Hereford United travel to Bristol Rovers later today knowing that a win or draw at the Memorial Ground will put them in the draw for the Fourth Round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Despite, according to the bookies, being the under-dogs the Bulls go into this game with just two defeats in their last fifteen games.
And, the last time the Bulls played on a Friday evening was at Notts County where the result was a 1-0 win for Hereford. Tim Sills scored the only goal of the game.
Hereford United are expected to take well over 1,000 supporters with them to Bristol. Four HUISA coaches, one from HUMADS, and two Fun Buses are known to be travelling to the ground.
For those going by car, parking around the area of the ground is known to be difficult so it may be worth leaving a little extra time to get to the game.
In any case, most Hereford fans will be travelling without pre-paid tickets. So the advice has to be not to leave it too late. When Hereford last played at Bristol in late September the organisation wasn't of a very high standard and there were delays at the turnstiles.
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Thursday, January 04, 2007
Get to Bristol in good time
No interest in Hereford players so far says Turner
Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, has confirmed to BBC Hereford and Worcester in an interview earlier today that so far there has been no interest from other clubs in any of his current squad.
Mkandawire Hernia scare over
Hereford United's captain, Tamika Mkandawire, has not got a hernia according to manager Graham Turner.
Mkandwire saw a specialist in Manchester earlier today and Turner is hopeful he can take part in tomorrow's Cup game at Bristol tomorrow evening.
"It was feared that it was a hernia but it isn't. He's just torn some of the fibres in his groin and he could play," said Turner as reported by the Worcester News.
Turner has an injury free squad and will have to decide whether to bring Dean Beckwith back into the squad after his suspension and recent illness.
"We feel we have got every chance of winning at Bristol Rovers and getting into the fourth round.
"We have got a lot of respect for Bristol Rovers. We were disappointed to lose narrowly at their place and it could have gone either way at Christmas at our place but we just feel it will be tight.
"There will not be a lot in it and we have the ingredients to win it."
Meanwhile Turner has spoken about Luke Rodgers' rejection of a move to Hereford United. Rodgers is understood to want to stay in First Division football.
"I can understand that. That's quite acceptable to me. We've had a go for him. We move on to the next one," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Boston Bargains And Posh Purchases Continue
Boston United have sold defender Tim Ryan to Darlington, just six months after bringing him to York Street. Ryan is reunited with former Doncaster manager Dave Penney, who signs the player for what is described as a sizable five figure fee. Boston have rejected an offer for fellow defender Lee Canoville.
Peterboro have added Leicester winger Josh Low to their squad in a deal that could be worth £100,000. Low played 90 minutes at Edgar Street earlier in the season in a League Cup match. The Posh have allowed striker Lloyd Opara to join Burton on loan for a month with Jimmy Ghaichem, who was signed from Sunday League football in the summer, joining Rushden until the end of the season.
Sunday's Observer to feature Newcastle games
Sunday's Observer newspaper is set to feature Hereford United's games against Newcastle United in the FA Cup some thirty five years ago.
UPDATE 3pm Friday: Article held over until Fourth Round.
Hereford United's very own historian Ron Parrott has been working with Jamie Jackson of the Observer to produce what will hopefully be a double-page spread.
In 1972 Hereford United were drawn away against Newcastle United in the Third Round.
The following text, which recalls the games, is from Ron Parrott's book Hereford United - The League Era:
At St James Park, Brian Owen gave Hereford a first-minute lead, but Newcastle hit back to lead before Colin Addison equalised.
The replay was postponed several times due to the weather and when the match did get underway the conditions were far from pefect - or, to be exact, the conditions weren't perfect for the First Division side.
For Addison's team of hard working, committed part-timers, the muddy, stamina-sapping pitch was ideal.
When England striker Malcolm Macdonald gave Newcastle the lead with just eight minutes to go, many felt that it was all over, but the capacity crowd responded with an inspirational chant of 'Here-ford... Here-ford'.
Ron Radford let rip with that 30-yard drive for the goal of the season/decade/century.
Ricky George scored an extra-time winner to ensure that the local newsagents would be grossing record takings the following day.
Green Doubt For Cup Game
Ryan Green is a major doubt for tomorrow nights FA Cup clash between the Bulls and Bristol Rovers.
Former Bulls full back Green suffered a groin strain warming down after Monday's win over Torquay and is struggling to face his former club.
