Karl Evans has been appointed to referee Saturday's FA Cup First round game between Hereford United and Dagenham and Redbridge.
Evans has just completed his first season as a National List Referee having spent three seasons as a panel referee and National List assistant referee. He started refereeing, aged fifteen in Junior football in Salford and progressed via amateur football in Wigan to the contributory league.
His only game at Edgar Street so far was early last season when Macclesfield were the opponents. The Bulls lost that game 1-0.
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Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Evans to Referee Cup Game
Preview: Bulls vs Dagenham
The Bulls get a respite from the League struggle with an FA Cup tie against Dagenham and Redbridge, who are only eight placed below on the League ladder.
9-0, Mexicans, a free flowing attacking football side. That was four and a half years ago and since then the Bulls have won only two of six games against the Daggers. The two sides met in February this year for a quickfire pair of League matches with the respective home sides winning. The Daggers won their game 1-0, while the Bulls were 4-1 winners at Edgar Street with Sherjill Macdonald scoring twice.
The Bulls are 300 minutes without a goal in the League, but it took a stellar performance from one of England's brightest goalkeeping prospects to keep that unwanted record. Nick Chadwick's hat-trick in the HFA match on Tuesday night will bring some confidence, but the loss of the quiet calming influence of Bruno N'Gotty at the back will not be easy to replace.
The Daggers have proven to be something of a Jeckyll and Hyde side so far this season, with one personality on the road and another at home. Hammering Chester 6-0 at home on the opening day suggested a strong season, but Darlington put three past them without reply at the Darlington Arena three days before Grimsby were beaten 4-0 at home. Shrewsbury's 5-0 win on Tuesday night saw them have another personality change on the road. Top scorer Paul Benson has nine goals, with former Bulls target Ben Strevens on seven.
Hereford United vs Dagenham and Redbridge, Edgar Street, Saturday 8th November, 3.00pm.
News Round Up
FA Chairman Lord Triesman wants more money to be handed by the Premier League to the lower divisions. Only £90million, mostly in parachute payments, goes to the FL from the £2.3billion three year TV deal. Triesman also wants trading in players under 18 banned. Bournemouth have named former Chester director Paul Baker as their new chairman, and have received a six-figure investment from new director Adam Murry.
Carlisle will keep caretaker boss Greg Abbott in the job until January to give him a chance to earn the job permanently. Yeovil have loaned striker Andre McCollin to Grays for a month, and taken Millwall striker Gifton Noel-Williams on similar terms. Ex-Bull Owen Pickard has been named as manager of Western League side Barnstaple Town, his hometown side. The 38 year old has recently been playing for a North Devon side called Boca Seniors.
Former Bulls trialist Ryan Burge has joined Barnet until the end of the season.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Trewick in charge at Pegasus
Senior Coach John Trewick took charge of the Hereford United squad that travelled to Pegasus Juniors last night. Manager Graham Turner was reported to be watching another game.
One of the talking points from Old School Lane was the performance of trailist Tyrone Berry. Bulls News reported that the 21 year old winger was on trial with Hereford United some two weeks ago.
He had been released by League Two Gillingham in September, after completing a short-term deal.
But there was little in his game last night that suggested he should be given a contract.
167 fans watched the game.
Meanwhile Saturday's visitors to Edgar Street were on the wrong end of a five goal drumming.
Dagenham and Redbridge were the latest team to be defeated by Shrewsbury Town in the Paint Trophy.
Chadwick hattrick sees off Peggy
Hereford United progressed into the HFA Senior Cup quarter final this evening against a hard-working Pegasus Juniors side at Old School Lane. The game ended 4-1 to the visitors, despite an early opener from Simon Gwynne. Nick Chadwick scored from the spot, and again soon after to send United into half-time with a narrow lead. Simon Johnson then added to the score before Chadwick completed his hattrick in the final moments.
