Test

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Never Mind The Botox – Mitch Stansbury

Bulls fans will recall Mitch's "A Corner Kick from the Middle of Nowhere", a tale of his travels supporting United in the top tier of Non League. Well, "Botox" is his latest offering.

My copy landed on the doormat on Tuesday morning following a restless night spent re-living that O'Keefe strike at Twaddle Road.

Apart from his addiction to all things HUFC, Stansbury is a very soft touch for a night out listening to live bands and this book contains his thoughts on a huge list of gigs taken in by himself, his family and friends over a few recent years.

From The Killers at Wembley Arena in 2007 to the less well known (by me at least) Benjamin Francis at the Leftwich Empire in Shepherds Bush in February this year, Mitch recounts nights in the company of, amongst many others, The Police, Morrissey, Linkin Park, Avril Lavigne, Green Day (Ex likes this) and The Stereophonics.

The usual Stansbury humour is present in abundance and while I'm yet to read it front to back my flicking confirms "Botox" as a very worthy stocking filler for the Musos in your life.

Never Mind The Botox – Mitch Stansbury is available from the usual on-line stores (eg Amazon) and from the Kindle Store.

Go get it.

Fixtures List Updated

There have been several changes to Hereford United's fixture list recently. Here's what is on offer for the next four weeks.

Friday December 7th - Conf - Barrow - Away 7.45pm (Also on Premier Sports)

Tuesday December 11th - FA Cup replay - Cheltenham - Home 7.45pm

Saturday December 15th - FA Trophy - Hampton and Richmond Borough or Chelmsford City - Home 3pm

Saturday December 22nd - Conf - Ebbsfleet - Away 3pm

Wednesday December 26th - Conf - Kidderminster - Home 3pm

Saturday December 29th - Conf - Newport - Home 12.30pm

Tuesday January 1st - Conf - Kidderminster - Away 3pm

One Arrest At Whaddon Road

Just one spectator was arrested at the game between Cheltenham Town and Hereford United last night

The 23 year old was arrested after running onto the pitch. He was given a formal warning under the Football Offences Act of 1991

Later Gloucestershire Police released the following statement:

"There was a big crowd at yesterday's game but we're pleased to report that both sets of fans interacted well with each other, our officers and Whaddon Road staff.

"Other than the one arrest there were no other incidents at the match that required police action.

"We'd like to thank both Hereford and Cheltenham supporters for helping us give them a safe and respectful environment to enjoy the match."

Cup Receipts 'Don't Half Help' says Keyte

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has spoken about last night's 1-1 draw at Cheltenham.

"We were never going to lose that," Keyte told the BBC.

"We've got a squad who want to play for each other and don't know how to lose.

"When Martin Foyle first came for his interview and we told him what his budget was going to be, he just shrugged his shoulders and got on with it.

"He found a squad of players, which was then decimated in October, when he had six first teamers out.

"And, since then, our financial situation has been well publicised. We have sometimes had to keep them waiting for two or three days to be paid. But it's brought them together.

"In fact, it's brought all of us together as a club, and the people of Hereford."

Keyte was understandly happy not only with the draw but with the prospect of a decent gate at Edgar Street next Tuesday.

"I think the crowd was 5070 so we've probably cleared £100K with the TV money.

"It does get us through the gremlins of the tax and so on.

"But we are carrying costs from last year. We are trying to turn round about £30K per month.

"But this doesn't half help.

"If we can fill Edgar Street then perhaps another £25k for each team.

"And a hugh prize should we get through.

"Capacity is our problem but there are the add-on sales from the bars and so-on."

Pegasus Juniors Win £50,000 Prize

Pegasus Juniors Football Club have been awarded a staggering £50,000 following a successful grant application to extend and refurbish the kitchen and bar area of the clubroom, at their ground at Old School Lane. They beat off all the competition from football clubs across the West Midlands region.

At the start of the 2012-13 football season the Football Association announced the Budweiser Clubs for Future grant programme. Budweiser agreed to inject one million pounds to grass roots clubs in England for the improvement of facilities.

Clubs in the National Football League system could make application for an initial award of £50,000. A judging panel would select the best application for each of eight regions with the successful club being awarded the grant of £50,000.

The eight successful clubs will now compete for an additional award of £100,000. This award will be decided by the national football community early in 2013 by votes received through a dedicated facebook page. Details of how this will work will be circulated in due course.

Pegasus Juniors director Kevin Bishop, made the application not expecting to win an award but, did so on the premise if, you do not enter, you cannot win.

Win we did.

Kevin Bishop, a Director at Pegasus Juniors, said: “Obviously we are delighted to have won a grant, which will enable us to cater for over 200 Pegasus players each week. Catering facilities are so important as our clubhouse is a second home to many of our players, and as a football club, our sense of community is unrivalled.”

Pegasus Juniors are now in with a game-changing chance of winning an additional £100,000 Super Grant to top up their funds to a mighty £150,000 following a vote by football fans on Facebook. The voting opens on Monday 28^th January 2013 on the Budweiser UK and FA Cup facebook pages*.

