Details have emerged of the cost of the CVA to Hereford United. The "voluntary arrangement" took effect on January 21st 1998 and was completed on January 28th this year.
In summary, the club was unable to continue trading in 1998 because of mounting debts and Chelverton Properties Ltd, as it was known at the time, made sufficient funds available to enable the club to continue to trade.
At the same time the club entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with the objective of acquiring the freehold interest of its trading site, obtaining planning permission and disposing of the site.
Initially dividends of 100p in the pound were paid to preferential creditors and 40p in the pound to unsecured creditors.
Last summer the club proposed a final payment of 5p in the pound to the unsecured creditors and this was accepted at a meeting of the creditors on September 13th.
The receipts and payments accounts shows that Chelverton loaned £315,000 to pay off the secured and unsecured creditors in 1998, but the recent final payment of 5p to the unsecured creditors was funded by the club. This amount came to £10,893.
Altogether the club put some £19,935.88 into the settlement over the original £315,000 from Chelverton.
On the payment side, the Inland Revenue received £129,744 and the Customs and Excise were paid £44,617. They were the only two secured creditors.
The total paid to the unsecured creditors was £98,038.16. Some creditors did not ask to be paid at all as the original statement of affairs showed that £282,833 was owed, but £217,862 was the eventual deficit on which the 45p in the pound was paid out. In effect it looks as though some £65,000 was written off by creditors by taking decisions not to persue their claims or by lowering their claims.
However the payments show just how much the CVA has cost the club in supervisor and other fees.
The Supervisors, Smith and Williamson, have received a fee of £46,849 with added expenses of £2,430. Legal fees came to £10,223.
In the report the supervisor has a report on his fees. It shows that some 80 hours of work up to the end of December 2002 were claimed by a director at an hourly rate of £195.75 which came to £15,660. Since that time those fees for directors work have increased to between £200 and £275 per hour.
Graham Turner and his board at Edgar Street have worked hard to put the CVA into the history books. There is little doubt that supporters, too, are very pleased that the club is now back to relative financial stability.
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Monday, February 28, 2005
The Cost of the CVA
Bulls & Badgers battle for quarter final place
Hereford United host Eastwood Town in the F.A. Trophy fifth round replay at Edgar Street this evening, following the 1-1 draw at Coronation Park on Saturday. The winners will be rewarded with £6,000 and a home tie against Hucknall Town in the quarter finals.
Graham Turner may choose to change his side around, with the weekend Conference fixture against Morecambe in mind. New signing Brian Smikle is expected to start, giving him a chance to impress the home crowd for the first time and try to force himself into the side for next weekend. Lee Mills will be in contention for a starting place after coming on at Eastwood and winning the all important penalty, that saved United from embarrasment.
Hereford will be expecting to dump their lower league opposition out of the trophy on a much better surface and probably in better conditions than the ones experienced on Saturday; conditions which suited Eastwood much more than United. With this in mind, Graham Turner may decide to leave a couple of first teamers out and give them a rest, allowing a few fringe players a run out.
Hereford were saved by Tony James' late penalty last weekend and will not want to have to over come any similarities to that game. The Badgers will surely put up a good fight at Edgar Street, but with the superior quality and fitness the Bulls really should have no problems in progressing to the quarter finals.
Meanwhile Eastwood Town chairman, Keith Smith, is hopeful of victory this evening but insists his side will not be thinking about an impending F.A. Trophy 1/4 final with Hucknall until Hereford have been taken care of.
"It's a great tie on paper as we're only 5 miles apart, but we're not thinking about it yet," said Smith.
Smith is reported to be still smarting after watching his side go painfully close to knocking Hereford out of the F.A. Trophy. The Badgers were 1-0 up until the closing stages of the 5th round tie thanks to Deon Meikle before Tony James salvaged a replay with a late penalty.
"Only one man in the ground thought it was a penalty! But we still believe we can go through," said the Eastwood chairman.
Hereford could meet Hucknall Town in Trophy
Assuming they defeat Eastwood tomorrow, Hereford United have been drawn to play Hucknall Town at home in the next round of the FA Trophy with £7,000 on offer to the winners.
Hucknall Town, who lie midway in the Conference North table, defeated top Conference South side Cambridge City last Saturday.
Hereford United will know the Hucknall manager, Dean Barrick, as he spent a short spell at Edgar Street.
Taken from HU-FC.co.uk:
Dean Barrick joined Hereford on-loan in spring 2002.
A loan signing, Barrick played seven games for the Bulls including in a 4-0 defeat at his permanent club Doncaster Rovers in April. Despite some adverse results, he gained much support at Edgar Street and fans called for him to be signed full-time. However, Doncaster announced that he was part of the squad which would line-up in the next season and he remained at Belle Vue. He joined Nuneaton in February 2003, but couldn't save them from relegation out of the Conference.
Barrick moved to Hucknell in the summer of 2003.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Anysinah return to Edgar Street unlikely
It looks increasingly unlikely that Joe Anysinah will return to Edgar Street this season.
The Bristol City winger came on as a sub last Saturday in the 79th minute of their game at Ashton Gate against Blackpool.
Reports suggest that he has made enough impression since his return from Hereford that manager Brian Tinnion is keen to keep him at Bristol.
Sources close to Hereford United told Bulls News that the inclusion of Brian Smikle in the team against Eastwood last Saturday was proof that Graham Turner had discounted Anysinah's return.
Although subbed early in the second half, Smikle is expected to start for the Bulls in the replay against Eastwood tomorrow evening. He looked a capable player and, given better conditions, should be a useful addition to the squad.
Meanwhile the draw for the sixth round of the FA Trophy will be made later this morning. If Hereford win tomorrow's replay the game will take place on March 12th, which will cause a postpondment of the Forest Green Rovers (NOT Crawley Town as we originally reported) game due to take place on that date.
Several play-off hopefuls in action tomorrow
Once again Hereford United will have to sit back tomorrow evening and wait to see how the results of several of the play-off hopefuls in the Conference will affect them.
Whatever the outcome the Bulls will have played as many as three games less than some of the other contenders. Only Carlisle will be still on 29 games played, the same as Hereford.
Top game of the evening is the Aldershot home game against Exeter. The Shots were defeated by Barnet, the leaders, at the weekend whereas the Grecians won their Trophy game at Stamford with the only goal of the match in the last minute.
Scarborough, at home, should take at least a point from Tamworth, but the Stevenage/Morecambe game is harder to call. Forest Green held Stevenage to a draw last Saturday whereas Morecambe were knocked out of the Trophy by Burton Albion.
Lastly leaders Barnet travel to York City. The home side did not have a game last weekend, but whether that will count for anything against the leaders remains to be seen.
Should results be unkind to the Bulls they could drop to eighth position but only if both Aldershot and Stevenage win their games. A draw for the Shots will keep them below the Bulls on goal difference, but a draw for Stevenage will put them one point above Hereford.
The Pitch resembled Blackpool Beach
Glynis Wright braved the elements and made the trip to Eastwood yesterday. In her diary notes she remembers the two characters that put Eastwood on the map, Jeff Astle and D H Lawrence, and then proceeded to the pub.
Once out of the pub, we then shifted ourselves the very short distance to the ground itself and were somewhat taken aback to discover a queue of South African election proportions already snaking sinuously from the single turnstile there was for the home punters. Blimey, how long would it take to get to the top, I wondered. But we needn't have worried; up popped a chap in an orange coat to inform us of the presence of another entrance, bashfully hiding from its public behind the corner of the social club building, so off we popped there instead.
Once in, I didn't half experience a sharp sense of culture-shock: not for a very long time indeed have I seen a pitch so awful in appearance. Derby, Leicester, even, in the seventies and eighties; I recall those and shudder horribly, but this one - Yep, strong elements of those two, all right - but with enough sand to create a convincing imitation of Blackpool Pleasure Beach strewn around the middle, and in a wide strip that extended in either direction to both goalmouths! The only parts of that pitch not resembling a primaeval swamp on a bad day were both flanks; even so, what few blades of grass eking out a precarious existence there seemed to be rapidly giving up the will to live as well. Clearly, someone had put in a great deal of time and effort just to get the damn game played at all.
Bad news for the Bulls persuasion, really; the greater part of their playing philosophy being centred around constant worship of those two well-known footballing deities, Pass and Move. To have even attempted to put that mantra into practice on that dreadful playing surface would be courting disaster. To be honest, all I could see was a 90-minute slog-fest amidst all that claggy ooze, players of both sides being kicked into orbit, almost, and may the best man - or the luckiest - win.
My other half extolled at some length about an "old fashioned cup tie" and his meaning was clear. Before the days when Premier League sides put their reserves out, before the days of billiard green pitches, this was a throwback to the days of the gutsy part-timers against the professionals. And gutsy they were, with a combination of hurling bodies in the way defending, a cute pair of forwards who deserve higher level football and several well rehearsed set piece moves. I must add legal because their play was mainly fair with very little kicking of their "massive" opponents.
It made for riveting entertainment, the sort of death or glory that Sky love. What a pity their coverage doesn't extend this far. And what a pity for Hereford's weary limbs they've got to do it all over again. I'll guess I'll be there. 'Im Indoors anticipates my company at the next six consecutive Hereford games - now that Albion have given up playing on a Saturday. Eastwood football is fine but please no more Canvey Island.
Chambers pleased with team effort
Brian Chambers, the Eastwood manager, told the Non-League Paper that he was pleased with the efforts of his mud splattered heros in the Trophy draw with Hereford United yesterday.
