Test

Friday, February 14, 2003

Looking forward to run-in

Graham Turner is looking forward to the rest of the season as the fixture list is not too intense.

Speaking to BBC Hereford and Worcester he said: "As it works out I think it is a fairly comfortable run-in in terms of the workload on the players. It looks as though it will be Saturday to Saturday with just the one Easter Monday game. So it is not a terrific workload in terms of pressure on the players.

"We have gone out of the cup competitions early so we have not got that backlog of fixtures. We can hope that we can keep our feet on the ground, players stay free of injuries or suspension, so that we now have a very good chance of reaching the top five."

Talking about his small squad of players Turner continued: "I left Steve Guinan out last Tuesday and left Rob Purdie in to play as three front players because we had seen Margate play and knew what they were about and hoped that would be enough to beat them and it worked quite well. I've got Steve to come back in, Danny Williams is free from suspension after Saturday, Matt Clarke in about three weeks. We've got a small squad but we have got quality in that small squad. Any of them are capable of going in and doing a job that is required. So there is competition for places over the next twelve games."

Attacker set for comeback

Steve Guinan is likely to return to the Hereford United line-up as the Bulls travel to Wincham Park to play Northwich Victoria tomorrow, kick off 3pm.

The attacker had a calf knock in training on Monday and missed Tuesday's 2-0 win at Margate, and boss Graham Turner told the Evening News: "I changed the formation specifically to deal with Margate but I'm not sure what I am going to do on Saturday. Steve wasn't going to feature on Tuesday but he should be fit for the weekend."

The Bulls are third in the league, and could go second on Saturday. "It's a nice position that we find ourselves in but there is still a long way to go," continued Turner, who feels Northwich will be no pushovers. "They are still 10th in the league, in the FA Trophy and he's done a good job on limited resources and we know it is going to be difficult."

"Northwich will be keen to build on their win at Doncaster and we will have to produce our best form to get a result."

United will miss Danny Williams, who completes his three match ban, and Matt Clarke, who has a knee injury.

Join in with the fun

There are plenty of teams left in BOLSA's Early Bath competition. Entries are available at £2 per team for each competition day from BOLSA c/o MWPC, 98 Widemarsh Street, Hereford, HR4 9PG or using the secure payment option on www.bolsa-hufc.com.

The clubs available for March 15 and April 5, 2003 are listed below. Prize for March 15 stands at £250.

Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Fulham, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Preston North End, Rotherham United, Stoke City, Wimbledon, Brentford, Crewe Alexandra, Huddersfield Town, Mansfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Swindon Town, Wigan Athletic, Bury, Darlington, Hartlepool United, Hull City, Oxford United, Rochdale, Rushden & Diamonds, Southend United, Torquay United, Wrexham, York City, Barnet, Dagenham & Redbridge, Farnborough Town, Forest Green Rovers, Kettering Town, Leigh RMI, Margate, Glasgow Celtic, Dundee United, Dunfermline Athletic, Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Livingston, Partick Thistle, Glasgow Rangers, Alloa Athletic, Arbroath, Clyde, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Ross County, St Johnstone, Berwick Rangers, Brechin City, Cowdenbeath, Hamilton Academical, Stenhousemuir, Albion Rovers, East Stirlingshire, Elgin City, Greenock Morton, Montrose, Peterhead, Queens Park and Stirling Albion.

Take your pick!

Thursday, February 13, 2003

Injury problems for Northwich

Northwich have players missing for the visit of Hereford United on Saturday.

The Vics will be without defender Greg Rioch, who has a pulled hamstring, and midfielder Mark Devlin is also a doubt after sustaining a groin injury in last weekend's 2-1 win at Doncaster Rovers. There is an element of good news for manager Jimmy Quinn though, with defender Shaun Came on the comeback trail having been sidelined since Christmas with a knee problem.

In their last six games, Northwich have won one, drawn three and lost two but haven't won in their last five home outings, which has been their letdown this season. Hereford have the second best away record in the league, having gained nine wins on the road this season, the same number as second placed Chester City.

