Test

Friday, October 05, 2012

Part Time Hereford A Possibility Says Keyte

If gates don't improve at Edgar Street there a chance the club could go part time. That's the stark warning from chairman David Keyte in an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"At £11 to £12 on average per ticket, then that's the wrong end of £8,000 to £9,000," said Keyte.

"I'm sure part-time football would be on the agenda.

"We need to look at every single angle to keep moving forward.

"If it's the case that things are going to be like this for a few years, then maybe we should be thinking about that."

A recent VAT inspection hasn't helped.

"They're suggesting we owe about £45,000, predominantly from 2008/09.

"It's a bit beyond to have to face up to the fact you have to pay for previous debts.

"We're trying to negotiate some kind of payment scheme."

(For the record Keyte changed accountants soon after he became chairman)

Keyte wants help at Edgar Street.

"We would welcome conversations with anybody who thinks they can help.

"But i have got to accept that the business sense to it, in the eyes of people who might have money, probably doesn't stack up.

"With football up and down the country struggling with low attendances, it doesn't stand out as an obvious investment.

"On a personal note, I possibly have some regrets about carrying it for the past three years.

"Now is the time for the people of Herefordshire to say 'we need to be helping.'

Waiting Game For Redevelopment Of Edgar Street

It appears highly unlikely that either end of Edgar Street will be redeveloped in the next two years but there is hope that as the former livestock market site takes shape there will be more interest in the two ends of the football ground suggested Hereford United chairman David Keyte.

"We've spoken to a number of potential developers, a number of people in the hotel industry about the Blackfriars End," Keyte told the OS

"The fact is they've had a look, weighed up the situation and then it goes cold.

"The one hotel chain was boosted by the fact that the next door neighbour was supposed to be Waitrose and that was deemed to be a positive.

"I understand that Waitrose has signed up so the sooner they move across the road the better.

"But we are still in that general financial climate where people are not moving and shaking too quickly.

"Both ends are a big financial asset, could be £700,000 to a £Million for the ground space.

"It's something that turns the original decision to buy out the Richardsons at £452,000 into a substantial profit for the club.

"My frustration is that we put the money down in November 2010 to get the leases back and we're coming up to two years with little movement.

"And with hindsight, cash is king. We could have let that in the bank. But we wouldn't have had that lease as an asset.

"And with all the happenings on the football pitch we would probably have lost that £400,000 by then.

"At least we have a foot in the door by getting the leases back and the potential for development."

Foyle Welcomes Marsh

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle has welcomed 25 year old striker Phil Marsh to Edgar Street.

"Phil can play anywhere across our front four and drop into midfield if needed," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"With our limited budget he's the type of player we need. Someone who can play in mulitple positions.

"The loan is initially for one month, with the option of a further two months."

Meanwhile Foyle said the loan of Sean Canham to Bath was prudent.

"Sean has been a great character to have around but Bath has shown an interest in him.

"It's come at the right time for us.

"We all known finances are playing their part this season, and for us to strengthen the squad we need to make some room first."

Young Bulls Get Atherstone Date In FA Cup

The Bulls' u18 side will face Atherstone Town in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup.

Atherstone beat Walsall Wood 3-0 last night to progress to the tie at Edgar Street. The Adders compete in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Central division, the division below that of Romulus who the Bulls defeated 6-0 in the First Qualifying Round.

Assuming the Bulls defeat Atherstone, they will then face Mk Dons at Edgar Street in the next round.

Keyte Wants More Support

Hereford United chairman David Keyte wants more support for the club both from shareholders and supporters. He's warned that the club can't survive with gates of just 1600 unless there's either more cuts to the budget or an injection of cash.

Earlier this week Keyte sent a letter to shareholders detailing the current situation.

"They own the company, I'm one of those shareholders," Keyte told the OS.

"I've got 16%, there's another 84% of people out there who own Hereford United.

"We're a small company with a £1.5M turnover and then somebody (the Football League) takes £400,000 off you. That's 25% of the business.

"We went into the summer knowing that.

"We've cut our playing budget but I feel manager Martin Foyle has done a fantastic job with the budget he's got - a really young exciting team.

"The home record to date has been as good as it's been for years and the football has been entertaining.

