NEXT HOME GAME - TBC
NEXT AWAY GAME - SUPPORTERS XI ARE PLAYING WORCESTER AT MALVERN ON SUNDAY AUGUST 3rd AT 3.00pm

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Bulls Set For New Catering Deal

Bulls fans are set for a new taste adventure after a local company secured the catering franchises at Edgar Street for the next three seasons.

The company has won the franchise from Lindley Catering after securing additional funding through the Government's 'Change 4 Life' campaign to outbid the unpopular franchise monolith. The campaign advocates healthy eating and excercise and piloted a scheme with Newcastle United this season.

At Newcastle the scheme promoted healty eating and excercise under a scheme called Lean East. Dr Danny Ruta, Director of Public Health at Newcastle Primary Care Trust said of the scheme: “Lean East has shown us that children and their parents need guidance on healthy eating and cooking healthy meals. Providing this guidance and setting up training programmes in collaboration with Newcastle United FC and Newcastle Eagles, has produced incredible results."

The menu at Edgar Street is to undergo changes for next season under the guidance of Change 4 Life. Out will go the traditional footballing fare of meat pies and sausage rolls, with the likes of pasta bakes and vegetarian pasties replacing them. When quizzed about the largely non-meat content of the menu a company spokesman, Dr Regi Terriene, said "Considering the fare offered by the previous franchisee, we don't think anyone will notice."



Glovers Beat Cobblers

Yeovil beat Northampton 1-0 in the relevant League One match tonight.

The result pushes the Glovers up to 16th on 45 points, and puts the Cobblers into the relegation zone on 42 points. Crewe, Carlisle, and Hartlepool are directly above on 43 points.

In the other two matches Huddersfield beat Bristol Rovers 2-1, and Colchester won 1-0 at Millwall. The two victorious sides move up into the top half of the table, but are both 10 points adrift of the play-offs.

In League Two Luton's unlikely survival became a little more unlikely after a 4-2 home loss to Rotherham, leaving them eleven points short with only eighteen left on the table, while Exeter cemented a play-off spot with a 1-0 win over Port Vale in a match that saw ex-Bull Stuart Fleetwood partner Adam Stansfield from the start - their first start together since the Bulls won a match at Canvey Island in the Conference.


"No Objections" To Robins' Council Loan

Cheltenham's pleas to get a six figure loan from their local council have passed the first hurdle.

Yesterday's council meeting declared that there were no objections to the lending of £100,000 to the ailing football club. The loan would be repaid over ten years at commercial rates of interest, but the club will have to prove to the council that it has a viable business plan.

In a further effort to mortgage their future the Robins also intend to sell a limited number of multi-year season tickets to raise around another £30,000. It is a tactic that will also be used by Stockport, who today announced that they had met the months wages and paid a £125,000 sum to the taxman.

A statement on their official website thanks a number of clubs that the Hatters have had recent transfer dealings for their understanding. It is understood that the club have renegotiated the transfers of some departed players in order to get agreed staged payments handed over quicker to meet the taxman's demands. The statement says the next payment to the taxman is due on April 19th.


Monkey Hangers Lose Keeper Appeal

Hartlepool have lost their appeal against goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett's sending off at the weekend, and he will miss Saturday's match.

The 25 year old, who has been a virtual ever-present this season, was judged to have denied ex-Bulls loanee Theo Robinson a goalscoring chance when pulling him down during their match with Southend on Friday night. The Pools appealed on the basis that it was not a goalscoring chance, and the matter should only have been a yellow card but have been told by the FA that their appeal was unsucessful.

They will now turn to Danish stopper Jan Budtz who played twice for them in December, and had a three match spell at Oldham that ended with the dismissal of manager John Sheridan after conceding six at MK Dons.


10-point penalty not severe enough says Turner

After announcing a record profit, Hereford United chairman, Graham Turner, has suggested that clubs getting into difficulties should have harsher penalties applied by the Football League.

"I don't think a 10-point penalty is severe enough for clubs who have spent too much money," Turner told BBC Hereford & Worcester last week.

"They over spend on players and the squads are too big, too expensive.

"A lot of them will hold out until the close season, but they will start next season with a 10-point penalty.

"You have to look at the punishment. They take the penalty, they wipe off all the debts paying 10 pence in the pound.

"I would like to see a stricter code of disciplines on the financial side of clubs to stop the over spending, the reckless spending, in some cases

"They keep all the good players in there and start afresh next season.

"It has been known for directors to go into a club spend as much as they can, put the club in the lurch and walk away from it.

"There is a forecast that the next three years will be tough for football.

"But we are in a position where we can withstand that recession and be strong at the end of it all."


Young Bulls defeat Robins

Hereford United's under 18's travelled to Cheltenham Town last Saturday in the Puma Youth Alliance League.

The young Bulls defeated the young Robins by 2-1.


News Round Up

Darlington's Administrator has set a deadline of April 20th for bids for the club. There have been several expressions of interest so far, but no solid offers. Brighton striker Nicky Forster is to undergo exploratory knee surgery after the 15 goal forward pulled up in training on Friday and a scan proved inconclusive.

Oldham veteran Sean Gregan has had a drink driving charge thrown out of court after a key witness was unavailable for the trial. Hartlepool have distanced themselves from claims made by captain Michael Nelson that referee Mike Russell swore at him during their match with Southend on Friday.

No Bulls in the Team of the Week, with ex-Bull Gary Hooper nominated again for his two goals at the weekend.

Hereford United centre-half Darren Dennehy, on loan from Cardiff City, is in the squad for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 match against Turkey this evening.


Monday, March 30, 2009

Mayor’s XI v Pegasus raises £800 for Hospice


An experienced Pegasus veteran's side proved to good for the hastily assembled Mayor's XI and ran out 7-3 winners at Old School Lane on Sunday afternoon. Goals from Paul Mallender, Dave Jones (the oldest player on the pitch), Mick Panniers (2), ex NY Cosmos player Craig Clark and a seventh dubiously claimed by portly full-back Phil Powell (would you buy a car off a man who claims someone else's goal?). The Mayor's X1 replied with goals from Jamie "I'm a Dad" Griffiths, Tristan "I'll have a lager" Edwards and Jon "Skift" Eckley. It's also understood that no action is to be taken against Oxo regarding the damage to nearby hedgerows caused when firing well wide from just 10 yards out.

Most importantly, the game was watched by approaching a hundred paying spectators which together with a well supported raffle raised the goodly sum for The Mayor's chosen Charity.

Peggy: Andy Rawcliffe, Phil Powell, Martin Pearce, Dave Jones, Paul Mann, Leigh Harris, Craig Clarke, Chris Hyde, Guy Hemington and Mick Panniers. Subs: Mike Price, Simon Roberts, Ian Bendall, Paul Mallender and Dave Mills


Mayors: Gary "Big Gaz" Smith, Carl "Squin" Haffenden, Stuart Price, Nicky Shutt, Jamie Griffiths, Terry Slatters, Tristan Edwards, David Pembridge, Paul "Cheesy" Watts, Allan Williams and Chris "Oxo" Oleksy. Subs: Will "Chesh" Cheshire, Kevin Powell, Adrian "Hubby" Wargen, Jon "Skift" Eckley and Robert Allen


Ref: Dave Jones

The Mayor of Hereford, Kevin Wargen, would like to thank everyone involved in supporting the charity match.



Blank Midweek For Bulls

The Bulls have a blank midweek this week after a run of seven games in 21 days.

The short break will be welcome to give the players a couple of days rest to get over a collection of minor knocks that have hampered team selection over recent matches.

There are three League One matches on Tuesday night this week, with only one of interest to the Bulls. Northampton travel to Yeovil in a match that will see the gap to survival for the Bulls increase for the Bulls whatever the outcome.

Both the Cobblers and Glovers are nine points clear of the Bulls, with the two sides either side of the relegation line on goal difference. The Cobblers have a vastly superior goal difference to any of the sides in the bottom half of the table.

That game will give the Bulls a game in hand on both those sides, with two games in hand on the four sides on 43 and 44 points.


Turner - Hereford will be a Massive Game

Hartlepool manager Chris Turner has lost five games in a row, the worst form in League One, and their next game is against Hereford United.

“Hereford is a massive game now and everything is going against us,” Turner told the Hartlepool Mail. “We meet someone — Millwall and Peterborough — who is on a roll.

“If we can play against Hereford like we did against Millwall or like on Friday night, I would put my mortgage on us being OK.”

Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, will have noticed that Pool's goalie, Arran Lee-Barrett was sent off in last Friday's game against Southend. Jan Budtz, who will start in goal on Saturday, took his place but couldn't save a penalty and also let in a soft goal scored by former Bull Theo Robinson.