Without the guidance of Graham Turner, John Trewick took charge with Steve Guinan also looking to have a notable influence from the sidelines. There were mass changes in the starting line-up, with many 'fringe' players gaining run-outs, and there was also a place for youngster Joel Edwards in the side.
Pegasus shocked the League One side when they took the lead early on in the game, after some sloppy defending from Jack Macleod allowed Gwynne in after a cross-field pass and he struck past Craig Samson and in off the post. MacLeod nearly made up for his defending with his attacking as he linked up with trialist Tyrone Berry down the right-hand side, but a low shot was blocked by the home 'keeper's legs. A neat through ball from Johnson was latched onto by Matty Done, who went round the 'keeper before he was tripped. A penalty was awarded, and Chadwick smashed into the middle of the net to equalise. Soon after United were in front, and Chadwick again grabbed the goal. He linked up superbly with Johnson, playing a one-two before lobbing the 'keeper with a well-placed finish.
The second-half was a fairly poor affair with Pegasus going close in the early stages after a counter-attack down the left-hand side saw a cross into the box. The home attacker controlled but blasted over from close-range. Done had a long-range effort pushed aside, whilst Berry also went-close inside the box with the 'keeper making a good save before United added two relatively late goals. Firstly, Chadwick won an aerial dual and released Johnson with a header, and the former Leeds man turned the defender before firing past the helpless goalie. In the final minute, Done broke through the middle, and rounded the 'keeper but couldn't find an opportunity to shoot; instead, he got his head up and played in Chadwick who completed his hattrick.
Hereford were made to work hard by Pegasus, who battled well although fitness, as always, played a part in the latter stages. Trialist Berry failed to impress, although the strike-force of Chadwick and Johnson complimented each other nicely. Down the left-wing, Done had the beating of his defender but far too often, his final ball let him down. Next up for United is another cup game with Dagenham visiting Edgar Street in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Hereford: Samson, Macleod, Beckwith, Breen, Edwards, Berry, Jones, O'Leary, Done, Johnson, Chadwick.
Subs: Freddi, Weir, Evans.
Turner talks about Police Costs
Last Thursday Graham Turner gave BBC Hereford and Worcester an update on the dispute with West Mercia Police about their efforts to charge Hereford United for policing both in and around the Edgar Street ground.
"We are the only club in the country as far as I'm aware being asked to pay for 'vicinity charges'," said Turner.
"If they are on our property, I can understand them seeking recompense for their time.
"But it's the Meadow Car Park, the Cattle Market, the A49. In principle we are totally against paying for those sorts of areas."
Turner suggested if the charges went through it would be the supporters who might pay extra through the turnstiles.
"The only way to keep the club going would be to charge a bit more. So in the end supporters pay twice, through taxes and rates and through admission charges.
"It is the vicinity charges that we are against in principle. And in conversations with our legal team I'm confident we have a good case.
"But it could be fraught with difficulty, it could finish up in the High Court. I would like to think not."
Turner has spoken to West Mercia Police. Both are well aware of the Wigan Court case but Turner thinks there is a real difference as the case was to do with policing on Wigan property only.
"On the principle we don't agree with the situation at all we can't negoiate with them.
"I think it has great significence for every club in the country. If we start getting charged for 'vicinity policing' where does it end.
"If the police win the case or we agree to payment then it could spread throughout the country.
"I would like to think the Football League would support us.
"We will fight it all the way."
The Cost of Policing Football
Questions about the costs of policing football matches has been raised in Parliament. The subject is of particular interest to Hereford United given a recent bill received from the West Mercia Police after the visit of Swindon Town to Edgar Street last September.
Keith Vaz, the MP for Leicester East, asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the following questions.
(1) how football clubs are charged for the cost of policing during games; who is responsible for the level of such charges; and what criteria are used in such decisions;
(2) what her policy is on the scope of policing costs that football clubs should be liable for; and if she will make a statement;
(3) what estimate she has made of the proportion of costs of policing football matches and related fan movements not met by football clubs.
Alan Campbell, who is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Home Office, gave the following reply.
