Hereford United can expect a heavy pitch at the Shay this afternoon after the area had a very wet evening.
Snow was reported on the M62 near to Halifax.
It is thought that it will become drier this morning.
Update 9.15am.
The A49 is currently blocked both ways at Wellington north of Hereford.
.jpg)
Friday, April 15, 2005
Wet around Halifax
Halifax game will be tough
Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he thinks tomorrow's match with Halifax will be tough but says that the 3-1 win over Forest Green last Tuesday will have boosted his squad.
"We will go to Halifax with that little bit more confidence about us. It takes the pressure off a little bit.
"It's three great games to finish with I think. Three teams that could be in contention. Certainly Halifax already are. Accrington, the last match, could still be in contention.
"It's what football is all about. There's plenty at stake at the moment."
Meanwhile Graham Turner has told the Official Website that Jamie Pitman still has a problem with his shoulder popping in and out of the socket.
"He will have an operation on it as soon as the season is over and he deserves credit for how well he is doing to get through games. Hopefully it will get no worse between now and May and that will mean that he remains available for us right through until the end of the season."
Opponents Halifax Town will "throw the kitchen sink" at Hereford tomorrow according to Halifax Today. Manager Chris Wilder says victory over the Bulls will put the Shaymen back on track.
"We have one of the best home records in the Conference and Hereford will know they are in for one hell of a game. Make no mistake, they are going to get the full kitchen sink thrown at them."
Halifax can not afford to lose this match although a draw would still give them some hope of making the play-offs.
"Defeat will kill us - it is unthinkable," admitted Wilder. "But I think there is only Carlisle and Hereford who could afford to swallow a defeat at this stage of the season.
"Even Hereford will be under pressure to get to the finishing line as quickly as possible.
"A few weeks ago people will have regarded us as favourites because we were second in the table. I doubt whether they will still look at it that way. I never thought we were favourites back them, but I certainly don't think we are out of it now.
The players realise that and that gives us half a chance."
Tomorrow's game is the biggest at the Shay since Town faced Brighton in May 2001 when they needed a draw to avoid the drop. Wilder watched that game from the stands and sees few similarities between that and the game against the Bulls.
"That was a game in which we had to do well to avoid failure," he said. "Tomorrow's is a game we are looking to win to turn a good season into a great season.
"It will be a different sort of pressure against Hereford."
Wilder will have to shuffle his pack to cope with the loss of skipper Steve Bushell in midfield and that could mean switching to a 4-3-3 formation.
BBC H&W coverage of Halifax and Woking games
BBC Hereford and Worcester are hoping to cover both the Halifax and Woking games on the internet and for the Halifax game there will be second half coverage on the Hereford FM frequency.
The full message from head of sport Trevor Owens is as follows:
BBC Hereford and Worcester will be looking to bring you full second half commentary on this Saturday's events at The Shay from around four o'clock on our 94.7 FM frequency.
There will also be internet commentary but not through the usual route.
All you will have to do is to go to the BBC Hereford and Worcester website www.bbc.co.uk/hereford and then click on the "listen live" link on the home page that takes you to the normal station output.
Hope this proves to be of some use to those of you not making the trip to The Shay; not sure how much use the internet commentary was for the Forest Green game - most United fans seemed to be there!!
Trevor Owens
Sports Editor, BBC Hereford and Worcester
PS: We shall also be looking to do full internet commentary on the Woking game, with second half commentary on the radio. Will confirm this as soon as we have confirmation of the booking for the internet streaming lines.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Halifax stand in way of play off finish
After tomorrow afternoons fixture between Hereford United and Halifax Town at The Shay, it may be clearer to see who will make the end of season play offs as, if Hereford take all three points, they can, if other results go their way, seal their place in the top five and effectivley end The Shaymen's hopes.
Halifax have been touted by many to be the best side seen at Edgar Street this season, having outplayed the Bulls and coming away with a 3-2 victory. Particularly impressive in that game was loanee Darren Mansaram, who is now a permanent fixture for Town. Halifax have also added to their squad since the two teams met early in the season with the signing of John Grant, who had a spell with United. Club captain Steve Bushell will be the most significant absentee for Town, as he misses out having broken a leg.
Town were defeated 1-0 in the West Riding Cup Wednesday night by Guiseley; a result which infuriated boss Chris Wilder. He hoped that some players could use the match as a chance to impress in order to push for a starting place on Saturday, but was disappointed with the level of effort put in by some.
"A lot of those players have one-year deals and have possibly cut their own throats," He told the Halifax Courier. "We still do not know which division we will be playing in next season and there are contracts to be played for. A lot of decisions have been made for me by them. I think that there was only Chris Clarke, Paul Stoneman and Ryan Toulson who did themselves any favours last night."
"As a player, my thoughts would have turned to getting into the team on Saturday. Results in the past three or four games have been disappointing and there was a real chance last night for someone to force their way into the reckoning. Perhaps the game showed why the first team are playing in the first team and these players are on the outside looking in. Now they might find themselves looking for another club in the summer."
Every time you pull on a Halifax Town shirt there is everything to play for. There were too many non-committed performances last night."
Darryl Taylor's twisted knee, sustained against York, is proving to be quite serious and it is thought that he will now miss the rest of the season. Danny Williams is the most natural replacement for Taylor, although he picked up a knock against Forest Green and may be forced to sit out against Halifax. With Craig Stanley also receiving treatment Graham Turner may face a small injury crisis in the midfield.
Andy Tretton, who has been on superb form since filling in for Tony James, is also a doubt for the trip up north and with Tom Smith leaving the club United may also be short on defenders. Tony James was expected to begin training again following an ankle injury yesterday, but it is very unlikely that he will be considered for the squad.