"Ours was a total team effort. I predicted we'd win 1-0 and but for a poor penalty decision we would have done. We set out to stop them playing and the pitch certainly played its part."
"However, we won't lack confidence when we go there on Tuesday," he said.
Meanwhile the NLP reporter appears to need a new pair of glasses.
He reported that "Mills picked himself up to send Danny Bryant the wrong way."
Just to put the record straight, it was Mills who was fouled and James who took the penalty.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Brian Smikle
Hereford United had a new player in the side today and yet again, he is from West Bromwich Albion. Simon Wright has once again kindly given Bulls News some information on the youngster.
"After Midworth (technically still available because he's a non contract player with Burton), Patterson (very likely to be released by WBA in the summer so available now) comes Brian Smikle, more often known as Junior (no idea why sorry). Young Smikle is in the "not available" category I would guess because he and Ezekiel Tomlinson are the two Albion youngsters training with the first team these days. I mention Zeke because who knows at the rate the Bulls are going, he might be turning out against Morecambe. He was also Trewick's favourite.
I must confess I haven't bothered with Albion reserves since November last year so my knowledge of Smikle is a little dated. Prior to then, young Brian was a regular on the reserves bench but rarely left it. Since December 2004 he's played in seven straight reserve matches in a wide midfield role. He scored against the Dingles of Wolverhampton during that spell, always a meritorious achievement. Regular reserve watchers comment on his pace and how well he dovetails with Kyle Patterson and Lloyd Dyer. What startled me was how rapidly young Brian has filled out. He was such a little lad not so long ago.
The Eastwood match was the biggest that Brian will have played in. Not the biggest crowd because some reserve sides pull in one or thousand supporters but the atmosphere is very much one of endurance and "what am I doing here?" The pitch wouldn't have been a problem because the Albion Youth team have trained and played on far worse. And hey, didn't Junior do well in Notts? Times were very hard. Not more than five or six years ago, I was among a group of fund-raising Albion supporters who raised cash to buy half a dozen pairs of new boots for the younger lads. I've still got the pictures to prove it. Tucka Trewick, Seke Tomlinson, Brian Smikle and others... proudly holding up their new boots.
Brian might not be available to sign a contract but Albion would be very happy to loan him out, I'm sure."
It is thought that Smikle has signed until the end of the season on loan at Edgar Street.
James saves Bulls Blushes
Hereford United were held to a 1-1 draw at Eastwood Town this afternoon in the F.A. Trophy fifth round. The pitch, which had a large slope on it, was in very poor condition but was deemed playable after a pitch inspection this morning.
Hereford's side featured a new signing,Brian Smikle from West Bromwich Albion, who is believed to have signed untill the end of the season. He started the game playing right midfield and was subbed in the second half.
The game started brightly with chances for both sides to open the scoring but both failed to. Danny Carey-Bertram found a route through on goal but was denied by the 'keeper Danny Bryant, who had a great game, and he made a second save from Rob Purdie who failed to convert the rebound. At the other end the bounce of the pitch took the ball away from a Hereford defender, not for the first time, but the attack hit the post.
The game settled down slightly after this and there were no clear cut chances in the remainder of the half. Craig Stanley had fired wide, Danny Williams had a free-kick saved and Carey-Bertram had shot over before the end of the half. Again the surface troubled Tony James, who gifted the ball to the opposition as Eastwood had another clear run on goal. Craig Mawson rushed out, but was beaten to it by an attacker, but his goalbound effort was cleared by Tamika Mkandawire.
The second half started with a flurry of chances for United, who were now shooting down the slope. Carey-Bertram won a free-kick, which Williams took and the goalkeeper pushed wide of the post and Purdie's free header at the far post forced another good save and another corner.
Simon Travis hammered a shot from the right-hand edge of the area, which was blocked by the fist of the goalkeeper, and dropped onto the post. However, in between these opportunities for the Bulls, the Badgers went up the other end and took the lead. They attacked down the left and crossed into the middle, where Knox was on hand to bury from twelve yards into the bottom corner.
Hereford attacked but couldn't find any clear cut chances. Williams' back post header luckily rebounded off a defenders head and wide and Graham Hyde volleyed off target from twenty yards. Lee Mills was introduced with around twenty minutes left on the clock in place of Purdie, and David Brown soon replaced new signing Smikle.
Lee Mills' presence eventually paid off when, after a great passing move by Hereford, he was held back just inside the penatly box and the referee rewarded the Bulls with a penalty with just eight minutes remaining. Captain James stepped up and hammered the ball low into the net, sending the 'keeper the wrong way and saved his side and the 400 or so away supporters from embarrasment. The Badgers though, almost stole the game with two minutes to go. The two strikers opened up the Hereford defence but were denied a winner by the outstreched arm of Mawson.
The replay, just what Graham Turner had said he didn't want, will be played this coming Tuesday night, and the HFA Senior Cup semi-final will be re-arranged. It will be interesting to see if more than 985, the attendance today, will be bettered for the replay.
HUFC Team: Mawson, Travis, James, Mkandawire, Robinson, Williams, Stanley, Hyde, Smikle, Carey-Bertram, Purdie. Subs: Scott, Green, Tretton, Brown, Mills.
Conference results help Bulls
Today's Conference fixture results have been quite helpful to Hereford. Although the Bulls drop out of the place-off zone, it is only on goal difference, and they have at least one game in hand over their near rivals.
Barnet defeated Aldershot, but of the other top teams playing today Crawley, Halifax and Stevenage could only draw.
The top of the table is below:
1 Barnet 31 34 66
2 Crawley Town 32 7 52
3 Accrington Stanley 31 13 51
4 Halifax 30 14 50
5 Woking 30 13 50
6 Hereford 29 12 50
7 Stevenage 31 9 50
8 Aldershot 31 4 49
9 Carlisle 29 23 47
10 Exeter 29 12 46
Bulls fight back for replay
Hereford drew 1-1 with Eastwood Town this afternoon in the FA Trophy game. Tony James scored with a penalty kick late in the game after Eastwood had scored just after half time. It was very cold, windy and the pitch was in an awful condition.
The match will be replayed at Edgar Street on Tuesday night.
About 400 Hereford fans attended the game.
Tony James speaking to BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game said that the conditions were awful.
"The pitch was one of the worst I probably have ever played on. We played some good stuff second half, passed the ball around quite well.
"Just couldn't quite get the goal until I managed to get the penalty and managed to get a replay for us."
Asked how the penalty came about, James said that the Bulls were having a lot of ball around the Eastwood box.
"I think the ball was played into Lee Mills and he managed to back into his man and tried to turn and shoot and someone clipped his legs as he went to shoot.
"Luckily the ground stayed solid enough as I ran up to kick it and I managed to put it in."
In truth although the scoreline was probably fair on the day, Hereford United found it very difficult to play the kind of football they prefer. The pitch, as well as sloping even worse than at Underhill, the home of Barnet, also sloped from one side to the other.
The Bulls understandably didn't challenge too hard on occasions as there was a real risk of injuries, which the side doesn't need with so many matches to play in the next few weeks.
Next Tuesday could see a different game altogether.
Trophy game is on
After a pitch inspection this morning, the FA Trophy game between Eastwood Town and Hereford United is on.
Bulls News would like to thank the webmaster of the excellent Eastwood Town site for his help in bringing us this information.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Important Games in Conference tomorrow
Although Hereford are not playing a Conference League game tomorrow, they will await the results of several games with interest.
Top match of the day is the game between Barnet and Aldershot, both of whom have recently been defeated by the Bulls. Although the Bees still head the league by 12 points from Accrington, they will be concerned that they have lost their last three games. The Shots have also dropped points recently. Last Saturday they drew with Halifax.
Stevenage travel to Forest Green and should take all three points although Hereford fans will be hoping the Rovers can cause an upset.
Halifax should overcome Northwich, but Scarborough could find it difficult to take more than a point from high-fliers Crawley Town.
Should results go against the Bulls, they could drop to eighth position.
We must not be complacent says Turner
Graham Turner has told the Evening News that tomorrow's Trophy game at Eastwood won't be easy.
"We've had reports on Eastwood and the main thing we've picked up is that they have not been too complimentary about the pitch. That is going to be the first thing to overcome," said Turner.
"We've got to adjust to the surface. If it's as bad as people have said, it will be difficult to get the ball down and play our usual game.
"They deserve to be in this round of the competition after the results they've had and we know how big the game is for them. I think they will be up for it and give us a hard fight. It's a dangerous one for us but we've done our homework on them.
"I don't think we'll be complacent. The biggest obstacle to overcome is making sure we match their work-rate because they will be out to play above themselves in front of their home supporters.
"They have got a good individual goalscorer in Peter Knox. He missed their last game with injury but he could play and will be fresh.
"I think it would be an ideal situation if we could score early and dampen the atmosphere a bit. That would make it for an easy afternoon. We've got to stand up to the challenge, whether it's the atmosphere, the conditions or the opposition."
Pitch inspection at Eastwood tomorrow morning
There is to be another pitch inspection at Eastwood Town tomorrow morning by the match referee at 9.30am.
An inspection at lunchtime today was inconclusive.
Eastwood say that there is a slight covering of snow on parts of the ground, but it is thawing. The pitch however will be very heavy if the game is played, which would probably favour the home team.
The weather forecast for the Eastwood area seems to suggest that it remain very cold for the next 24 hours. However any frost tonight will be slight and temperatures tomorrow are expected to rise to 3 degrees, with a risk of a little light sleet.