Policing at football matches in England and Wales is a special police services as provided for by section 25(1) of the Police Act 1996. That section provides that the local chief officer of police determines the need for and scale of any police deployment while the local police authority determines the scale of charges imposed for such deployments, section 25(1) is currently subject to judicial proceedings involving Greater Manchester Police and Wigan Athletic Football Club. We will consider carefully the interpretation of the court when it is available.
No record is held centrally of the cost of all football-related policing activity. 41% of all matches played in England and Wales during the 2007-08 football season were designated as 'police-free' on the basis of police risk assessment.
It appears that little progress is likely to be made in deciding whether West Mercia Police were justified in sending Hereford United such a large bill for policing the Swindon game until the Government makes a statement after considering the 'Wigan' proceedings.
Below is a rough guide for the cost of police presence at an event lasting up to four hours. (There is a minimum charge of four hours).
Police Constable: 229.51
Sergeant: 277.26
Inspector: 273.94
Chief Inspector: 276.40
Superintendent: 358.51
Chief Superintendent: 380.48
Wickes Car Park Warning
Bulls News has been informed that the Wickes store on Widemarsh Street are now issuing penalty charge tickets to motorists who overstay their welcome.
The company has placed a 45 minute limit on parking on the site, and will issue £95 tickets to anyone who stays longer. Bulls fans are advised to park elsewhere in future.
Update - We have been asked to point out that the legality of these types of charges is in doubt and they can be challenged. Further information, for those to have already received tickets, can be read here.
News Round Up
Colchester have signed Aston Villa striker Sam Williams on a three month loan that includes FA Cup participation. The 21 year old has previous first team experience at Wrexham and Brighton, scoring three times in eighteen appearances during two loan spells. Ex-Bull Phil Gulliver has joined Southern League side Corby Town following his departure from Rushden.
National press are reporting that Carlisle want Steve Cotterill as their new boss. Brighton have extended the loan of Coventry midfielder Kevin Thornton, but have been refused permission to play him, and ex-Bull Stuart Fleetwood, in the FA Cup. Weymouth's supporters' trust has issued a warning over the club's stadium sale. The £1.3million sale of the ground will ensure a new ground is in place before planning can be sought to demolish their exisiting base, but the club will recieve no further funding from chairman Malcolm Curtis.
Northampton have signed Reading forward Nicholas Bignall on a months loan. The teenager can play either up front or on the wing. Leeds have rejected a bid from Newcastle for Fabien Delph. Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope has been fined for being sent off during their win over Leyton Orient.
Ternent Leaves Huddersfield
Huddersfield have parted company with boss Stan Ternent after just six months.
The veteran manager won just five of eighteen games in charge after being appointed towards the end of last season. Eleven summer signings and a bumper crowd taking discounted season tickets saw the club win only four matches this season, including Saturday's win over Crewe.
Assistant Ronnie Jepson and coach Mick Docherty have also left along with Vice Chairman Andrew Watson, who instigated Ternent's appointment.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Hall has a Chuckle over Bulls News Article
BBC Hereford and Worcester's Keith Hall has made reference to a report that Hereford United has money in the bank.
The suggestion made on this website last September came in article about Worcester City's money problems.
In contrast Hereford United owe developers around £1M but are thought to have around £800,000 in the bank after a successful campaign last season and player sales.
During last Saturday's H&W sports programme Hall, Ricky George and presenter Trevor Owens were discussing Hereford United and whether Graham Turner might get the cheque book out given the current failure of his strikers to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
George was not persuaded suggesting that Turner's financial prudence had served the club well. Neither was Hall who then had a go at Bulls News.
"Going back to your financial point, I must admit I had a little bit of a chuckle about two months ago, I read on one of the forums that Hereford United had just less than a million pounds in their bank account.
"With things like that going around you would then suddenly think oh Hereford's awash with money - they can go out and sign players from here, there and everywhere. Does make you laugh sometimes."