Halifax have a good home record this season, having won twelve and drawn four of their nineteen home matches. The Shay has been a difficult place for teams to go their and win this season and The Shaymen will be hoping to continue this trend. Hereford, on the other hand, have the second best away record for this season with only champions Barnet able to better the Bulls ten wins from nineteen away games. A large crowd is expected for what is a massive game for both sides.
Conference preview for Saturday
Ten Conference fixtures on Saturday and once again Hereford United supporters will be keeping one eye on the other sides in the play-off chase.
Although Barnet have been crowned champions, they still have three fixtures to complete. However they may feel that there is little to play for and so Morecambe (4th) who meet them at Christie Park will be expecting to take three points from the game.
Carlisle (2nd) travel to Burton, hoping their challenge is back on course after defeating York 6-0 last Tuesday. Burton are struggling at present, they lost 3-0 to Morecambe last Tuesday and have been dumped out of the Trophy by Conference South top team, Grays Athletic.
Aldershot (5th) travel to Northwich and need three points to keep their challenge on track. The Shots didn't play in midweek whereas the Vics defeated bottom team Leigh RMI.
"We have to win two out of three and I'd like that with Northwich and Accrington," Shots manager Terry Brown told the News and Mail.
"That will take points off them and will make our lives easier going into our last home game. We want to give ourselves every opportunity."
Accrington (8th) travel to Woking (6th) who will be playing for the second time in three days. The Cards won their game against Gravesend 2-0 this evening which has kept them in the play-off race.
Stevenage (9th) take on Gravesend who lost at Woking this evening. The home side again need a win to have a chance of making the play-offs.
Exeter City (10th) are away at Crawley (12th). The Grecians were held at home by Dagenham last Tuesday and their manager, Alex Inglethorpe, told the Exeter Express & Echo: "We need three wins and then hope for the best.
"It's not the time to start assessing the season yet. We have given it a fair old go so far and we will continue to do that until the last ball is kicked."
It looks as though most of the top teams should win their games on Saturday. Hereford United will stay in third place if they lose at Halifax but could be joined by Morecambe and Aldershot if they win their respective games.
However should Hereford win and Carlisle drop points the Bulls will move into second place.
List of Fixtures for Saturday April 16th:
Burton Albion v Carlisle
Canvey Island v Scarborough
Crawley Town v Exeter City
Farnborough v Tamworth
Halifax Town v Hereford United
Morecambe v Barnet
Northwich v Aldershot
Stevenage v Gravesend
Woking v Accrington Stanley
York v Dagenham & Redbridge
Away support close to 400
The average turnout this season for Hereford United's away games so far is 398 per game. Figures used are either offical ones released by the home club or Bulls News reporters' best estimate (E)
Aug 17th Crawley 500E
Aug 21th York 459
Aug 30th Northwich 600E
Sept 11th Gravesend 244
Sept 25th Leigh 300E
Oct 5th Dagenham 200E
Oct 11th Accrington 150
Oct 23rd Carlisle 300E
Nov 20th Canvey 243
Dec 11th Scarborough 100E
Dec 26th Exeter 300E
Jan 8th Burton 391
Jan 30th Aldershot 481
Feb 12th Barnet 500E
Mar 8th Tamworth 400E
Mar 22 Morecambe 90E
Mar 25 Farnborough 425
Apr 2nd Stevenage 500E
Apr 12th Forest Green 1386
Total to date - 7569
Average to date 398
Taylor to miss rest of season
On-loan midfielder Daryl Taylor is likely to miss the rest of Hereford United's Nationwide Conference season.
The Walsall youngster twisted his knee against York City last weekend, although his team-mate Leroy Williams, who is also on-loan at Edgar Street, is available after suspension.
Saddlers boss Paul Merson told their official website: "It's a shame that Daryl got injured last weekend but the experience will stand both lads in good stead for next season."
"Leroy has got his head down and worked hard. He is doing well and like Daryl has played an important role in their recent run of good form."
Smith's contract terminated
Tom Smith has left Edgar Street. The rumours that have been circulating about the whereabouts of the player for the last ten days appear to have been correct.
He was firstly said to be ill but the Hereford Times has this morning clarified matters.
They report that Smith's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.
Meanwhile there are injury worries about Andy Tretton, Craig Stanley and Danny Williams. All are said to be receiving treatment after Tuesday's game at Forest Green.
At this stage there is nothing to suggest that they will miss the Halifax game but should Tretton not be fit, Graham Turner will face a problem in the heart of defence with Tony James some way from returning to the squad after his injury.
In his own column, Graham Turner reveals that he has never known a season with so many clubs in contention for a play-off place. However he appears optimistic about prospects for the Bulls.
"I am very pleased with the way things have gone this season and still beleive we have the possibility of making it a very memorable season.
"We have just got to be in those play-offs. It proved last year that it does not matter whether you finish second or fifth. Once the play-offs start, everyone is equal again."
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Only one game tonight
Just one Conference game this evening, but the result could have a bearing on the play-offs.
Woking (10th) entertain Gravesend and Northfleet (14th). Should Woking win they will move up to sixth position in the league with 64 points. A draw, or defeat, for the Cards will mean that they will stay in tenth position and in all probability that would mean the end of their play-off aspirations.
Woking have only taken five points from their last six games whereas Gravesend have taken eleven from their last six outings.
Hereford United travel to Woking next Tuesday evening for their last away match
of this campaign.
Information for Saturday's game at Halifax
Hereford United travel to Halifax Town on Saturday and below are all the details to help supporters reach the ground and enjoy their visit. Most of the information comes from the Shay Stadium Trust Website.