The Gasheads will welcome back forward Sean Rigg, who has recovered from a broken jaw received after being punched in the First Round win over Barrow, but defender Byron Anthony, a former teammate of Stuart Fleetwood at Cardiff, misses out after damaging knee ligaments and will require surgery that will force him out for at least two months.
Mkandawire sees specialist today
Hereford United captain, Tamika Mkandawire, is set to see a specialist in Manchester today according to the Hereford Times.
"There are some thoughts that it could be a hernia but that does not necessarily rule him out of playing at Bristol," said Graham Turner.
The Hereford United manager also told the paper that Dean Beckwith has returned to training.
Beckwith missed Monday's game at Wycombe with a virus.
News Round Up
Hartlepool have completed the signing of Mansfield striker Richie Barker for £80,000. The long-term target has scored 15 times already this season and his departure has been met with anger from Mansfield fans.
Lincoln have transfer listed four players. Of the four, only Danny Bacon has seen first team action this season. The former Hucknall striker has struggled with injury since returning to the Football League and is expected to make his loan spell at Worksop a permanent move. Lincoln's home match with Swindon has been selected for live Sky coverage on March 25th.
Barnet have confirmed the departure of Tresor Kandol on a permanent deal to Leeds, with the striker signing a three and a half year contract to conclude a £200,000 deal. The Bees will make the loan signing of striker Adam Burchill from Mansfield a permanent move as a result.
Rochdale have signed Carlisle striker Glenn Murray for a small fee. The youth team product has been on loan at Spotland since October. Dale are also eyeing up Olympic diving star Rory Prendergast as their next signing for new manager Keith Hill. The committed grass grazer is out of favour at Blackpool and is unlikely to command a fee.
Chester have rejected a £25,000 offer from Darlington for Gregg Blundell, with the player out of contract in the summer. Darlington will, however, make loan signing Mark Albrighton's move from Boston permanent and have released ex-Middlesboro man Phil Stamp after just nine appearances in 18 months.
Grimsby have signed MK Dons winger Nicky Rizzo on loan for a month. Accrington have signed full back Alan Rogers. The former Leicester man cost Nottm Forest £2million in 1997 but was released by Bradford in October.
Bury have rejected a pair of offers for midfielder Dwayne Mattis. The first came from Barnsley for £25,000 with a similar cash amount plus an uspecified player offer coming from MK Dons, who have made Northampton 'keeper Lee Harper's loan move permanent.
Coverage of Cup Game from Bristol
There will be plenty of coverage of tomorrow's FA Cup game between Bristol Rovers and Hereford United.
BBC Hereford and Worcester will have broadcast the whole of the match with Keith Hall commentating assisted by Ricky George. This will go out on both 94.7FM and on-line. Trevor Owens will present the programme which starts at 7.05pm.
Other BBC coverage will include updates on Five Live and Match of the Day.
Sky will also be at the game and will have regular reports on Sky Sports.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Should be a good match says Gasheads captain
Stuart Campbell, the recently installed Bristol Rovers captain, is hopeful his side can defeat Hereford United on Friday in the FA Cup clash.
He's been talking to the Bristol Evening Post about the build-up to the game against the Bulls.
"Eight points from twelve was a healthy return over the holiday period although given our performances, maybe we could have sneaked a win out of one of the drawn away games," said Campbell.
"The conditions were a bit of a leveller against Torquay on Monday. but we got the win in the end and kept another clean sheet.
"We've already had more clean sheets this season than we did in the whole of the last one.
"We've already had two decent games against them (Hereford United), the last one only a week or so ago, so as long as our pitch recovers it should be a good match on Friday.
"We fancy our chances of progressing but Hereford will fancy their chances too. They had a big win against Port Vale in the last round and there's not been a lot to choose between the sides in our previous encounters this season.
"They started the stronger on Boxing Day, but I don't think there's any doubt we finished stronger.
"As a team we've been playing well recently. We had that spell early last month where we lost three league games on the bounce, but credit to the lads because we've bounced back from that when we could have just started feeling sorry for ourselves."
Meanwhile Rob Purdie told BBC Hereford and Worcester after Monday's game at Wycombe of his hopes for Friday.
Rob Purdie pictured at Hereford's Open Day
"It's going to be a big game at Bristol. Unfortunately it's on a Friday night and the crowd may not be as big as what it may have been if the game had been organised for Saturday.