Budweiser Club Futures ambassador, Alan Pardew, said: “Having started my career at grassroots level, I know just how hard it is to sustain a local club and can appreciate the importance of a programme like Budweiser Club Futures.

“This is a significant amount of money for Pegasus Juniors and they could potentially receive a further boost thanks to the Super Grant. We were impressed with their plan. It was succinct, detailed and ambitious. It is clear that there is a group of people behind this football club that really care.”

Budweiser European Marketing Director, Iain Newell, said: “Non-league clubs are really important to the future of the beautiful game and to local communities. It’s great to be able to give a club like Pegasus Juniors in Herefordshire, and the other seven regional winners, the financial boost they deserve following their successful applications. We look forward to seeing how their plans to use this funding will improve their clubs.”

To vote for Pegasus Juniors visit www.facebook.com/budweiseruk or www.facebook.com/thefacup from 28th January 2013

A formal cheque presentation will be made on Wednesday, 5^th December, 2012, by Martin Foyle, manager at Hereford United FC.

Men's Six-A-Side Tournament - December 23rd

Pitch Invasion, the first FA-accredited six-a-side league in the UK, have joined forces with the Hereford United Community Trust team to bring you a fundraising 6-a-side extravaganza!

All proceeds will be donated to the "Bulls Fighting Fund" to support the club in their current financial plight.

The tournament will be held at the Hereford Academy's floodlit 3G pitches on Sunday 23rd December, with teams needing to register at 10.30am on the day.

A minimum donation of £60 per team is required to participate, cheque only payable to "Hereford United Community Trust".

Entry forms are available from the club's office. Deadline for entries is December 19th. More details from the Community Trust by email or Twitter.

Golf Day - December 28th

Bulls supporter Richard Hemmings is to stage a Hereford United fundraising golf day at Belmont Golf Club.

The event will take place on Friday 28th December 2012, with The Bulls hoping to raise in excess of £1,000 from the day.

Teams will consist of four players, and cost of entry is £25 per person.
The price will include 18 holes of golf, a meal in the clubhouse, plus some Christmas treats and prizes!

Bulls Chairman David Keyte was delighted by the offer from Belmont Golf Club to stage the event "Richard is a big Bulls fan and has offered the use of the Golf Club to us to try and raise some more much needed money, we are very grateful to him for this kind offer.

"It's another example of Hereford fans clubbing together to try and get the club through our current financial problems."

Anyone interested in entering a team should contact the club on 08442 76 1939 or email club@herefordunited.co.uk.

Six Conference Games Tonight

There are six Conference games tonight, with two already having succumbed to the weather.

Wrexham's trip to Alfreton and Grimsby's trip to Gateshead have been called off due to heavy rain, leaving six matches still standing. Fifth placed Dartford are the highest placed side still in action, going to strugglers Nuneaton.

Elsewhere Kidderminster travel to Tamworth, Macclesfield face Hyde, Telford meet Barrow, Cambridge travel to Ebbsfleet, and Lincoln entertain Woking.

The Bulls dropped two places at the weekend through inaction, and could drop two more places if Hyde and Telford win, but will have up to three games in hand on some of their rivals after tonight's matches.

£135,850 TV Carrot Dangled

The winners of next Tuesday's replay will be screened live on TV when they face Everton.

ESPN will cover the match on Monday, January 7th, with £135,850 in TV revenue on offer to the winners of Tuesday's game in addition to the £27,000 prize fund on offer.

Supporters are urged to buy their tickets for the replay as soon as possible to help earn the Bulls this massive prize.

Robins Lay On Free Coaches

Cheltenham are to put on free coaches in a bid to tempt supporters to come to Edgar Street next week.

Six free coaches are on offer to Robins fans, with the League Two side confirming they have been handed a total of 706 tickets for the Cargill Stand, with another 800 available in the Blackfriars End if they sell-out quicker than the Bulls' own fans.

The Robins brought 718 fans to Edgar Street back in February for the League match between the sides.

Ticket Details For FA Cup Replay

The Bulls FA Cup replay with Cheltenham will take place next Tuesday, December 11th, and is currently all ticket for away fans with home fans urged to purchase in advance.

Tickets will go on sale at 1pm today to Season Ticket holders (including half-season and six game tickets) and HUISA members until 5pm on Wednesday on a two per book/membership basis.

General sale starts on Thursday at 9.30am.

Tickets are usual prices:

Stand: £18 Adult, £15 Concession, £7 Juniors, £5 under 10's.

Terrace: £16 Adult, £12 Concession, £5 Juniors, £3 under 10's.

Phone bookings are taken on 08442 761939.

News Round-Up

Plymouth have transfer listed veteran defender Darren Purse for financial reasons. The 35 year old is free to leave in January after lower than expected gates at Home Park during the first half of the season. ESPN have chosen the replays between Mansfield and Lincoln, and Harrogate and Hastings for their live FA Cup replay coverage.

Welsh Premier side Afan Lido recorded a home gate of just 76 this past weekend, the division's worst for more than four years. Ebbsfleet's Supporters Trust has been told by the club's MyFC owners that it will sell the club if it is in the best interests of the club. The Trust is to search for investment into the club to cover the £240,000 shortfall in the budget each season.