The Shay Stadium lies on the south side of Halifax just a short walk from the town centre and is situated on the main road into Halifax from Huddersfield and the M62.
How to get to Halifax:
Halifax is easily accessible from all parts of Britain. The Shay is well signposted from the Town Centre and all routes into Halifax.
By Car:
From the Herefordshire area there are at least two possible routes. Either use the A49/M56/M6/M62 or M5/M42/A42/M1/M62. Allow up to four hours for the journey.
After reaching the M62 EITHER leave at Junction 24 off the M62 take the A629 to Halifax and pick up the signs for the Shay Stadium after about 3 miles.
OR leave at Junction 26 off the M62 and take the A58 to Halifax before picking up signs for the Shay Stadium.
If all else fails, follow signs for Eureka and pick up signs for the Shay from there.
By Coach:
As usual HUISA is organising coach travel. The cost is £15 and departure is at 9am. For more details and bookings phone Hereford United on 01432 276666 as soon as possible.
By Train:
Halifax is on the Trans-Pennine railway route that stretches from Scarborough on the east coast through to York then Leeds, Bradford, over to Blackpool and Liverpool on the west coast, through Manchester and Preston. Both the east coast and west coast main lines connect to the Trans-Pennine route.
Regular services stop at Halifax on the Manchester / Leeds / York line. Many connecting services, from North and South, serve these cities. There are also direct services to Halifax from Burnley, Preston and Blackpool.
The Stadium is only a 5 minute walk from the rail station. After leaving the train station, turn left and walk along the road for 5 minutes and you will soon be at the Shay.
Train information is available from the Railtrack web site or by telephoning 0345 48 49 50.
Parking:
Limited parking is available at the stadium, but road parking in surrounding streets is an option as well as the Glyn Webb home improvements store.
Admission:
Adults £12 Concessions £6 Under12's £2 (for all areas - some seating is usually available but maybe in the middle of the main stand amidst Halifax supporters)
Places to eat:
There are plenty of places in Halifax to get a bite to eat. Whether it be a pub meal or fish and chips, the options are endless.
With the Shay being just a 10 minute walk from the Town Centre you are spoilt for choice. Use Yellow Pages to find places to eat.
Places to drink:
There are a number of pubs close to the ground which are welcoming to football supporters.
The Shay Hotel is the closest and is close to the entrance for the North Stand, which houses away supporters. The Three Pigeons and the Pumproom are only a few minutes walk from the ground.
In the Town Centre, Halifax are estimated to have more pubs/clubs per household than anywhere else in the UK and have venue?s to cater for all.
Another view of the FGR game
Glynis Wright admits her husband's blood pressure is currently under strain having to watch Hereford United and isn't sure if it might be affecting her as well. But she still manages to write a great report on last night's events.
We made the long journey down the M5 on Tuesday night - to watch the Edgar Street lot (hopefully) sort out relegation candidates Forest Green, who hang out in a large village about halfway between Gloucester and Bristol. In fact, if you've ever made the trek to Bristol or the West Country by rail, without knowing it, you've passed the place - it's where that enormously-long tunnel you have to shoot through finally ends. Not that it concerned us much, mind; it most certainly was The Dickmobile for us on this occasion, and the journey down was simplicity itself. Just get off the motorway just after Gloucester, head towards Stroud, pick up the A46 - then just keep going in the general direction of Bath. The best bit, though, is the location of their ground - right on top of a bloody big hill. Strange, that - I'd lived not all that much further down the road for 13 years, passed through Nailsworth umpteen times - and never once twigged the place had a football club enjoying life at Conference level.
Not that they will be a Conference club much longer, the way they're going; tonight's little soiree was just about their final chance of avoiding the drop, so they needed the points just as much as the visitors, if not more. Still, it was quite pleasant to sit in their little social club beforehand, glass in hand, just watching the world go by. And the antics of the poor bloke running a second beer-bar at the other end; The Last Stand at The Alamo, it was, with our rotund curly-haired chum playing the role of Davy Crockett, minus coonskin cap, of course.
It all made for quite a cagey start, and once more, a bit of an Albion Old Boys' Reunion really (yep, our former players don't half fetch up in some strange places!), the former Baggie this time being none other than Des Lyttle, still with that lovely infectious grin of his floating vaguely around his lower jaw. The sheer enormity of what was at stake for both sides led to lots of mistakes all round, but the Bulls were the first to get off the mark courtesy of a textbook header from a corner (a shame for their keeper, as he'd done such a competent job trying to deny the visitors the spoils up till then), the scorer being "Lisa" Stansfield.
And, not long after that, the visitors made it two; again, Stansfield was the perpetrator of the damage, courtesy a lovely defence-splitting ball threaded through to the lad just at the right moment - all he then had to do was smash the thing past their unfortunate keeper and into the net. Not such a good moment for Des Lyttle, though - that "killer" ball left him for dead, completely and utterly. Cue for great jollification among the cider-slurpers, who had come to this one mob-handed, their impressive following certainly spread over two sides of that small ground, and, when you looked even more closely, a respectable sprinkling around the part supposedly designated for the use of the home supporters. How many? Well, the gate was a record one for Forest Green - 2,100, give or take a few, with, I reckon, well over a thousand visitors chucking in their money's worth. No wonder the blasted ground looked so full.
Two goals up come the interval, and poor Forest Green heading for the rockpile, their cause not being helped one little bit by two factors - their insistence on playing Route One stuff, and the many niggling fouls they perpetrated in a gallant attempt to stop Hereford's tap. Time also to grab our usual supply of half-time sweetmeats as donated by our intrepid band of female pensioner Bulls sitting immediately behind us in the stand - and very welcome too, they were.