"Both teams will be a little bit wary of their opponents, but we're going there thinking there's not that much to fear and I believe we've got to go there thinking this is a great chance of getting into the 4th round of the FA Cup, and then we can start dreaming of a big team.
"It would be a great achievement for a League Two team to reach that stage, but for us the target of reaching the last thirty-two of the competition is a massive incentive."
Mathieson to referee Cup game
Scott Mathieson from Cheshire is set to referee the FA Cup game between Bristol Rovers and Hereford United on Friday evening.
The winner of the game will receive £40,000 in prize money.
Meanwhile the FA are reminding its readers that it is thirty-five years since that great victory by Hereford United over Newcastle.
This game still leads the FA on-line poll to decide which was the greatest FA Cup shock. Currently it has 36% of the vote.
Finally HUISA have reported that they are still takings bookings for a fourth coach for Bristol. More details please phone Hereford United on 01432 276666.
Rodgers set to stay at Crewe
Luke Rodgers is set to stay at Crewe at least until the end of the season according to manager Dario Gradi.
"I don't think any of my players will leave in January. Hereford are the only club to say they will pay. But he doesn't want to go there. A lot of other clubs from that league have spoken to me about him, but none have put up the cash," Gradi told the Cheshire press.
News Round Up
Rochdale have appointed Keith Hill as their new manager. The former Dale player, 37, has won both his matches in charge as caretaker 4-0. The club have also signed Stephen Vaughan Jr from Chester on a months loan.
Southport have axed manager Paul Cook after just four wins during his reign. The former Accrington coach took the club full-time but they lie bottom of the Conference and six points short of safety. York have rejected a £100,000 offer from Peterboro for striker Clayton Donaldson, with Peterboro refusing to up the offer for the player who is out of contract in the summer.
Bury have completed the permanent signing of striker Glynn Hurst from Shrewsbury on an 18 month contract. The 30 year old scored eight times in 18 games during a three month loan with the Shakers. Shrewsbury have also let defender Gavin Cowan move to Grays on a free transfer. Grays have also signed Ben Harding from MK Dons on loan until the end of the season. Harding was one of seven transfer listed after the Bulls' shock win at the National Hockey Stadium. Macclesfield have extended the stay of Bury striker Matt Tipton until the end of the season.
Boston and Darlington have ended the player swap that saw David Rowson move to Boston and Mark Albrighton move to Darlo. The Pilgrims are still attempting to extend the loans of three other players despite their financial troubles, while Darlo have signed Evan Horwood and David Wheater on loan.
Bookies make Rovers favourites
The Bookies have made Bristol Rovers favourites to defeat Hereford United in the Third Round FA Cup game on Friday.
Sample odds are as follows:
Bristol Rovers (6/5) Draw (9/4) Hereford (9/4)
However form suggests that a draw is quite possible.
Hereford, 8th, lie just one place above Bristol Rovers in the League Table.
When the two clubs met on Boxing Day at Edgar Street the result was a goal-less draw.
Over the Christmas period both sides obtained eight points from four games. However four of Hereford's points came from their two away games against clubs higher in the placings. They defeated Notts County and drew at Wycombe. However the Bulls could only draw with Torquay at home.
Rovers won their two home games against lowly opposition, Accrington and Torquay and picked up their two away points against top of the league Walsall and, of course, Hereford.
Not too much to choose between them on recent form.
Rovers home form this season has been good with eight wins in thirteen games whereas Hereford have only won four of their thirteen away games. However those wins have been against 'useful' sides. As well as the recent win at Notts County (currently 12th), the Bulls have defeated Stockport (11th), MK Dons (2nd) and Swindon (4th).
The away games at Swindon are interesting in that Hereford defeated them 2-1 and Rovers lost 2-1.
Hereford have scored thirteen goals on their travels whilst Rovers have scored fifteen at home.
Just one more statistic, Hereford have kept a clean sheet in their last four League games and their three FA Cup games to date, twice against Shrewsbury and against Port Vale whom the Bulls defeated 4-0.
It could be closer than the Bookies think.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Travel to Bristol on Friday
Hot on the heels of Monday's trip to Wycombe, the Bulls find themselves making the relatively short journey to Bristol on Friday evening for the FA Cup match against Bristol Rovers. Kick Off is 7.45pm.