"It was a difficult situation for Jan to go on and face a penalty like that. He nearly saved it and was disappointed he didn't," commented Chris Turner.

"But he has been out in the cold, been to Oldham and was a bit shell shocked at conceding six for them the other week. But he is a good pro and works hard and has to take a chance.

"He will play against Hereford this week."

Update: Hartlepool have appealed against Lee-Barrett's dismissal.


News Round Up

Huddersfield are to release veteran defender David Unsworth after coming to an agreement to pay up the remaining months of his contract. Fellow veteran Chris Lucketti has also been told he can go. Northampton are paying for their latest loan players thanks to a £5,000 payment from a supporters group. The group have taken shares in the club in exchange for the money.

Swindon striker Simon Cox is being chased by Newcastle, according to a number of Sunday newspapers. Tranmere have cut admission for their next home game to £5 in a bid to boost the crowd and their play-off chances. Walsall have denied weekend speculation of a sale of the club to bus and train firm Arriva, but have confirmed that the club is open to offers.

Darlington boss Dave Penney has vented his anger at the club's administrator after he pulled the plug on an overnight stay for their match with Barnet on Saturday. The cash strapped club almost went out of business last week, but Penney claimed the players were being treated like amateurs by being denied the stay for the 239 mile trip. In comparison the Bulls never opted to book an overnight stay for their trip to Carlisle in the week, which was eight miles further.


Sunday, March 29, 2009

Stupid goal to concede - Turner

Hereford United manager Graham Turner maintained that it was a lack of concentration that allowed Huddersfield to score the only goal of the game last Saturday.

"It's a right kick in the teeth again," said Turner as reported by the WDP.

"It's a game we shouldn't have lost. It's a stupid goal to concede from a straightforward cross and we should be able to defend better than that, that's concentration.

"While we still have an opportunity to get out of trouble we'll keep working away at it and keep fighting and hope that something will turn," said the Bulls boss.

"Once again I don't think we deserved to lose. I thought we played reasonably well in the first half. We got in to good areas out wide without really producing what was required."

The highlights of the game are available to watch on Virgin Media - click the link on the left of this article.


Hiberian tracking Mkandawire

Scottish club Hiberian are said to be tracking former Hereford United captain Tamika Mkandawire who is currently at Leyton Orient.

Former Orient manager Martin Ling, who signed Mkandawire after he left Hereford, has told Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen about Malawi born defender.

Former West Brom defender Mkandawire made 125 appearances for the Bulls and, to date, over 70 appearances for Orient.

Paatelainen could make a bid of around £85,000 for the defender, when the transfer window opens in the summer.


Four Clubs Get PFA Help This Month

Four clubs have been named as having to ask the PFA to cover players' wages this month.

A Mail On Sunday report says that the PFA handed over around £300,000 in total to Stockport, Bournemouth, Chester, and Darlington to help to cover this month's wages. The paper says that six other clubs, including Southend, have asked for the PFA's help in the last year.

Bournemouth themselves face a further winding up order after the local press found out yesterday that a failed attempt to bring Twenty20 cricket to their Dean Court home had left them with an unpaid £10,000 debt that was now facing court in mid-May.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally told the paper: "Being docked points is not enough. If a club go into administration, they should be automatically relegated a division." Scally's club, who paid £440,000 in interest on their sizable debt last season, was also listed as receiving PFA help in the past year.


Get your kit on!

The HUFC supporters team to play Pegasus old boys this afternoon is short of a couple of players. So anyone who might like a game please turn up at Old School Road.

The game which takes place at 2.30pm is in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

With the weather expected to be sunny right through the afternoon, what better way to spend a few hours than to support this event.


Turner comments about the Future

Graham Turner has commented on the latest accounts and how he views in future in his latest interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"The chairman and directors of the club think the figures are very pleasing especially amidst the problems a lot of clubs are now facing. There is talk of several going into administration," said the Hereford United chairman.

"As a manager I would have liked to have spent money, it wasn't for the want of trying. We made bids for players both last close-season and during the January transfer window.

"But it's a combination of things - the location of the club, the size of the club, to some extent finance - players did not want to come to us that we wanted.

"We're looking at the sort of quality player that maybe the likes of Huddersfield, and one or two others of that size, are looking at.

"So when it comes to a decision between clubs we're always going to miss out. It's something we've got to put up with.

"Come the close-season, I think we'll be in a strong position to strengthen the squad.

"There are so many clubs in financial difficulties - it could lead to our advantage in the summer.

"There is a forecast that over the next three years it will be very difficult in football. Sponsorship and crowds will go down and then galloping inflation in the third year. The forecasts are pretty gloomy.

"For us to be in the position we're in, we will withstand that recession and we'll be strong at the end of it all."


Credit Crunch hits Accrington

Last Friday Bulls News reported that Accrington chairman Eric Whalley will step down after 14 years. Since then he has given an interview to the Lancashire Telegraph in which he reveals how difficult it is to run a small football club.

Last season Accrington Stanley had a turnover of £1.5M and reported a loss of £65,000. This year’s accounts will show a much greater loss because gates have dropped (from 2,200 to 1,100 in three years) and sponsorship deals have gone by the wayside.

The playing budget is £900,000.

Stanley are the worst supported club in the Football League, and with the worst stadium and facilities and they have lost two big sponsors, Fraser Eagle and Hollands Pies, who are big local businesses in Hyndburn. The deal with Fraser Eagle was worth £60,000 and the stadium-rights was worth an additional £15,000 a year.

Whalley is annoyed how the revenue from Coca Cola and television money from Sky is shared out.

"The breakdown is ludicrous - 80 per cent goes towards the Championship, 12 per cent for League One and eight per cent for League Two," he said. "How can that be right for teams like Stanley at the bottom? Okay, we are in different divisions, but we all play together in the Football League. It’s totally immoral."

Stanley are finding it increasingly difficult to get local business to invest in the club.

"But I ask myself - why can’t we attract local businesses? Is it my doing because some people think they cannot get on with me?

"I only wish the people of Accrington would give us some more support. I’m sure there are some businesses out there with a few quid that want to help their local football team.

"Unfortunately, at the moment, we have hit a brick wall, certainly with the people of Accrington that we struggle to attract to the club.

"Whether it’s because of the 43 years we spent in the wilderness, or it’s because they feel the football in League Two is rubbish, I don’t know."


Saturday, March 28, 2009

Antwi finished at Liverpool

Godwin Antwi's loan spell with Hereford United has finished and the 20-year-old Ghanaian defender is concerned that his career is at a crossroads.

He is finished at Liverpool according to his Spanish agent who is looking for a new club for the player who says he is desperate to play as much as possible.

"There's no chance of me accepting a new deal as I won't play in the first team at Liverpool," said Godwin.

"I don't know why. When I signed, Rafa and [former chief scout] Paco Herrera told me, 'Do your best.' But I can't remember the last time I spoke with Rafa, not properly ­anyway."


'Dave' given an eight

Toumani Diagouraga received the highest marking for a Hereford United player this afternoon in the game against Huddersfield. 'Dave' was given an eight.

Sevens were awarded to Peter Gulasci, Karl Broadhurst, Richard Rose, Jennison Myrie-Williams, and Febian Brandy.

Dean Beckwith, Kris Taylor, Steve Guinan, Richard Jackson and Ben Smith were given a six each.

Marc Pugh who has just joined the Bulls on loan from Shrewsbury had a five.


Clark happy with win

Huddersfield manager Lee Clark was more than pleased with his side's 1-0 win over Hereford United this afternoon.

"I am delighted to win away from home in the manner we did, with a clean sheet. I said earlier in the week that I have seen the belief coming back into the players and I am certain that everyone saw that today as we created some good opportunities," Clark told the Huddersfield OS.

"Our goalkeeper pulled off some great saves today, but at one stage I thought the game was coming down to a competition between their goalkeeper and Anthony Pilkington - he just kept taking shots at goal. I thought the team showed real grit, determination and character."

Clark made mention of the good support for the Terriers at Edgar Street.

"The following today was fantastic as it's a big journey down here. They seemed to be enjoying themselves - I think taking your shirt off is a northern thing! I hope we helped them enjoy their day and everyone at the club should be proud of the supporters we have - they are fantastic both home and away. I have to thank them once again."


Narrow home defeat for Bulls

Huddersfield Town all but ended Hereford's slim chances of avoiding the drop with a narrow 1-0 victory at Edgar Street this afternoon. The only goal of the game came in the second-half from Michael Collins when he flicked home from close-range. Otherwise, the game was very equal with Jennison Myrie-Williams and Febian Brandy both superbly denied by highly rated 'keeper Alex Smithies in front of 2979 present, including 553 from Yorkshire.