Come the second half, then, and for a while, it really looked as though the Hereford bid for the spoils might go off the rails a tad. How come? Forest Green changed their battle-plan; instead of slinging balls into orbit every time they wanted to make progress, they started to play it on the ground, and much more effectively, along the flanks, especially the left. Clearly, the boil hadn't been lanced sufficiently well to completely remove the pus. Suddenly, it was the visitors that looked at sixes and sevens; this clearly wasn't in either the script or the job-description, so I wasn?t too surprised when they eventually managed to get one back, from a set-piece taken a little to the left of the edge of the box. Oh, whoops - and as for my other half, by that stage, he'd already run out of fingers to chew, and was now starting on the knuckles.
Time for a few judicious subbings, then, the first of which was former Baggie Carey-Bertram, who replaced the completely-knackered Lee Mills up front. And that was the moment when the entire game swung the visitors' way, as that strike had, unsurprisingly enough, given the Gloucestershire club renewed hope, enough to make the possibility of them getting on level terms once more a not-so distant one, suddenly. And it was Danny The Former Baggie wot won it for them, from a cross emanating from the left wing - and their keeper had absolutely no chance of stopping the shot, delivered from about ten yards, I reckon.
Against the run of play a wee bit, especially after all the hard work those Forest Green players had put in to make their goal happen, but talk about "timely" - had our former Baggie not been in the right place at the right time, I reckon Forest Green might well have gone on to grab another - desperation does remarkable things to people at the best of times, and can be manna to struggling football clubs. As it was, that strike completely knocked the stuffing out of Forest Green, and the rest was a formality by comparison. And, just before the end, The Bulls even re-launched their "secret weapon", the remarkable lad I mentioned on Saturday night, Leroy Williams - and yes, even over the course of that short period on the field, his unusual antics caused complete and utter mayhem in the home side's ranks.
The final whistle, when it came, was music to Bovine ears, and just as well they triumphed; when the other Conference scores that night were read out, it appeared that most of the play-off chasing pack had won also. Not that my other half cared, though - he now reckons that The Bulls only need four points from their last three to ensure they get a welcome (and money-spinning, probably) coda to their season. Thank God; as I said, 'Im Indoors is becoming distinctly schizophrenic these days! Now where did I put those blasted tranquillisers?
Biggest game say Shaymen
Halifax Town have said that the visit of Hereford United is "the biggest game in recent history for the Shaymen."
The following article has been posted on their Official Website.
Halifax Town will take on Hereford United at the Shay on Saturday, knowing that they need a positive result to help push the clubs towards the playoffs.
Manager Chris Wilder, his assistant Sean McAuley, all the players and everyone connected with the club should be very proud of where the club is currently positioned this season.
There are three huge games left, which will determine whether the Shaymen can finish in the top five and compete in this season's playoffs.
Everyone should be aware of how big this game is for the club. A win against a fellow playoff contender now will be a huge boost and give us a great chance going into the last two games against Farnborough (a) and Woking (h).
HTST Representative director Chris Haddock told the official website, "Quite simply, the playoffs start here and the fans should treat the game accordingly by turning out in strength, to cheer the team into a victory."
Club Secretary, Richard Groves told us, "The club has worked very hard to get into his position, we wish to see a successful conclusion to the season both on and off the pitch. Please come down and support the lads."
So come down to the Shay on Saturday, be in good voice, get behind the lads and lets be the 12th man for the club as they strive to complete a very good season in the best way possible
That article should encourage Hereford United supporters to make the trip to Halifax on Saturday.
Grant can play for Halifax
Ex-Hereford United striker, John Grant, can play for Halifax against Hereford next Saturday after his red card was dropped.
This is from the Official Halifax Site:
Halifax Town striker John Grant has won his appeal against his straight red card in Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Barnet.
The FA hearing this morning has cleared the 23 year old as they agreed with the claim for wrongful dismissal.
Grant will not serve a suspension and will therefore be available for selection on Saturday for the home game with Hereford United.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
1386 at the Lawn
It is being reported that 1386 Hereford fans saw the match at the Lawn last night. This was an excellent turnout surpassing many peoples expectation.
After the game Tamika Mkandawire spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We got the goal in the first half and we were quite comfortable for a while. But in the second half they put three up and played better fotball to be fair to them
"They put a few balls into the box but I thought we dealt quite well. They put us under a bit of pressure when they made it 2-1 but in the end it was quite comfortable."
Meanwhile the Western Daily Press has confirmed that the Forest Green manager, Alan Lewer, was sent off at half-time for verbally abusing referee Mike Mullarkey and had to witness the rest of the game from the stand.
Bulls keep play off charge going
Hereford United took all three points from their visit to The Lawn last night to put them safely into the play off positions and also to increase Forest Green Rovers relegation fears. Hereford are now in the play off positions by six points in front of sixth place Halifax Town, who are United's opponents on Saturday. Forest Green are three points adrift of Canvey, who have a game in hand of the relegation rivals.
Graham Turner would have named an unchanged side for the trip to Gloucestershire if he could, but an injury sustained by Darryl Taylor against York meant Danny Williams was drafted into the starting eleven from the bench. He kept the faith in the strike partnership of Lee Mills and Adam Stansfield and Danny Carey-Bertram returned to the bench after suspension.
The first chance of the game fell to Stansfield when Mills flicked on Mark Robinson's deep free kick but Dean Williams in the Rovers goal saved with ease. Stansfield and Rob Purdie combined well before the latter broke through the defence but had his shot deflected away from goal by Des Lyttle. Mills then provided Stansfield with a perfect opportunity when he found the run of United's top scorer with a defence splitting pass, but Stansfield was denied by the outstretched hand of Williams.