Owens then commented:
"I bet Graham Turner had a bit of a chuckle about that as well."
Boothroyd sacked at Watford.
Another manager has been sacked. This time is it Aidy Boothroyd at Watford.
Watford are currently fourth from bottom in the Championship.
During his time at Vicarage Road Boothroyd signed Lionel Ainsworth from Hereford United and allowed the Bulls to take both Theo Robinson and Toumani Diagouraga on loan. Diagouraga signed for the Bulls pre-season after being released from Watford.
Ainsworth's transfer fee, although not yet disclosed, was thought to be the highest ever paid for a Hereford United player.
This season striker Moses Ashikodi has come to Edgar Street on loan from Watford.
According to the Sun, John Ward who was sacked by Carlisle earlier today could take charge until a permanent manager is appointed
Dagenham Cup Game Prices
It's FA Cup action at Edgar Street on Saturday and prices for admission to the game against Dagenham and Redbridge have been released.
Terrace:
Adults £14
Concessions £10
Juniors £6
Seated:
Adults £16
Concessions £13
Juniors £6
Concession prices only for those over 65.
Junior prices only apply for tickets purchased until late Friday afternoon otherwise concession prices applies. No concession prices for students.
These prices are from the Official Dagenham and Redbridge website. Confirmation of the details is awaited from Hereford United. (Confirmed 7pm.)
Pegasus HFA Game Tuesday
The Bulls face Pegasus Juniors in a HFA Senior Cup Quarter Final tomorrow night (7.30pm kick off).
The last encounter between the sides was just 16 months ago in a pre-season friendly. The Bulls were 4-0 victors but of the 23 players used by Graham Turner that day only seven are still Bulls players. The game is expected to effectively be a reserve match with the likes of Garry Breen, Jack McLeod, and Craig Samson all getting match experience. Pegasus are likely to feature a number of ex-Bulls youth teamers who joined the club earlier in the year.
There is street parking available around the Old School Lane ground, plus the old 'Wire Mill' car park will also be available. Admission is £5 for Adults and £3 for under 16's.
News Round Up
Leeds boss Gary McAllister has denied trying to sign Hull striker Dean Windass despite him playing for the club in a friendly, saying he was only 'doing a mate a favour'. Oldham remain interested in the veteran with boss John Sheridan reaffirming his interest after Saturday's match. The Manager of the Month award is between Danny Wilson, Darren Ferguson, Roberto Di Matteo, and Paul Trollope. The player award is between Hartlepool's Joel Porter, MK Dons' Sam Baldock, Bristol Rovers' Rickie Lambert, and Leeds' Fabien Delph.
The company that owns Northwich's stadium, owned by ex-Chairman Mike Connett, is facing a winding up order while another former Vics chairman - who walked out on the club last week - claims the club is £500,000 in debt less than a year after staving off bankruptcy. Leigh Genesis have made manager Steve Bleasdale and all contracted players, including eight full timers, redundant. Bleasdale will continue unpaid for two weeks with the unpaid reserve side filling in.
Ex-Bull Phil Gulliver has left Rushden by mutual consent after being transfer listed last week. Oldham have extended to loan of Daniel Jones from Wolves until January after seven games in his first month. He has also been given permission to play in the FA Cup. Cheltenham are giving a second trial to former Bulls trialist Richard Langley. He had an unsuccessful trial in August while Keith Downing was in charge. No Bulls in the Team of the Week, with only Leicester getting two players in.
Scunthorpe are investigating a bottle throwing incident at Saturday's match with Swindon. Robins' keeper Phil Smith was missed by the bottle thrown from the home end, while a number of Swindon fans were ejected after a clash with stewards.
Ward Departs Carlisle
John Ward has left his job as manager of Carlisle United by mutual consent.
Ward secured just one point from the last 30, with his team conceding ten goals without reply in the last four games. He lasted 13 months in the job, losing out in last season's play-offs then seeing striker Joe Garner and goalkeeper Kieran Westwood sold in the summer.