Hereford made two changes after the mid-week success at Carlisle with both mid-week loan signings being introduced. Marc Pugh replaced the injured Matty Done on left-wing whilst Myrie-Williams, starting his second loan spell with the club, replaced Simon Johnson on the right. The visitors included former fans favourite Lionel Ainsworth in their strong team, which also had places for Gary Roberts, Michael Flynn and former Everton striker Danny Cadamarteri.

The first-half failed to produce any goals but there were plenty of decent chances at either end. Myrie-Williams nearly opened the scoring with a spectacular effort flicking the ball over an opposition player's head before smashing a volley goalwards which was superbly denied by a strong hand by Smithies. Brandy had shouts for a penalty after he looked to be bundled over in the Town box before at the other end, a loose ball from Dean Beckwith was pounced upon by Anthony Pilkington who saw a powerful low shot blocked by Peter Gulacsi and a follow up effort by the former Stockport County attacker was pushed behind by Gulacsi once again. A good break from Hereford, starting with a pass to Toumani Diagouraga from Myrie-Williams allowed the Frenchman to make a 40 yard sprint before feeding Brandy on the right channel with space; the Man Utd loanee cut in and sent a right-foot shot towards goal but once again Smithies made a strong save to deny a goal.

Huddersfield had another good chance courtesy of some sloppy play from United with Ben Smith this time playing a loose pass and a good move allowed Cadamarteri to play a one-two with Pilkington but his shot lacked power and was straight at Gulacsi. Brandy fired over from 30 yards after a pass inside from Kris Taylor whilst a lack of communication at the back saw Gulacsi and Beckwith get in a tangle and the ball broke to Cadamarteri, who attempted a lob from 25 yards but failed to hit the target. An overlapping run on the left by Taylor was found with a pass by Pugh and a cross into the box was met by Brandy, with a volley but he couldn't hit the target whilst just before half-time the visitor's showed their strength in midfield by brushing aside a challenge before Pilkington tried his luck from 25 yards and was only a few inches away from finding the corner.

At half-time Richard Jackson replaced Beckwith, who had picked up a knock towards the end of the first half. Richard Rose pushed into central defence with Jackson slotting into his preferred right full-back position. A pass into the box from Taylor was controlled by Brandy, who span to create a shooting opportunity but he dragged his left-foot shot across goal and wide. Veteran striker Andy Booth replaced the ineffective Ainsworth, who received a standing ovation from the home support. Flynn sent a volley a long way wide of Gulacsi's goal after good chest control whilst Pilkington managed to bring down a long free-kick on the right before turning Taylor and shooting with a left-foot shot which flew over. The visitors were looking for the height and strength of Booth who, with a chested touch, set up Pilkington but his effort was heading wide although Gulacsi chose to hold it.

The Terriers grabbed the only goal of the game with 17 minutes to go after a long-throw from Nathan Clarke was flicked on by Booth and Collins ghosted in to flick past Gulacsi at the far-post from close-range. United tried to respond with Myrie-Williams beating two on the right before firing wildly over but the visitors continued to press; Cadamarteri fed a pass to Tom Clarke who had found space away from Pugh and he picked out Pilkington inside the box but he was denied by Gulacsi who gathered at the second attempt.

Graham Turner decided to sub a sub, with Andy Williams replacing Jackson and the Bristol Rovers loanee nearly equalised when he controlled a low-cross from Myrie-Williams. The Hereford born striker struck goalwards and his strike went into the side netting courtesy of a deft deflection. Smith had a number of chances towards the end of the game, the first of these saw space open up in the middle and he shot straight at Smithies from 25 yards. James Berrett replaced Roberts whilst Johnson came on for Pugh. In stoppage time, Smith sent a half-volley on to the roof of the Blackfriars End before the same player lifted a left-foot shot well over, despite having time to control, after being picked out by Guinan.

It surely is the final nail in the coffin for Hereford with an nine point deficit to the teams outside the relegation zone. A slight hope is still there with 11 points seperating Hereford and four teams, although these four have played two games more than the Bulls. The re-introduction of Myrie-Williams provided some spark on the wings although Pugh offered little on the left. The visitors will be delighted with the win; this is their first success on the road this year and also the first of Lee Clark's reign, which started against Hereford in December. The next installment of the relegation battle comes at Hartlepool next Saturday; the Pools are one of the four teams within sight of Hereford so this game really is 'must-win' for more than one reason.

Hereford: Gulacsi, Rose, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Taylor, Myrie-Williams, Diagouraga, Smith, Pugh, Guinan, Brandy.

Subs: Veiga, Jackson, O'Leary, Johnson, Williams.

Huddersfield: Smithies, T. Clarke, Butler, N. Clarke, Williams, Ainsworth, Flynn, Collins, Roberts, Pilkington, Cadamarteri.

Subs: Eastwood, Goodwin, Kelly, Berrett, Booth.


Another simple goal we've conceded - Broadhurst

Captain Karl Broadhurst spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester after this afternoon's game at Edgar Street.

"I think we started reasonably well. We got the ball down and we tried to play it.

"Jenno had a great strike which the keeper saved. Another day that flies into the back of the net.

"Once we got to grips with the conditions we looked good.

"Kris Taylor did a very good job on Ainsworth today. He didn't have much of the ball. We negated that threat."

Dean Beckwith had to be subbed at half time.

"Deano cleared the ball and caught their striker and felt something in his knee. He had a little test but it was no good."

And the goal.

"Second half was a bit erratic, bit sloppy in the middle of the field, kept giving the ball to them, allowed them to get a foothold in the game.

"The sucker punch was the goal. Another simple goal that we have conceded. We've lost the game from it. That's the story of our season."


Stats from Edgar Street

Below are the main stats from this afternoon's League One match at Edgar Street where Hereford United were defeated by Huddersfield Town 1-0.

Possession: Bulls 49% Terriers 51%

Shots on Target: Bulls 6 Terriers 11

Shots off Target: Bulls 7 Terriers 6

Corners: Bulls 6 Terriers 4

Fouls: Bulls 7 Terriers 10

Bookings: Ben Smith - yellow card

Attendance: 2979 with 553 from Huddersfield

Bottom of League One:

17 Hartlepool 40 -11 43
18 Carlisle 40 -14 43
19 Crewe 40 -18 43
20 Northampton 38 0 42
21 Yeovil 38 -24 42
22 Brighton 38 -18 36
23 Hereford 38 -27 33
24 Cheltenham 39 -36 31


Ex-Bull Watch

Loan Bull Bradley Hudson-Odoi lasted just 27 minutes of Grays' 4-0 loss to Burton, with his side 3-0 down already.

Gary Hooper scored twice for Scunthorpe as they beat Colchester. Chris Lane was booked for Altrincham as they drew with Crawley. David Brown set up one of their goals as Forest Green beat Lewes. Jake Sedgemore scored the winner as Solihull beat Burscough. Gareth Sheldon scored the winner as Tamworth beat Fleetwood.


Results Round Up

Cheltenham (31pts) failed to hold onto a lead for the third game running as they drew 1-1 at Walsall. Brighton (36pts) drew 0-0 at home to Tranmere, and Yeovil (42pts) won 1-0 over Swindon (44pts) but fail to move up the table as Northampton matched their points with a 1-1 draw at Carlisle (43pts). Crewe slip below the Cumbrians on goal difference after losing at home 1-0 to Millwall, while Leyton Orient (45pts) moved up after beating Oldham 2-1.

At the top no-one changed position. Peterboro beat Leicester 2-0 to move within four points of the leaders. Millwall's win puts them four points clear in third after MK Dons lost again, 2-0 to Leeds. Scunthorpe beat Colchester 3-0 to stay in the final play-off spot, opening up a four point gap from Tranmere. Stockport's hopes of the play-offs are more or less over after a 2-0 loss at Bristol Rovers.

In League Two Brentford's lead is down to five points after they drew 1-1 with Gillingham and Bury moved second after beating Bournemouth 1-0. No-one else in the top eight won, with Shrewsbury drawing 1-1 with Wycombe and Chester earning a valuable point with a goalless draw with Bradford. Luton's 2-1 win over Morecambe puts them within 11 points of safety with a game in hand as Grimsby's win over Aldershot put them three points clear of the Hatters and Chester.

In the Conference Burton demolished Grays 4-0 to extend their lead to eleven points. Forest Green pushed further from the bottom with a 4-1 win over relegated Lewes, while Kidderminster's goalless draw at York keeps them in the final play-off spot.


Bulls Show Effort But Slide Further

The Bulls lost today's League One match 1-0 to Huddersfield Town at Edgar Street.