With almost twenty minutes gone the Bulls finally got their break and Stansfield opened the scoring. Robinson blasted a shot to the near post after his first corner was cleared, and thanks to a touch around the post from the 'keeper he got a second attempt. Stansfield rose at the near post unchallenged and headed in, much to the delight of the 1,386 away following. Mills should have done better when Jamie Pitman found him in space just inside the box, after Mills had won a free kick, but he fired straight at the goalie.
A couple of brilliant blocks, firstly by Andy Tretton on the line and then by Pitman, ensured that Forest Green remained behind at the break and, at the other end, Mills threatened in first half injury time when he smashed a half volley over the bar from twenty yards.
The home side started the second half well, however, they found themselves further behind with just four minutes of the half gone. D Williams played a ball out of the defence which, thanks to a touch off the head of Mills, found Stansfield with just one man to beat, which he did successfully, before he beat Williams low to his left from the edge of the box.
Man of the match Stansfield forced Williams into another save before Forest Green enjoyed a good spell in which they pressured Hereford, after they had replaced Lyttle with Robert Gill, on loan from Scarborough. Lewis Haldane, who was not fully fit, had a glorious chance to get one back but he hammered wide having cut in from the right, passing Tretton on his way into the box.
With just under half an hour left FGR finally scored; they're the first side to net against the Bulls in six games. Paul Warhurst met Jon Beswetherick's free kick on the left, conceded by D Williams, and powered his header beyond Craig Mawson and into the back of the net. Soon after, Mills was replaced by Carey-Bertram but this failed to ease the pressure on the defence. Tamika Mkandawire got a vital touch with his head to put a dangerous cross from Mo Harkin wide.
The Bulls weathered the storm though, and increased their lead in a rare attack with ten minutes remaining. D Williams' throw in was controlled by Carey-Bertram on the right before play was switched to Robinson who found the run of Stansfield on the left. He crossed to the near post where Carey-Bertram raced in to convert for Hereford's third.
Pitman and Stansfield were taken off late on and Graham Hyde and Leroy Williams were given short run outs. Once again, this was not the most impressive performance by the Bulls, however, they will be delighted with the outcome meaning they are still joint on points with second place Carlisle. The wonderful turnout from Hereford fans must also be applauded, as they made up over half of the record Conference attendance at The Lawn of 2,142.
HUFC Team: Mawson, Green, Tretton, Mkandawire, Robinson, Purdie, Stanley, Pitman, Danny Williams, Stansfield, Mills. Subs: Travis, Scott, Hyde, Leroy Williams, Carey-Bertram.
FGR Team: Dean Williams, Lyttle , Warhurst, Searle, Beswetherick, Gadsby, Rogers, Harris, Harkin, Haldane, Griffin. Subs: Gill, McAuley, Davis, Perrin, Green.
Bulls move nearer the Play-offs
Hereford United defeated Forest Green Rovers 3-1 this evening at the Lawn.
Adam Stansfield scored twice and a late goal came from Danny Carey Bertram who sealed the victory for Hereford United in front of a crowd of 2142 which is the highest ever gate at Forest Green for a Conference fixture.
However it wasn't a competent performance from the Bulls, and not unlike last Saturday the scoreline flattered Hereford somewhat.
Hereford supporters turned out in numbers. Some estimates suggested that well over 1000 made the trip.
Elsewhere Carlisle put six past York, Morecambe won their game but Exeter were held by Dagenham. Farnborough have been relegated.
The updated Conference table:
1 Barnet 39 48 84
2 Carlisle 39 38 69
3 Hereford 39 26 69
4 Morecambe 39 17 66
5 Aldershot 39 13 66
6 Halifax 39 18 63
7 Accrington Stanley 39 15 63
8 Stevenage 39 8 63
9 Exeter 39 15 62
10 Woking 38 12 61
The Bulls News Potential Points Table:
Barnet 93
Carlisle 78
Hereford 78
Morecambe 75
Aldershot 75
Woking 73
Halifax 72
Accrington 72
Stevenage 72
Exeter 71
Second Play-off leg moved to Friday
The Nationwide Conference has decided to move the second-leg of the Conference play-off from Thursday evening to Friday evening.
The Conference have taken this decision because of the General Election being held on the Thursday (May 5th).
The play-offs are now on Monday May 2nd and Friday May 6th.
The final remains on Saturday May 14th with a 7.30pm kick-off. However some soures are suggesting that the Conference may rethink the start time. Police.
Hereford United will be closer to a play-off place if they defeat Forest Green Rovers this evening.
Preview from the Lawn
This article is from the Official Forest Green Website:
Forest Green Rovers take on Hereford United tonight at The Lawn, kick-off 7.45pm.
This is a big game for both clubs as Rovers need to pick up the points to give themselves a chance of staying up whilst visitors Hereford are looking to claim all the points for themselves as they look to ensure a place in the play-off positions. This makes the match a must win for both teams and a large crowd is expected.
Rovers will be without defender Darren Davies who is suspended but there is a chance that Jon Richardson will return from injury. Rovers boss Alan Lewer may well be without Scott Rogers, Hugh McAuley and on-loan Lewis Haldane as they are all doubtful through injury. Stuart Roberts and Ritchie Appleby could return from injury but they will both be short of match fitness.
Hereford boss Graham Turner will be without Daryl Taylor as he picked up a knee injury in their win against York, but Danny Carey-Bertram will be available for selection after serving his suspension. Hereford are likely to include ex-Rovers Simon Travis in their line-up.
Rovers will have to produce another hard-working display to get anything out of the match as defeat could spell disaster for Nationwide Conference survival.