"However what we could see was going to be very difficult is proving so.

"What I've flagged up to the shareholders is that was based on a little less attendance than in the football league but not 1,600.

"Some radical thinking is needed if that's going to be the new Hereford United. We've got a lot to do in cutting costs down to that level."

Keyte is aware that some supporters didn't agree with the £2 matchday price rise this season.

"It's only £2 above last year. It's half a pint somewhere in the week, or half a packet of cigarettes.

"If you want to go to the football, I think it's do-able, even allowing for the fact it's a very tough time out there at the moment.

"I don't think the increase is the main factor. Some people are saying the football is rubbish, why should I pay it, but we've had, at home, a very good start."

Keyte feels he had to write to the shareholders first, but hopes all supporters will help the club at this difficult time.

"It's an interesting mix. A private limited company owned by shareholders. We're just steering it for the shareholders.

"And steering it for the football supporters.

"There's 2 or 3,000 people who would like to be coming to Hereford United at different times and there's about 300 shareholders.

"Realistically crowds are not going to be where they have been in the last five or six years and we have to cut our cloth accordingly.

"The board in total makes 20% ownership, 80% is owned by people outside of the boardroom.

"It is an old shareholding register. We could probably name 8 or 10 people including HUISA who have 75% of the shares. The rest are spread out over nearly 300.

"We're in a situation where it needs to be wider than four people sitting in a boardroom.

"It's always healthy to get wider skills and knowledge. They are some cleverer people than me who might have some money that decide to keep it rather than put it in the football club. That's their choice but many hands make light work."

News Round-Up

Telford have extended the contract of defender Liam Chilvers for a second month. The 31 year old signed on at the New Bucks Head for an initial month, playing three times so far. Braintree have signed winger Luke Daley on non-contract terms. The 22 year old started the season on non-contract terms at Lincoln, making three appearances, but was released late in August.

Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn says he will rename the club London Orient if they are successful in their bid to groundshare the Olympic Stadium with West Ham. Hearn says he will give out free season tickets to under 18's and families living in the refurbished athletes accomodation if the move is granted. Barrow are reported to have signed goalkeeper David Stephenson on non-contract terms. The 28 year old was released by Fleetwood in the summer.

Lincoln manager David Holdsworth has called for regionalisation to be introduced to cut club's costs. The former Mansfield boss says he drives three of his own players to training to cut costs, and that Barrow train in Manchester for financial reasons. Kidderminster have loaned defender Tom Sharpe to Hinckley United for an initial month. The move is to help the player regain fitness, having been out since January with a cruciate injury.

Stockport Add Accy Defender

Stockport have added Accrington defender Tom Eckersley to their squad ahead of their trip to Edgar Street.

The 20 year old has made three appearances for Stanley since being released by Bolton in the summer. He joins the Hatters for an initial month with Jim Gannon's men short of defensive cover.

HUISA Chief Calls For Support

HUISA chairman Keith Dodd has called for supporters to back the Bulls this weekend.

The supporters group is one of the club's largest shareholders and donated over £8,000 to the Bulls last season. While they're not at the stage of rattling buckets round Edgar Street, Dodd acknowledges that the tight financial situation means that the club's fans need to do what they can to boost the club's coffers:

"We do need every Bulls fans that can to turn out on Saturday and support not only the team, but the club as well. We're in danger of slipping into financial trouble that has seen the likes of Halifax, Darlington, and Chester go down in recent seasons, but we've got an early warning and can do something about it to avert potential disaster.

"We, the fans, can help by using the club bars, visiting the club shop, and buying a programme and a 50/50 ticket. HUISA made £7,000 for the football club tax free last year by running the 50/50 draw. Our sellers will be around the ground as usual on Saturday, so please buy a ticket or two and help the club."

Foyle Aims For Win Double

Bulls boss Martin Foyle has told the Worcester News that he intends to take the game to Stockport when they visit Edgar Street tomorrow.

He told the paper: “We are looking to take the game to them. They have improved a lot since last year and it’s going to be a very tight game. Hopefully, we can get the win.

“You are always disappointed with a defeat at home but they have been against teams that will be in the play-offs so there’s no shame in that. It’s against teams like Stockport and Braintree who we have to beat.

