Test

Saturday, August 07, 2004

Goalkeeper search still on

Graham Turner is still looking for a goalkeeper to bolster his squad.

Wellington put two past Ben Scott this afternoon, although to be fair, the second, from a free kick that would have beaten many other keepers.

Even the first goal was probably more down to a defensive error than a goalkeeping one, but Scott was lucky not to receive a card when he made a sliding challenge on a Wellington player just outside the box which resulted in their second goal.

"We want a goalkeeper," said Graham Turner to BBC Hereford and Worcester..

"We are talking to a club at the moment to see if we can get one sorted out. We have moved down the line with several goalkeepers. We lost one or two experienced ones.

"The profile of what we want is clear. Whether we can get that exact profile remains to be seen but we're still working on that. We are talking to a club at the moment.

"There are still one or two goalkeepers looking for clubs. If we don't get one on a permanent basis we'll certainly bring one in on loan."

Turner gives credit to Wellington

Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, gave credit to Wellington after this afternoons game for defending well and "getting two goals against us. They acquitted themselves very well."

But he was disappointed with some aspects of the Hereford performance.

"I was disappointed with the way we defended when Wellington scored and I thought we did not pick up the tempo that I wanted from the game, " he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Although it was a comfortable win in the end, I think we made some silly decisions, some silly errors but better get them out of the way this week than next week. So we have a final week of sharpening everybody up to be ready for next Saturday against Farnborough.

"We didn't move the ball about as briskly as we should have done, unlike against West Brom on Wednesday. That was a great performance in terms of passing the ball and moving about and causing them problems.

"I don't think we played to that standard or tempo today."

Turner was pleased that Adam Stansfield was amongst the goalscorers and he noted that Danny Williams did well at set pieces.

But he revealed that several players could miss the opening Conference game with injuries.

"I am hoping that Ryan Green will begin training again on Wednesday, but David Browns' knee is still troubling him. Danny Carey-Bertram has had a scan but we haven't got those results yet so he might not make it. Tony James, although he played for an hour today, is just feeling the quad muscle strain that he have got, so we will nurse him through the week and hope he is fit for next weekend."

United progress to Semi-Final

Hereford United progressed to the semi finals of the Herefordshire FA Senior Cup against a hard working Wellington side this afternoon. However, the final result 6-2 was not a fair reflection on the game as a whole. Wellington battled hard and until the final quarter of an hour the score was 3-2.

The Bulls were without five players who were missing through suspension or injury. Graham Hyde and Andy Tretton were serving bans and David Brown, Danny Carey-Bertram and Ryan Green all had knocks.

Simon Travis, who impressed in place of Green, set up the first attack after a nervy start by the home side. The right wing back skinned three players before laying the ball off to Danny Williams but his shot was blocked as was Mark Robinson's who was first to the rebound. Williams took the resulting corner and Tom Smith was unlucky to see his shot go just over.

Craig Stanley went close following a one-two with Rob Purdie before Adam Stansfield opened the scoring. Danny Williams struck a curling free kick which was pamled away by the 'keeper Marcus Priday but Stansfield was on hand to tap in from close range. Stansfield then released Travis down the right who crossed for Stanley, but his powerful effort was straight at Priday. Stansfield had the ball in the net again but was in an offside position when he deflected Stanley's volley.

Jamie Pitman smashed a shot towards goal from thirty yards, but the goalkeeper dived to his right and caught the ball superbly. Purdie should have doubled the lead but after Williams had rounded Priday and knocked the ball back to Purdie. However, he chipped the ball around a defender and inches wide of the far post. Three minutes before half time United grabbed a second. Williams had a shot blocked that fell to Robinson who volleyed into an unguarded net as the goalkeeper was on the ground after diving for Williams' previous effort.

Hereford were shocked when they conceded at the start of the second half. First half substitute Rob Parsons scored from close range after the ball had been layed off to him following a long ball from defence. Williams restored the two goal advantage with a brilliant free kick from the edge of the box that curled away from the goalie and into the top corner. However, Matt Williams made it 3-2 within two minutes with a free kick equal to Williams' from a similar positition. Ben Scott had attempted to smother the ball, but let it run loose and was forced to challenge for it on the edge of the box. He made a sliding challenge worthy of card, but was not booked for it.