Gould to Bristol City
Jonathan Gould is to move to Bristol City from Preston. Gould spent the early part of this season on loan to Hereford United.
The former Celtic and Preston North End goalkeeper will train with his new City team-mates at Abbots Leigh this morning before signing a contract until the end of the current campaign.
The 36-year-old will act as an understudy to current first choice Steve Phillips and is seen as back-up for the City No.1 should an injury or suspension occur.
Brian Tinnion told bcfc.co.uk: "Jonathan is experienced and lives in Bristol so it's an ideal situation for everyone.
"We don't really have cover for Steve Phillips at the moment and as he's currently one booking away from a ban we can't afford to be caught short.
"We've got a busy Easter period coming up too and if Steve was to get injured between the Bournemouth and Swindon games we would find it hard to bring someone in."
But Tins warned: "He will add competition for the goalkeeping position, but he has not come in to take Steve's place.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Turner wants result on the day
Hereford United travel to Eastwood Town in the F.A.Trophy fifth round tomorrow afternoon. Eastwood are the lowest positioned side left in the competition; they are in Unibond Leauge Division One, three leagues down the non-league pyramid from Hereford.
The Bulls have already defeated Accrington Stanley, after a replay, and Hyde United in the previous rounds and are clear favourites to progress through to the quarter-final and receive £6,000 for doing so. However there will be no pressure on Eastwood, which may play to their advantage in their quest to acheive a giant killing of sorts.
The Bulls are certain to make a number of changes to the side that was knocked out of the GLS Conference Cup on Tuesday evening, but it will be interesting to see if trialist Kyle Patterson is in the squad. It would be a good opportunity for the background staff to have another look at the young attacker.
Hereford will have Jamie Pitman out with a calf injury, but Graham Hyde will step into his place in the midfield. Lee Mills is in contention for a starting place as he returned to the side in midweek. The experienced target man has been hampered with an ankle injury since December, and didn't look in the best of shape against Northwich either.
However the Eastwood manager, Bryan Chambers, has watched the Bulls and suggested that as the Badgers "have a lot of big lads, we will cause them all sorts of problems from set pieces." If Turner takes the threat seriously he may well include Mills for at least part of the game.
Hereford's other doubt is over the fitness of Adam Stansfield, who aggravated his ankle injury last Saturday against Canvey Island. Stansfield has been struggling with knocks lately and may well be left out as a precaution. This will leave a space for either David Brown or Lee Mills to fill in the attack alongside Danny Carey-Bertram.
Graham Turner has told BBC H&W that he hopes that the result will be decided on the day as he does not want any extra games to add to an already tight schedule. The season is well into its second half and as the players begin to tire, extra games is the last thing that the manager wants.
"We're already up to, nearly all the midweeks. If we make any further progress in the F.A. Trophy then we're going to be congested. It's conceivable that we might be even playing Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in at least one week before the end of the season."
He is also concerned that the state of the Eastwood pitch won't suit the Bulls style of football.
"Reports are suggesting thast it's going to be a very difficult game. First of all conditions up there won't be too conducive to playing good football.
"I understand there is a fair bit of slope on the pitch but it's been described as a throw back to the fifties when there used to be a diamond up the middle of the pitch without a blade of grass."
Bulls help Cancer Campaign
Hereford United has helped kick-start a new campaign to show cancer the red card.
Two of its players, Adam Stansfield and Mark Robinson, are pictured in today's Hereford Times enjoying a healthy breakfast in aid of Cancer Research UK's Britain's Biggest Breakfast.
Both players have seen the trauma of cancer close at hand.
"Cancer has no boundaries and it can affect people of all ages and all races. A campaign like this can raise vital funds to fight the disease," said Mark.
The breakfast parties start next Friday and it is hoped to raise £400,000. Locally Sainsbury's in Hereford will be involved.
Gould leaves Deepdale
The official Preston North End site has reported that they have released goalkeeper Jonathan Gould from his contract at Deepdale.
36 year-old Gould who joined Preston from Celtic has only made five appearances this season, the last being in the 5-0 defeat by Wigan.
Gould joined Hereford United on loan last August after asking to be put on the transfer list. Whilst at Edgar Street he made 15 appearances for the Bulls, but was recalled to Deepdale because of an injury crisis.
After his recall Graham Turner had no real choice other than to sign another goalkeeper, Craig Mawson, after Ben Scott was deemed not quite ready for a first team place.
A Healthy Profit says Turner
As revealed by Bulls News ten days ago the latest accounts for Hereford United are about to be published and in his article for the Hereford Times today, Graham Turner confirms that the year to May 31st 2004 was a good one.
"Over the next few days our accounts will be going out to shareholders in preparation for the AGM. They show a healthy profit on trading over the past 12 months, largely due to the good playing season and transfers," Turner told the paper.
"Having turned the club around financially has enabled us to begin laying down a firm base for future success.
"Obviously the improvement in the dressing rooms has been one area we have spent money but we have also set up a new scouting system with an experienced chief scout at the helm.
"New weight training equipment will be arriving at the club over the next few weeks, again a costly item but one well worth the investment.
"What we want is promotion, then a realistic chance of some success when back in the League. The hard-earned money will be invested in an infrastructure which will give us the chance of lasting success."
Chambers looks for revenge
Eastwood Town's manager, Bryan Chambers, is a man seeking revenge this weekend as his team entertain Conference giants Hereford United in the Fifth Round of The FA Trophy, in partnership with Carlsberg according to an article on the FA.com site.
Hereford United famously knocked Newcastle out of the FA Cup in 1972 and the Newcastle-born manager is looking for payback.
"There's no doubt, this is a tough tie for us, but it's going to be exciting," he said.
"Hereford are three leagues above us, they are a good, strong side, with a lot of good individual players and we shouldn't really have a chance against them."
But Chambers believes he may have spotted one or two weaknesses in the opposition and is pleased to have home advantage.
"I've been to watch them play and know a little bit about them now. Certainly there are a couple of things we'll be looking to exploit on the day."
Eastwood Town sit just outside the play-offs in the Northern Premier League Division One and had a disappointing 3-1 defeat against resurgent Chorley in their last home game.
But Chambers remains positive despite that setback.
"The lads are playing well at the moment and a big plus is that we'll be close to full strength. I think it'll be a case of getting stuck in on the day. If we try and play them at their own game, we'll lose for sure".
Eastwood Town are the lowest ranked team left in the tournament after moving up from The FA Vase last season.
They progressed through to the fifth round after beating Conference South outfit, Hayes 1-0 in the last round whilst Hereford eased through after a 3-0 victory over Hyde United.
Meanwhile Chambers has also been talking to the Non-League Paper.
Hereford have been warned they will face an aerial bombardment in their FA Trophy fifth round match at Eastwood Town, by the Nottingham underdogs' own manager.
Bryan Chambers' UniBond First Division club, the lowest ranked club left in the competition, take on Graham Turner's Conference promotion chasers on their sloping Coronation Park pitch.
And Badgers boss Chambers openly revealed his tactics: "We will give them a game that's for sure. We have a lot of big lads and we will cause them all sorts of problems from set pieces."
It's Eastwood on Saturday
A few notes about reaching Eastwood on Saturday. For more please look at www.eastwoodtownfc.co.uk
From M1 travelling South:
At junction 27, leave the motorway (A608), signposted 'Heanor'. At roundabout take 3rd exit A608. Past the Sandhills Tavern to a T junction
signposted 'Brinsley' 'Heanor'. Going through Brinsley will take you to Eastwood. At the lights turn left onto Nottingham Road. Look for the Fire Station on your right, then turn 1st right into Chewton Street. Ground is 150 mts on your right
From M1 travelling North:
Exit junction 26. At roundabout take exit onto A610 'Ripley' Leave the A610 at the first junction signed 'Ilkeston' Turn right at junction onto B6010, following the signs for' Eastwood'. Look for 'Man In Space' pub. Turn 1st left after the pub into Chewton Street. Ground is 150 mts on your right.
It has been pointed out by the Eastwood Town webmaster that there may be a few problems with roadworks. They suggest:
Basically, M1 Junction 26 onto A610 Ripley - 1st exit signed Ilkeston/Eastwood. At roundabout turn right onto B6010 and follow signs to Eastwood. Hereford fans are to be in the Plumptre Way end. I imagine the street parking will be limited because traffic will be being diverted down Plumptre Way due to roadworks in the town centre. I would also imagine that is where coaches may be parked......There is only one turnstile in the Plumptre Way end, so arriving early may be the best bet!
There will portable loos and also burger bar specifically for the Bulls fans. As far as I know there will be no access to the clubhouse before or during the game, but there are plenty of pubs nearby if drinks are required.
Rail travel:
This may not be very easy firstly because of weekend maintenance work and also because of the Nottingham/Derby game which also takes place on Saturday causing possible congestion at the station.
In any case the train station at Nottingham is about 15 minutes from the bus station, and it might take around 20 minutes to travel out to Eastwood.
Admission:
This is £8 for adults and £4 for concessions. The Eastwood site says that for the visit of Hereford Utd they had to reach agreement between their level of £5/£3 and the "Bulls" level of £13/£7.
Car Parking:
We understand that as the ground is to be segregated on Saturday, Hereford United supporters will need to park and enter the ground from the Plumptre way end.
There are major roadworks in place around the county including Eastwood Town Centre, so allow yourself plenty of time as the M1 could be busy especially around Junction 25.