Fans are asked to arrive in plenty of time as parking will be at a minimum around the ground, segregation will also be in place for the big match.
Meanwhile BBC Hereford and Worcester will have coverage from the whole of tonight's game tonight's game on the internet as well as updates into the evening programmes.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Beesley to miss match
Mark Beesley will miss tonight's match between Forest Green Rovers and Hereford United at the Lawn.
The striker, who spent time at Hereford towards the end of last season, was stretched off with cruciate ligament damage during Forest Green's match with leaders Barnet on Good Friday.
He is expected to miss the rest of the season.
However top scorer Charlie Griffin will start. He has notched up 16 goals so far this season. Forest Green have scored 37 goals to date.
Meanwhile it is expected to stay dry for the game.
Lewer targets three points from Hereford visit
Forest Green Rovers boss Alan Lewer has said that if his side is to escape the drop then they need to take three points tomorrow evening when Hereford United visit the Lawn in a potentially crucial game for both sides. Both sides will be desperate to collect maximum points for much different reasons with the Bulls needing three points to help cement their place in the play offs, whereas Rovers need three points to aid their survival in the Nationwide Conference.
Lewer told BBC Radio Gloucestershire, "I'm not saying we can get out of the relegation zone, I'm saying I think we will - I know the spirit in my squad. We've got three games to go and I think we need two wins out that. If we can get one against Hereford on Tuesday night and other teams around us get beaten, it really throws us into the melting pot."
Forest Green are currently three points adrift of Canvey Island in nineteenth place, so a win will put them level with the Gulls, although they will need to win by a massive margin to overtake them, due to the Gull's far superior goal difference. A win for United will put them into second place, although Carlisle will have one game in hand to make up the potential three point gap.
Forest Green, who will be full of confidence following their suprise win at Brunton Park against Carlisle on the weekend, have Justin Richardson in the "doubtful" category, along with loanee Lewis Haldane and Hugh McAuley and Scott Rogers. Darren Davis is banned for the encounter and Stuart Roberts and Richie Appleby are both unlikely to featue due to a lack of match fitness.
Hereford will have to replace Darryl Taylor who suffered a knee injury against York on Saturday and is definately ruled out for tomorrows game. Danny Williams is the most likely replacement. Tom Smith has missed the last few games with illness, which he has now recovered from, but could find it hard to make the bench once again. (Uncomfirmed rumours suggest he has left Edgar Street). Tony James is still out with his ankle injury also, and so Jamie Pitman should continue as stand in skipper.
Graham Turner will face a selection headache in the attacking department with Danny Carey-Bertram returning, having completed a three match ban. Lee Mills has impressed in recent games, in which he's stepped in to cover for the suspended Leroy Williams and Carey-Bertram, but was replaced having received a knock on Saturday. Carey-Bertram was on form before his dismissal against Northwich and L Williams impressed as a sub against York. Adam Stansfield is the only striker who is, pretty much, guaranteed a starting place.
A huge away following is expected at The Lawn from the in-form Hereford side, who will be expecting nothing less than a victory, even if it is a closely contested tie. Turner said: "It was a tremendous win for them (FGR) on Saturday. They are the nearest we get to a local derby and with what's at stake for both teams, it's obvious what sort of game it will be."
Parking could be difficult at the Lawn
Forest Green Rovers have told Bulls News that there will be no parking at the college tomorrow.
For many years the college car park has been used which has kept cars off the main road. Unfortunately the college is now used for housing.
The advice has to be to reach the Lawn in good time.
As regards supporters wishing to sit down for the match, seats will be available in the Trevor Horseley Stand.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Six Conference games tomorrow
There are another six Conference games tomorrow and four of them involve potential play-off candidates.
Hereford United (3rd) travel to Forest Green Rovers. There will be a full preview of this game later today.
Of the other matches, Carlisle (2nd) travel to York City. The Cumbrians were surprisingly defeated by Forest Green on Saturday and manager Paul Simpson will be eager to win this encounter.
"We were dreadful from the first minute," he told the Non-League Paper. Carlisle had been unbeaten in their last seven before this defeat including the draw at Edgar Street last Tuesday. Anything less than a win tomorrow could allow Hereford United, assuming they overcome Forest Green, to move above the Cumbrians.
Exeter City (9th) will be desperate to defeat Dagenham (11th) at St James'. They were defeated by lowly Northwich on Saturday whilst the Daggers were without a game. Should the Devon side lose this encounter they will probably find it very difficult to make the play-offs.
Morecambe (7th) have the easiest looking game of the evening against Burton Albion. The Brewers were knocked out of the Trophy by Grays Athletic at the weekend and as Morecambe are on a good run of form recently including a win at Gravesend last Saturday, they will start as favourites for this one.
Morecambe have what looks like one of the easiest run-ins and are looking likely play-off candidates, especially if they take three points tomorrow.
In summary, if Carlisle win, Hereford will stay third whatever their result. If Carlisle lose and the Bulls obtain at least a point at the Lawn, then they will move up to second. Morecambe could move to fourth if they win and the Grecians as high as fifth assuming they win and Morecambe lose.
Blandford raises £6.5 million
Well-known Hereford United supporter Mark Blandford has sold 2.5m shares in Sportingbet, the company he founded.
According to the Sunday Times, Blandford still owns some 12m shares which are currently worth about £31m.
Sportingbet was launched by Blandford in 1998 and floated on the AIM market in 2001. He has revealed that he sold the shares to spread the risk of where his personal wealth was invested.
The sale is another in a series of sales by Blandford since the company was listed. Last April he sold 2.2m shares and in 2003 he sold 8m shares.
The company recently acquired Paradise Poker and its shares peaked at 349p last month.