Memorial Stadium, Filton Avenue, Horfield, Bristol. BS7 0BF (distance 50 miles)
I would advise travelling via the Ross road (A49) then taking the A4137 after Harewood End and through St Owens Cross to join the A40 south towards Monmouth. The road becomes the A449 south of Monmouth and continues to the M4 where you should join the M4 east (sign Bristol/London). After crossing the Severn Bridge join the M5 South. Leave the M5 at junction 16 (sign Filton/Thornbury) and join the A38 (south) towards Bristol City Centre. The stadium is about 5 miles from junction 16. Stay on the A38 passing the British Aerospace Works and look for the Royal George and Duke of York pubs. At the next lights, you will see the Memorial Stadium signposted to the left and the ground is just a hundred yards or so down this road. Parking is mostly in the streets around the stadium. The Bridge crossing is free when travelling towards Bristol but you may wish to return via Gloucester to avoid the £5 charge!
Once again, train travel looks a "no-go" as the return journey does not get into Hereford until 01.36!
For the September League game Bristol Police directed thirsty fans to The Gloucester Arms which is on Gloucester Road about 400 yards before the turning to the stadium. I would imagine (unconfirmed) that the same Alehouse would be available on Friday for pre-match refreshments. The Pub is a sizeable unit with Sky TV and offers a good range of fluid including at least one real ale. I will post an update if I hear any changes from Bristol police.
HUISA Supporters Coaches - Fare £9. Depart Edgar Street 5.00pm. Bookings - HUFC office 01432 276666
Admission is - Terrace £14.50 (adult) or £8.50 (conc) Seated £17 (adult) or £10 (conc).
Come on you Bulls.
Preview: Bristol Rovers vs Bulls
The Bulls travel to Bristol Rovers for Friday's FA Cup Third Round match for the first FA Cup meeting between the two sides.
With both League meetings done and dusted this season, Rovers hold the bragging rights with a win and a draw against the Bulls. Two goals in as many minutes from Richard Walker did for the Bulls in September's trip to Bristol, and the sides shared the spoils but not goals as a Boxing Day goalless draw stopped them recording their first double against the Bulls.
Bristol Rovers are still seeking a solution to their forward worries, with £200,000 Rickie Lambert managing just one goal in 20 appearances for them so far. 13 goal top scorer Richard Walker bagged five in eight games in December but will be missing regular partner Stuart Nicholson with the on-loan Baggies striker not having permission to play in the cup.
While most fans worried for the future of the Bulls season following the departures of loan pair Neil Mackenzie and John Eustace, the team has responded with a string of clean sheets and competent performances to cement their top half position amongst much larger club sides. Goals have been a problem with just four goals in the last seven games and both Stuart Fleetwood and Andy Williams suffering from illness in recent weeks.
Bristol Rovers vs Hereford United, Memorial Stadium, Friday December 5th, 7.45pm.
Wallis Linked To Conference Pair
Jon Wallis will hold talks with Graham Turner this week over his future with a pair of Conference clubs interested in signing him.
Both hometown club Gravesend and Conference toppers Dagenham have enquired about his availability following the completion of his two month loan spell at Dover Athletic with a Man of the Match performance. In an interview given to Dover's official site, Wallis restates his intention to return to Edgar Street:
"I've only had two appearances for Hereford so far this season, I'm hoping to go back there. It's a clean sheet for me, a new start, I'm not going to hold any grudges over the manager because he hasn't seen enough of me to give me the chance yet. Hopefully, with the games I've had for Dover and the reports he's had back, he might want to give me the chance so hopefully I can prove myself."
The full interview can be downloaded from the Dover Athletic site.
Two points lost says Turner
Graham Turner, although disappointed to have only drawn with Wycombe yesterday, appears pleased with the season so far.
"The keeper has made some tremendous saves, Luke has missed a very good chance for us and we had opportunities in the last 15 minutes to win it, so we do see it as two points dropped rather than one gained," Turner told the Western Daily Press.
"But it's testament to how far we've come, when we come to places like this and leave feeling disappointed that we've not won the game."
Tory Leader responds to Liberal Comments
Councillor Roger Phillips, the Conservative Leader of Herefordshire Council, has responded to the recent criticism by the Liberal opposition to the move of Hereford's Livestock Market to the Griffiths Site as opposed to the Hospital (Burghill) site. He also says the Council is working well with Hereford United.