Only two brilliant saves from Terriers' stopper Alex Smithies, A £4million rated England u-19 international, seperated the Bulls from earning points from a game in which they gave maximum effort only to be thwarted by Danny Collins' four yard effort.

The Bulls are nine points short of safety, with eight games remaining.

Full report later.


Hartlepool HUISA tickets on sale today.

Fans wishing to travel to watch next Saturdays game at Hartlepool can reserve and pay for seats in Legends from around 1.45 pm today. Full details will be available from lunchtime but a departure of 8.00 am and a fare of around £24 is expected.

Hartlepool is actually quite an interesting day out despite being very cold if the wind is blowing off the North Sea. Non-football loving members of a family can find plenty to do while those with HUFC affliction visit Victoria Park. The ground is close to the new (ish) multi million pound marina where a tour on an old "tall" ship can be made. A short walk takes you to the old town, which is steeped in history.


It's Huddersfield This Afternoon

Huddersfield Town are the visitors to Edgar Street this afternoon for a match the result of which will matter more to Hereford United than their opponents.

The Terriers are 14th in the table, safe from relegation but also a long way from a play-off place. Effectively their season is over. They have nothing to play for.

It's totally different at Edgar Street. There's everything to play for after the Bulls gained a very valuable three points at Carlisle last Tuesday evening.

Although still in 23rd position, the gap to safety is now eight points. And some clubs above them have played up to three games more.

Manager Graham Turner will have to make at least one change from the eleven that started at Carlisle as Matt Done is injured. Jennison Myrie-Williams, now back on loan at Edgar Street from Bristol City, will probably take his place. It's also likely that Turner's other new loan signing Mark Pugh will be in the squad.

As ever there will be updates on BBC Hereford and Worcester for those unable to make the game.

League One Fixtures this afternoon:

Brighton v Tranmere
Bristol Rovers v Stockport
Carlisle v Northampton
Crewe v Millwall
Hereford v Huddersfield
Leeds v MK Dons
Leyton Orient v Oldham
Peterborough v Leicester
Scunthorpe v Colchester
Walsall v Cheltenham
Yeovil v Swindon


Friday, March 27, 2009

Hartlepool Keeper Sent Off

In the only League One fixture this evening at Southend, Hartlepool had their keeper sent off early in the game. He will miss next Saturday's game against Hereford United

Pool's keeper Arran Lee-Barrett was sent off for a professional foul on Theo Robinson who was on loan at Edgar Street last season.

The game ended with Southend winning 3-2. Robinson scored one of their goals.

Hartlepool are currently 16th in the League Table. Southend move up to 8th.


Dennehy to miss Huddersfield Match

On loan central defender Darren Dennehy will miss tomorrow's Hereford United game against Huddersfield as he is in the Republic of Ireland under 21 side to play Spain this evening.

The game starts at 7.45pm and will be shown live on Sky Sports.


Darlo Avoid Bankruptcy By Hours

The Northern Echo is reporting that Darlington avoided bankruptcy by hours yesterday.

The Administrator, who had been in charge for a month, was prepared to pull the plug on the club yesterday with no cash available to continue trading. Only a late injection of £150,000 from former chairman George Houghton has kept the club trading.

The money will see the club through to the end of the season with Houghton, who owns the ground as a seperate business that is not in Administration but is also for sale, saying it is the last time he will bail out the club individually: "This will last the club until the end of the season, maybe the fifth or sixth of May.

"I think that's the deadline date for Darlington for anybody coming to buy the side. Unfortunately, there's D-Days for everything and the dates for Darlington is around the May time - you need the money to keep it going through the quiet time until August.

"This is the last roll of the dice."


Huddersfield Predictions

This is a reminder to anyone wanting to enter the Bulls News Prediction League that you can currently make your predictions for tomorrow's match against Huddersfield Town.

To enter, send in your score and attendance predictions to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk . Remember to include your username. The deadline for the match is at 2.30pm on Saturday 28th March.


Ainsworth looks forward to Hereford Match

Former Bull Lionel Ainsworth is looking forward to his return to Edgar Street tomorrow.

"It will be exciting to go back to Hereford from my own point of view," Ainsworth told the Huddersfield OS.

"If it is a ground you have never been to, you immediately notice the great atmosphere. It isn't the biggest of grounds, but they really make the best of what they have down there and they will make it a tough game for us.

"You are never down until it is mathematically possible and their win on Tuesday night has given them a real chance of survival. It would be easy to crumble and just think that they are down, but I still obviously know a few of their players and they are doing very well at the moment - they are keeping their heads up.

"Hereford is a nice, relaxing place and everyone seems to know one another. The town is full of polite people and they all wish you the best when they spot you in the town, which is exactly what happens in Huddersfield too.

"I have spoken to Fabien Brandy, their loanee from Manchester United, on a few occasions and have seen him play too. Hereford have a few silent assassins - all their players are decent and wouldn't be playing in this League if they didn't have quality.

"I was very happy at Hereford - it was the best possible career move for me to join them from Derby. Hereford gave me the chance to play football and the fans really took to me and I have gone onto bigger things because of my spell there. I enjoyed my loan spell there this season as well and I was a little sad to leave, but I had to move on.

"I said to my brother earlier this week that if I do score this weekend, I would be happy inside but I wouldn't celebrate. I have respect for the Hereford fans, just as I think they have respect for me."


Turner looks for pace

Talking to the Worcester News, Hereford United manager Graham Turner is hopeful that the addition of two new loan players will injet a bit of pace into the side.

“If you looked at when we had Lionel Ainsworth here we had pace and, with losing Matt for a period of time, I was conscious that we needed to get some pace back,” Turner said.

“The pitches are quite hard and bobbly now and hopefully this injection of pace will help our cause.”

Turner was pleased with the three points from Carlisle.

“It has perked everyone up nicely,” Turner said. “To go to Carlisle in atrocious conditions and bring back three points is quite an achievement. What we need to do now, to give us a chance of staying up, is make it back-to-back wins tomorrow.

“That will give the players extra confidence and belief that we can do it.”

Turner has also spoken about Marc Pugh, his new loan signing from Shrewsbury.

"He hasn't had a lot of opportunity at Shrewsbury with the change of manager," Turner told the OS

"I've seen him play several times and I think he's got pace, he's got potental.

"We need some pace in the side and Mark should provide that."


Bulls To Be Without Five

The Bulls are to be without five players for tomorrow's home match with Huddersfield.

Matt Done, Josh Gowling, Craig Samson, Clint Easton, and the loaned out Bradley Hudson-Odoi are all expected to miss out, but the squad will have two new faces in Marc Pugh and Jennison Myrie-Williams.

Neither of that pair may be fully match fit. Pugh got just 19 minutes of first team action at Shrewsbury through February and has not featured at all in March, while Myrie-Williams hasn't played a first team game since ending his first stint with the Bulls with the February 21st narrow loss to Peterboro, where he was subbed at half time due to injury.

It will be a case of shuffling the loanees yet again for Graham Turner. With Peter Gulacsi a fixture in goal, the other four loan places will be split between six players. Defender Darren Dennehy may miss out after warming the bench on Tuesday night and Sam Hewson, Pugh, and Myrie-Williams will battle over midfield places with Andy Williams and Febian Brandy tussling for a spot up front.


Booth To Complete Grounds List

Huddersfield striker Andy Booth will complete his own tour of Football League grounds when he visits Edgar Street for the first time tomorrow.

The veteran forward has been to every other League ground except for the Bulls, telling the Huddersfield Daily Examiner: "I've not only never played there, but I don't remember ever going to Hereford. To be honest, I’d no idea where Hereford was until the lads started talking about it in midweek, because a few of them have played there in the past. If you’d stuck me in a car a week ago and said 'drive to Hereford' I would probably have set off in completely the wrong direction!"

Booth went on to talk about tomorrow's match: "Hereford had a good win against Carlisle in midweek so it won't be easy for us – no game is at this stage when people are fighting for their lives – but it's important we are positive and pick ourselves up from what's been a disappointing run.

"We know it's been a disappointing run with seven matches without a win, but there's not a lot wrong with the team and how we are performing. A few of us have made individual errors in recent matches which are getting punished all the time, and it just seems to be a few little things each time which are stopping us from turning things around."

The Terriers will add new signing Martin Kelly to their squad for the trip with the Liverpool youngster available on a longer term loan next season. Recalled loan player Jon Worthington will not be available as he is suspended. Andy Holdsworth and Nathan Clarke are struggling to fight off knocks after missing recent matches, but the squad has no fresh injury worries.