Better late than never...

It's been a little while coming, but we have the latest results from the HU-FC.co.uk Predictions League following the Margate game. Organicbull leads the monthly league, and there are no changes at the top of the overall table.

Turner ready for Northwich test

Hereford United aim to collect another three points at Northwich Victoria on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

The Vics, who are playing at Witton Albion for this season, are managed by ex-Hereford attacker Jimmy Quinn, who is expected to feature in the game.

A win for United could put them into second place, and although Northwich having won just three games all season, United boss Graham Turner told the Hereford Times: "Northwich will be keen to build on their win at Doncaster abd we will have to produce our best form to get a result."

The Bulls are still without the suspended Danny Williams, but Steve Guinan should return in attack. Troy Douglin, on trial from Torquay United, will not feature but should join Hereford for training.

Wednesday, February 12, 2003

Title still a prospect - Pitman

Hereford United midfielder Jamie Pitman is adamant that the Bulls are still in the championship chase, despite Yeovil leading the table by nine points.

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester after last night's 2-0 win at Margate, he said: "I don't think we should drop a point at home and then we've just got to pick up points away from home as well. We had a little spell just before Christmas where we didn't pick up many points, but hopefully that's our own spell this season."

Steve Guinan missed out on the game last night, and Pitman continued: "Tactically, he wasn't going to play anyway but unfortunately, he picked up a little injury in training on Monday but hopefully he'll be back for the game on Saturday."

A key match this season is at Yeovil Town at the start of March. "Potentially, it's one of the biggest games of the season," said Pitman. "Hopefully, we'll still be well up there and if we can sneak a three pointer there then you never know. Potentially, it could be a massive game and one that we definitely want to win. We're looking to keep the run going and I think we're timing the run just right at the moment, so hopefully we're going to stay up there."

Tuesday, February 11, 2003

Second place in sight

After last night's win at Margate, it is quite possible that Hereford United could go second in the Conference after the results of next Saturday's games are known.

The Bulls are away and will have to beat Northwich and Chester lose at Morecambe to rise another place. Halifax also have a difficult match at Scarborough.

Northwich have a poor home record so the Bulls should get something from this game. On the other hand the Bulls will have played four games in eleven days and this may count against them with a small squad.

Chester, currently second, will have a hard game at Morecambe who have only lost one home game so far. Three points for Chester look unlikely.

Left-sided duo collect another three points

A first half goal from Michael Rose and a late strike by Paul Parry ensured another three points for Hereford United, as they won 2-0 at Margate.

The Bulls controlled the game for long periods, and were well worth their victory which pushes them into third place.

Tonight's report, kindly supplied by Keith Hall, can be read here.

United aim to jump up table

Hereford United could go third if they win at Margate tonight, kick off 7.45pm.

The Bulls won 2-1 over Nuneaton on Saturday and go to Hartsdown Park hoping to keep their run of one defeat in ten league games going.

"Results went well for us at the weekend but we have got to defend better," manager Graham Turner told the Evening News. "We have conceded five goals in our last two away games and we need to go back to keeping clean sheets like we were a few weeks ago."

Jamie Pitman has an ankle knock but is expected to be fit while Danny Williams serves the second of a three match ban. Michael Rose is available after being removed from the England National Game XI squad.

United captain Ian Wright said: "With 13 games left we are handily placed in fifth place to make the play-offs."

Monday, February 10, 2003

Margate switch Hereford game - again

Margate have announced just 24 hours before their game against Hereford United that there has been a venue chance.

Due to the state of the pitch at Dover's Crabble Ground, the game has been switched to Hartsdown Park. Kick off is still at 7.45pm.

Margate chairman Jim Parmenter told the official Margate website: “The pitch at Crabble is still suffering at the moment and we are doing everything we can to help. We are grateful to Hereford and the Conference for agreeing that this fixture be switched. Hopefully it will also make it easier for Margate fans to make it to the game."