Assistant boss Greg Abbott has been placed in temporary charge. He was temporary boss prior to Ward's arrival last season, winning five of nine games in charge.
N'Gotty returns to Leicester
On loan Bruno N'Gotty has returned to Leicester from Hereford United for treatment on his Achilles tendon injury.
His injury happened when involved in a goalmouth scramble at Peterborough on Saturday. It is not yet clear how bad the injury might be.
The highlights of the game are now available to watch on Virgin Media.
Meanwhile Stuart Fleetwood made his debut for Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday when his new side defeated Millwall 4-1.
"Brighton are a big club, and they were interested in me before I went on loan to Cheltenham Town, so I felt it would be good for me to come down and get some games,” said former Hereford United striker Fleetwood.
"I know that they like to play some football. The manager's philosophy is to get the ball down and play, and there are some good players here as well. Hopefully, I can make an impact and score some goals."
Manager Micky Adams noted Fleetwood's scoring ability when in charge of Coventry.
"I scored a hat-trick for Hereford against him in the Carling Cup when he was Coventry manager, and he reminded me of that when I saw him. Hopefully, I can score some goals for him this time."
Sunday, November 02, 2008
News Round Up
Scunthorpe have announced an after tax profit of £2.1million for last season, with player sales largely responsible. They have warned that there will be a substantial loss for this season as they seek an immediate return to the Championship. Northwich caretaker boss Mike Marsh has quit the club after being forced to release two players, including ex-Bull Trevor Benjamin, while Danny Williams is expected to be released shortly as attendances crumble.
Leeds' starlet Fabien Delph is being chased by Arsenal and Sunderland for £6million according to the News of the World. Bradford hold a sell-on clause for the youngster after he was nicked from their youth setup.
Slade looked at Fleetwood
Yeovil manager Russell Slade has said that he made an enquiry with Charlton about taking Stuart Fleetwood on loan but was told he had an injury.
The former Hereford United striker has just gone on loan to Brighton after a spell at Cheltenham.
"I made a little enquiry about him (Stuart Fleetwood) to see what was happening and was told he had a bit of a bruised shoulder and wasn’t going to come out at the time. He’s gone out but there’s other things I’m looking at - I never spin just one plate."
The fact that Slade enquired after Fleetwood appears to show how sought after strikers seem to have become recently.
Yeovil have only scored 14 goals in 14 League One games this season. Only Leyton Orient (11 goals) and Hereford (8 goals) have scored less.
Local Cup-Tie on Tuesday
Hereford United take the short trip to Pegasus Juniors next Tuesday evening for a Herefordshire Football Association Senior Cup Quarter Final match.
Kick off at Old School Lane is at 7.30 and there is parking close to the ground.
The Bulls are expected to put out a 'reserve' team comprising those in the main squad who aren't currently seeing much League action and a sprinkling of youngsters.
Ex-Bull Watch
Theo Robinson was named on the Watford bench for the first time in two months but failed to get a game as they were beaten 4-3 at home to Blackpool. Stephen Gleeson scored their second as Stockport beat Carlisle. Chris Palmer scored the opener as Walsall beat Northampton. Stuart Fleetwood made a late sub appearance in Brighton's win over Millwall.
Nicky Nicolau scored Barnet's second as they drew at Bradford. Adam Stansfield scored the opener as Exeter beat Chester. Rob Purdie's misfired shot was backheeled into the net during Darlington's win over Grimsby. David Brown scored from the spot for Barrow as they beat Forest Green.
Results Round Up
Scunthorpe remain top by a single point after their 3-3 home draw with Swindon, with Leeds breathing down their necks after beating Cheltenham by the only goal. Millwall slip to third on goal difference after losing 4-1 to Brighton and MK Dons' 1-0 win over Tranmere moves them up to fourth. Leicester, a goal down with three minutes left, beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 to stay fifth, with Peterboro's win over the Bulls moving them into sixth.