“Consistency is something that you don’t get with young players so we know we will be up and down this year but that’s what we are aiming for."

Canham Out, Marsh In For Bulls

The Bulls have allowed striker Sean Canham to rejoin Bath City on loan, and taken Forest Green striker Phil Marsh on loan as a replacement.

Bulls boss Martin Foyle admits to the club's official site that Canham's departure is financially motivated, with the Bulls and Bath also agreeing a settlement on Marley Watkins' transfer in the summer that was due to go to a FA tribunal.

Canham's loan is for three months, which would take him pretty much to the end of the short term deal he signed in the summer.

Coming into Edgar Street is Forest Green striker Phil Marsh. The former Stalybridge man has agreed a months loan, with a view to extending the deal, with the Bulls after netting 40 times in 75 league games for Jim Harvey's men.

25 year old Marsh has made only two starts, and three sub appearances, for the Gumpers due to the sheer quantity of strikers at the New Lawn. He started his career with Man Utd, making one League Cup appearance, before a spell with Blackpool. He then floated around a number of North West non-league sides before pitching up atConf North Stalybridge, where he scored 22 and 24 times in his two seasons there.

Forest Green boss Dave Hockaday told their official site: “Phil is a very talented player. It hasn’t quite happened for him at Forest Green yet, but he just needs match time. Hereford is a great option for him, very similar level. He’ll get games there, bang in lots of goals, and come back to us in form and with even more confidence.”

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Keyte Speaks About Bulls Financial Situation

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has spoken about the current financial problems at Edgar Street. In an interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester Keyte revealed that the club are losing between eight and nine thousand pounds per home game.

He also mentioned the VAT inspection that recently took place. The audit has revealed that the club owes around £45,000 much of it from the time Graham Turner was in charge.

Keyte wants more help from the shareholders.

"We've got 40,000 shares in Hereford United out and about and I've got about 16%.

"So the vast majority of the ownership is not me.

"There is no logic for one person to be dipping into his pocket all the time."

Meanwhile Martin Foyle has some sympathy for supporters who follow the team both home and away.

"A lot of people have bills to pay.

"Football is probably a side attraction at the moment.

"I don't think it's anything personal between anything or the football or the club.

"I just think money is very, very tight.

Stockport Cancel Supporters Coach

Just when Hereford United could do with the income, Saturday's opponents Stockport County have reportedly cancelled their supporters coach because of lack of interest.

In other news this evening, there's a free trial of Bulls Player currently available.

After a lack of items recently, four have been added late today.

And there's a promise of an interview with chairman David Keyte sometime tomorrow.

The club are looking for help with Bulls Player. Anyone with video experience is asked to contact the club.

Injuries and Illness Hit Bulls

Last Saturday, Hereford United striker Ryan Bowman was unable to take part in the Mansfield game as he was suffering from a bug.

Hopefully he will be back this Saturday for the visit of Stockport but it's unlikely he will be 100% fit.

And it looks as though one or two other players have been hit with the same bug so manager Martin Foyle may have to make some changes to the starting eleven.

"Today we have one of two injuries and one or two illnesses which concerns me a little bit in terms of selection for the weekend," Foyle told Bulls Player.

"Ryan has lost a little bit of weight. It's a viral bug.

"A little bit of concern about Ryan but hopefully he'll be okay.

"There's one or two with injuries which I would rather keep quiet.

"Townsend has had an injection in his back. He's been out three or four weeks.

"He's probably going to need a mini-preseason to get himself fit and sharp again."

Foyle said that currently both Will Evans and James McQuilken were available for loan.

"I haven't had a phone call," said Foyle.

Bulls 11/10 to Defeat Stockport

Hereford United can be backed at 11/10 to defeat Stockport County on Saturday. that price is currently available with William Hill and Coral.

Currently the Bulls are in 10th position in the Conference table whereas Stockport are 14th.

Best price for a draw is 45/17 with Pinnacle and a Stockport win is 68/23 also with Pinnacle.

Latest odds from BlueSq:

Hereford 10/11 Draw 12/5 Stockport 5/2

Turn Up, If You Love The Bulls

Some 4,000 Bulls fans turned out on May 5th to see the side slip out of the Football League after beating one of the promotion contenders.

