BN looks back to his first Conference start for the Bulls back in October 2004.

Saturday, October 23, 2004

Double deflection deflates Bulls
Two deflected goals by Magno Silva Viera gave a huge helping hand to Carlisle United as they defeated Hereford United 3-1 at Brunton Park this afternoon. An own goal by Lee Andrews had handed the Bulls a first half lead but early in the second Peter Murphy gave Carlisle the victory.
Hereford made numerous changes to the squad that drew with Woking last weekend. Captain Tony James didn't travel, as previously rumoured and Lee Mills was also absent. Ben Scott made his first start in the Conference in goal and Tamika Mkandawire returned in place of James after a three match ban. Jamie Pitman recovered from a back injury and debutised for Graham Hyde and Mark Robinson was preffered to Danny Williams. Karl Lewis was the sub goalkeeper.
Brown had the first chance of the game after two minutes when Hereford signalled their intentions. Adam Stansfield collected the ball after a good Hereford move and layed on for Brown whose twenty yard shot was saved well by Matt Glennon. Soon after at the other end Chris Billy had a shot over the bar after a scramble in the box. Murphy then forced Scott into his first save of the game, diving low to his right.
Captain Kevin Gray had a good header just over the bar following a cross from Chris Lumsdon minutes before United took the lead. David Brown did well to break into the area and his shot was well saved by Glennon, but the ball fell to Adam Stansfield whose shot hit Andrews and found its way into the back of the net.
Captain Andy Tretton got a touch on Pitman's free kick and triggered a scramble in the Carlisle box before Pitman's shot was blocked and cleared. Brown went close again with a shot from the edge of the box that Glennon gathered at the second attempt. Ryan Green overlapped well and latched onto Brown's through ball into the area, but Glennon again saved well to deny Green.
Then, four minutes before half time, disater struck for the Bulls. Murphy supplied another dangerous cross and Viera met the ball with his head and it deflected off Tretton and beyond the reach of Scott. A minute later a freak goal handed Carlisle the lead. Viera hammered a thirty yard effort towards goal and it took a wicked deflection off Mkandawire that wrong footed Scott and found the bottom corner. Hereford would have found it hard to beleive they were behind at the interval, having easily matched their hosts.
Two minutes into the second period the Whites found themselves further behind again as their opponents rampaged. A break down the right resulted in a cross that went all the way across goal and found Brendan McGill on the edge of the box and he made no mistake in finding the back of the net for 3-1.
Hereford tried to break down Carlisle, they had plenty of possesion but the Cumbrian side were too solid and organised at the back for the Bulls get through. Williams replaced Green and Simon Travis moved to right back to accomodate the sub. Hereford did get some oppotunities, but Carlisle coped with everything that United tried. Man of the Match Mkandawire headed Pitman's free kick over and Stansfield had an effort from outside of the box saved.
Mkandawire blocked Andrews twenty five yard drive before Travis crossed for Brown, who looked as if he was being held back but the referee gave a free kick the other way. The 6,400 or so home fans in a crowd of 6,772 thought their side should have had a penatly when Tretton appeared to handball and then moments later the away fans thought the same after a blantant push on Stansfield.
Second half sub Andy Preece went close from twenty yards as Carlisle searched for a fourth. Brown got a lucky break off a defender following a right wing cross by Williams, but he was denied by a good saving challenge by Gray late on.
The result may be a little harsh on Hereford who really didn't play too badly and seemed to enjoy a lot of the possesion. The two deflected goals in quick succession were pure bad luck ; had Hereford gone in at the break in the lead, as they deserved, then the game could have been totally different. Hereford need all of their players back to full fitness for the game in two weeks against top of the table Barnet in order to change their form around. The Bulls have collected a measly two points from a possible fifthteen.
A break in the F.A. Cup against Radcliffe Borough couldn't have come at a better time for Graham Turner's side. They should look to use this game to try and restore some much neeeded confidence in the team.
HUFC Team:(4-4-2) Scott, Green, Tretton, Mkandawire, Robinson, Travis, Pitman, Stanley, Purdie, Brown, Stansfield. Subs: Smith, Hyde, Lewis, Williams, Carey-Bertram.
CUFC Team : Glennon, Andrews, Gray, Grand, Annison, McGill, Lumsdon, Billy, Murphy, Hawley, Viera. Subs: Shelley, Farrel, Preece, McDonagh, Westwood.


Board Welcomes Trust Launch


In an article on the official site (link), the Board of Directors at Edgar Street welcome the Supporters Trust to their Launch Night.

The annoucement comes after a meeting between the Board and a delegation from the Supporters Trust working group.

Meanwhile, the club has thanked volunteers who helped move sand from High Town to the club's training ground this afternoon.


O'Keefe Confirms Broken Arm


Bulls midfielder Josh O'Keefe has confirmed he has broken his arm.

O'Keefe was subbed shortly after receiving treatment in yesterday's game with Alfreton and has now been put in a cast and is unlikely to play until the cast is removed.

There is slightly better news for Daniel Leadbitter, who reports that he should be OK once the swelling on his ankle subsides with no substantial damage diagnosed beneath.

Meanwhile, former Bulls keeper Ben Scott is making national headlines after being dismissed for current team Stocksbridge Park Steels at the weekend. 

Scott, 29, was red carded but almost immediately returned to action when a fan collapsed in the stand. Now combining part-time football with a job as a Staff Nurse in Doncaster Scott helped first aiders to tend to the 70 year old fan, and is credited with saving his life.


Ex-Bull Lunt Sent Off For Quick Free Kick


This from Welsh football site Sgorio (link):

Bala Town director of football, Colin Caton, was incensed by the decision to show Kenny Lunt a red card during their game against Airbus UK on Monday.

Lunt was shown a second yellow card by referee, Bryn Markham-Jones, for trying to take a free kick too quickly.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted Caton told Sgorio after the match.

“I didn’t see any signal, Kenny didn’t speak to (the ref). There was no direction whether it was on the whistle or not.

“I’ve tried apeaking to Bryn (Markham-Jones) but he’s not approachable and won’t speak to me. They ask for respect but surely they’ve got to get a bit back by letting me speak to him.”

Bala, who leading 1-0 Lunt’s sending off, eventually lost the match 2-1 and Airbus UK manager, Andy Preece, was sympathetic to Caton’s complaint.

“He’s got every reason not to be happy. I’m sure you have to use a bit of common sense,” he said.

“He wasn’t trying to gain an advantage or con the referee. It’s harsh.

“Referees have got to be allowed to use common sense. We want to play 11 v 11 unless it’s something reckless.

“To be sent off for that? It’s harsh.”