Betting:
Hereford (4/7), Draw (5/2), Eastwood Town (9/2)
Meanwhile Eastwood were to play Brigg last night but the game was postponed due to poor weather conditions. At present the game looks like being on, as conditions are set to improve, but it will be muddy.
"Expect a ploughed field rather than Wembley! Remember Edgar Street in the 70's?" was a comment from Eastwood.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Another Baggie at Edgar Street
Kyle Patterson made his debut for Hereford United last night. Below Simon Wright reveals more about the young Baggies striker.
My first memory of Kyle Patterson stems from Old Trafford back in August 2002 when, if memory serves me right, he made his reserve team debut up front, at the age of 16. He was quick but otherwise understandably struggled with the occasion. Albion lost 1-0. This was my second visit to OT in four days as a quirk of the fixtures sent both our first and second teams to Salford in August. Our visit was to be the only second team fixture that was played at the Theatre of Dreams so Kyle dropped lucky.
Since then, he's struggled to get regular football, partly because other strikers like Super Bobby Taylor, Scott Dobie, Danny Carey-Bertram and others needed match fitness too and Kyle often got squeezed out. But each game meant a little more experience and a little more strength.
This season, Patters has seen more reserve action, featuring on the bench or as a starter in virtually every game since November. Unfortunately, he's not scoring against professionals and that's a worry. Finding the net in the Youth Alliance isn't a problem at all but then again, this League from Albion's perspective, is so weak. No disrespect at all but Albion's kids should not be playing Hereford's kids in a Youth League. It only happens because the Baggies are still without an academy. Kyle has 12 League goals to his name, with four of those against the Bulls.
Kyle is very quick, even against seasoned pros. His body strength is excellent and in best Tucka traditions, he's comfortable in possession. He performed particularly well against Villa (sadly the best side in the League) in the back end of 2004.
That he's played for the Bulls could be the first sign that he doesn't have a long-term Albion future. I'm using intelligent guesswork that his three year apprenticeship may be up in the summer. I may be wrong of course. Tucka will remember young Kyle. With Tucka Trewick being a former team mate of Bryan Robson and both of them hailing from the North-East, I'm sure that Robbo is perfectly willing to help out where required. Still, it's significant that two of Kyle's team mates have been chosen to train with the first team but not him.
On a personal note, the more young Baggies playing at Edgar Street the better. But isn't it curious that despite both Turner and Trewick being well connected with the Dingles, that young Wolves starlets don't make the switch.
Westfields in Local Cup Final
It could be a very local derby in the Herefordshire Senior Cup as Westfields, who play 200 or so yards away from Edgar Street, reached the final by defeating Bromyard Town 3-1 last night in the first semi-final to be played.
The other semi takes place next Tuesday at Edgar Street when Hereford United play Kington Town.
The final of this competition is expected to be played after Hereford United complete their Conference fixtures should the Bulls reach the final.
Hereford United are expected to play another reserve team for the game next Tuesday but would probably be very embarassed if defeated by Kington.
Anyinsah on Bristol bench last night
Joe Anyinsah, who has just spent a month on loan with Hereford United, was on the Bristol City bench last night for the game with Oldham, but was not called upon.
Last Saturday, he did come on the field in the last few minutes of the Bristol game.
With Hereford United playing at Eastwood on Saturday and at Edgar Street against Kington next Tuesday, it looks as though any loan spell with the Bulls might start from just before the next Conference game which is against Morecambe on March 5th.
Bristol City's shortage of players looks to be easing and Graham Turner is keen to have the youngster back.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
All about Eastwood Football Club
Malcomn Storer has especially written this profile of Eastwood Football Club for Bulls News. For further information on the club go to the Official Eastwood Website at www.eastwoodtownfc.co.uk
Eastwood Town FC celebrated it's 50th anniversary last season, and the celebrations were made sweeter with cup final victories in the NCEL Presidents Cup and the Notts F.A. Senior Cup. The latter was against local rivals Hucknall Town, who had just won the Unibond Premier Division, but were not able to enter the Conference because their ground was not up to the required standard. Add this to promotion by finishing second in the Northern Counties East League, season 2003-04 turned out to be a very successful and fruitful one.
Current Chairman Keith Smith is a local businessman who stepped into the void left when the previous Chairman resigned and withdrew his financial backing. Keith effectively bank-rolled the club from his personal funds and with his business acumen and contacts helped the club achieve financial stability. Club Secretary and CEO is Paddy Farrell. He and his wife Pat have together given over 80 years service to the club in one guise or another. Manager Bryan Chambers is in his 12th year at the Club and has recently signed a new contract to keep him at the club for at least a further two seasons. Assistant Boss and Academy Director Paul Cox is also registered to play for the 1st team. Cox is at currently in raptures about his U19 Academy squad six of whom have already had a taste of first team action. Two of the lads, Ben Hutchinson and Lindon Meikle have just returned from a week of assessment at Newcastle United, while 17 year-old Junior Daniel capped his first full outing against Shepshed Dynamo by scoring a goal from about 70 yards! Junior hit the ball from just inside the centre-circle in his own half and it sailed past the Dynamo keeper -- not bad for a left-back!
The current squad are a mixture of seasoned campaigners and young blood. Skipper and centre-half Paul Gould has been at the Club for nine years and keeper Danny Bryant is in his eighth season. These are the longest serving players currently at the Club. Matt Millns is 22 years old, and has made the position in the centre of a back three his own since arriving from Clipstone. Lee Soar has played at a higher level and is currently attracting the attention of a League 2 team. Paul Mitchell and Mark Fisher are the engine room of the team, both tough tackling, no-nonsense midfield players. Chris Shaw and Kelvin Mushambi joined the Badgers from Hucknall Town. Gary Sucharewycz is in his second spell at the Club, re-joining from Leek Town at the start of the season. James Whitehead at right back is one of the best crossers of the ball at this level. Striker Peter Knox netted 35 goals last season, and despite a slow start has already hit 19 this term.
Coronation Park is in the process of being upgraded to Unibond Premier level, and it is hoped that by 2005-06 season the work will be completed. New turnstiles have to be installed and the Club is in the middle of trying to fund new floodlights, the present ones are 25 year-old this year and look it!
What does the future hold for Eastwood Town? The Chairman has made it clear he that he wants and expects more success. Most fans think that a play-off place is still attainable. If the Club fails to win promotion this season, failure to do so next season will be seen as a big step backwards. The Chairman has said publicly that he wants Eastwood playing Conference football at Coronation Park, and knowing the Chairman as I do, it will happen, eventually!
As for the Trophy, I think the home draw against Hereford, although a money-spinner, will cause the club one or two headaches logistically. All that Eastwood realistically can hope for is that a big crowd eats loads of food and drinks loads of beer so the day is a financial success. No-one expects Eastwood to beat the Bulls, but the players will give their all, and you never know, stranger things have happened !! Eastwood Manager Bryan Chambers is a die-hard Newcastle United fan, so he is well aware of what a small club can do to a large one!!
Eastwood's Trophy run began on 6th November with a home tie against Conference North outfit Worksop Town. A single goal from skipper Paul Gould saw the Badgers into the hat for Round 2. An away trip to UniBond Premier Division Bridlington Town was the reward and Eastwood earned a creditable goal-less draw at the seaside. The replay was a one-sided affair, Mushambi (2), Knox and Millns netting for Eastwood as they ran out 4-0 winners. Into Round 3, and another Unibond Premier scalp was claimed, Knox, Mushambi and Sucharewycz on target in the 3-2 victory over Spennymoor United. Conference South opposition next up for Eastwood, and it was a single Knox header that settled the game against Hayes FC in Eastwood's favour. Four bigger teams, but four victories. Hereford should be comfortable winners, but on the day you never know?????..
Malcolm
Conference results favour Bulls
Hereford United may have lost their Conference Cup game tonight (Bulls 0 Northwich 1) but the results from Conference League games have gone very well as far as the Bulls are concerned.
Accrington and Halifax shared the points, Carlisle were defeated and so were Exeter, by Stevenage and York respectively.
The table is now as follows:
1 Barnet 30 33 63
2 Accrington Stanley 31 13 51
3 Crawley Town 31 7 51
4 Woking 30 13 50
5 Hereford 29 12 50
6 Halifax 29 14 49
7 Stevenage 30 9 49
8 Aldershot 30 5 49
9 Carlisle 29 23 47
10 Exeter 29 12 46
Bulls out of the cup
Hereford United have been knocked out of the GLS Conference Cup at Edgar Street this evening, following a 1-0 defeat in a highly unentertaining fixture with Northwich Victoria. Hereford's side boasted a whole different starting eleven to the one that started against Canvey Island on the weekend, reflecting how important they felt the Cup competition is.
Hereford had one trialists on the team sheet tonight and a number of players from the youth team. Paul Collins played the whole match at left back. Sam Gwynne was named in the midfield. Mark Smith, Lewis Jones and sub goalkeeper Carl Lewis were the other youngsters on the bench. Kyle Patterson, from West Bromwich, also played for the full ninety minutes in the attack.
Ryan Green had to put the ball out for a corner at the far post following the ball across the face of goal from Chris Gaghan as the match got of to a slow start. David Brown had a volley from thirty yards out that needed a tip over the bar from the fingers of Andy Ralph in the Northwich goal. Andy Williams headed Gwynne's cross straight at the stopper soon after. Michael Byrne cracked a twenty-five yard effort wide of the goal after a good run from half way.