Despite the short notice of the change, it is hoped that a good Hereford following will travel to Kent to support the Bulls. Graham Turner is expected to name an unchanged side for the match, and told the Evening News: "I saw Margate in the FA Trophy at Worcester and they looked a solid side so it won't be easy. Margate did okay but Worcester had chances in the first half and should have scored."

Margate manager Chris Kinnear is missing Graham Porter and Terry McFlynn. Porter serves a one-match ban following his dismissal at Gravesend, while McFlynn is on international duty with the Northern Ireland Under-21 squad.

Sunday, February 09, 2003

Doubts over Margate match

There is some doubt as to whether Hereford United's Tuesday night match at Margate will go ahead.

Dover Athletic's game against Hednesford Town at the Crabble was called off today because the pitch was unplayable, and it hosted Margate's 2-0 win over Leigh RMI yesterday.

According to reports, the Crabble pitch looked like a 'sandpit' yesterday, and if there is any rain before Tuesday, the chances of the game being played are slim. Already this season, some sixty two games have been hosted on the pitch.

It's a long way to Margate (or is that Dover?)

Tuesday evening sees a crucial match for the Bulls against Margate, at Dover Athletic's Crabble Ground, which if they win will propel them into third place in the Conference.

Looking at the current form of Margate a draw seems likely as, despite their position in the league, they have a reasonable home record of 5 wins, 7 draws and only 2 defeats.

On the other hand Hereford have one of the best away records, only really bettered by Chester, and will be looking for three points to keep up their challenge for a play-off place. It is to be hoped that the long journey and probable lack of supporters will not affect form.

On Tuesday, the only other Conference mid-week game is between Telford and Dagenham & Redbridge. It will help Hereford if Telford can at least take a point from their visitors who are looking likely to feature in the play-offs at the end of the season if they can continue their recent form.

Graham Turner will have to decide whether to select the new slimline Ian Wright in place of Andy Tretton. Wright had a reasonable game yesterday marking Carl Alford, the Nuneaton striker, but Tretton has done little wrong this season and should not be left out for long. The other possibility is to play both Wright and Tretton and leave out Tony James, who looked to be suffering from the knock he received whilst playing at Farnborough last Tuesday. Rob Purdie looks likely to start again.

It is also uncertain how long on-loan Jay Lovett will be with the Bulls. His first game was against Gravesend on January 18th and so should be available for both the Margate and Northwich (next Saturday) games. However reports suggest that Matt Clarke will not be match-fit for another few weeks so either Lovett's loan could be extended or perhaps a chance given to trialist Troy Douglin if he can play in that position.

Meanwhile, Hereford still have the best discipline record in the Conference with one red card, that of Danny Williams who is currently suspended, and thirty eight yellow cards.

Saturday, February 08, 2003

Two top of table

After today's game, Organicbull and Barnetbull are top of the monthly HU-FC.co.uk Predictions League, while 'len westons last stand' still tops the overall league.

See the latest table under the 'Interactive!" menu.

Lovett happy with goal

Jay Lovett told BBC Hereford & Worcester about his injury time goal this afternoon.

He said: "I am very happy with that. I've come close a couple of times and this week I hit the post before-hand."

It seemed like the game was slipping away before Lovett hit that goal. "It was a very late strike and I am just very happy that it went in," he continued. "We definitely needed the three points and have got back into the play-off position again.I think we deserved the win overall.The first half was scrappy and coming out in the second half it was a completely different thing. I thought they had a very dubious penalty but we were playing well and deserved to win.

"When we play the ball around like that it's only a matter of time before we get a goal. I think we are a very fit side."

Three more points

Hereford United deserved their win against Nuneaton this afternoon even though they left it to injury time to score the decider.

The Bulls went ahead early in the second half when John Grant converted a Rob Purdie cross. Nuneaton got one back with a penalty when Tony James was adjudged to have fouled an attacker but on-loan Jay Lovett smashed home a thirty yard drive to give Hereford the points.

Terry's report on today's game is here.

Friday, February 07, 2003

James could miss Nuneaton clash

Hereford United defender Tony James is a doubt for the game against Nuneaton Borough at Edgar Street tomorrow, kick off 3pm.