News Round Up

Accrington will be sold to their General Manager Dave O'Neill. Owner Eric Whalley will step down at the end of the season after 14 years due to heart problems. Whalley claims that clubs around the League Two drop zone are pressing the Football League to check whether the extra seats currently being installed are done on time. If they don't have the seats installed they will face relegation themselves.

Bournemouth's takeover is still ongoing, with co-owner Paul Baker claiming his asking price has been cut by 60% already. It is believed that incoming owner Adam Murry has now tabled a fifth offer for the club. Cheltenham failed to offload any of the five players up for loan. Midfielder John Finnegan had interested a couple of clubs including Brighton, but neither interested him, and striker Paul Connor turned down a move to Port Vale in favour of a stay at Wycombe that failed to materialise.

Swindon turned down the offer of a Championship striker coming in on loan due to his club wanting a guarantee that he would be in the starting XI. Northwich have had a winding up order from the taxman adjourned until May 6th. They are still paying £1,000 a week to rent their stadium while the sale to club owner Jim Rushe is concluded, and owe the players several months wages.

Port Vale are on the verge of securing crucial investment into the club. Shirt sponsors Harlequin Properties are to spend £340,000 on a quarter stake in the club, and invest a further £150,000 as a loan.


Charity Football Match for St Michael's Hospice

Just a reminder that next Sunday there is a charity football match at the Pegasus ground in aid of St Michael's Hospice.

The game will be between the Mayor's eleven and a Pegasus old boys team.

The Mayor, Kevin Wargen, and his friends have worked hard to persuade Hereford United supporters to make up his eleven. How good a team he has put together remains to be seen!

The match starts at 2.30pm at Old School Road, just off the Roman Road. Admission is just £2.

There will be other attractions including a bar and all proceeds will go to St Michael's Hospice.


Thursday, March 26, 2009

15 Shareholders at AGM

In addition to the four directors just fifteen shareholders, the lowest number for some years, were at this evening's Hereford United Annual General Meeting which was held at the Three Counties Hotel.

As usual Graham Turner chaired the meeting. However, in a change of practice from previous years, he would only allow the shareholders present to ask questions about the accounts for the period ended May 31st 2008.

Any other questions were met with the response that they were outside the scope of the meeting.

One particular shareholder asked why the shareholding of each director was not published with the accounts. The chairman replied that it was no longer a requirement.

Another asked about the current financial position of the club. The chairman wouldn't comment.

The directors reports and the accounts were approved by a show of hands.

Two directors, Mrs Joan Fennessy and Mr Grenville Smith, were re-elected and the auditors, Baker Tilly, were re-appointed.

After the meeting it emerged that it might have been better to have held the AGM on a different night. The chairman looked tired, not surprising after a long trip to Carlisle for Tuesday evening's game and the loan deadline which ended at 5pm this evening, and appeared to want the meeting over and done with as quickly as possible.


News Round Up

Ex-Bull Stephen Gleeson has joined MK Dons on loan from Wolves until the end of the season. Brighton are taking Stockport midfielder Gary Dicker on loan for the rest of the season, with the Seagulls paying a loan fee for his services, but have been rejected by Huddersfield veteran Chris Lucketti. The Seagulls have also loaned midfielder David Livermore to Luton for a month.

Carlisle have striker Kevin Gall back in the fold after a loan extension at Port Vale was scuppered by injury, and have signed Scunthorpe midfielder Ian Morris and Blackpool's veteran defender Ian Harte on loan. Millwall are to sign Doncaster striker Jason Price on loan. Leeds have sent teenage midfielder Oliver Hotchkiss to Mansfield on loan and signed Reading defender Sam Sodje for a month. They have also added Crystal Palace goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan until the end of the season.

Lewes have announced that they will not be entering Administration, despite losing their relegation battle this week. Cheltenham have signed Yuri Berchiche and David Hutton from Spurs on loan. The young pair arrive as freebies from the Premier side. Leyton Orient won't have a new owner anytime soon, with Barry Hearn telling the press: "The movers and shakers in football know Orient is available, but my door is not being banged down. In fact, I haven't had even as much as a tap." Hearn has completed his purchase of the stadium from the club, in exchange for the debt he is owed.

Yeovil have announced a two year shirt sponsorship deal with a local building firm, but there is no word whether it is a better or worse deal than their previous agreement. Crewe have loaned keeper Adam Legzdins to Weymouth until the end of the season. The former Birmingham stopper tormented the Bulls during a loan spell with Alfreton a few seasons back.

Huddersfield have recalled loan midfielder Jon Worthington back from his spell at Yeovil and sent defender Joe Skarz to Hartlepool until the end of the season. They have also signed Liverpool reserve defender Martin Kelly for the rest of the season. Chester's takeover is a long way from completion, with a club spokesman saying nothing has been signed.

Accrington chairman and majority shareholder Eric Whalley has accepted an offer for his shares in the club. No further details have been released, and the identity of the bidder has not been disclosed. Northampton have signed Fulham defender Adam Watts until the end of the season. His only previous experience is a brief spell at MK Dons two years ago. Swindon have loaned striker Blair Sturrock to Torquay for the rest of the season.

Oldham have loaned striker Lee Hughes to Blackpool until the end of the season.


Myrie-Williams returns

Jennison Myrie-Williams has returned to Edgar Street on loan for the remainder of the campaign after spending a month with the club earlier on in the season. The winger, who plays for Bristol City, scored once in his earlier loan spell against Leeds United. Myrie-Williams has had a number of loan spells at various clubs in recent years including Tranmere, Cheltenham and Carlisle.

"Jenna is out of contract at the end of the season and has not been offered a new deal," said Bristol manager Gary Johnson.

"He did well for Hereford when he played for them earlier this season and they have asked for him to return for a further spell.

"He needed to look elsewhere for next season and this is a good opportunity for him to establish himself away from Bristol City. We wish him well."

Meanwhile Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that Matt Done will miss a couple of games after twisting his knee at Carlisle last Tuesday. He thinks new loan signing Marc Pugh will fill the gap.

"We look as though we are going to lose the pace of Matt for a game or two after he had to come off at Carlisle," said Turner

"Marc can provide that pace, so it should work well for us."



D'Agostino to stay till end of season

Hereford United winger Michael D'Agostino will remain with the club until the end of the season, the official Hereford United website has confirmed. The former Blackpool winger, who spent a spell on loan with Cheltenham Town last season, has yet to make his debut for the Whites although he was named on the bench when Peterborough visited in February.


The Action from Carlisle

Virgin Media have a clip of the action from Carlisle last Tuesday when Hereford United won their first game for over a month.

Click the link on the left.

Meanwhile Hereford United was mentioned on Five Live last night.

The point was made that the Bulls had returned a very reasonable profit last season whereas many other clubs traded at a loss.

The caller 'Mark' said 'for the fifth consecutive year they've announced an annual profit this year of £400,000 and their run of defeats in the league has ended as well.'


Ward set to referee Huddersfield Match

Gavin Ward is set to referee Saturday's League One match at Edgar Street when Huddersfield are the visitors.

The Bulls have already met Ward this season. He took charge of the home game against Scunthorpe last September. On the day Nick Chadwick converted a penalty for the Bulls.

Young referee Gavin Ward and his assistants controlled the game well although some may have thought he could have given Iron captain Issy Iriekpen a red card, as opposed to a yellow, when he brought down Hereford's man of the match Matt Done in the box.

Ward was promoted to the League from the Conference at the start of last season and for his first match he was given the Barnet/Hereford United game a year last August which the Bulls won 2-1.

A penalty converted by Trevor Benjamin and a goal by Theo Robinson helped the Bulls gain three points but it was probably Ward's decision to send off Joe Devera that turned the game.

Benjamin got the wrong side of the Barnet defence, and Devera pulled back at the former Peterborough striker. The referee at first didn't look interested, but a wave of the flag from his assistant changed this. After a short talk with the assistant, the ref showed a straight red to Devera.

To date this season Ward has been in charge of 25 games. He has given out 67 yellow and 2 red cards.


Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Cheltenham To Loan Out Five More

Cheltenham want to shift five more of their higher earners off the wage bill before tomorrow's loan deadline.

Defenders Shane Duff and Alan Wright, midfielders Josh Low and John Finnigan, and striker Paul Connor have all been made available for loan as finances continue to tighten at Whaddon Road. The last three home attendances have all been under 3,000 - 1,000 short of their original break-even target.

The five to be loaned have combined experience of over 1,700 games, and will leave a squad of mostly under 21's behind should they all leave. Of note to Bulls fans will be John Finnigan, best mate of Bulls striker Steve Guinan and the man who persuaded Guinan to leave the Bulls in 2004.

Connor revealed at the weekend that he was due to go to Northampton in a swap for loan striker Leon Constantine until injury blocked the move. The Robins already have seven players out on loan.