Matt Pugh was replaced by Michael Prince for Wellington and shortly after United made their first change, Tony James who is still feeling a thigh strain was replaced by Daniel March after an hour. Rob Purdie was taken off for Andrew Williams. Tamika Mkandawire scored a fourth, heading in after the ball had rebounded off the cross bar from a Smith half volley. It was evident that United were the fitter team by then and it was no suprise when the Bulls netted two more. Sam Gwynne, on for Pitman, was knocked over in the area and so the referee awarded United a penalty. Danny Williams calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Andy Williams struck the post from twenty yards with a low left footed drive before Stansfield netted his fourth in two games from close range to seal a 6-2 victory.

The 640 spectators will not have been too happy with Hereford's display as they failed to get the passing game together like they did in midweek against WBA. Hereford will be dissapointed with the defensive performance as there were a few wrong decisions and errors.

There was no appearance by Jamie Smith (Gosling) who has been on trial at the club. This may be because he is on trial and has not signed for the club as yet. However, Mark Robinson played as did Daniel March. Both players have been on trial at the club which suggests that they may have signed contracts at Edgar Street.

HUFC Team: Ben Scott, Simon Travis, Mark Robinson, Tamika Mkandawire, Tony James, Tom Smith, Danny Williams, Jamie Pitman, Craig Stanley, Adam Stansfield, Rob Purdie. Subs: Andrew Williams, Adam Ding, Daniel March, Sam Gwynne.

Wellington Team: Marcus Priday, Joe Parker, Andy Clarker, Mark Fish, Dale Withers, Richard Jones, Matt Williams, Matt Pugh, Michael Craig, Andy Price, Keith Jones. Subs: Sam Lloyd, Rob Parsons, Steve Brotherwood, Michael Prince, Bryn Watkins.

Fitness wins the Game

Hereford Uniteds' better fitness paid off this afternoon as the Bulls defeated Wellington 6-2, but the opponents put up a brave fight as at one stage Hereford were held 3-2.

Full report shortly.

DEVA-CHAT suspended

Deva-chat, the Chester City forum, has been taken off the web. A message saying "this account has been suspended" has replaced the well used message board.

Whether this suspension has anything to do with other events at Chester City is not yet known. However there were hundreds of postings on the site yesterday connected with the sudden departure of manager Mark Wright.

Many of the postings were critical of owner Stephen Vaughan.

Statements are expected today which may clarify the situation at the club. But whatever the reason for Wright leaving so close to the start of their season, in the background there are signs that the club is not financially strong.

For example,Hereford United had to wait several weeks for money from ticket sales to Chester fans who came to Edgar Street for the Conference game of the last day of the season just ended. It was reported that the first cheque to Hereford bounced before Vaughan paid out of one of his other accounts.

Lambert to ref this afternoon

Herefordshire Football Association secretary Jim Lambert is to referee this afternoons' cup game with Wellington.

Lambert is responsible for setting up the new-style Cup competition which involves seven local clubs and Hereford United.

He explained how the idea came about to BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"The chairman of the competitions committee and senior members spoke to Graham Turner at Hereford United and he was ameanible to the idea. It has its' advantages to Hereford as well and we decided on selecting seven other senior sides on an invitation basis to Hereford in the cup," said Lambert.

Meanwhile youngsters Paul Brown and Chris Mortlock have signed for local team Pegasus Juniors from Hereford United.

Friday, August 06, 2004

Turner looks forward to Cup Game

Graham Turner is looking forward to the new format Herefordshire Senior Cup game with Wellington tomorrow. The quarter-final game kicks off at Edgar Street at 3pm.

Hereford are expected to be without David Brown, Danny Carey-Bertram and Ryan Green who are all injuried. Tony James remains a slight doubt. Graham Hyde and Andy Tretton are suspended.

In the Wellington side will be Matt Williams who is a cousin to Bulls striker Andy Williams and also former United player Mark Cross.

Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester:" We will want to play at the right pace. We don't want to take any liberties. We know they will be wound up and want to have a go."

No Signings confirmed

No new signings have been confirmed by Hereford United this morning, despite rumours on the forums.

Graham Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the search continues for a goalkeeper and a striker and is confident he will have the positions filled before the first Conference game.

He has confirmed he is in talks with a keeper.

There was no mention of a left-sided player in the part of the interview played so far. This could suggest that Turner has offered a contract to Mark Robinson, the trialist from Hartlepool, but that is not confirmed.