Fast forward to the last home game, against Forest Green, barely 1,500 turned up to see a Bulls side that had recorded their best home start in nine years and having netted as many goals in five home matches as they had done in their opening thirteen last term.

The team is showing real promise, an ability to do something this season. Unfortunately a lack of fans on the terraces threatens to derail the Bulls' chances. David Keyte warned last week "As each week passes we will struggle to pay our way on current attendances."

The 1,500 attendances cannot continue, else the Bulls will see their dreams for the season scuppered as cuts are forcibly made to the playing staff - the prize assets sold to balance the books. Marley Watkins, 21, twice named in the Non-League Paper's Team of the Week and having already caught the eye of League One scouts, would be on that list along with strikers Ryan Bowman, 20, and Marlon Jackson, 21, both of whom have netted four goals in five starts.

These aren't the players likely to be seen putting more effort into drinking Champagne in Play on a Saturday night last season. Sam Clucas went to Spain to train with the Glenn Hoddle Academy when he was released by Lincoln in order to follow his dream. James Bittner celebrated signing his Bulls deal with a new car. New to him anyway, from Ebay, for a few hundred quid.

They're not strutting primadonnas. They're confident in their abilities, but humble enough to appreciate they do something most of us can only dream of. They're grateful to have the opportunity to display their talents on a Saturday afternoon, and they're man enough to apologise if they do wrong.

It has, largely, been a joy to watch them this season. But the club needs a fair few more of us to be there on a Saturday to pay the bills and keep the squad together.

Turn up, if you love the Bulls.

News Round-Up

Southend recorded their lowest home league attendance in eight years with 4,150 coming through the gate on Tuesday night. The Shrimpers remain under a transfer embargo with the local press noting that the wage bill was paid late this month. Manager Paul Sturrock has just 15 fit players at his disposal for this coming weekend including player-coach Graham Coughlin, who hasn't started a match in over 12 months, and youth teamer Alex Woodyard, who has just 45 minutes of first team experience.

Walsall have announced a profit of £10,000 for last season, continuing their long standing results of announcing small profits or losses. The club recorded turnover of just over £5million, down by £350,000, and paid out £2.4million in wages to 112 staff, while it owes £2.6million in loans from directors. Nuneaton striker Kyle Perry has jarred his knee after slipping over in a local supermarket. He is one of a number of injury worries for the Boro ahead of the Bulls' trip to face them next Tuesday.

Wycombe are to offer £5 admission to fans on Saturday in a bid to reclaim lost supporters. The Chairboys have seen their average attendance drop by 1,000 from last season. They will also extend the offer to visitors Torquay after complaints that Gulls fans would have had to pay the full £22 charge. Wrexham have had loan striker Andy Bishop recalled by Bury. The 29 year old scored twice in four games for the Dragons after his belated debut due to waiting for international clearance.

Lincoln have signed full back Peter Gilbert on non-contract terms. The 29 year old former Northampton man was released by Southend in the summer after two years at Roots Hall. Alfreton have signed defender Ross Killock on loan from Leeds for an initial month. The 18 year old signed his first professional contract in the summer and is yet to make his senior debut.

Money Replaces George As Cambridge Boss

Former Walsall and Luton Town manager Richard Money has been named as head coach at Cambridge, replacing Jez George.

George reverts to his former Director of Football role he held before Martin Ling's dismissal as manager. Under George, the U's had gone eight games without a win before Saturday's 4-2 victory at Barrow that saw them face a Bluebirds side without a recognised goalkeeper for 75 minutes.

Money, who had been interviewed for the job at Edgar Street in the summer, left Luton 18 months ago with third place in the Conference not good enough for the Hatters.

Foyle Bemoans U21 League

Bulls boss Martin Foyle has found his efforts to bring a new face in on loan hampered by the new U21 League introduced this season.

The "Professional Development League" is another part of the Elite Player Performance Plan introduced over the summer. The vast majority of Premier League and Championship sides now operate in the league, including sides that have regularly loaned players to the Bulls like West Brom and Wolves, with clubs proving reluctant to loan out their youngsters due to the new competition.