Turner hopes Done will be fit for Saturday

Hereford United's Matt Done had an excellent first half at Carlisle last night but was injured in a tackle and took no part in the second half.

"He was going ever so well. His pace was in evidence. He had a hand in almost everything," said manager Graham Turner

"It was quite a bad tackle - the opposition player got booked for it - he twisted his knee in the tackle and we hope it is not too serious.

"He did well at Swindon and he does extremely well in the forty five minutes (at Carlisle)."


Winger Pugh Joins Bulls

The Bulls have signed Shrewsbury winger Marc Pugh on loan until the end of the season.

The 21 year old, who can play on either wing, has been out of favour with manager Paul Simpson in recent weeks. He came through the ranks at Barnsley before joining Bury when the Shrews paid a reported £30,000 for his services in the summer of 2007. He spent an earlier spell on loan at Luton in September.

Simpson told their official website: "Marc is down the pecking order here so the move is good one for him. We'll see how things do until the end of the season then take another look at it."

The move throws further doubt on the future of Michael D'Agostino. The right winger signed a month long deal on February 20th, but never ventured further than a spot on the bench and has been totally excluded for the last four matches.

Meanwhile former loanee at Edgar Street Stephen Glesson has joined MK Dons from Wolves.


Preview: Bulls vs Huddersfield

The Bulls take on Huddersfield Town at Edgar Street in a League One match on Saturday.

It was 1980 the last time the Terriers visited Herefordshire for a League game, when they secured a 3-1 win in winning the Division Four title as the Bulls finished in the bottom four on goals scored. Earlier in the season the Bulls lost 2-0 at the Galpharm Stadium in a game that another poor refereeing decision led to John Trewick being invited to leave the dugout.

With the Bulls' second double of the season completed over Carlisle on Tuesday night, they now must get their home form back on track after two goalless outings at Edgar Street. With injuries limiting the available players at the club, the fans hope to see another body or two brought in by Thursday's loan deadline especially with both Febian Brandy and Matt Done being withdrawn after heavy challenges on Tuesday night.

The Terriers revolution under Lee Clark has been something of a damp squib. Since winning three of his first four matches they have won just three more of the following fifteen games, culminating in just four points from the last seven games compared to the Bulls' six points. Somewhere close to £1million was spent on a pair of wingers in January, including ex-Bull Lionel Ainsworth, but they've done little to boost the goalscoring of the side. None of their squad is into double figures for the season, with midfielder Gary Roberts on eight League goals as formerly reliable goalscorers like Andy Booth, Phil Jevons, and Luke Beckett have either left the club or remain on the injured list with just five goals between them from 36 appearances.

Hereford United vs Huddersfield Town, Edgar Street, Saturday 28th March, 3.00pm.


News Round Up

Crewe have loaned midfielder Colin Daniel to Macclesfield for the rest of the season. The 21 year old was a regular at the start of the season, but is out of favour under new boss Gudjon Thordarson. Yeovil are to be reported by Plymouth over the state of the facilities used during their reserve match earlier in the week. The pitch at Somerton is described as a park pitch.

Huddersfield are to have the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity as their shirt 'sponsors' for the next three years. The club will go on a fundraising drive, with the monies raised split between the club's youth policy and the charity. Stockport are on the lookout for a keeper again. Owain fon Williams did not require shoulder surgery as feared, but he will miss this weeks match as he is on international duty. The club are awaiting an answer from the FA before asking Wales to release him.

Peterboro have sold out the full 14,000 capacity for their match with Leicester on Saturday. Ebbsfleet have announced that they will require around £25,000 a month extra to keep the same playing budget next season after disappointing MyFC renewals. Yeovil have signed QPR teenage midfielder Danny Maguire on loan until the end of the season. The 19 year old first year pro has no first team experience. They have also added Bristol City midfielder David Noble until the end of the season.

Leyton Orient have announced a loss of £143,330 for last season, and expect a large six figure loss this season. They have announced that they will cut season ticket costs for next season with gates continuing to fall.


£409,048 Profit for Hereford United

Hereford United have announced an excellent profit of £409,048 for the year ending May 31 2008. These are by far the best results for a long time. It is the fifth consecutive year that the club has traded profitably.

Turnover increased to £2,364,228.

"Success on the field helped achieve those figues," commented chairman Graham Turner.

"However once again player transfers have been a significant factor.

"I feel that the Club following good business pratices and prudent spending will be in a better position to withstand any financial crisis that will hit the sport over the next three seasons."

At the end of the period the club had net liabilities of £243,250. This debt includes the £1M+ owed to the developers.

Assets included £939,063 in the bank. The club received £53,486 from investment income.

Wages and salaries rose to a figure of £1,264,661, up from £1,006,903. The average number of people/players employed went up from 26 to 28.

Tranfer fees received were £269,139. However transfer and loan fees payable rose to £118,989 from just £20,000 the previous year.

The club has clarified the position regarding the leases and possible work on the stadium.

'Hereford City Council owns the freehold of the ground, Richardson Developments have been assigned the leases, HUFC 1939 and HUFC 1982 have mirrored under leases and pay rent directly to Richardson Developments.

'HUFC 1939 and HUFC 1982 are responisible for repair and renewal of the ground and its facilities.

'HUFC 1939 and HUFC 1982 have negoiated a Joint Venture Agreement with Richardson Developments to redevelop the ground incorporating Commercial and Spectator facilities. The repayment of the two loans and accrued interest is incorporated in the Joint Venture Agreement. The loans are due to be repaid out of the proceeds gained from the Joint Venture going ahead in the future.

'In view of the current economical climate there are no immediate plans for work to commence therefore the loans are repayable after more than one year.'


Post Match Comment from Turner

Hereford United manager Graham Turner told the post match press conference after last night's game at Carlisle that the three points gives the Bulls a fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

"It was a badly needed win after a poor run," said Turner.

"We had to work hard for it and had a bit of luck which has been lacking in recent matches.

"It gives us a fighting chance of survival and there's got to be an almighty belief that we can get out of trouble.

"We've brought experience in for the last three or four matches. Sometimes that experience is an important thing especially when we find ourselves where we are. It was a vital result."


Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Priceless points on long away day

Hereford United revived their slim chance of surviving the drop with a 2-1 away victory at Carlisle United this evening. The Bulls got off to a superb start when Steve Guinan scored the opener before he set up Ben Smith mid-way through the half to double the advantage. Michael Bridges pulled a goal back for Carlisle on the stroke of half-time but Hereford held on to claim three priceless points in front of 4223 at Brunton Park.

Following the 3-0 defeat at Swindon Town on the weekend, there were four changes to the team. Karl Broadhurst returned to the back-line along with Kris Taylor with Cardiff loanee Darren Dennehy and Richard Jackson making way respectively. Injuries to Jack Macleod and Sam Hewson meant that the duo missed out with Simon Johnson and Ben Smith taking their places. The Cumbrians named former Wigan and Sunderland midfield Graham Kavanagh in their starting line-up whilst former Bulls’ loanee Joe Anyinsah took a role out on the wing; the former Preston man spent a month with Hereford in 2005 and has already faced United this season whilst on loan at Brighton. Up top goalscorer Danny Graham lined up alongside another former Premiership player Michael Bridges. Another striker Gareth Taylor had to be content with a place in the back-line due to a defensive injury crisis.

In difficult conditions at Carlisle, with a howling wind and heavy downpour, the Bulls made the early running with Matty Done winning an early corner after a strong run. In the sixth minute, Johnson broke down the right hand-side and his low cross was just too far in front of Febian Brandy up top. Just a minute later though and Hereford managed to take the lead. Done broke down the left-hand side and made a 40 yard run towards goal; just as he made his way into the box, he was tackled but it fell nicely for Steve Guinan who unleashed a thunderbolt past Carlisle ‘keeper Ben Williams to hand the away side the lead.

The hosts responded to going a goal behind with a sustained amount of pressure and some good chances to match it. Taylor went close for Carlisle when he unleashed a left-foot shot from inside the box after being found by Lewis Neal but his effort struck the woodwork. Peter Gulacsi made the first of a number of good saves when he denied a back-post volley by Kavanagh after he was found by Graham with a well placed pass. After some fierce work from Anyinsah down the right, a deflected shot fell into the path of Graham but he failed to sort out his feet and the ball went through his legs when he had a good opportunity to shoot. Gulacsi made two more superb saves firstly to deny Neal’s long-range effort after Bridges had held the ball up to set up his team-mate but the Hungarian Under 21 international tipped the ball over. Soon after, a head down by Kavanagh was volleyed goal wards by Bridges but again Gulacsi denied him, this time with a strong parry.