Wright leaves Chester

Mark Wright has left Chester City in unexplained circumstances. His assistant Dave Moss is also reported to have quit.

Chester has been rumoured to have debts of £3 million, but it is not known whether the financial situation has played a part in Wright's departure.

Wright took Chester from the Conference to the new Division Two when his side won the league by just one point from Hereford United last season.

Meanwhile the Chester Chronicle has confirmed events that manager Mark Wright has left the club just 24 hours before the club's long-awaited return to the Football League.

They report that the club have made no official comment as yet but the news is set to throw the club into turmoil as they set out to re-establish themselves after four years of non-league football.

It is believed that much of Wright's backroom staff have departed with him, with ex-Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic manager Ray Mathias expected to take temporary charge.

Later Wright was reported as saying: "It was my decision. The position was untenable. I did not want it to happen, but it has. It's not the right time and I apologise for that. It's a very sad day. I know the side is a good side."

Thursday, August 05, 2004

Pitch looks superb

The pitch at Edgar Street, the home of Hereford United, looks in superb condition as the start of the new Conference campaign loams.

There appears to have been some drainage work done recently as spectators can see some "brown lines" running towards the Meadow End.

Outside the ground an area adjacent to the main building is fenced off in readiness for the extension to the dressing rooms for which permission has been granted.

Meanwhile the club is said to be short of help for matchdays. Extra stewards and turnstile staff are wanted.

Full details from the club on 01432276666

Bulls still at 8-1

Very little change in the odds for a club to win the Conference this week. Carlisle remain clear favourites with a best price of 4-1 at several bookmakers.

Hereford United are still at 8-1 with Coral and Skybet.

Both Aldershot and Stevenage can be found at 12-1, and the remainder range from 14-1 upwards.

Meanwhile Graham Turner is quoted at 16-1 to be the first Conference manager to be sacked this season. Perhaps Skybet, who quote this price, have failed to realise he is both chairman and manager of Hereford United!

Phil Starbuck of Leigh is favourite at 5-1 with Chris Wilder of Halifax and three others at 8-1.

Former Vice-chairman dies

Harold Rumsey, a former vice-chairman of Hereford United has died aged 80. Born close to the ground, he joined the board at Edgar Street in 1965 with the task of earning money for the club.

He beleived that clubs could not survive on gate money alone and went on to become a consultant helping clubs to raise cash.

However Mr Rumsey will be best remembered by many for bringing John Charles to Hereford.

It was during his time as United's vice-chairman that he visited Italy and secured the signing of John Charles.

"I flew to Nice and drove to his apartment in Diano Marina where his wife, Peggy, told me he was playing tennis. So I found the court and had a conversation with him," said Mr Rumsey at the time.

"John told me that there were lots of clubs after him but I was the first to come out to see him. In the end I spent a couple of days out there with him."

Charles later returned to Britain and joined Hereford. Mr Rumsey drove to meet him and get the forms signed.

"It was only on the way back that I realised what I had done and one of the most famous football players in the world had become a Hereford United player."

A full appreciation of the life of Harold Rumsey appeared in todays Hereford Times.

West Brom not happy with defeat

West Bromwich Albion assistant manager Gary Shelton refused to mince his words after seeing a strong second-string line-up suffer their first pre-season defeat according to the Official West Brom Website.

The team comprised nine players with first-team experience, including Jason Koumas, new boys Tomasz Kuszczak and Martin Albrechtsen, Darren Moore, Neil Clement, Bernt Haas, Artim Sakiri, Ronnie Wallwork and Adam Chambers.

But the Baggies conceded goals either side of the break to taste defeat against Hereford United at Edgar Street.

"It was a very disappointing night," said Shelton. "The opportunity was there for the players to stake a claim and put themselves in the frame for the Premiership but they let themselves down very badly.

"It was a bad day at the office and there wasn't a single plus point."

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

Cup game on Saturday

Hereford United face local side Wellington next Saturday in the Herefordshire Senior Cup.

The new competition will be played under full FA rules which means the Bulls are only able to make three substitutions, but can use the game to allow Andy Tretton and Graham Hyde to be suspended.

Tretton can play for the Bulls on August 14th, the date of the first Conference game of the season, but Hyde will miss that game as well.