Foyle told BBC Hereford & Worcester that he was getting knocked back by managers who wanted to keep their youngsters for the new league:

"Football has changed so our recruitment area has gone down, and those who run that league don't want their players to go out on loan. I've spoken to a lot of good friends who are at Premier League clubs. They're trying to get the Under-21 league up and running.

"I've spoken to two or three managers and asked them if I can take a player and they have told me: 'No, they are not going anywhere this season because we want to win the league'. So there is only a certain network you can now work in when you are trying to bring players to Hereford.

"Our recruitment area has gone from around 15% of the Premier League and Football League down to around 10%."

Gannon Has Defensive Headache

Stockport boss Jim Gannon brings his side to Edgar Street on Saturday without his two oldest players.

26 year old defenders Danny O'Donnell and captain Joe Connor are both injured, with Connor tearing shoulder ligaments in Saturday's win over Ebbsfleet. While he can bring another player in, Gannon told the Manchester Evening News he is well aware he has to count the pennies:

"I think, in all these things, it’s a real judgement call between making sure of the amount of personnel we have and wondering if we can get by from game to game with the players we have. We have to spend every penny we have wisely because I know we’re going to have this situation through the season."

The Irishman expects a tough match at Edgar Street, the first of several games in October that he expects to define their season:

"It’s a massive month as Hereford is a tough place to go, Wrexham are in fine form and Kidderminster are now showing the form everyone expected. I know everyone’s been talking about our lack of wins recently but the last three results have shown a strength in the group.

"They work hard on the training ground and are putting that on the pitch now – the last three results should give everyone confidence."

The Hatters will also be missing forward Danny Whitehead with a hamstring strain, but fellow frontmen Craig Hobson and Danny Hattersley should both be fit after picking up knocks last weekend.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Preview: Bulls vs Stockport

The Bulls entertain Stockport County in a Conference match on Saturday.

Since the Bulls shocked the promotion-chasing Hatters on their return to the Football League in August 2006, both sides have seen a promotion to League One before sliding down to the fifth tier. The Hatters bowed out of the League 12 months before the Bulls, conceding eight goals without reply in the two matches between the sides in the 10/11 season. Rob Purdie scored twice as the Bulls won 5-0 at Edgeley Park, while sub Guillem Bauza rounded off a 3-0 win at Edgar Street to finish a rare double.

The Bulls will be hoping for better news on the terraces after a couple of poor attendances. The club's best home start to a season for nine years has been watched by some of the lowest crowds in that time despite having credible matchwinners like Marlon Jackson and Marley Watkins. Jackson's four goals in five games is a player's best start upon signing for the Bulls since Gary Hooper netted four in his first five, and Sherjill McDonald joined him a week later and netted six in three.

The Hatters come to Edgar Street having picked up their first win in ten games over hapless Ebbsfleet. The 3-1 victory came with striker Craig Hobson netting his first goals at this level, with the former Stalybridge man making the step-up in the summer after 16 goals with Jimmy Harvey's men last term. Manager Jim Gannon has had to rely heavily on lower league signings and youth team graduates to fill his squad, with a pair of 26 year olds his oldest players.

Hereford United vs Stockport County, Edgar Street, Saturday 6th October, 3.00pm.

Killjoys Strike Again - Newport KO Now 12.30pm

Newport's official site is reporting that the killjoys at West Mercia Police have forced the Saturday December 29th match between the Exiles and Bulls to be switched to a 12.30pm kick-off.

The move follows the decision to change dates on the reverse fixture and the movement of the Wrexham away trip to a 1pm kick off.

Special Meeting for Shareholders

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has invited shareholders to a special meeting with the aim of discussing how to take Hereford United forward.

The invitation comes in a letter he has sent out to shareholders

The letter contains a summary of the present financial situation at Edgar Street.

BN will not be publishing details of the letter as it was sent to shareholders in confidence.

News Round-Up

Football League referee Dean Mohareb has been arrested on suspicion of computer hacking. The 29 year old was removed from last night's Barnsley-Peterboro match after the arrest, which the Guardian claims is regarding the unauthorised access of the emails of a sacked FA employee who was accused of handing out tickets in exchange for flight upgrades. Mohareb reffed the Bulls in March at Morecambe and is the FA's national referee development manager.