He is suffering with the calf knock that meant he came off at half time at Farnborough Town on Tuesday, and will have a fitness test tomorrow morning, as will Rob Purdie, who has a knee injury.

Should James miss out, Ian Wright and Andy Tretton are likely to start in the centre of defence after the ex-Shrewsbury man returns from suspension. Danny Williams, though, is banned and boss Graham Turner is aware of the threat that Nuneaton will pose. He told the Evening News: "I saw Nuneaton play a couple of weeks ago and they've still got some useful players.

"They will be worried about their position so we know it is going to be a tough game especially as they have had battling draws against Morecambe and down at Yeovil Town in their last two games."

Hereford look for future goals

Hereford United have signed striker Justin Rowe on non-contract forms from ICIS Midland Combination side Grosvenor Park.

The nineteen year old has scored twenty five goals already this season, and will continue to play for Grosvenor but is available if required to feature for Hereford. He will also train with the Bulls on occasions.

It appears that Rowe is a long-term prospect rather than a quick solution. It will take him time to develop his game but if things go to plan, he could well be a United star of the future. He will not play for Hereford tomorrow.

Form book makes United favourites

Hereford United have lost just once in their last nine games, and hope that tomorrow's visitors to Edgar Street in the Conference will not end their recent poor run, kick off 3pm.

Nuneaton Borough haven't won for eight games and are perilously close to the relegation zone, just two points above Leigh RMI.

The Bulls are without Danny Williams, who serves a three match ban, and the injured Matt Clarke, but Andy Tretton could return after suspension and on-trial defender Troy Douglin may feature. Three points for United, combined with Morecambe dropping points at Stevenage, would see Hereford move back into the play-off zone.

Nuneaton have injury problems ahead of their game at Hereford. Boss Steve Burr has doubts over the fitness of Terry Angus (hamstring) and Paul Browne (knee), while Richard Lavery is out with a one-match ban.

Thursday, February 06, 2003

Trial for Douglin

Hereford United are reported to have offered a trial to Troy Douglin from Torquay. Douglin has just been released from Plainmoor after being told his contract would not be renewed at the end of the season. He has made six first team appearances for Torquay in 2002/2003.

Bulls boss Graham Turner will now give the 6 foot defender a chance to make an impact with the Conference club. Hereford already have Ken Griffiths on the books who also is an ex-Gull player.

The 20-year-old Coventry-born youngster, who made his debut in a Worthington Cup-tie at Gillingham nearly two-and-a-half years ago, spent a large part of that 2000-2001 season on a tantalising loan to Celtic.

His spell at Parkhead turned out to have been a double-edged sword, because the Glasgow club eventually sent him back to Torquay, and he has struggled to re-establish himself there.

After initially impressing Roy McFarland at the start of last season, he has played in only eleven games since, most of them as a substitute, and it became increasingly clear this season that he was not part of Leroy Rosenior's plans.

Meanwhile Michael Rose will be available for Tuesday night's game with Margate as the National Game XI squad has been repicked from non-conference players.

Turner hopes for Rose availability

Defender Michael Rose may be available for the Margate game after all.

Hereford United manager Graham Turner has faxed the Football Association asking for his release from the National Game XI squad for the game in Belgium on February 11th, the same day that the Bulls go to Margate.

Turner told the Hereford Times: "We are already operating within our means, as the FA indicated a club should do. We also have Danny Williams suspended and both Rob Purdie and Matt Clarke injured, so we cannot afford to be without Michael Rose."

Danny Williams starts a three match ban for Saturday's game against Nuneaton Borough at Edgar Street, kick off 3pm, and but Rob Purdie could return after a knee injury and a bout of 'flu kept him out of the matches at Morecambe and Farnborough Town.

Tony James, who picked up a knock in the first half at Farnborough, should be fit enough to start in the line-up and Andy Tretton is available once again after suspension. Consequently, Turner is left with a selection headache in the centre of defence, with Ian Wright and Richard Teesdale also pushing for a starting place. Matt Clarke, though, will remain sidelined for about another month following his knee operation.