Wellington are looking forward to the game. Their manager Wyn Owern told the Hereford Times:" I think the reorganisation of the competition is a good move, giving local clubs the chance to play Hereford. It will be a big day for us."

The gate money for this quarter final game will be split between Hereford United, Wellington and the Hereford Football Association.

Ticket Details for Crawley

Hereford United has announced ticket details for the first away game of the new season at Crawley Town on August 17th.

The match has been made all-ticket for away supporters and tickets will be available from the main office shortly. Payment will be cash or cheque only.

The club has stated that under no circumstances will they accept credit cards as a form of payment for this game.

Tickets will be available until and including Saturday August 14th.

Prices are: Terrace; Adults £9 Concessions £6. Seats; Adults £10 Concessions £8.

United claim first home victory

Hereford United kept yet another clean sheet as they defeated a strong West Brom team at Edgar Street this evening. The Baggies had numerous well known players in their starting line up including internationals Bernt Haas, Jason Koumas and Artim Sakiri but United were able to match and for most parts outplay WBA.

Hereford were without David Brown, Ryan Green and Tony James but Jamie Pitman made his first start since having a operation for a hernia. Jamie Smith, a trialist (probably Jamie Gosling), was named as substitute. There was also a new goalkeeper training with the team, but he wasn't named on the team sheet.

Hereford, who were looking very sharp, passing the ball very well and playing some brilliant attacking football, almost took the lead in the fourth minute. Rob Purdie split the defence and found Andy Tretton who smashed a low cross along the six yard box but Adam Stansfield somehow failed to connect.

United had several first half chances before they took the lead, Craig Stanley played a one-two with Stansfield, but hit the shot straight at the 'keeper. Danny Williams had three efforts, a thirty-five yard free kick was just over, then a tame twenty-five yard shot was collected easily by Tomasz Kuszczak. Purdie then crossed for Williams to smash on the volley but it sailed just over the bar. West Brom only really threatend from corners where Darren Moore looked dangerous, however he headed his first chance wide.

Stansfield handed United the lead following a flick on by Tom Smith after a Williams corner. The ball hit Stansfield who volleyed it hard into the net for 1-0. Williams delivered another good cross from a free kick, the clearence fell to Stanley who volleyed wide. Moore then almost equalised for the Baggies but a smart catch from Scott prevented the goal. A fantastic move by Hereford should have led to another goal, but Kuszczak made a good save from Simon Travis when one on one after Williams had played him through. The rebound fell to Stansfield who could only shoot wide.

At half time the Baggies subbed on Joe Murphy in goal and Stuart Midworth. Moore had the first chance of the second half from a corner he headed down well, but Scott was equal to it. Before the Bulls doubled their advantage Stansfield, Purdie and Stanley had shots blocked and Mark Robinson volleyed over. Captain Tretton knocked a ball over the top for Purdie and Stansfield to chase. Kuszczak rushed out but was beaten to it by Purdie who squared the ball to Stansfield. He hammered a shot into the roof of the net avoiding two defenders on the line. After, the lively Pitman was replaced by Graham Hyde after the second goal.

Tamika Mkandawire, playing against his old club, had a good chance but his header from Robinson's cross was well saved by Murphy. Williams and Purdie both went close again but their shots were wide. Purdie was replaced by Andrew Williams as the attacker was suffering from cramp. Danny Williams was replaced by Jamie Smith(Gosling). Neil Clement was unlucky not to get the Baggies back in the game when his thunderbolt of a free kick was palmed away by Scott. Daniel March and Sam Gwynne replaced Travis and Robinson. United's final chance fell to sixteen year old Gwynne. Hyde swung a corner to the far side of the penalty area for the youngster to volley but it went just wide.

The 1,297 including 34 away fans, that turned out for the friendly game were entertained by some brilliant football from Hereford who were more than a match for their superior opposition. It was by far the best performance by United this pre-season, they were looking more like the side that performed so well in the last campaign.

HUFC Team: Ben Scott, Tamika Mkandawire, Andy Tretton, Tom Smith, Marc Ronbinson, Simon Travis, Craig Stanley, Danny Williams, Jamie Pitman, Adam Stansfield, Rob Purdie. Subs: Graham Hyde, Adam Ding, Andrew Williams, Daniel March, Jamie Smith, Daniel Carey-Bertram, Sam Gwynne.