"The redevelopment of the 100 acres of Edgar Street Grid is a fantastic opportunity to uplift our City and County over the next 15 years. Our Football Club is at the very heart of that redevelopment.The relocation of the Market is the first part of that redevelopment and the Griffiths site not only offers a better site form an access point of view but also has less impact on adjoining residents. The Burghill site will still have the new build cost of the Market to bare plus additional costs for landscaping and new roads building," said the Council leader.
"The Griffiths site also offers the potential for flood alleviation for the Edgar Street Development which can add considerable value and improved outcomes to the site including the Football ground.
"The current Conservative and Independent administration has worked in partnership with the Club and the Leaseholders in the best interests of our Team and City often frustrated by political opponents.
"What we need to be doing is all working together for Herefordshire our City and importantly our football Club rather than cheap political comments."
Heavy Pitch expected at Bristol on Friday
Unless the weather improves quickly, a heavy pitch is expected at Bristol Rovers on Friday evening when Hereford United visit the Memorial Stadium for the Third Round FA Cup clash.
Yesterday's game against Torquay was played in 'difficult weather conditions, with heavy and driving rain making football tricky for both sets of players' according to the Gasheads.
Sky Sports pictures of the game showed the ground looking badly cut-up.
The forecast for Bristol over the next few days suggests more rain and showers tomorrow but possibly a little drier and brighter on Thursday and Friday. At present it is set to be quite windy on Friday evening.
Yesterday the pitch at Wycombe was relatively good even though there had been some quite heavy rain earlier.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Few shots on target this afternoon
Just five shots, three for Hereford United and two for Wycombe Wanderers, were on target this afternoon in the goal-less draw at the Adams Stadium.
However Wycombe did manage nine shots off-target as opposed to Hereford's two.
Hereford were penalised for eleven fouls against Wycombe's seventeen.
Rob Purdie gained a top mark of eight for Hereford. Wycombe's goalkeeper Batista had a nine.
All the other Hereford players were given a six or seven except Simon Travis who received a five.
Meanwhile initial reports suggesting Tamika Mkandawire had left the pitch suffering from a virus may not be correct.
He appeared to have a groin strain.
Dean Beckwith did not travel with the squad as he was said to be still recovering from a virus he picked up last week.
A point off the play offs
A 0-0 draw may not appear to be the best way to start the new year, but Hereford United and Wycombe Wanderers put on an exciting spectacle at Adams Park this afternoon. The game was an end-to-end encounter in which neither side were happy to settle for a draw, though the result is a respectable one for United against a side higher in the league than themselves.
The Bulls were without Dean Beckwith in defence, despite having completed a suspension, through illness but there was a return for Rob Purdie meaning Stuart Fleetwood was relegated to the subs bench. Further problems soon occurred for Hereford in defence as skipper Tamika Mkandawire was replaced after just twenty minutes due to injury, with Alex Jeannin coming on, leaving just Phil Gulliver as the only recognised centre back.
Both sides started brightly with Wayne Brown making an early save from a header, while Simon Travis was tearing up the wing again, winning an early corner from a low cross. It wasn't long before Brown was called upon again, in what turned out to be a busy New Years Day for him. Wycombe split open United's defence with a through pass towards Anthony McParland but Brown raced out to gather just in front of him. The home sides front pairing of Jermaine Easter and Fola Onibuje was causing plenty of problems for United early on, but the Bulls were holding out.
Andy Ferrell takes a free kick
Hereford had a big penalty shout out turned down half way through the half when Sills knocked a short pass to Purdie who appeared to be tripped as he skinned his man, but nothing was given. At the other end, the giant Onibuje was making use of his height as he headed wide before Wycombe had 'keeper Ricardo Batista to thank when Purdie, played in by Alan Connell, got behind the defence and shot low from a narrow angle, as the goalie saved with his legs.
Batista almost turned villian though before half time, when he poorly cleared to Luke Webb who tried a lob from almost the half way line, but Batista was back on his line in time to catch. With two minutes of the half to go Connell help he should have had a penalty as he was bundled over in the box, but again the referee waved the claims away.
Wycombe came out with all guns blazing and Hereford were under the kosh after the restart. Easter really should have netted on forty six when he found space between two defenders, but headed Lewis Christon's cross wide from six yards out. Onibuje then got to the by line, cut in and layed the ball on for Stefan Oakes, who volleyed inches wide, before he swung in a low free kick to the near post from the right channell, causing Brown to make a quick save, pouncing on the ball when it was on the line.