Kettering recorded a record low gate of just 34 for their County Cup match last night. The attendance is the lowest for a senior match played by the Poppies either home or away. Truro's players have agreed to carry on playing until the Conference's deadline of October 11th after talks yesterday. They beat Bath City 2-1 last night but the home match was watched by a seasonal low of just 344 supporters, a fraction of the club's break-even figure.

Luton have opened negotiations with the local council over buying back Kenilworth Road. The Hatters sold the ground for £3.25million in 1989, paying a peppercorn rent since then. The club retains ambitions for a new ground. Wrexham keeper Joslain Mayebi has been called into the Cameroon squad for an African Cup of Nations qualifier. He will miss matches against Stockport and Lincoln as a result. Teenage summer signing Andy Coughlin will make his debut for the club in his place.

Accrington's home match with Rotherham last night was postponed just 10 minutes before kick-off after the referee decided that heavy rain had left the pitch unplayable. Elsewhere in League Two last night, Barnet attracted a crowd of just 1,483 as they lost at home to Exeter, their 10th game this season without a win, and Morecambe had just 1,285 for their win over Chesterfield.

Luton have extended the loan of Gillingham defender Connor Essam for a further month. The 20 year old has started two games for the Hatters, and made a further four appearances from the bench, since arriving at Kenilworth Road at the end of August. Mansfield keeper Alan Marriott has been told he may not need an operation on his dislocated shoulder, cutting recovery time down to two months.

Hooper Is World Class says Lennon

Former Hereford United striker, Gary Hooper, has been described as 'world class' by his current manager at Celtic.

Hooper scored the Scottish club's opening goal in their 3-2 win at Spartak Moscow.

"That’s the most special goal I’ve ever scored," said Hooper.

"To go 1-0 up in the Champions League away from home against a tough side is the best goal of my career so far."

In his post match interview manager Neil Lennon heaped praise on Hooper.

"Hooper was just magnificent and the catalyst for a lot of the good things we did," he said.

Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Letter From Chairman To Shareholders

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has written to shareholders about the current financial situation at the club.

BN understands that the letter mentions, amidst other matters, the current short-fall in gate receipts at Edgar Street.

It also notes that the club recently had a VAT inspection.

Keyte is beleived to be desparate to balance the books this season after last season's loss.

And if income doesn't increase, it's bound to put even more pressure on manager Martin Foyle's budget.

News Round-Up

Oxford's chairman Ian Lenagan has revealed that former club director Jim Rosenthal wanted a £100,000 loan to the club repaid, and the dispute over the loan led to Rosenthal's departure. Only three members of the Lenagan family, who eventually paid back the loan, remain on the club's board. Wycombe's owners have put out a plea to fans to pay off a £125,000 legal bill. The Supporters Trust ran up the bill in taking over the club, but now tell fans they don't have the funds to cover it.

Kettering are reported to have received notice that they have breached their CVA after failing to meet their last two payments. They have been given two weeks to setted a reported £3,000 debt. Former club chairman Richie Jeune is reported to be the latest person banned from Nene Park as the club continues to implode. Veteran Wrexham midfielder Glen Little says he doesn't know when he will be fit to play again after a knee problem kept him out for the last two weeks. The 36 year old is resting the problem rather than seeing a specialist at present.

The Welsh Premier League is negotiating with Llanelli owner Nitin Parekh on behalf of the club's unpaid players. Parekh is reported to have paid some of the two months wages outstanding, but it is expected that the squad will refuse to play tomorrow's League Cup match.

Ferrell linked with Drug Trafficking

Former Hereford United midfielder Andy Ferrell is reported to be behind bars and facing a drug trafficking charge.

According to the Newcastle Chrinicle he was arrested two weeks ago.

“Andrew Ferrell, 28, of Adair Avenue has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, and is currently going through the court system,” said a police spokesperson.

He will make his first appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday.

Ferrell had been playing for Bedlington Terriers before his arrest. His last appearance for them was on September 19th when he scored their third goal in a 4-2 victory over West Auckland Town.

Ferrell at the Open Day.

Just last July Ferrell played for the Legends team in their game against Hereford United supporters at the Edgar Street Open Day.

Monday, October 01, 2012

Bulls U18’s progress in Youth Cup

The Bulls' U18's defeated their Pegasus rivals by three goals to one in tonight’s fixture at Edgar Street.