WBA Team: Kuszczak, Bernt Haasm Neil Clement, Jason Koumas, Darren Moore, Martin Albrechtsen, Adam Chambers, Ronnie Wallwork, Kyle Patterson, Artim Sakiri, Rob Elvins. Subs: James Chambers, Joe Murphy, Philip Midworth, Stuart Nicholson, James Holmes.

Good display by Bulls

Hereford United defeated a strong West Bromwich team 2-0 tonight at Edgar Street in front of over 1200 spectators.

New signing Adam Stansfield scored both goals and Ben Scott dealt with everything with increased confidence.

Full report shortly.

WBA squad announced

West Brom have announced the squad that they are bringing to Edgar Street and suprisingly there are some bigger names than expected. It was thought that the team would be made up of reserve and youth team players, as it was last season when they visited Hereford.

Bernt Haas, who played at the European Championships this summer, Neil Clement , Ronnie Wallwork formerly of Man Utd, Joe Murphy an under 21 international with Republic of Ireland, Martin Albrechtsen a summer signing in the defence from Denmark and the Welsh international Jason Koumas all appear in a side that should prove strong opposition for United this evening.

The full team list can be found on the official Hereford United website.

Not fit at Hereford

Bertrand Cozic, the midfielder who spent a short spell at Edgar Street late last season, has told the Northampton Official Website that he was not fit for much of last season.

"I wasn't really fit enough in my time at Hereford but am really fit now," he commented.

He has signed a one-year deal at Northampton.

Bulls host Baggies

Hereford United face a West Bromwich Albion reserve team at Edgar Street this evening, kick off 7.45. It is the last of Hereford's pre-season friendlies. West Brom are expected to field a mix of reserve and youth team players, as they did last summer when United hammered the Baggies 5-0.

The Bulls are still trying to solve their 'keeper problem. Currently, Ben Scott is the only goalie that is signed on for the forth coming season. John Trewick told Bulls News that Hereford had been in talks with a goalkeeper fot the past two or three weeks but it is proving more difficult than they had expected to get a keeper with enough experience. He confirmed that they are in talks with someone at the moment and should have it sorted by the start of the new season.

David Brown, Ryan Green and Tony James are all doubts for tonight's game. James missed the game against Wrexham on the weekend and will miss out tonight, but should be fit for Saturday. Green has missed the last two friendlies and will sit out again tonight. Brown suffered a knock to his knee during the Wrexham game causing his knee to swell slightly. Danny Carey-Bertram is expected to play a part tonight after appearing as a late sub on the weekend. The young forward will have a scan sometime in the week to evaluate the seriousness of his knee injury.

United are expected to have at least one new trialist on show, Jamie Gosling has recently started training with the club after a short spell with Worcester City. There is a possibility that before the start of the season a new striker in the "target man" mould will have a trial as will a goalkeeper.

The game may prove to be more of a confidence boost for the attackers than a match against tough opposition if the WBA team is anything like it was last season. Maybe Hereford can scout a future United player in the same way that Tamika Mkandawire was spotted by Graham Turner and his coaching staff.

Tuesday, August 03, 2004

Hyde to miss Two Games

Graham Hyde is set to miss two games for the Bulls.

Hyde will not feature in either the Wellington game next Saturday nor the opening game of the Conference season against Farnborough on August 14th.

This information comes from the FA list of suspensions carried over from last season.

The Official site suggests he will miss three games but this appears to be incorrect.

Teesdale to Pitmen

Richard Teesdale has signed for Hednesford. The former Hereford United player had a trial at York recently but was not offered a contract.

Teesdale played for the Pitmen last night against Walsall but was on the losing side.

Meanwhile confirmation on Confguide.com that Andy Tretton will be able to serve his one match suspension next Saturday.

Tretton was sent off in the Aldershot game at the end of last season and given a one-match ban.

Luckily as Hereford United have a cup match against Wellington, this game counts for his suspension.

Parry in Wales squad

Ex-Bull Paul Parry has been selected for Wales for a friendly game away in Latvia on Wendnesday August 18th. If Parry plays it will be his fourth international Cap.

Each cap that he earns will mean extra income for Hereford United because of a clause in the deal that took Parry to Cardiff City. United will receive a fixed figure of money for each time that Parry plays for Wales. It is unknown if this clause has a limit; for example the clause may be upto a maximum of ten caps.