A mix up between Jeannin and Brown allowed Onibuje in, but Brown made himself large and managed to force the ball behind before Andy Ferrell, having another good game in the middle, almost netted as he hit a rocket of a shot from around thirty yards, which smashed against the cross bar. The ball was deflected on to the bar at the other end soon after, as Webb got a touch with his head to a cross from the right, but he came closer to scoring at the other end as the game entered the final ten minutes. In the mean time Sills had been replaced by Andy Williams.
Ferrell had perfectly executed a through ball inside the right back for Purdie, who played the ball across the goal face. Webb arrived through the middle but somehow failed to tap into the goal, and the chance flashed away. With eight minutes to go Connell made way for Fleetwood, but it was the unlikely Gulliver who almost stole the game for Hereford. Ferrell had returned a half-cleared corner to the box and it fell to Gulliver inside the six yard box. He swung a boot at it and looked certain to score, but somehow Batista got in the way of it and forced the ball over the bar.
So, despite the lack of goals, 2007 started in a positive manner for Hereford United, as they played some good flowing football on what was a good pitch. The Hereford fans were out in force once again and were in good voice throughout, as they looked to spur the team onto victory. Another performance like today on Friday at Bristol in the cup should give The Bulls a good base to build on in this coming year.
HUFC: Brown, Gulliver, Mkandawire, Jeannin, McClenahan, Travis, Ferrell, Webb, Purdie, Connell, Sills. Subs: Jeannin, Thompson, Sheldon, Fleetwood, Williams.
WWFC: Batista, Martin, Williamson, Antwi, O'Halloran, Betsy, Bloomfield, Oakes, McParland, Easter, Onibuje. Subs: Young, Stonebridge, Grant, Palmer, Mooney.
News Round Up
Boston have entered a 'due dilligence' phase with an unnamed backer, who is currently examining the club accounts. Manager Steve Evans told the press: "I understand the talks will be concluded 10 to 14 days into the new year. I don't know anything about the person involved, but I've been told by the chairman that if this person takes over he can make the club stable - and quickly."
Peterboro have confirmed the permanent signing of Aaron McLean from Grays for £150,000. The former Aldershot forward has signed a three and a half year deal after scoring five times since joining on loan at the end of October.
The Posh have also completed a permanent free transfer deal for MK Dons defender Craig Morgan after a loan spell. Between the fees of McLean, George Boyd, and Dagenham pair Craig Mackail-Smith and Shane Blackett the Posh have spent half a million on non-league talent.
Swindon have told Australian striker Royce Brownlie he can leave after just nine starts with the club. Brownlie, 26, was signed from A-League side Queensland Roar in the summer on a one year deal but has barely featured since Paul Sturrock joined the club. The Robins have also released young pros David Stroud and Leigh Henry, and are set to complete a permanent deal to offload midfielder Andy Monkhouse to Hartlepool soon.
Bristol Rovers are hoping to complete a deal to offload transfer listed midfielder James Hunt to Brentford in the next week. The former Pirates captain fell out with manager Paul Trollope in November.
Turner Praises Batista
Speaking to the press after the game, Graham Turner was quick to praise Wycombe goalkeeper Ricardo Batista after two fine saves: "I don't know the background to him but right through the game he came and caught his crosses. We were always anxious when putting balls into the box knowing how dominant he was in the air and his reflex saves were first class."
Batista gathers safely
Meanwhile, counterpart Paul Lambert admitted his side had not done enough: "We never deserved to win the game. We didn't do enough and it was really tough. No team surprises me when they come here, we don't have a divine right to win and that was certainly the case today."
The Impressive Main Stand at Wycombe
The Wycombe official site states that 426 Bulls made the trip to Adams Park.
Ex-Bull Watch
David Brown scored his first Football League goals since 2001 after he bagged a brace in Accrington's win. Ben Smith also scored twice but Weymouth, with Tony James and Chukki Erribenne also on the pitch and Matt Baker on the bench, lost 3-2 at Forest Green - Mark Beesley scored one and Danny Williams created one.
Danny Carey-Bertram was again missing from the Cambridge line-up, and is believed to be on his way out of the Abbey, as they lost to Kidderminster. Neil Mackenzie made his first start for Scunthorpe after his loan spell at Edgar Street as they drew with Port Vale. Gavin Williams scored a last minute winner for Ipswich after coming off the bench. Michael McIndoe finalised his permanent £250,000 move from Barnsley to Wolves this morning, then beat his old team this afternoon. Another ex-Bull on the move is Ade Akinbiyi, a loan signing back in 1994, moving from Sheff Utd to Burnley.
