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Shaun Smith has supported Newcastle for over 35 years. Last Saturday he travelled all the way to Hereford to visit his 229th ground. A ground with memories for all Toon fans.
The line “Now Tudor’s gone down for Newcastle” may not mean an awful lot to some, but it’s been the bane on the life of myself and fellow Toon fans for over thirty years.
That sentence was spoken by the legendary John Motson, in the lead up to the equalising goal by Ronnie Radford for Hereford United in the famous FA Cup 3rd Round Replay in 1972. Cue Motty and a pitch invasion from young'uns in parkas;
“Now Tudor’s gone down for Newcastle, Radford again (slight pause) Oh what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer, Ronnie Radford”
That piece of commentary is etched on my brain, as it’s shown again and again on Football Focus and MotD without fail on the first Saturday in January every year.
I’ll make an honest yet bold statement “I Hate Hereford!” But hang on, before a bus load of angry cider swilling Hereford fans make their way up to Tyneside baying for my blood, I’ll make myself clearer;
I’ve got nothing against your beautiful picturesque cathedral city or Hereford United FC, it’s just the word ‘Hereford’ that I despise, it’s like a swear word but with a silent F.
Malcolm MacDonald, blamed the horrible pong from the nearby cattle market for this legendary piece of giant killing, while I personally blame that awful all red strip, Newcastle wearing red! - it just wrong on so many levels.
A few weeks ago this game would have been a case of bottom v top, but The Bulls have shown improvement winning their last two home games including an impressive win over leaders Bournemouth in midweek.
The game with Dagenham & Redbridge looked to be heading for a dour goalless draw until springing into life with two goals in the final ten minutes.
The breakthrough came courtesy of James Walker and was well worth the wait. The striker picked up the ball 20 yards from goal, turned and shot first time past the surprised Roberts in goal, who managed to get a hand to the ball, but the shot proved to be too strong.
The goal spurred Dagenham into life, as if they had settled for a point then suddenly realised they were on the verge of defeat. Their next venture forward produced the equaliser. A good run and cross from Green found the incoming Wesley Thomas who headed home from close range.
There was still time for a winner and with three minutes remaining Hereford almost snatched it. A through ball found Gwynne who managed to stay onside, but was denied by the legs of Roberts.
A draw was a fair result in the end. I was just pleased to see a goal as for long periods of the game that looked highly unlikely.
My original plan for today was to watch Gateshead play away at Grays Athletic but that was not to be. Not wanting to waste the much valued day in lieu, I managed to get some decently priced train tickets direct to Birmingham New Street. From there I had the option of Walsall or Hereford, but plumped for the latter so I could tick off another far flung ground.
An early start, catching the 7.25 to Brum giving me plenty of time to make the connection to Hereford, arriving there around lunch time.
Hereford train station is nicely placed in the town centre, only ten minutes from the football ground with plenty of pubs on route to the match.
I predictably starting in the nearby Wetherspoons - The King Fee and then on to the recommended pubs; The Victory which is also the base of the Spinning Dog Brewery and the excellent Barrells, both pubs situated on the same road in St Owens Street.
I even made time to visit the Cathedral before the match, but unfortunately was unable to gain access, as it was pre-booked for another gig!
An enjoyable day out in Herefordshire, where I managed to avoid having to tell anyone of the League club I support, thus avoiding having to be reminded of that fateful day in F’Hereford in 1972.
Bulls News would like to thank Shaun for his help with this article.