Down the bottom the Bulls are bottom on goals scored after Crewe's 3-2 loss to Huddersfield saw them equal the Bulls' goal difference. Leyton Orient beat Hartlepool 1-0 to move within a point of safety, with Carlisle their target after their 3-0 loss at Stockport. Yeovil moved two points clear after a surprise 2-0 win at Oldham, joining Colchester on 15 points after their 3-3 draw with Southend. In the other game Walsall arrested their poor run with a 3-1 home win over Northampton.
In League Two Darlington are the new leaders after a 2-1 win at Grimsby with the Mariners now 22 games without a win. Wycombe's goalless draw with Rotherham sees them slip to second ahead of Bradford and Exeter with Shrewsbury finding the goal trail again in fifth with a 3-0 win over barebones Luton.
In the Conference Kettering lead despite a 1-0 home loss to Weymouth. Torquay are second after their 2-0 win over Mansfield left the Field Mill outfit only a point off the drop. Forest Green drop into the relegation zone after their 3-1 loss at Barrow, while Kidderminster beat Grays to be only two points off the top.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Ferguson speaks well of Hereford
Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson spoke to BBC Sport after today's game.
"It was a very tough match. It wasn't our best performance.
"I thought Hereford played well. They are a good footballing team.
"We got a little bit of luck - I don't know if it was a penalty or not. The linesman gave it.
"Turner signed me at Wolves. He's a great guy, good footballing man. Does everything at Hereford.
"Fanastic achievement to get them promoted last season. Throughly deserved to win the League Two manager of the year.
"I know they are a better team than their position and results suggest. Sometimes when you are down there you just don't get the rub of the green and I'm sure Graham will be saying that after the game."
Great Support from Fewer Bulls Fans
London Road isn't the best ground for away supporters to get behind their side. But despite a smaller Hereford United following than usual, they did their best to bolster the players on the pitch this afternoon.
Peterborough is one of the few grounds in League One that still has a proper terrace for away fans, but when the support was only 188 and 50 or so of those decided to sit it didn't leave too many to make plenty of noise. But they did.
Whether it's a sign of the so-called credit crunch or the fact that the Bulls have only scored twice on their travels this season, or a combination of the two, the fact that just 188 were able to travel to Peterborough was disappointing.
Last season Hereford United travelled to Peterborough on October 27th and the game was watched by 5008 with 285 in the away end. Today's gate was 6087 some 1079 more.
It follows that the support for the Bulls dropped by 97 or 34% and the support for the Posh increased by 1176 or nearly 25%.
Manager's Reaction at Peterborough.
Graham Turner for Hereford United.
"I think we've played well today. I think we've shown a discipline and we just opened the game up a little bit, passed it extremely well," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"It's perhaps ironic that the home goalkeeper has got man of the match. We had a number of good chances that he has kept out of the back of the net with very good goalkeeping. But he's a good goalkeeper.
"One or two we should have done better with but generally the performance with the ball I thought was very acceptable.
"I thought we worked hard. I thought we defended reasonably well for most of the game. Paid a penalty for a sloppy one in the second half.
"We've still not figured out yet whether there was justice done with the penalty. Certainly I thought the linesman was influenced by the crowd and left the referee with no option but to give it.
"If we carry on doing what we did today sooner or later the ball has got to go into the back of the net.
"We've got to start scoring because I think we are doing as much as we possibly can."
Mackail-Smith double sinks Bulls
Hereford United lost for their seventh out of eight games on the road this season with a 2-0 defeat against Peterborough this afternoon at London Road. Craig Mackail-Smith scored in either half in front of 6,087 to send The Posh into the play-off positions, but pushes The Bulls down to bottom on goals scored.
Following the cruel defeat at Millwall in mid-week, Graham Turner opted to change the team about. Sam Gwynne replaced Simon Johnson on right midfield, whilst Nick Chadwick's one match suspension allowed Steve Guinan to return to spearhead the attack. The home side named Joe Lewis in between the sticks; the keeper was recently called up to the England squad, whilst pantomine villain Aaron McLean started up front alongside MacKail-Smith.