Brown then saw his effort from outside of the box saved smartly by Ralph, who got down low to his right well. In United's last chance of the half Williams managed to latch onto a ball from outside of the box, hook it back into the middle for Brown who volleyed against the cross bar from no more than eight yards out.
Around five minutes into the second half Nortwhich broke the deadlock when Byrne reacted before the Hereford defence, who seemed to try to hold an offside line, to a loose ball in the area and fired in past Scott from close range. Brown tried to hit back immediately, but his shot was just wide from twenty-five yards. Williams then gave Byrne another chance when he gifted him with the ball with a cross-field pass, but he couldn't take advantage of the situation as he fired wide.
Byrne was again the danger for Hereford's defence when he raced onto a through ball but was denied by the legs of Scott. He had the ball in the back of the net again soon after, with a header, but he was judged to be in an offside position. The Bulls saved the best chance until the last minute but after good work by Brown on the right and then by Patterson, who crossed from the by-line for Lee Mills, the ex-Premiership striker managed to blaze over the bar from six yards out.
The 347 in attendance were probably not too worried that Mills had missed though, as it would have meant an extra half an hour to play in this pointless cup, something that the background staff at Hereford had made clear before the game that they did not want. Hereford are out of the cup in the fourth round, but they won't loose any sleep over this cup defeat.
HUFC Team: Scott, Green, Tretton, Smith, Collins, Gwynne, Patterson, Hyde, Brown, A. Williams, Mills. Subs: Travis, Mkandawire, Jones, Smith, Lewis.
Individual performances are important says Turner
Graham Turner, the Hereford united manager, has told the Evening News that although he wants the Bulls to win the Conference Cup game this evening he is more interested to see the performances of certain players.
"We've got a number of players coming back from injury and trying to stake a claim back in the first team.
"A few of them have got something to prove. So for them it's a very important game and they will want to do well.
"It's also a good chance for a couple of our younger players to come in and show what they can do. We are just looking at individual performances.
"But of course, we want to win every game and this one is no different."
Meanwhile any return of Bristol City youngster Joe Anyinsah to Edgar Street is likely to be delayed. He is expected to be in the squad for their game against Oldham this evening.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Little interest in Cup game
There won't be too many supporters at Edgar Street this evening for the Conference cup game against Northwich which is due to kick-off at 7.45pm although admission prices have been cut for this game.
This morning Herefordshire has woken up to snow showers and a very keen east wind and should the weather continue in the same vein, only the most hardy souls are likely to venture to the match.
Both Graham Turner and John Trewick have said they are likely to give fringe players, and perhaps a trialist or two, a game so the expectation is that there might be an unknown face in the line-up.
In any case Adam Stansfield and Jamie Pitman will miss out from injuries. Pitman is reported to be out for at least a fortnight after picking up an ankle knock last Saturday against Canvey Island. Stansfield needs time for his ankle to recover from several weeks of problems.
Ben Scott is expected to start in goal and players such as Andy Williams and Sam Gwynne will also be in the starting line-up.
Northwich might well come to Hereford looking for a win this evening. They appear to be safe from relegation and so have little to play for other than this competition.
Gladwish doesn't appear to like the Welsh
Hereford United entertain Northwich Victoria in the Conference (GLS) Cup this evening. Already the cup has a checked history with its first sponsors going broke.
Then in stepped Victor Gladwish and his GLS company. A press release at the time gave the details:
Victor Gladwish, the benefactor of so many Non-League clubs already, has agreed to sponsor the National Conference Cup for the rest of the season.
Gladwish, the self-made millionaire who enjoys investing his wealth in grass roots football, is the new backer of the Football Conference's new league cup competition, which will now be called the GLS Cup.
The cup, which involved all 66 clubs from the three divisions of the Football Conference, was originally sponsored by the Carthium Group but was left seeking new backing when the company ran into financial problems in November.
After discussions with the Football Conference, the Non League Paper approached Victor Gladwish about sponsoring the competition for the remainder of the season, which he kindly agreed to do.
Gladwish said : "I am pleased to be able to help. This is a fine competition and I hope one of the clubs I sponsor, Crawley or Gravesend & Northfleet, can enjoy a really good run. I'd certainly have some fun passing the prize money across to them!
"People ask me why I want to spend my money in football. That's easy - there's no point in being the richest man in the graveyard."
However recently Gladwish made the headlines when it was revealed that a scheme of his to supply free football strips did not apply to Welsh sides.
Flint Town United applied for some shirts but as the following BBC report shows they were turned down.
"A Welsh football club which answered an advert by an English businessman offering free shirts was turned down because Wales "is a foreign country". Flint Town United secretary Michael Beech was shocked by emails sent from Surrey-based Victor Gladwish saying he did not sponsor "foreign" teams.
The company, Gladwish Land Sales, had advertised sponsorship of non-league teams in a football paper. Mr Gladwish said he did not do business in Wales.
Michael Beech, who took over as secretary of Cymru Alliance team Flint Town this season, had spotted the advert in the Welsh edition of the Non-League Paper offering home and away strips for one team from a league.
He emailed Mr Gladwish for more information but received the following reply:
"Sorry, we do not sell land in foreign countries so do not do footy teams in foreign countries."
Mr Beech replied: "Why, what country are you doing this offer in? We are in the UK."
He was stunned by Mr Gladwish's reply, which read: "UK ended when the Labour government made Wales independent.
"Thousands of soldiers died unifying the countries. We do not sell land in Wales. You have Welsh on your Land Registry documents and as an ex-soldier I object."
When Mr Beech pointed out Wales was British and followed British laws, he responded: "I am English and you are Welsh".
Mr Beech told BBC Wales: "I'm not annoyed by the fact he said no. If he had e-mailed me back and said you are not within our catchment area, that would have been fine.
"It's the way he was (attacking) the Welsh.
"We're not foreigners in Wales. We're as much a part of the UK as Horsham in Surrey [Gladwish Land Sales' base] is.
"I think other people would be annoyed about it and rightly so. It is an insult really.
"I have lived in Mold for 14 years. I was born in Chester but my house is not a little outpost of Chester. As far as I'm concerned, I live in Wales and I act like the Welsh."
Mr Gladwish, who has put about £1m into non-league football sponsorship, including the Conference League Cup, told the BBC it was "up to me who I give away things to, and I do not sell land in Wales."
He added: "Wales is in Europe and the [football] World Cup as a nation so either you are part of England or not, you cannot have it both ways.
"For the state of the union ask the Labour government - they created your assembly three years ago [the assembly was actually set up in 1999].
"Any further discussions and I will support UEFA and FIFA in expelling Wales from their competitions. Make your minds up."
Later the Non-League Paper decided to help Flint.
With the N-LP also supported financially by Gladwish, the paper has moved swiftly to defuse a potentially embarrasing row reported the Welsh Premier website.
"We understand Victor Gladwish's reasons for not wishing to help Flint, so we have decided to step in instead," said editor David Emery.
Flint will become the first club in either England or Wales to wear an N-LP strip and will change from their current black and white stripes to "a more modern look".
Last night Crawley Town, who happen to be sponsored by Gladwish, had John Robinson, a Welshman, as their MOTM in the game against Morecambe.
Meanwhile, should Hereford United win this Cup, how would Gladwish react when told he would be presenting the Cup to Tony James, who just happens to be Welsh!
Crawley go second
Crawley Town defeated Morecambe 2-1 this evening and so move up to second place in the Conference table with 51 points from 31 games.
Hereford United drop a place to fifth with 50 points from 29 games.
Lower admission prices tomorrow
Hereford United have reduced the admission prices for tomorrow's Conference Cup game against Northwich. The club gave the prices to Bulls News at 1pm this afternoon.
It will cost just £7 for an adult and £4 for concessions whether standing or seated.
The game kicks-off at 7.45pm.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Bulls will drop down the league this week
With no Conference League game for two weeks, Hereford United can only watch as they inevitably drop down the table. However with several of the top teams playing each other, some will definitely drop points.
This evening Crawley have the chance to leap-frog several sides and go to second place in the table if they can overcome Morecambe. The Sussex side have only been defeated once at home so far, but Morecambe are the away draw specialists. The Seasiders have played three less games than Crawley and are sixpoints below them. A draw is a probability and that result would suit Hereford United. The game is live on Sky.
Tomorrow there are three games to keep an eye on. Second place Accrington Stanley entertain Halifax. Stanley will be confident of a victory after their 4-1 win against Barnet on Saturday whereas Halifax were involved in a goal-less draw at
Aldershot. The report in the NLP suggested that on the evidence from the Rectory
Field neither Aldershot nor Halifax are likely to scare either Crawley, Accrington or Hereford United.
Carlisle United play Stevenage. The Cumbrians will be desperate to get back to winning ways after their weekend defeat at Dagenham, which has put them down to eighth place. Again from a Hereford point of view a draw would be helpful, but
Carlisle really have to win this game or else it will look as though they have
run out of steam.
Exeter have the easiest task with a home game against York. A win for the Grecians would put them just one point behind the Bulls. If all four home teams win Hereford United will drop to seventh position.
Meanwhile the Bulls under 18's draw 1-1 with Circenster on Saturday in their first game in the Football League Youth Alliance Merit Third Division South. For more details on this league see our article dated February 7th.
Turner pleased with result
Graham Turner appeared pleased with yesterday's defeat of Canvey which keeps Hereford United in the play-off zone.
"It was a case of never mind the quality, feel the points," Turner told the Non- League Paper.
"Canvey made it very difficult for us but I'm sure we shall have some more games like that before the end of the season."