Fans support St Michael's Hospice
Four Hereford United supporters are to set out to visit all 92 Premier and Football League clubs with the target of raising at least £2,500 for St Michael's Hospice, which is situated close to Hereford.
The four supporters, Adrian Herbert, Ian Henry, Matthew Copping, and Kevin Morris will be setting off from Hereford on a charity tour of the 92 Premiership and Football League Clubs, with the aim to be completed in 6days!
During their tour they will be collecting mementos from each club, with the view to having an auction in Hereford on Saturday 3rd September.
The charity is St. Michael's Hospice in Bartestree, Hereford. The hospice is committed to providing palliative care for people who have active and progressive incurable diseases, and support their families and friends. All four of the participants have had family members who have had Cancer, three of them have had family members cared for at the hospice. They therefore have very special reasons why they want to help this wonderful Charity.
For more details about making a donation please go to
http://www.justgiving.com/92footychallenge
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor them: St Michael's Hospice (Hereford) will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
In the last 20 years St Michael's Hospice has cared for over 8,000 people with cancer and other life threatening illnesses in Herefordshire and surrounding counties. Providing specialist palliative care, it has a 16-bed inpatient unit and Day Hospice. St Michael's Hospice is the main provider of palliative care education in Herefordshire.
One way to spend your birthday.
Glynis Wright could have been elsewhere yesterday as it was her birthday. But with no game for West Bromwich, she felt duty bound to come to Edgar Street. What dedication!
Below is an extract from her diary:
Today, though, it was down to Edgar Street once more - my other half doesn't half take me to some stylish places for my birthday - and spending the afternoon watching The Bulls put York City to the sword. No Crichton in goal this time, sadly, as he's since announced his intentions of hanging up his boots for good - spoilsport! - but despite that small handicap, we still received our full ration of entertainment, not least of which was the bloody scoreboard there telling the entire ground I was one year nearer my pension, both before the game, and during it. Just as well not many people knew me there, then, wasn't it?
As far as the game went, I reckon Hereford were a tad lucky insofar as they managed to get a penalty, a bit of a dodgy specimen, at that, within two minutes of the start. That was put away in short order, much to the delight of the groundlings in the Meadow End, and that should have been the cue for a stomping home win, but York, who had in their ranks a certain Kevin Donovan and Paul Groves, seemed to have other ideas. It was their sheer determination, plus the fact that The Bulls were making a complete and utter pig's ear out of simple things like shifting out of defence, then keeping the bloody ball, that left the event so delicately poised. Another Albion connection when ex-Baggie Tam Mkandawire got their second; not long after that, Tucka Trewick, their ex-Albion first-team coach, realising things were still looking wobbly for The Bulls, brought on their 'secret weapon', pint-sized (only an inch taller than me) loan signing Leroy Williams, from Walsall.
How best to describe the lad? Not easy; when you watch him in action, that old Black Country phrase my late mother was partial to using on such auspicious occasions - " 'Ee's fatter than a cowin' tunky-pig, 'ee is!" - does tend to spring to mind, I'm afraid. But I'm probably doing the lad a grave injustice by saying that, because closer scrutiny then revealed much of the lad's considerable bulk to be of muscular origin only. And there was his playing style, which was most certainly not the end-product of any junior pro coaching session I've witnessed recently. No, Leroy's 'secret weapon' was his astonishing ability to just nestle peacefully on defenders' shoulders, quietly bide his time, wait for the ball to drop near, then by a simple shrugging of his own shoulders, allied to a complicated-looking bit of pivotal work and a low centre of gravity, completely and utterly 'turning' the poor sod completely inside-out, more often than not, then leaving the players concerned, cynical and twisted has-been ex-pros, usually, open-mouthed and totally bereft of speech.
Lovely to watch, of course, and all done in a manner that owed stacks to the gait of a maddened bullock suddenly cornered in the rear of a bone-china emporium, then suddenly glimpsing a way out - an explosively-built, sinew-stretching mahogany ball of adrenalin-assisted muscularity, and when sufficiently riled, about as easy to stop as a fully-loaded Sherman Tank. A Bull behaving like a bull, if you like, and as exciting as hell to watch. He certainly kick-started Hereford's game in the second half, all right, and poor Grovesey, totally unable to counter what the upstart was doing to him, looked way out of his depth by comparison. An exciting prospect indeed, is Leroy - if he gets proper coaching, that is. The trouble with his style lies in the direction of his glaring limitations elsewhere. A good one-shot party-piece can certainly be an asset at that level, but if you do harbour serious ambitions of progressing in the game, there's a lot more you need about you to get the big clubs in there pitching. But he's young, isn't he? Watch this space, I say.
Large crowd expected at the Lawn
A good turnout of fans is expected at the Lawn on Tuesday evening for the Forest Green/Hereford United game.
Late bookings will be taken for HUISA coaches until lunchtime Tuesday but all bookings must be paid for before the coaches depart.
For more details please telephone Hereford United on 01432 276666 or call at the club office.
Meanwhile for those unable to see the match, BBC Hereford and Worcester are hoping to have internet coverage on the game as well as updates into the evening programme.
Mawson praised by McEwan
York manager Billy McEwan praised Hereford goalkeeper, Craig Mawson, for another excellent performance which meant that the Bulls have kept five clean sheets in a row. But he thought that York had given away two stupid goals.
"Their keeper made some outstanding saves today. I've just been talking to their first-team coach (John Trewick) and he said that we played really well,"he told BBC Radio York.
"But you can't give opposition of the calibre we've played against a goal at the start. That was pure naivety, just a push. The crowd made the referee's mind up. It was an uphill battle after that.
"Six minutes before half-time we concede another goal which was another mistake by us.