The early exchanges saw Posh go close through Chris Whelpdale after fine-work inside the area from Mackail-Smith saw the former Dagenham striker turn Karl Broadhurst and send a cross across the danger area where Whelpdale slid in to shoot over from close-range. Hereford were dealt a blow early on when Bruno N'Gotty went down inside the box, and was consequently stretchered off; Dean Beckwith replaced him at the heart of the defence. A strong tackle from Charlie Lee saw him win possession in the middle of the park and find Mackail-Smith who waltzed past Beckwith before firing into the home end from 20 yards. United's first chance fell to Toumani Diagouraga, who glided a Gwynne free-kick goalwards but Welsh international Craig Morgan headed the ball out for a corner.
The Bulls had a large stint of pressure on the Peterborough defence with Clint Easton having a goalbound shot blocked in the six-yard box after a Gwynne corner had found him. Whelpdale, like N'Gotty, had an early end to his half coming off injured with Shaun Batt his replacement. Bradley Hudson-Odoi turned quickly after a Kris Taylor throw-in before firing over the bar from the edge of the box, before United had their best chances of the half. A powerful Easton corner was headed goalwards by Beckwith, but Lewis made a fine save to tip the ball over the bar. From the following corner, Hudson-Odoi met Easton's cross but his header was wide. Taylor then struck a free-kick over the crossbar, before the home side were awarded a penalty with ten minutes remaining in the half. McLean got to the by-line after running down the right-wing and he swang a cross into the danger area. Both Broadhurst and Mackail-Smith challenged for the ball, with the former adjudged to have bought down the latter according to the linesman, although United's players were adamant it was never a spot-kick. Mackail-Smith stepped up from 12 yards and saw his initial strike saved by Darren Randolph, but he made no mistake with the rebound to send the home side into the half-time with a slender lead.
United had played the better stuff in the first-half, but didn't quite have the end product and this again proved the case in the second-half. Paul Coutts slammed a shot goalwards which Randolph blocked, whilst a fine attacking move nearly resulted in an equaliser for United. Taylor started it just inside the opponents half, finding Hudson-Odoi who passed to Guinan. The experienced striker saw the run of Taylor, who had probed forward and found him, but his placed right-foot finish went narrowly past the post. A slip by Broadhurst allowed Batt to run in from the left-wing and he should have done better when shooting goalwards with Randolph blocking with his legs. A neat turn by the relatively quiet Boyd allowed him a shot on goal, but likewise Taylor earlier, his 'weaker' foot proved ineffective.
Hereford's best chance of the second-half fell to Hudson-Odoi after Gwynne had played a low ball across the box, the former Fulham man met it with a rasping right-foot shot which Lewis did superbly to tip around the post. Minutes later, Guinan's vision allowed him to find the forward run of Diagouraga who stung the hands of Lewis with a powerful effort on goal. The mini-pressure was short-lived though as Mackail-Smith doubled the home side's advantage. Boyd was allowed time to cross from the right, and a moment of hesitation from Randolph and Broadhurst allowed Mackail-Smith to ghost in to head home from close-range.
Turner's reaction was to replace Gwynne with Andy Williams, however, it was Posh who looked threatening with Lee's looping shot ending up on the top of the goal. Sergio Torres replaced McLean, who was quiet on the day. Williams did well after turning past Coutts 30 yards out and sending a shot goalwards which Lewis gathered with relative ease. A lucky break for Hudson-Odoi should have seen the Posh backline punished but Lewis parried a shot from an angle by the young striker; the rebound from Williams was blocked before it broke to Easton who crossed to the back-post where Guinan beat two defenders only to see his head drop wide. Matty Done replaced Easton for the final few minutes but had little time to get into the game.