Pegasus took the lead on twenty minutes but the hosts came back to win with a first half equaliser from Louis Feeley who went on to complete his hat-trick after the break.

Peggy forced an early corner and Josh Tomkins’ flag kick was headed over by Joel Beeston. Tomkins then turned his marker to create space but blazed his shot high and wide. A Pegasus free kick from the halfway line was miss-judged by keeper Kyle Moore and from the scramble, Elliot Payne bundled the ball over the line to give the visitors a twenty-minute lead.

The Bulls responded with some crisp movement forcing a series of corners to enable Murphy to demonstrate his accurate delivery but nothing came of the chances. Joe Tumelty got on the end of one half clearance but his shot from twenty yards was just wide of the target. Then just before the break a long ball from the back caught out the Peggy defence as Feeley beat the high line and raced away to drill past Alex Boyce to level the score. There were calls for offside but it was clear that although in an offside position when he received the ball his run had been made from an onside position when the ball was played.

HT Bulls 1 Pegasus 1

Peggy, again, produced the first chance after the break when Henry Walsh turned the ball inside for Luke Edmonds but his shot was well over the bar. The visitors then fashioned another opportunity when The Bulls central defenders got turned too easily and presented another chance which was dragged wide before The Bulls took the lead.

A corner on the left was once gain delivered with precise accuracy this time dipping under the bar for Feeley to grab his second. Shortly after, the third goal came from the penalty spot. The industrious Jarod Bowen was unfairly challenged in the box and Feeley slotted home from twelve yards to complete the scoring.

Payne came close the reducing the deficit late on but The Bulls created the last opportunity when Feeley's low cross only failed to reach Bowen in the six-yard box due to a splendid interception by Beeston.

FT Bulls 3 Pegasus 1

Bulls: Moore, Lewis, Saunders, Perkins, Brennan, John, Feeley, Murphy, Bowen, Tumelty, Brock. Subs Miller, Burgess, Robinson, Haines, Kontic.

Pegasus: Boyce, James, Brymer, Dovey, Beeston, Edmonds, Wilkes, Hawkins, Walsh, Payne, Tomkins. Subs Freeman, Bunclark, Lear, Spink, Rogers.

The latter period proved to be the downfall of Pegasus as The Bulls superior fitness and stamina showed. Peggy had enough chances to have levelled the score but were let down by some erratic finishing.

John Layton and Dan Connor said after the game that they were pleased with the result but far from happy with the performance overall and were looking for improvements in the coming weeks. There were several occasions when defenders were caught on the turn and there were times when there seemed a lack of urgency to turn defence into attack but The Bulls now go forward to the next round at home in two weeks.

3-1 on Saturday by the first team will be just fine.

FA Investigate Gumpers Smoke Bomb

Forest Green's official site report that the FA have opened a formal investigation into the smoke bomb incident at Edgar Street last Tuesday.

An as-yet unidentified Forest Green fan set off a smoke bomb in the away terrace section of the Cargill Stand shortly after the game kicked off. The referee called a temporary halt to proceedings to allow the smoke to clear, with the Gumpers now reporting that an investigation is underway into the incident.

Forest Green have called on supporters with any information to ring their club secretary.

News Round-Up

Dartford's Tony Burman is the Conference Manager of the Month for September. The Darts registered five wins and a draw in the month as they surged up the table. Former Bull Jon Brady has been handed the award in Conf North after his Brackley side remained unbeaten during the month. Grimsby loanee Nathan Pond has been named the Player of the Month.

Newport have extended the contract of keeper Lenny Pidgley to the end of the season. The former Millwall man had been on non-contract terms after signing on the eve of the season. Llanelli's match with Bala Town only took place at the weekend after the club's chairman promised to pay the wage bill this week. Wages had been due on Friday but were not forthcoming, and the game kicked off late with Llanelli slow to leave the dressing room.

Southport have released defender Earl Davis by mutual consent. The 29 year old has been with the club since 2003 but an Achilles injury has kept him out of action since April, with the player wanting a break to decide his future. Newport have signed striker Conor Washington from St Ives Town for a nominal fee. The 20 year old scored 52 goals in 50 games for the United Counties League side last term, and has signed a deal until the summer of 2014.