League Two Results Round-Up
Walsall's lead at the top is back up to five points after they beat Peterboro 2-0. Neither second placed MK Dons, who lost 1-0 at home to Swindon (4th), nor third placed Lincoln, 2-1 losers at Macclesfield, picked up points. Hartlepool (5th) won 1-0 at Mansfield, leaving the Stags one point off the drop zone.
Down the bottom, Macclesfield's win was not enough to move them out of the relegation places. Rochdale's second successive 4-0 demolition of their fellow strugglers, this time Grimsby, has given them their first back-to-back wins since September. Grimsby have not scored in five. Accrington won 3-1 at Wrexham to leave the Dragons just two points clear of the trapdoor.
Crisis club no.1 Boston beat Barnet 2-1 in front of just 1,780. Crisis club no.2 Torquay lost 1-0 to Bristol Rovers to leave them six points adrift, naming a short subs bench for the third game running.
In the other games, Chester beat nosediving Notts County 2-1 and Shrewsbury beat Stockport 4-2 thanks to an Andy Cooke hat-trick. Bury's match with Darlington was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Bulls Hold Wycombe
Goalless draws are like buses. After 54 league matches without one, the Bulls have now had three in a month after today's 0-0 draw with Wycombe.
Rob Purdie returned after illness, but Dean Beckwith was missing after catching the virus and Tamika Mkandawire was forced off after 20 minutes for the same reason but the Bulls still managed their fourth successive clean sheet. The Bulls remain eighth, one point off the play-off spots.
Full report later.
Beckwith available again today
Dean Beckwith is available for selection today at Wycombe after missing Hereford United's last three games through suspension.
The defender was said to have been affected with a virus last week. Assuming he is well again, manager Graham Turner will have to decide whether to recall him and probably drop Richard Rose who has filled in for him.
Turner will also have to decide whether to change his strikers around for the game. Stuart Fleetwood started on Saturday and Andy Williams came on for him in the second half. Tim Sills also started but was replaced by Gareth Sheldon later on.
He is unlikely to drop Alan Connell, who scored the two Hereford goals. Connell played just behind the front two, a position Rob Purdie has taken recently. Purdie didn't feature because of a virus.
There will be second half commentary on the game from BBC Hereford and Worcester on 94.7FM in Herefordshire and, as ever, reports and news from the game at Wycombe on this site later.
The Transfer Window
The Transfer Window opened at midnight and remains open until the end of the month. The FA have released this information about how the window operates.
"We will have people in the office on 1 January for when the window reopens.
"But it certainly won't be a case of us sitting by the phones waiting for a deluge of calls.
"Our involvement is simple. We act to pass across the money for the transfer of each player and then register that player with his new club, ensuring everything is done correctly.
"All that has to be completed by 31 January otherwise the player is not eligible.
"Nothing much will happen right away. Any possible busy time would come towards the end of the month as clubs rush to sign players.
"We cannot predict how hectic the market will be. We expected a lot at the end of the last transfer window and it never materialised. But we'll be ready whatever the case."
Memory Lane for Pejic
Shaun Pejic took over the captain's arm-band for Wrexham at Hereford last Saturday and took his players onto the Edgar Street pitch. He's led players out once before at Hereford. That time Pejic was an official club mascot whilst his dad Mel was clocking up another appearance for the Bulls.
"I think they scored with the two shots they had," said Pejic junior as reported by the Welsh Press.
"It was great to captain the side at a place where my father's a bit of a legend - a real honour.
"But when I looked around the dressing room before the game and saw all the young players I thought to myself, 'I'm in with a chance here.'
"I've captained youth teams and reserve sides when I've been coming back from injury, but that's a lot different to leading the first team.
"I didn't know anything until the gaffer called me over and said I had to go into the referee's room with him before kick-off to hand over the team sheet.
"But I enjoyed the challenge and being the oldest player in the back four there was a lot of responsibility on me.
"It's weird that I've come back to captain Wrexham here as I was a mascot when my old man was playing at Hereford.
"I think it was an FA Cup game, but all I remember is going on the pitch with my younger brother with these big shorts on and kicking balls into the goal."