Wednesday, February 05, 2003

Predictions League Update

After the Farnborough Town game, Organicbull takes over at the top of the monthly HU-FC.co.uk Predictions League, while 'len westons last stand' still tops the overall league.

Rose to miss out after all

Hereford United defender Michael Rose looks as if he might miss the Margate match next Tuesday after all.

Rose has been selected to play in the England National Game XI in Belgium, but it was thought that the Conference chairmen has blocked their players in competing. However, this decision now appears to have been reversed.

Hereford will also miss Danny Williams for the trip, as he serves a three match suspension for his sending off at Morecambe for violent conduct. He will also miss Saturday's game against Nuneaton Borough and the trip to Northwich Victoria a week on Saturday.

A game of two halves

Last night's game was a game of two halves. Although Hereford started brightly, Farnborough took their chances and were probably worth their two goal lead by the end of the first session.

By this time the 150 or so Bulls fans were wondering how their side could have been taken apart by Farnborough, who despite the troubles caused by their chairman and manager leaving for Stevenage, were playing their hearts out. It was freezing; there was hardly any cover; and the Hereford spirits were at rock bottom. Some blamed Ian Wright, back in the team for the suspended Tretton, but the defence looked unsteady from the start. Few predicted what was to come.

The fans swapped ends at the interval. From the outside to the might as well be outside for the Hereford fans. The facilities at Farnborough are probably the worst in the conference although at least you do get a view of the game which is better than Nuneaton!

The second half was so different. Graham Turner must have roasted his players in the interval because they came out looking to attack from the whistle. Also, after Pitman's superb goal the fans sensed that Hereford were in with a chance. Suddenly they were warm, they were signing and the players continued to attack.

Danny Williams' goal was another great strike. The small rusty tin shack containing the Bulls fans rattled and had it not been for the referee Hereford might have had a penalty which could have sealed the game but it was not to be.

A great game, a fair result and a much better journey home than could have been expected at half time.

After the game Graham Turner said that he was pleased with the result considering the half-time deficit. "We allowed Farnborough to take total control in the first half, but we overran them in the second half and I thought that there was only going to be one winner," he said.

"After such a poor first-half performance, we have to be pleased with the result, but at the end we could have won it. They were very good strikes from Jamie Pitman and Danny Williams and we finished the game very very strongly creating a number of good chances. So we have got to be pleased with the outcome."

Speaking about the injury to Tony James, Turner continued: "It was a real jarring tackle, he has got a knock around the shin. It is a kick on it, but I thought Richard Teesdale came on and did very well for us.

Tuesday, February 04, 2003

Bulls fight back to take a point

Hereford United found themselves 2 - 0 down at half time against Farnborough Town tonight. FA Cup star Rocky Baptiste scored after 18 mintues and Gary Patterson doubled the advantage on 32.

In the second half the Bulls pulled one back through Jamie Pitman who rifled a long range shot into the back of the net. Danny Williams completed the come back on 82 minutes. He hit a long range shot that found the top corner of the net.

Terry's report on today's game is here.

Tough test for Bulls

Graham Turner, the Hereford United boss, is sure that the turmoil at Farnborough Town will not stop them putting up a good fight in tonight's match, kick off 7.45pm.

"Farnborough didn't show any signs of turmoil on Saturday. We had them watched and they played very well to beat Telford and get through to the next round of the Trophy," he told the Evening News.

"Sometimes players can respond positively in turmoil but though we know what's gone on at their club for us it is a doing the right things for our players, and making sure approach to the game is right.

"Some of their players have left but they've got a big squad and still got some good players.

"The timing of Westley's move was probably not the best but he's certainly moved Farnborough on as a club."

Monday, February 03, 2003

Away trip for Hereford hopefuls

After an ten day break, Hereford United aim to get their Conference play-off aspirations back on track at Farnborough Town tomorrow, kick off 7.45pm.