"But we gave a really good side a good game today."
Meanwhile Hereford manager Graham Turner told local media: "It was a nervy performance.
"York looked a decent side going forward but we should have made more of the space they allowed us. But it was hard-working if not sparkling and a good afternoon for us."
Saturday, April 09, 2005
This is the way to Forest Greeno
Below is some information on Forest Green Rovers and how to get there. The details come from both the Official Forest Green Website and the unofficial, and slightly tongue in cheek, Forest Green Rovers.com.
Forest Green Rovers are based in the town of Nailsworth, approximately 4 miles south of Stroud, Gloucestershire. The ground is a short distance from the main A46 Bath-Stroud road which runs through Nailsworth. The A46 can be reached via Motorway junctions M5 (junction 13) and M4 (junction 18).
In Nailsworth there is one mini-roundabout. Upon reaching this turn off into Spring Hill (right if travelling South from Stroud, left if coming North from the direction of Bath).
Drive up Spring Hill and along Nympsfield Road for approximately 600 yards. The ground is on the left, with the main car park located at the end of the social club.
DETAILED DIRECTIONS:
Please note many Hereford supporters will probably drive down to Gloucester, join
the A417 for Birdlip and then take the A 46 for Stroud. (just after driving under
the M5)
BY CAR:
From the North (M5): Leave M5 at Junction 13 (s/p Stroud A419). Follow A419 to Stroud, then on meeting A46, follow signs for "Bath, Nailsworth A46". After 2-3 miles you'll pass the Crown Inn on the RHS, then a petrol station on the left-hand side. In the centre of Nailsworth there's one mini-roundabout; turn right into Spring Hill. Go up hill and continue along this road, which becomes Nympsfield Road, for approx 600 yards. The ground is on the left-hand side.
From the East (M4): Leave M4 at Junction 18, follow A46 directly to Nailsworth and at mini-roundabout turn left up Spring Hill, then directions as from North.
FROM RAILWAY STATION (Stroud): Trains: Run to Gloucester and Swindon. Change at
Gloucester for Bristol and the South-West, South Wales, Birmingham and the North. Change at Swindon for Reading, London (Paddington), plus Bristol and the
South-West.
On foot:It's at least four miles from Stroud Town centre. By taxi: Around £6-7, journey time 10-15 mins.
By bus: Bus 93, run by Stagecoach Stroud Valleys, runs from Stroud Bus Station (5 minutes walk from the railway station, through the Merrywalks shopping centre) to Nailsworth and Forest Green at 30 minute intervals. Call Stagecoach on (01453) 763 421 for further information. Note: you may need a taxi back to Stroud after a
midweek match.
PARKING:
Those who arrive early can park free in the College car park next door, otherwise
there's plenty of street parking available nearby. Alternatively, you can park for free in Nailsworth town centre and catch a bus or walk up the hill (not a good idea unless you are used to extreme exercise).
Prices listed here are given as information only and were correct for Nationwide
Conference matches only, as of 1 September 2004. All prices, particularly those for cup matches and friendlies, are subject to change by the football club.
Adult - Ground: £9.00, Trevor Horsley Stand: £11.00
Senior Citizen - Ground: £5.50, Trevor Horsley Stand: £7.00
Under 16 and NUS - Ground: £5.50, Trevor Horsley Stand: £6.00
Segregation Details:
The vast majority of games at The Lawn are unsegregated as a matter of course, but on the odd occasion - usually when Hereford United, a Football League club or a known lunatic fringe come to town - the ground gets carved up.
At most other grounds it would be simple to explain which sections are allocated to away supporters at segregated matches, but nothing is ever simple in a town where, on Sunday afternoons, bones are smashed and bodies are raised upon cartwheels for having not paid their council tax. So...the general guide seems to be that visiting fans receive the covered terrace at the Nympsfield Road End.
Dependent upon anticipated numbers they may also receive the uncovered part of the Barnfield Terrace and (as an alternative to the Nympsfield Road End, in a unique case of treating visiting supporters better than home fans) the covered part as well. Unfortunately the club abide by Conference regulations and provide visiting supporters with toilets and refreshments.
Grant won't haunt Bulls next Saturday
John Grant was sent off this afternoon whilst playing for Halifax against Barnet so will not face his ex-team at the Shay next Saturday.
The former Hereford United player hadn't long been on the pitch when he received his marching orders.
Meanwhile David Brown, another ex-Hereford player, scored for Accrington Stanley in their 4-1 win over Stevenage. Stanley travel to Edgar Street for the last game of the season.
And the date of the outstanding Cup game against Kington Town has been announced. It will take place at Edgar Street on Thursday April 21st with a 7.45pm start.
Definately a Penalty
Rob Purdie told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he was pleased he converted the penalty this afternoon just after the start of the game when Adam Stansfield was pushed off the ball by a defender.
"It was definately a penalty and it was a good job that we scored really because it wasn't the best of performances. But it set us up well for the three points.
"I tried to take my time. I was looking at the keeper and made sure to kick it the other way from that he went.
"He went down to his left and I tapped it to the right.
"It wasn't a vintage display and hopefully we can improve on that against Forest Green on Tuesday. All credit to York as they are a good passing team and I think it was vital that we got the second goal before half-time, or else the second-half could have been a lot worse.
"Tam will not be happy with that (the own goal) as he said it came off his affro but I put it down to an own-goal.
"If we had of gone in 1-0 at half time and they had come out like they did second-half we could have got a bit nearvy."
Daryl Taylor is likely to miss a couple of games as he suffered what looked like a knee injury early in the second half and was replaced by Danny Williams. The other loanee, Leroy Williams, came on as a sub for Lee Mills but failed to impress.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)