In the 24th minute, Hereford doubled their advantage with an excellent move. It started mid-way in the Carlisle half with Johnson finding Guinan with a low pass. The experienced striker played a 1-2 with Smith and moved into the area where he found space before eventually setting up Smith, who had continued a run into the box and knocked on from close-range. Carlisle captain Paul Thirlwell coming off with Jeff Smith replacing him. Done broke again just after the half-hour mark and he set up Smith on the edge the box who forced an excellent diving save from B. Williams. A lucky bobble denied Bridges a shooting chance from 8 yards after good work from Anyinsah but just a few minutes later, Bridges did get in a shot and pulled one back to make it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time. The former Leeds man picked up the ball 25 yards out and had only one thing on his mind; he shot left-footed and despite Gulacsi getting a slight touch to the ball, it ended up in the back of the net.

At half-time, Sam Gwynne replaced Done, who picked up a knock after a late challenge from Kavanagh. Gwynne slotted in on right-midfield and Johnson pushed onto the left hand side. The second-half failed to live up to liveliness of the first with the wind continuing to play havoc with both side’s chances of playing the ball on the ground. Carlisle went extremely close to equalising when Bridges fed Kavanagh who struck the woodwork with a neat dink after only having Gulacsi to beat. The midfield showed his experience throughout, dominating the midfield but did tire towards the end of the evening. Graham headed a corner over the bar before Brandy could only shoot straight at B. Williams after going through one on one. The Man Utd loanee didn’t look fully fit and was subbed off soon after with Andy Williams replacing him.

Graham was replaced with twenty minutes to go, when he made-way for Cleveland Taylor. Mid-way through the second-half, Anyinsah flashed a left-foot volley over the bar whilst Kavanagh shot straight at Gulacsi from long-range. At the other end, a long-ball from Gwynne towards the back-post was hit first-time by A. Williams with his effort going just wide, although the striker did have time to bring the ball down. In the closing stages, Kavanagh hit a long-range volley just over the bar but the Cumbrian’s best chance came ten minutes from time. J. Smith crossed for sub Scott Dobie, who had replaced Anyinsah and he nearly made an instant impact with a back-post header falling just wide from 5 yards out. Gwynne shot straight at B. Williams from 18 yards as chances became fewer and Hereford held on despite some late pressure from the hosts in the three added minutes.

The victory keeps up the slim chances that Hereford may just beat the drop. The ‘class of 2003’ scored the goals this evening and Hereford looked good, especially on the counter-attack with Done impressing before his injury; lets hope it’s not too serious. The next three games are huge with all three winnable; Hereford host Huddersfield on Saturday before encounters with struggling Hartlepool and Brighton. The long journey north was made by 70 away supporters, although four of these came from Dumfries. These particular supporters were in attendance for the first-time and were all sporting Hereford shirts after purchasing them off the online shop on the Official Hereford United website.

Hereford: Gulacsi, Rose, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Taylor, Johnson, Diagouraga, Smith, Done, Guinan, Brandy.

Subs: Veiga, Dennehy, Gwynne, O’Leary, Williams.

Carlisle: Williams, Raven, G. Taylor, Keogh, Liddle, Anyinsah, Kavanagh, Thirlwell, Neal, Graham, Bridges.

Subs: Rothery, Kane, C. Taylor, Smith, Dobie.

Match report written by Kevin with the help of Ex Landlord at Brunton Park this evening.


Main Stats from Carlisle

Below are most of the stats from tonight's game at Carlisle.

Possession: Carlisle 55% Bulls 45%

Shots on Target: Carlisle 7 Bulls 5

Shots off Target: Carlisle 11 Bulls 4

Corners: Carlisle 13 Bulls 4

Fouls: Carlisle 9 Bulls 8

Attendance: 4223 with 70 from Hereford according to the Carlisle OS.

Matt Done was injured and replaced by Sam Gwynne at half-time. Febian Brandy also received a knock. He was replaced by Andy Williams after 62 minutes.

Ben Smith was given an eight for his performance as was Done despite him missing the second half. Steve Guinan, Toumani Diagouraga, Simon Johnson and Brandy all received a seven.

Bottom of League One:

15 Swindon 39 -3 44
16 Hartlepool 39 -10 43
17 Crewe 39 -17 43
18 Leyton Orient 38 -13 42
19 Carlisle 39 -14 42
20 Northampton 37 0 41
21 Yeovil 37 -25 39
22 Brighton 37 -18 35
23 Hereford 37 -26 33
24 Cheltenham 38 -36 30


Results Round Up

The gap to safety is down to eight points after tonight's win in front of Carlisle's lowest crowd of the season. Cheltenham remain bottom after a last minute equaliser robs them of all three points for the second game running in their 1-1 draw with Oldham. Crewe drew 2-2 with MK Dons to move up to 17th, while Northampton lost 4-3 at home to Swindon to become the target team on 41 points.

In League Two Accrington posted a gate of 1,086 in beating Darlington 1-0, while Bury missed out on second place after only drawing 1-1 with Rotherham.

In the Conference Oxford won 3-1 at Rushden to move within two points of the play-offs. Loanee Bull Bradley Hudson-Odoi played the full match as Grays drew 1-1 at Torquay, a result that means Lewes are relegated. Stevenage made it 22 games unbeaten with a 0-0 draw at Histon.


Bulls win at Carlisle

Hereford United have defeated Carlisle 2-1 this evening.

Graham Turner has made several changes to the starting eleven for tonight's game at Carlisle.

Kris Taylor regains his place as does Ben Smith, Karl Broadhurst and Simon Johnson. Richard Jackson misses out and Darren Dennehy is dropped to the bench. Sam Hewson and Jack Macleod are both out injured.

Team: Gulacsi, Rose, Diagouraga, Taylor, Brandy, B Smith, Guinan, Broadhurst, Done, Johnson, Beckwith.

Subs: - Gwynne, O'Leary, Williams, Veiga, Dennehy.

Broadhurst will captain the Hereford United side.

Conditions are not ideal. Before the game our reporter says it's currently 'tipping it down' at Brunton Park.

And around 40 supporters have made the long trip. Even before kick-off they sound in good voice.

In just the sixth minute, Matty Done crossed for Steve Guinan to put Hereford in front. After the hosts had a number of chances, Hereford shocked Brunton Park by doubling their advantage with Ben Smith scoring the second. On the stroke of half-time, Michael Bridges pulled a goal back for Carlisle from 30 yards.

Full report to follow.


More Money from TV Rights

There will be more money for Football League teams next season thanks to an improved deal. The new BBC/Sky agreementy will bring £88million into clubs next season.

The deal works out at around £2.9m for each club in the Championship, £440,000 for League One sides and £300,000 for the teams in League Two.

However despite this extra income chairman of the FL, Lord Mawhinney, has sounded a note of caution.

"What I would say to every club is simple," said Mawhinney.

"If your attitude is that it can't happen to you, then you do not have a realistic business plan. This is the time to batten down the hatches. Directors must have realistic business plans.

"They have to control all their costs and of course wages are the single biggest outlay for most clubs.

"I've been exploring with owners and shareholders if they'd like to put in place some sort of limit on wages but different clubs take a different attitude. It's a dog eat dog world.

"Clubs are already under pressure so they have to think deeply about ticket prices.

"If unemployment is going to rise to three million over the next year, a lot of those people will be football fans and they will just not have the disposable income to come to games."


News Round Up

Cheltenham are paying very little for new signing Frankie Artus, with boss Martin Allen telling the press: "I managed to get Frankie in yesterday afternoon and Gary Johnson has done us a favour. It was Mothering Sunday, so not too many people were answering their phones because when they see it's me, they know I want players for nothing or for £100 a week, but we have got him in on the cheap." Artus will be their 44th player of the season.

Crewe will cut their squad size next season as boss Gudjon Thordarson thinks he is neglecting some of the players as he has too many. Bradford have been propped up with a £1million loan by joint chairman Mark Lawn. He has warned that their cheap season tickets will end if less than 10,000 take up the current £175 offer. Just 6,500 have taken the deal with a week left.

Walsall striker Troy Deeney is claimed to be interesting Wigan. The 20 year old has scored nine times in the last 15 games. Chester's takeover remains uncompleted. The prospective new owner is meeting with the club's creditors this week, including the PFA, and hopes to submit planning applications for his proposed redevelopment within a month.


Commentary from Carlisle

There will be full commentary on BBC Hereford and Worcester's 94.7FM frequency of this evening's League One game between Carlisle and Hereford United.

As ever Keith Hall will be behind the microphone.

The Bulls will hope to put an end to their poor run of results with a win over a Carlisle side not yet safe from relegation.