The Bulls aim to bounce back after a 3-1 defeat at Morecambe on 25th January, following an unbeaten league run going back to November. However, United will face a tough task at Cherrywood Road against a Farnborough side who defeat Telford United 3-2 in the FA Trophy last Saturday, and fought well but lost 5-1 against Arsenal in the FA Cup fourth round.

Andy Tretton will be missing from the heart of the Hereford defence, as he is suspended, so skipper Ian Wright will return alongside Tony James. United also miss Matt Clarke, who is recovering from a knee operation, and wait on the fitness of Rob Purdie, who also picked up a knee injury in the game at Morecambe.

Farnborough, now under the temporary management of Ian McDonald following the departure of chairman/manager Graham Westley to Stevenage Borough last week, have lost Steve Watson, Michael Warner, Barry Laker and Gary Holloway, who followed Westley to the Broadhall Way-based club. Nathan Bunce and Danny Carroll have had their contracts terminated, while Dean Green has an ankle injury and faces a late fitness test.

McDonald told the BBC: "I am fully aware of the current situation at the club and am delighted to help out. I am pleased to be back with a hands-on role and am very much looking forward to the challenge."

Sunday, February 02, 2003

The games go on...

There's still no clear winner in the BOLSA Last Team Standing Competition.

Jamie Griffith's Leicester City were trounced by Wolves and Richard Price's Bournemouth predictably went out at Stoke.

Now Jamie gets Wolves and Richard gets Stoke for the next round. Wolves are at home to Rochdale and Stoke are at home to Chelsea.

Conference round-up

Sunday's major Conference stories from the Non-League Paper:

The Nationwide Conference will ask clubs who have shown an interest in joining a Conference 2 division to pay a £1,000 application fee, and then develop their plans to provide the FA with more details on ground grading and sponsorship, for example. The FA this week blocked the plans for implementation next season, and the Ryman-Dr. Martens league plan, involving the re-arrangement of the leagues' respective borders, was not even discussed by the FA's National League Systems Committee. The next meeting is in March.

Income into the Nationwide Conference is set to hit £1 million this season, a threefold increase over three years. The figure is reached through estimates for play-off, sponsorship and television revenue. In the play-offs, the gate money is split 25% to the home side, 25% to the away side and 50% to the Conference pool.

At Thursday's meeting in Derby of the Conference club chairmen, it was unanimously agreed that players should be banned from the England National Game XI as they will miss club matches. The chairmen feel that they have not been notified of dates properly, meaning that Hereford United's Michael Rose misses his side's trip to Margate when he travels to Belgium with England on February 11th. England are also set to play Holland in March, which could rob some clubs of crucial players in the run-up to the play-offs. However, Conference chief executive John Moules said: "The Conference fully supports the England team in out-of-season fixtures", such as the Four Nations Semi-Professional Tournament set to be hosted by Wales in May.

Saturday, February 01, 2003

Captain relishes first team chance

Hereford United skipper Ian Wright will aim to grasp his first team opportunity when he fills in for Andy Tretton next Tuesday night at Farnborough Town, kick off 7.45pm.

Tretton is serving a one-match ban, meaning Wright starts for the first time since November and the good run has kept the ex-Hull man out of the line-up.

"I have not been too happy but you just have to get on with it," he told the Evening News. "It stemmed from the injury (a broken bone in the hand in September) and that was it really because the lads have been playing well and there is not a lot you can say.

"It doesn't matter who you are if the team is playing well then you have to patient but now I've got my chance I want to win it back."

The Bulls will play at the Aimita Stadium, Cherrywood Road, which was not able to host Farnborough's FA Cup fourth round tie against Arsenal, which they lost 5-1.

"Farnborough have not got the best of grounds but to be honest that doesn't matter - it's what happens on the pitch that counts," said Wright. "They did well against Arsenal considering they were playing the double champions but we are doing okay."

Meanwhile, attacker Neil Gough, who featured for Hereford United earlier in the season, has joined JT Hughes/Mitsubishi Welsh Premier club Barry Town.