John Trewick admitted that it was a scrappy game when interviewed by BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We had the better chances in the game, although we didn't dominate possession and pass the ball around as we would want to.
"Nevertheless it's an important three points and it was a clean sheet.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Fringe players to get a game
Hereford United are to give most of the players not getting first team action a game on Tuesday evening in the Conference Cup tie with Northwich says John Trewick, the Hereford United coach.
He told Bullseye that it will allow us, the Bulls, the opportunity to give match practice to players who have not been in the starting line-up in recent weeks.
"The game isn't our top priority but we'll still be aiming to win it as we do with every match."
Speaking last night on BBC Hereford and Worcester, Trewick reiterated his thoughts.
"A lot of the squad who haven't had a game are bound to come in and play, but we want to go out there and try and win the game.
"It's no secret that it's a secondary competition to the league and the Trophy, but nevertheless I think some of the players have something to prove. They'll be wanting to force their way back into the side.
"So we'll be lokking for good individual performances."
Williams strike secures the win
Hereford United did enough to claim their third sucessive Conference victory against Canvey Island at Edgar Street this afternoon. The Bulls never had to hit top form against their lowly opposition in a game that won't be remembered for the quality of football. The game will probably not live long in the memory of many.
The Bulls had to adjust their side to accomodate the gap left by Joe Anyinsah in the midfield and so Adam Stansfield was drafted into the attack. Rob Purdie was dropped back into the midfield to play on the left wing.
In a fairly equal first half neither 'keeper was really troubled until the breakthrough after thirty-eight minutes. Craig Stanley opened up the Gull's defence with a first time pass to Danny Williams on the flank, but his cross was blocked by a recovering defender. Canvey put pressure on the home defence with some good passing around the area and skipper Tony James was forced to concede a corner when he blocked a cross. The corner was swung in to the far post where lone-striker Lee Boylan hooked the ball onto the outside of the post.
Simon Travis made a burst down the right and delivered a good cross for Purdie at the far post, but he was beaten to it by a defender who cleared for a corner. Stanley was booked for dissent before John Kennedy found captain Jeff Minton twenty-five yards out, but his effort was no problem for Craig Mawson.
Hereford upped their game in the last ten minutes of the half and this paid off well for them. The dangerous Danny Carey-Bertram hit a wonderful cross field ball for Purdie to run onto but he shot first time when he could have perhaps taken an extra touch or two. However, Danny Potter was forced into a good diving save as he pushed the ball out for a throw. Mark Robinson received the ball from the throw and crossed in from the left. The ball was headed away but only as far as Williams, who hit a low volley from twenty yards into the bottom corner. In injury time Stansfield almost added a second when he lifted a head on from Carey-Bertram over the advancing goalie, but the ball fell just wide of the far post.
The second half started with Canvey having the chance to equalise but they squandered the opportunity. Robinson was dispossesed on the wing and Boylan raced onto a pass from the midfield unchallenged, as Tamika Mkandawire attempted to hold the defensive line. Mawson raced out to clear but Boylan beat him to it and shot first time, only to see his effort bounce off the top of the bar. John Keeling crossed for Boylan who headed goalbound from twelve yards, but the outstretched hand of Mawson tipped the ball beyond the post.
Carey-Bertram collected the ball inside his own half, raced down the right and attempted a cross that ended up goalbound. Potter had to backtrack and reach out to push the ball over the bar in order to avoid embarrasment. United then made two forced changes in quick sucession due to injury. Jamie Pitman was replaced by Graham Hyde and David Brown took Stansfield's place as he limped off.
United showed their quality with some good passing on the wings and Carey-Bertram came close to doubling the lead when he headed Purdie's cross from the left onto the post from fifthteen yards out. Hyde found the run of Brown with a good pass, but Brown's shot from the edge of the box was deflected wide.
Hereford saw out the rest of the game without too much dificulty as Canvey tried to nick a point. However, they rarely looked like scoring from open play with James and man of the match Mkandawire excelling at centre back. A couple of set pieces late on were the Gull's best chance of a goal, but it never came and the Whites got the result they wanted. The crowd of 2,656, including 48 away fans, were rarely excited by the encounter, but the home supporters knew that it was the win rather than the scoreline that mattered today.
HUFC Team: Mawson, Travis, James, Mkandawire, Robinson, Williams, Stanley, Pitman, Purdie, Stansfield, Carey-Bertram. Subs: Tretton, Green, Scott, Hyde, Brown.
CIFC Team: Potter, Kennedy, Duffy, Theobold, Ward, McGhee, Keeling, Minton, Noto, Sedgemore, Boylan. Subs: Harrison, Sterling, Burton, Berquez, McDougald.
Hard work but three points
Hereford United did not repeat the recent form shown at Barnet and Aldershot this afternoon and made hard work of defeating Canvey Island by the only goal of the game scored by Danny Williams.
But the win for the Bulls coupled with defeats for both Barnet and Carlisle has allowed them to move up to fourth place in the Conference.
Accrington are now second with a one goal better goal-difference than the Bulls. Woking are in third place.
1 Barnet Played 30 G/D 33 Points 63
2 Accrington Stanley 30 13 50
3 Woking 30 13 50
4 Hereford 29 12 50
5 Aldershot 30 5 49
6 Halifax 28 14 48
7 Crawley Town 30 6 48
8 Carlisle 28 24 47
9 Exeter 28 13 46
10 Stevenage 29 8 46
11 Dag & Red 31 2 46
Both Jamie Pitman and Adam Stansfield had to be subbed during the early part of the second half. Both appeared to be carrying knocks to the ankle.
Full report shortly.
Two games scheduled for March 8th
Should Hereford United defeat Northwich in the Conference Cup next Tuesday, they will face a Tuesday trip to Accrington Stanley in the next round. However it is uncertain when that game would be played.
On the Official Stanley site the fixture is listed for March 8th. However Hereford United have a Conference game at Tamworth that evening which is expected go ahead.
The problem arises when to play this Conference Cup game should it be needed.
Tuesday evenings are already taken up with fixtures. The list is below:
Feb 22nd Northwich Home Conference Cup
Mar 1st Kington Town Home Herefordshire Cup
Mar 8th Tamworth Away Conference
Mar 15th Carlisle Home Conference
Mar 22nd Morecambe Away Conference
Mar 28th Northwich Home Conference (Easter Monday 3pm)
So there is little space in March. It could be worse should a replay be required after the FA Trophy game with Eastwood. That would take place on March 1st which would mean postponing the Kington game.
The sixth round of the FA Trophy takes place on March 19th and, assuming Hereford United are in the draw, the home game against Crawley Town will need to be moved.
Maybe Hereford United should "do a Barnet" and put out a very reserve team next Tuesday and let Northwich win the Conference Cup game.
Sir Alex remembers the Bull
In a long article in this morning's Daily Telegraph, Sir Alex Ferguson says he is worried about the state of the pitch at Everton than the reception Wayne Rooney might receive for today's FA Cup match, but in the last paragraph mentions Edgar Street.
"But we have had difficult venues before to go to. We went to Hereford United once in the Cup and there was a bloody bull running around on the quagmire of a pitch at half-time. Unless Everton bring a bull on, we have no complaints about the pitch," commented Sir Alex.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Shape up or else says Eastwood manager
Eastwood Town manager Bryan Chambers yesterday warned his players: Shape up or else! according to this is Nottingham.
The Badgers boss is threatening to bring in fresh faces if his current team do not show the desire to be involved in the FA Trophy clash with Conference big-guns Hereford next week.
Chambers wasn't at last weekend's 3-1 home defeat against struggling Chorley but has left his players in no doubt that their places are under threat for the big cup tie.
Chambers said: "I went to watch Trophy opponents Hereford play Barnet but I came back and found out through my assistant Paul Cox that they had been a disgrace.
"Maybe the big match is playing on their minds a little bit, but there is no guarantee that they are going to be playing.
"We are still in good shape to get into the play-offs but their places are under threat.
"The thing is, you do not have to sell the opportunity of playing in this game to anybody.
"It's one they all want to play in and our lads have a chance they might never get again. They have to remember that.
"But if they do not shape up tomorrow and against Brigg in midweek, then their places are going to be under threat.
"That has gone by now and it won't effect them and the Hereford game now so they will be back as well.
"They are saying I'm just concentrating on the Trophy, but that's not true. The league is very important to us and I still hope we can be in the play- offs but the Trophy is where we will make our money."
Turner thanks Fairclough for his comments
Graham Turner has said that Paul Fairclough, the Barnet manager, comments about Hereford United being "the best team I've met since I've been here" will help the Bulls tomorrow.
"I think it gives the players a boost in confidence to have things like that said about them. Given Barnet's standing this season, we have got to take a lot of satisfaction from the result," Turner told the Evening News.
"It was a good all-round performance. We defended well and created a lot of opportunities. We could have scored a few more had we put away the chances we created.
"Tamika Mkandawire and Tony James were outstanding at the back. But it's very difficult to start picking out individual players from that game. The whole of the team performed to a very high standard which we must try to maintain.
"We've put ourselves into a reasonable position with two very good wins away from home against the first and second-placed teams. Now we've got to take that on and keep this run going."
Commenting on Canvey Island, Turner urged caution after the Bulls defeated them earlier in the season.
"They will remember that 4-0, of course. We've got to be wary in that Canvey may come here and defend deep in numbers.