Parry has three caps so far and has netted once for the Welsh against Hungary at the Racecourse. He also appeared against Norway in Oslo and Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.

Meanwhile Lennie Lawrence, the Cardiff City manager, says that he thinks Parry will have a tough season ahead of him.

"Paul needs to get his head clear and regain the confidence levels he reached when he came to the club.? said the City boss.

"He's 23, but in football terms he's only 20 and similar in football development to James Collins and both are young men who will experience highs and lows."

Kennedy back to Stanley

Jon Kennedy won't be coming to Edgar Street as he has decided to play for his former team Accrington Stanley.

Matt Bakers' favourite to take over his place in the Hereford squad, Kennedy went on trial at Burton but was not offered a contract and over the weekend started talks with his former club which led to a new contract.

Graham Turner is reportedly still looking for a goalkeeper but having little success so far.

Monday, August 02, 2004

Gosling secures trial

Jamie Gosling has been given a trial with Hereford United.

The creative midfielder was due to play in a friendly against Evesham United last Friday for Worcester City, but has pulled out to join up with the Hereford side for training.

Gosling, 22, played on loan last season for Aldershot Town from Yeovil Town. Previously he featured for Bath City. While with the Shots, Gosling played three times against the Bulls, two of those matches at left-midfield, and another in defence.

Hyde hopes experience will help

Graham Hyde hopes that the mix of youth and his experience will help the Bulls go one better this season and gain promotion. He has finally signed a deal at Edgar Street now that this contract at Bristol Rovers has expired.

Speaking to the Western Daily Press he said, "Hereford were unfortunate at the end of last season, but hopefully we can go one stage better this time and get promotion. There are a lot of young players here and I hope my experience will help them and the team."

Hyde is no stranger to success as he has appeared in a League and a FA Cup final. His experience may prove vital in the forthcoming season for Hereford United.

Sunday, August 01, 2004

Would Fans support a Text Service?

Most league clubs have a text service for supporters that allows them to receive news about their favourite team before that news is released to the websites and the press.

At present Hereford United news is sometimes released on Club-Call but as soon as someone close to a computer hears something of interest that news is put on a forum which in effect allows others to hear the news without telephoning Clubcall.

If the Bulls set up a Text Service, all subscribers would receive the news at the same time thereby lessening the effect of putting that news on a forum.

The income from ClubCall was very low in the 2002/2003 season according to the accounts. Under the heading of Bulls Bulletin and Clubcall income, the amount the club received was £1,204. In the previous season it was £1,211.

A text service could provide such items as "Exclusive club breaking news" and "Exclusive manager comments" plus every goal and the divisional results straight to a mobile.

Supporters often comment that the club could do more to help its finances. A text service might be one way to move the club forward.

If set-up, a Hereford United SMS service has the potential to be a money-spinner.

Open Day a success

The open day today seemed to be a great success for Hereford United. It was a nice opportunity for fans to meet the players, take photo's and get autographs. All the current players attended and most were taking part in or supervising events for the supporters to have a bit of fun.

The main event of the day was the new nike kit going on sale. It looked to have sold very well as many people were wearing the new shirt as the day went on. Some sizes in the club shop had sold out within an hour of the kit going on sale and it would not be a surprise if record number of shirt sales were announced for the new top.

Hyde signing confirmed

Graham Hyde has been confirmed as Hereford's fifth signing of the summer. The veteran midfielder told Bulls News at the Open day today that he had signed a one-year deal at Edgar Street.

Hyde has played at the highest level with Sheffield Wednesday and has plenty of league experience with Birmingham, Chesterfield, Peterborough and Bristol Rovers. He has notched up 233 league appearences. Hyde is by far the oldest player in the Hereford side, he will be thirty four in November so he offers plenty of experience.

Better in Second Half

Graham Turner told press after yesterday's game at Edgar Street that his team played better in the second half.

"In the first half Wrexham had a lot of possession and, when we did get the ball, we failed to keep hold of it.

"After the break we played much tighter and, with the chances we had, should have scored. But Wrexham had a bit more quality.

Meanwhile ex-Accrington goalkeeper Jon Kennedy has told the NLP that he only left the club because they had offered him just £300 a week.

Kennedy has been on trial at Burton but didn't feature yesterday as Andy Woods was preferred. However Woods injured his back and had to be replaced by coach Martin Taylor.