"We needed to start winning four or five games ago and we are starting to run out of games," striker Steve Guinan told BBC H&W.

"We need to start creating things in front of goal. At the moment we can't seem to keep a clean sheet, and that's not the fault of the defence, it's the team as a whole.

"We have to put it right sooner than later, or we are going to go down."

This evening's referee is Cheshire based Scott Mathieson who is no stranger to either club.

43 year old Mathieson has been a National list match official since 1990, spending four seasons on the line before promotion to the referees list in 1994.

Hereford United have already seen Mathieson once this season as he was in charge of the home game against Walsall which ended goal-less. That day he booked just one player and he was from the Walsall team.

To date he has officiated in 32 games this season giving out 73 yellow and 5 red cards.

Meanwhile with neither HUISA nor HUMADS putting on a coach for the game it looks as though the number of Hereford supporters at the game could be the lowest at an away game for many years. The FUNBUS is travelling to the game but even if full will only be taking about 16 fans.

Whilst current form isn't exactly helping, the idea of such a long trip to watch a game on a Tuesday evening isn't very practical for most supporters.

Finally there are three other League One matches this evening:

Carlisle v Hereford
Cheltenham v Oldham
MK Dons v Crewe
Northampton v Swindon


Monday, March 23, 2009

Hewson and Macleod to miss Carlisle Game

Hereford United manager Graham Turner will need to bring a couple of players into the squad that travels to Carlisle tomorrow following news that he will be without both Sam Hewson and Jack Macleod.

Hewson is reported to have a groin injury and Macleod an ankle knock. Andy Williams is said to be back to full fitness and may be recalled to the squad.

The Bulls have to win the game tomorrow. Currently they are eleven points from safety.

And they will be hoping that they is no repeat of the recent poor decisions by referees.

“We have got to get over it,” Turner told the Worcester News.

“We have had quite a few decision go against us in recent weeks — we have got to show our character and move on from it.

“Realistically we need to win six of our final 10 matches. It is going to be a tough ask.

“We are aware that time is running out and we need to start winning.”


Happy Birthday Ciderspace

Ciderspace, the excellent unofficial Yeovil Town website, celebrates its tenth birthday today.

When Ciderspace started Yeovil was a part-time club in the Conference. Now, like Hereford United, they are in League One.

Another similarity is that John Fry, just like Graham Turner at Hereford, was chairman then and still is today.

In an article on Ciderspace today, they remind us just what the world was like ten years ago.

Ten years ago today, the world was a very different place. Boyzone were No.1 in the UK pop charts with "When The Going Gets Tough" and Cher had "Believe" on top in the American Billboard Charts. The European Parliament were warning that mobile phones fry your brain whilst there were health and safety studies commenced into the effects of killer laptops. The major world news was the assassination of Paraguay's Vice President Luis María Argaña.


Carlisle Predictions

The season is now coming to an end meaning that for those involved in the Bulls News Prediction League, there is not long left to get yourself up at the top to be in with a chance of winning prizes. Next up for United is the long trip north to face Carlisle at Brunton Park this coming Tuesday.

To enter, send in your final score and attendance predictions to bullsnewspredictions@hotmail.co.uk. Remember to include your username.

The deadline for tomorrow evening's match is at 7.00pm whilst you can also predict for Saturday's encounter with Huddersfield.


Abbott: “A massive game for the football club”

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott sees tomorrow's match as one of the biggest for the Cumbrians for several years, telling the News and Star:

"The seriousness is there for all to see now. We have shied away from it a bit because we were in a good position. That position has gradually got worse. Now we have to face up to the fact and remind the players of what they are up against and the task ahead of them. There is no hiding from it.

"I still think we have got a good enough side to get out of it, but we have got to be tougher, not make mistakes, defend set-pieces and protect our goal better than we did at Southend. If we don't, we are going to be in serious trouble.

"I'd be lying if I said I'm not feeling under pressure. I want my team to play better than that. For whatever reason, we weren't good enough. We looked a bit sorry for ourselves, not as tough as I want my sides to be.

"I hate the term 'six-pointer' but there is no shying away from it - we have to get a result against Hereford. That is the message. It is a massive game for the club and we aim to make sure we are prepared, roll our sleeves up and be ready to die for this football club."

Carlisle will be without two key players for the game. Central defenders Peter Murphy and Danny Livesey will both miss out, with full back David Raven likely to be forced to fill in.


News Round Up

Brighton defender Jimmy McNulty has had a kidney removed after damaging it during a recent match. The recent signing from Stockport will not be fit for the start of next season, but is hoped that it will not end his career. Crewe have extended their sponsorship deal with shirt sponsors Mornflake Oats for another two years. They have also signed Leeds full back Alan Sheehan on a months loan.

Cheltenham have signed Bristol City midfielder Frankie Artus on loan. The 20 year old has only one sub appearance in the Football League to his name, but has some Conference matches from a couple of loan spells at Kettering and Exeter. Hartlepool have had loan striker Liam Henderson recalled by parent club Watford.

No Bulls in the Team of the Week. Swindon striker Simon Cox was nominated for his two goals on Saturday, with Northampton getting two nominated. Ex-Bulls Michael McIndoe and John McCombe were named in the Championship and League Two sides respectively.


Turner warns of delays to ground improvements

Graham Turner has warned that any possible upgrading of the Edgar Street ground is likely to be delayed because of the recession.

"The recession is affecting everything. It's affecting all walks of life," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"It looks as though the Richardsons have put it on the back burner."

Turner's remarks came in a short interview which was part of H&W's week looking at the ESG in Hereford.

Council Leader Roger Phillips also spoke about Hereford United.

"We always been in close contact with the Richardson Brothers who own the lease," said Phillips.

"The council own the two leases of the football ground and the Richardson Brothers are the lease-holders and they re-let it to the football club.

"And what we are going to do is some land exchange at the bottom to develope first of all the bottom stand, the Merton Meadow end, and we've been in discussion about the other end."


Reserve Match Against Bluebirds Postponed

Hereford United's reserve team match against Cardiff City, scheduled for March 31, has been postponed.


Preview: Carlisle vs Bulls

The Bulls travel up to Cumbria on Tuesday in the hope of avoiding a sixth straight defeat.

Having originally been due to travel to Brunton Park seven weeks ago the Bulls now travel on the back of their worst run of form in 12 years. Back in October Andy Williams' only goal of his loan spell with the Bulls secured a win over the Cumbrians, shortly before they dispensed with the services of manager John Ward.

The Cumbrians have recorded just one win in the last eight matches, gaining just six points from that run - the same total as the Bulls. Their home form is equally poor with no wins in their last six games at Brunton Park. They are just three points above the drop zone, and have relied heavily on the goals of Danny Graham - but the 15 goal top scorer is on a barren run stretching to ten matches.

The Bulls go north looking to score for the first time in five games since Toumani Diagouraga scored against Crewe. They have averaged just five shots on target in each of the last four blank matches with their opponents managing double that and scoring ten goals. With six of the eight sides playing tomorrow in the relegation mire, three points will be desperately required.

Carlisle United vs Hereford United, Brunton Park, Tuesday 24th March, 7.45pm.


Sunday, March 22, 2009

News Round Up

Ex-Bull Gavin Williams has withdrawn from the Welsh squad due to injury. The Bristol City midfielder last won a cap over three years ago. Huddersfield have loaned striker Phil Jevons to Bury for a month. Scarborough Athletic, the reformed club set up after the original Scarborough side folded, have won their first promotion to the North East Counties Premier.

Luton have sold all their 38,000 tickets for the Johnstones Paint Trophy final with Scunthorpe, the largest number sold by any one club for the new Wembley. The Iron have sold 12,000. Chester boss Mark Wright is considering his future at the club after he was told the transfer embargo was unlikely to be lifted despite the new owner. He has won just three of 24 games in charge since returning.

Ex-Bull Danny Davidson has joined Matlock Town on loan from Alfreton. He scored the only goal of the game on Saturday to beat Witton and ease their relegation worries in the Unibond Premier.


Cox admits being offside

Swindon Town striker Simon Cox has admitted he was offside when he 'scored' the Robin's second goal yesterday in their 3-0 win over Hereford United.

"I was clearly standing offside when Owain Tudur Jones played it into the six-yard box," said Cox.

"There were three of us between the goalkeeper (Peter Gulacsi) and Hereford's last defender and the only reason I flicked it past him was because I knew I was offside.

"I couldn't believe it when I looked round to see that the linesman wasn't flagging, but I'm certainly not going to turn down scoring another goal."

Meanwhile Virgin Media should have the highlights from Swindon, including the dubious second goal, available to view from about mid-night. Click on the Virgin link on the left to watch.