"We enjoyed the last two games because both Aldershot and Barnet have come at us and that has helped our game. The onus will be on us to attack Canvey because we are at home. We've got to be good enough to break them down."
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Bulls must win to keep in touch
Hereford United face Canvey Island at Edgar Street tomorrow afternoon in a fixture which, on paper, favours the hosts to take all three points from, but we all know it may not be as simple as that.
United demolished Canvey at Park Lane earlier this season with a thumping 4-0 victory; it is expected though, that they will have learnt from their mistakes and will probably sit deep and intend of blockading their goal. The Bulls must take full advantage of this home tie and build on their excellent performances on the road at Aldershot and Barnet in recent weeks.
Hereford's biggest absentee will be Joe Anyinsah, whose loan spell expired earlier in the week. However, Graham Turner is hopeful that he may return to Edgar Street in the near future. The manager will have to draw in at least one player to his starting eleven to cover for this loss.
Speaking to BBC H&W Turner said, "We will obviously miss him, but I think we've got enough now coming back from injury, the likes of Lee Mills and Adam Stansfield. We've got a number of alternatives to choose from in terms of coping with Joe's (Anyinsah) absence. It's just a matter of picking the side, adjusting one or two positions and getting the focus on the game."
Adam Stansfield, who scored after being subbed on at Underhill last week, is a doubt with an ankle problem for the Bulls. They have other concerns over the fitness of Jamie Pitman who was a calf injury and Danny Carey-Bertram who is struggling with a hamstring injury. Stansfield, Pitman and Carey-Bertram have all missed training this week but Graham Turner told the Hereford Times that he expects them all to be fit for the game. Everyone took part in training on Thursday morning.
Canvey Island have good news over the fitness of Ben Chenery, who was feared to have broken a leg in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Northwich Victoria. It was revealed that he had severe bruising and possible tendon damage to his leg but it was not broken. He will definatly be sidelined for the trip to Edgar Street. Also, Canvey have released goalkeeper Ryan Harrison.
Last night midfield player Mario Noto, previously with Tottenham and Reading, signed a contract with the Club until May 2006.
The travelling squad for the match is: Potter, Harrison, Kennedy, Duffy, Theobald, Sterling, Ward, McGhee, Smith, Midgley, Keeling, Sedgemore, Williamson, Noto, Minton, Berquez, Gregory, Boylan, McDougald, Burton.
Canvey are currently seventeenth in the Conference with just 32 points from 29 games. They have a goal difference of -7.
With a full squad to pick from, Graham Turner will have some difficult decisions to make on who to leave out. Lee Mills might be at a disadvantage, as the manager has recently praised the movement and pace of Carey-Bertram and Purdie in the Bull's attack.
Bulls could move up the table
Hereford United could move a couple of places up the Conference table this weekend if they defeat Canvey Island as there are several games involving teams in the top flight of the table.
Accrington Stanley are at home to Barnet. This game is hard to call as Stanley are second in the form table and Barnet have only taken four points from a possible twelve in recent games. A draw is a distinct possibility.
Aldershot Town play Halifax at the Rectory. The Shots have only lost one of their last five games, that one to Hereford United, and should overcome Halifax whose away form is nothing special.
Second place Crawley Town don't play until next Monday so are almost certain to lose ground even if only temporarily. They take on Morecambe, the game being televised on Sky.
Fourth place Carlisle make the long trip to Dagenham. The Cumbrians haven't won a Conference game this year but have drawn five of their last six games. They will be desperate to get back to winning ways against the Daggers whose play-off challenge appears to be fading.
Of the other top teams Woking travel to York and should return with at least a point. Woking have drawn seven of their away matches but have won their last three games whereas York City are only just above the drop zone.
Probably Exeter have the most winnable away game against lowly Leigh RMI. However as Hereford fans know Leigh isn't always the easiest ground to take three points from but with the Railwaymen firmly stuck to the bottom of the table, Exeter are expected to return to Devon with three points.
Another game which could end in a draw is the Stevenage/Scarborough fixture.
Because it is so close from second to eight place in the Conference, only one point separating the teams, the Bulls really need to win and if possible by several goals their game on Saturday. If they do they could rise to at least fourth place
Twelve games in five weeks
Hereford United face the prospect of twelve games in just over five weeks and as Graham Turner says in today's Hereford Times that is by any standards a tough programme.
"The way we deal with this intense period is important.
"In the lull building up to it, two weeks without midweek matches, we have upped the training and the players have worked very hard in both weeks.
"But once we get into the period of playing two matches a week the training will be cut down with the onus on short, sharp sessions.
"In games recently we have looked strong, very fit and powerful. All that has come from the work done on the training ground where John Trewick and Tony Ford have played a big part, but so too have the players' attitudes to that work.
"That is reflected in the rewards we have gained in those (Aldershot and Barnet) matches."
Meanwhile former Hereford United director George Hyde has cancer but hopes to be back at work with Herefordshire Council in a couple of months.
Councillor Hyde, who once said his main interests are "anything Herefordshire, Hereford United and golf", is deputy leader of the Council and has had the interests of the football club at heart in the discussions about the Edgar Street Grid.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Turner hopeful Anyinsah will return
Graham Turner is hopeful that Joe Anyinsah will return to Edgar Street as soon as Bristol City's injury and suspension problems cease.
"Bristol City have big problems with suspensions and are without four players on Saturday so I can understand their desire to have Joe back," Turner told the Hereford Times.
"But I would not rule out the possibility of him coming back here."
Meanwhile Turner is hopeful that his side can keep its winning run going on Saturday when Canvey Island are the visitors.
"We must make sure we cash in on two fine away wins at Aldershot and Barnet but Canvey are certainly capable of causing us problems if they come to Edgar Street and defend deep."
Eastwood check out Bulls
Bryan Chambers, the Eastwood manager, went to Underhill last Saturday to watch Hereford United play Barnet. He said that the opportunity of seeing Graham Turner's side play at Conference leaders Barnet was too good to miss.
Before going he told local press "This is the only time they are going to play away before we play them.
"Teams employ different tactics when they play away and they will have their strongest team out.
"I would certainly hope they will pay us the same respect when we play in the Trophy so I want to see what we are going to be up against."
No doubt he would have been impressed with what was reported to be one of the best Conference performances' by the Bulls this season.
Danny's in a rich vein of form
Daniel Carey-Bertram is in a rich vein of form says Graham Turner. His goal at Underhill last Saturday was his eigth in as many games.
He is now showing the sort of form that the coaching staff at Edgar Street always thought he could and has a bright future in the game.
"The fact he has just broken into the Hereford side is definately working to his advantage.
"When you're a youngster and just got into the side, it's something fresh. You haven't got the fear of anything.
"I do think D C-B could go on and become a very good player," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Does anyone want The Conference Cup?
It looks as though both clubs and spectators think the Conference Cup is a total waste of time and money.
Last night only 180 fans watched Forest Green Rovers defeat Aldershot 5-1 at the lawn.
The official Aldershot site reported the attendance as follows: The crowd was the smallest to watch a competitive Aldershot Town fixture in our 13 year history. It "beat" even some of the gates in the various Isthmian League cups, including the previous all-time low at Oxford City in December 1996, when 202 watched a Full Members Cup 1st Round match.
The Bulls play Northwich in the "Micky Moules" cup as it is known on Confguide next Tuesday. Given the interest elsewhere, could the attendance be a record low for Hereford?
Crawley move into second place
Crawley Town defeated Tamworth 3-0 this evening, the result seemimgly never in doubt after Tamworth went down to ten men after 15 minutes.
It is so close at the top that the newcomers to the Conference move up from eigth to second place on the same number of points as Aldershot but with a one goal better goal difference.
Hereford United drop one place to sixth after this result
Turner last to know about fixture date.
Graham Turner seems surprised that tonight's game with Northwich in the Conference Cup has been postponed to next week.
He told BBC Hereford and Worcester that Northwich had arranged a league match with Leigh RMI for this evening.
"We were quite surprised when we found that out because we thought the date had been fixed for the League Cup but obviously hadn't.
"So that's been put back a week to the 22nd.
"We can already see congestion building up between now and the end of the season. We are going into April now for our midweek matches, rearranged ones.
"It's already getting fairly tight and this League Cup could be a further problem."
Bulls News is uncertain why Graham Turner appeared unaware that the date of the game had been altered as the change was reported on this site last Monday week (February 7th)
Anyinsah goes back to Bristol
Joe Anyinsah is back at Ashton Gate after Bristol City rejected Hereford United's request to sign him for a second month on loan.
Suspensions and an injury crisis have persuaded manager Brian Tinnion to recall Anyinsay and the young winger, who began the season in the first team, could be recalled to the squad for Saturday's trip to Colchester United.
Anyinsah is currently under treatment for a knock suffered when playing the last game of his month with Hereford against Barnet.
Tinnion told bcfc.co.uk: "Joe should be okay for Saturday. Hereford asked to keep him for another month, but with suspensions and other players out on loan, we need him here at the moment."
The return of Anyinsah is a blow to Hereford. However Tinnion did say that they needed him "at the moment". From that remark there must be a chance that the youngster could still return to Edgar Street, unless the spell with Hereford has helped him so much that he stays in contention for a place in the Bristol City first team.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Midworth signs for Burton
Despite spending some time at Edgar Street last week, it has been confirmed that Phil Midworth has signed for Burton.
It isn't known if Graham Turner made Midworth any sort of offer to stay at Hereford, but Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has waisted little time in signing the former West Bromwich Albion defender Phil Midworth.