It was one of Hereford's best performances of the season, but again they come home empty handed. There was much more attacking threat but again, they lack that killer touch that is required in this league. Credit to the Bulls' support, who sang throughout the game and looked to be in good spirits despite the dismal away form. Peterborough failed to live up to their reputation of playing neat attacking football, with the majority of their play coming from long-balls looking for the pace of Mackail-Smith. Hereford now have three huge home games; the FA Cup tie with Dagenham is followed by visits from local rivals Cheltenham Town and then Northampton Town.
Hereford: Randolph, Rose, Broadhurst, N'Gotty, Taylor, Gwynne, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Guinan, Hudson-Odoi.
Subs: Samson, Beckwith, O'Leary, Done, Williams.
Peterborough: Lewis, Martin, Zakuani, Morgan, Williams, Whelpdale, Coutts, Lee, Boyd, Mackail-Smith, McLean.
Subs: McKeown, Westwood, Hyde, Torres, Batt.
Welcome Return for Beckwith
Hereford United's Dean Beckwith made a welcome return to the pitch this afternoon but for all the wrong reasons as Bruno N'Gotty was stretchered off with what has been described as an bad achilles injury.
Given that Beckwith had not played first team football since N'Gotty had arrived at Edgar Street, he gave a good performance which resulted in him being given a top mark of eight.
Manager Graham Turner spoke about Beckwith in his interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"He might have scored not long after he went on. He got a good header which the goalkeeper did well to save.
"He's had a bit of a breather out of the side. Now we expect him to come back and pick the pace up.
"He's a good defender. He's got to fill in for Bruno now and do it well and I'm sure he will do."
Turner also spoke about N'Gotty's injury.
"It looks as though he has ruptered his achilles and that looks like a serious injury. It could keep him out of the game for quite a long time.
"At this stage we have to consider maybe even the rest of the season"
Captain Karl Broadhurst was given a seven, perhaps surprisingly given his involvment in Peterborough's two goals.
Most of the other players received a six except Toumani Diagouraga and Sam Gywnne who both had a five.
Bottom of League One:
18 Colchester 14 -2 15
19 Yeovil 14 -8 15
20 Carlisle 15 -10 14
21 Leyton Orient 15 -11 13
22 Cheltenham 15 -18 11
23 Crewe 15 -15 9
24 Hereford 15 -15 9
Adventurous Bulls Push The Posh To The Limit
The Bulls may not have taken points from today's game, but it wasn't for the lack of effort - racking up more shots, corners, and posession than the hosts.
Fourteen shots from the Bulls, six on target, was more than Peterboro's ten (five on target) while the Bulls had ten of the game's eleven corners and edged posession 51%-49%. The Posh did win one stat, committing 15 fouls to the Bulls' eight, although both sides had two players booked with Dean Beckwith and Kris Taylor being booked for apparently arguing with the penalty decision.
Bulls Just Not Posh Enough
The Bulls lost today's League One match at London Road 2-0 to Peterboro.
A Craig Mackail-Smith double was enough to beat the Bulls, although he had to wait for his first after Darren Randolph saved from the spot only for him to follow up on the rebound with 188 Bulls fans at the game. The Bulls will worry about Bruno N'Gotty after the Frenchman went off very early in the match with a reported achilles injury.
Full report later.
Cup Game 'respite' from League
Graham Turner has told the Worcester News that the visit of Dagenham and Redbridge next Saturday for the FA Cup first round tie will take the club's mind off the League.
“While that match will not be easy, they will come to Edgar Street highly organised with plenty of physical presence on the pitch and the confidence of a reasonable start to the season.
“Having said that, we are a league higher than them and we will be at home. Therefore, it will be our own fault if we do not qualify for the second round.
“That match takes place on November 8 which gives us a nice respite from the pressure of obtaining league points.”
Last season the Bulls had an outstanding run in the Cup and no doubt Turner would wish for the same this season however first the Bulls have to defeat the League Two side.
“In order to get the glamour ties this tricky one must be overcome,” commented Turner.
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