Midworth joined the Brewers initially on non-contract terms which allowed him to make his debut as a substitute in Saturday's win at Farnborough.
"I got released at Christmas and only agreed my pay-off on Thursday," Midworth told the Derbyshire Telegraph.
"I had trained with Burton but also at Hereford and a couple of other places.
"The gaffer asked me to sign non-contract forms on Friday and I was happy to do so.We just rushed it through in time for the game and we'll be talking about it soon."
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Latest accounts due shortly
The latest annual accounts for Hereford United are expected to be made public within the next couple of weeks. Sources close to the club suggest that the accounts have been finalised by Baker Tilley, but are with the club directors for approval.
These accounts cover the year to May 31st 2004, or in other words, last season. That period included an average Conference gate of around 3,800 which in itself will have brought much needed extra revenue into the club.
The initial sale receipt of the Paul Parry transfer to Cardiff City will be included in the accounts but it is uncertain whether all the add-ons, such as appearance money etc, will be taken into account. It is unlikely that any amount not actually paid will be logged as it would be prudent to carry that over to the next account.
It now seems quite possible that the profit last year could be around £200,000 and with reasonable gate receipts this season, sell-on money from the transfer of Gavin Williams, and more income from the Paul Parry sale, the year that ends next May could also show a positive outcome.
Recently it was reported that the club has paid off its overdraft. That leaves the loans to Formsole as the only major debt remaining, now that the CVA is settled.
Financially Graham Turner and his board have turned Hereford United around. After all the club could easily gone out of business a few years ago.
More platitudes from Fairclough
"The best team won by a mile."
That was the frank assessment of Barnet manager Paul Fairclough after Hereford United defeated the Bees last Saturday according to the Barnet Times.
Fairclough said: "If it had stayed 1-0 to Hereford it would have been an injustice. They just played us off the park."
He added: "Once they weathered the early storm, they were superb, absolutely magnificent.
"It is difficult to assess our performance in a game like that, when we have been dominated by the opponents."
Meanwhile it has been confirmed by Barnet that 474 Hereford United supporters attended the game on Saturday.
Midworth could fit in at Edgar Street
Glynis Wright has kindly written this appraisal for Bulls News of Phillip Midworth who spent part of last week at Edgar Street.
Sometimes the football world is so predictable. You just know that a
certain West Midlands Premier League club, with a whole month to sign a
player, will still be scrabbling over contract details just four hours from
the deadline. Likewise, you can sometimes predict where departing players
will go. En route for Albion's latest hard luck story at Spurs, I suggested
to anyone polite enough to listen "Hereford could do worse than look at
Middy..." Lo and behold....
Phillip Midworth is a typical home grown Albion young player. Despite his
very best efforts, he's released before getting anywhere near the first
team. That's no reflection on Middy, just the nature of the beast. "We want
the finished product on the pitch and we want them now. Success now! Win
now!" Middy is essentially a left-footed full back or wing back.
Occasionally he's served in left midfield (filling in if Lloyd Dyer was
absent - incidentally another youngster who came close to moving to Edgar
Street at one stage). Phillip is stoutly built (not fat I hasten to add)
and is probably best described as steady and unspectular. I like the kid.
He fits Hereford's criteria very well. Young, talented, can pass a ball and
wants a chance to shine. Local too - which helps with the logistics.
He first made the Premier Reserve League bench in the 2002/03 season,
making the odd appearance. Most sides have internationals in this League
(though often they don't play like internationals). The pace - certainly
against the better sides (United, Liverpool, Villa etc), can be daunting.
Despite loads of surplus pro's needing a game, Middy made a decent number of
appearances last season while this term he played in virtually every game
for the Stiffs. Overall, it's a decent standard though you don't want to be
playing in it for too long. Most matches are of course played on Non-league
grounds these days.
Contemporaries for Phil are of course Tam and ace goalscorer Danny
Carey-Bertram plus Forest Green's Des Lyttle and Tamworth's SuperBob. From
his earlier days with the Youth side, he'll also remember Tucka and Richard
O'Kelly.
Since the above profile was written it has been confirmed that Midworth came on a sub for Burton Albion yesterday. The following comes from the cloughthemagicdragon.site.
There was a new face on show for the Brewers today, when former West Brom defender Phil Midworth made a substitute appearance. Little is known of the player, who was even listed as "Phil Nidworth" on the official team sheet. However CTMD can reveal that Phil, 19, was on the Baggies transfer list for some time before finally being released from his contract.
Midworth never made an appearance for the first team, but was a regular in the reserve side, however he was released as new manager Bryan Robson began his squad trimming.
Whether Midworth is a permanent addition to the squad remains to be seen, as it is known that several league and Conference clubs are interested in him.
He played the last 10 minutes of this afternoon's game, replacing Andy Ducros in midfield.
Fairclough praises Hereford United
Paul Fairclough paid glowing tributes to Hereford United after yesterday's game at Barnet.
The Bees manager, quoted in the NLP, said that Hereford were the best team he had seen.
"The best team won by a mile. It was a 2-0 slaughter.
"They played us off the park. It was a great performance. They've been on a crest of a wave. They are the best team I've met since I've been here, without any doubt.
"We tried our best, but our best wasn't good enough. All the accolades have to go to Hereford. They were just amazing."
Meanwhile in our report of the Barnet game we stated that Graham Hyde did not travel with the Bulls yesterday.
It has been pointed out to us that he was seen at the ground and we apologise for our mistake.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Bulls slam breaks on Barnet's charge
Hereford United re-established themselves as major promotion contenders with a superb 2-0 victory against run-away leaders Barnet at Underhill this afternoon. Barnet retain their fifthteen point advantage at the top, but the play off places have now been closed to just one point between second and seventh.
Hereford named the same starting eleven that have played the past two games, but made changes to the bench where there was no place for Graham Hyde or Tom Smith. Neither travelled with the squad. Adam Stansfield started amongst the subs, as did Andy Tretton.
Barnet started the contest well, with some good possesion and hit the bar, although with a bit of luck to give Hereford an early scare. A corner was swung in from the right that was caught by the wind, and it was untouched as it bounced in the area up onto the cross bar. The Bulls came into the game well though, with good running by Joe Anyinsah whose deflected shot dipped inches over Scott Tynan's goal.
Barnet again played some nice passing but didn't trouble the away defence too much. Simon King's volleyed effort needed a block to divert it out for a corner though. Craig Stanley found Williams in space to the left of the area, but his low drive was collected easily by the 'keeper. Dwaine Lee worked a good opening for Nicky Bailey with a square ball, but he couldn't keep his effort down as it sailed over Craig Mawson's goal.
Anyinsah was Hereford's most potent threat; his mazy runs caused problems throughout and he should maybe have done better after a good dribble past several opponents, but his shot was blocked by a recovering defender. Thirty three minutes had passed when the deadlock was broken, thanks to good thinking by Stanley. He took a quick free kick in his own half, setting Danny Williams free on the left. His through ball was well timed for Danny Carey-Bertram, who ran onto it and slotted a low shot into the far bottom corner.
Barnet tried to get back into the game before half time, but again didn't trouble. A free kick was swung in from the right that Mawson dealt with by punching away, but Dean Sinclair returned the ball with a volley, which Mawson caught well.
The second half started with a very heavy rainstorm, which made conditions difficult for both sides. Liam Hatch managed to force Mawson into his best save of the game with a shot from inside the area that the 'keeper dived to his right and tipped behind. Craig Stanley wasted a great opportunity to double the advantage when Carey-Bertram returned his pass with a cross that he managed to head over from inside the area.
Hereford, who were dangerous on the counter attack all afternoon, broke after a Barnet corner with Rob Purdie down right, but Purdie's ball in search of Anyinsah, who was free at the far post, was cut out by a defender chasing back. Jamie Pitman's hard work almost paid off when he crossed for Stanley, after tackling Ian Hendon, but Stanley again shot over when unmarked no more than six yards out. Both teams made subs, firstly David Brown was introduced for Williams. He was immediately involved as he headed a free kick down for Carey-Bertram to volley at Tynan.
Purdie's shot then skimmed off the wet surface from twenty five yards, and flew inches wide before Barnet replaced Richard Graham and Hatch with Ben Strevens and Guy Lopez. Purdie was sacrificed for the fresh legs of Stansfield; a move which eventually paid off for Graham Turner. Ryan Green was bought on as defensive cover for Carey-Bertram on eighty nine minutes as Hereford soaked up pressure for the remaining four added minutes.
With three of the four minutes gone, the Bulls cleared their lines and Stansfield raced onto a long clearance, got ahead of his marked, rounded the advancing 'keeper and fired into the roof of the net for 2-0.
The 500 or so away supporters in a crowd of 2,668 offered fantastic vocal support, which was appreciated by the players as they applauded their fans at the end of the game. Captain Man of the match Tony James was faultless at the back for the Bulls and was looking much more like his old self. He and Mkandawire did an excellent job at keeping Guiliano Grazioli quiet. The Bulls have sent out a big message to the rest of the Conference with this result; look out the Bulls are on the charge.
HUFC Team: Mawson, Travis, James, Mkandawire, Robinson, Williams, Stanley, Pitman, Anyinsah, Purdie, Carey-Bertram. Subs: Tretton, Green, Scott, Brown, Stansfield.
BFC Team: Tynan, Hendon, Clist, Charles, King, Bailey, Lee, Sinclair, Graham, Grazioli, Hatch. Subs: Gore. Elmes, Champion, Lopez, Strevens.