Alfreton have extended the loan of defender Ross Killock from Leeds until early January. The teenager has been a regular since arriving two months ago. Hearts are reported to have settled their outstanding £450,000 tax bill. Players have had to agree to defer wages in order for the demand to be met.

Lincoln have signed keeper David Preece on non-contract terms. The 36 year old spent the last three years as backup keeper at Barnsley, making eight appearances. Southport have sold Darren Stephenson to Chorley for a small fee. The teenage striker, formerly of Bradford, has been on loan at the NPL side.

Great To Have A Replay says Foyle

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle was pleased that his side drew 1-1 at Cheltenham last night in the FA Cup. He is looking forward to a replay next Tuesday.

"It's been very hard with the players not getting paid, transfer embargoes and things like that," said Foyle.

"I think the players rose to the occasion with 1,300 fantastic supporters behind the goal and it certainly gave me a buzz. The replay is great.

"It's something to look forward to as a lot of non-league clubs are finished with cup foot ball by mid-December.

"So it keeps everyone going and keeps us on a high and another good 5,000 crowd for us and I beg the TV crews to come down again.".

Monday, December 03, 2012

Battling draw at Cheltenham

The Bulls came away from Whaddon Road with a hard-earned draw to take the tie to a replay at Edgar Street. Shaun Harrod had put the hosts in front on 16 minutes but a Josh O’Keefe equaliser just four minutes later squared the scoreline.

Martin Foyle named Ryan Bowman in the starting line-up with Brian Smikle getting the nod in the wide right position.

The Bulls’ travelling support was in fine voice in the packed visitors sections from the start. McGlashan sent over an early cross from the right but it was cleared upfield to Bowman although his cross came to nothing. Will Evans blasted an effort high and wide before another cross from the dangerous McGlashan was competently dealt with by Bittner. A Billy Jones corner was headed goalward by Elliot but, again, Bittner was equal to the task. Pell was hauled back when breaking from midfield but the freekick produced no threat on goal. Then, just after the quarter hour mark The Robins took what looked like a fortunate lead.

McGlashan got behind Heath to fire a low cross in and Harrod, looking suspiciously offside, turned in from close range. Roared on by the fans, The Bulls returned to the attack. Smikle was chopped down in centre field before a fine move produced the reply.

Clucas and Bowman combined on the left before the latter got past Lowe to dink a cross into the danger area. O’Keefe’s header was blocked by keeper Brown but O’Keefe blasted in the rebound from six yards. Bowman was clattered from behind on more than one occasion with little reward before Lowe, on the overlap, sent in a cross that was cleared at the back post. Sam Clucas raised the tempo with a surging run to supply Pell but the Essex boy’s effort was a shade high and then Clucas’ own attempt just cleared the crossbar.

Carter brought Pell down for the third time without any sign of a card from referee Pawson but it was the hosts that were applying most of the pressure albeit with troubling Bittner too much. Smikle turned inside his marker to deliver for Clucas but the header drifted inches wide of the upright.

HT Cheltenham 1 Bulls 1

The Robins had probably shaded possession in the first period but The Bulls had shown good ability on the break with several delightful interpassing moves.

Clucas again started brightly with a couple of darting runs but the early stages of the second half were largely a keep-ball exorcise from both sides. Bowman was again fouled when holding up the ball, this time by Bennett before Marlon Pack dished out a clattering to Pell.

On the hour mark, Mark Yates threw on Jeff Goulding and Russ Penn for Harrod and Taylor. Penn was almost immediately penalised for a late challenge on Pell as Harry threatened to break away. A deep cross to the back post found Smikle but his lack of height enabled Jones to clear.

Pell and Bowman were both tripped as they burst towards goal but neither challenge drew a whistle from Pawson. The Bulls worked the ball nicely from left to right but Harry’s cross was too long and fell for a goal kick. Pack fired straight at Bittner and then a smart move involving Pell, Heath, Clucas and O’Keefe finished with a shot which Brown just managed to tip over the bar.

Mohamed cut in from the left to test Bittner but The Bulls’ custodian went full length to save as play brightened towards the final quarter. Heath, on a rare excursion, forced a corner, which was scrambled away before another corner was met at the back post by a thundering header from Stefan Stam that cannoned off a defender to safety. Marsh replaced Smikle for the final ten minutes and despite some typical Mark Yates longball tactics The Bulls survived fairly comfortably to earn an Edgar Street replay.

FT Cheltenham 1 Bulls 1

Hereford: Bittner, Heath, Graham, Stam, Gallinagh, Clucas, Pell, Evans, O’Keefe, Smikle (Marsh 79), Bowman. Unused: Hanford, Clist, McQuilkin, Perry.

Cheltenham: Brown, Lowe, Bennett, Elliot, Jones, Pack, Carter (Penn 60), McGlashan (Deering 80), Taylor (Goulding 60), Mohamed, Harrod. Unused Duffy, Roberts, D’Ath, Jombati.

Attendance 5070

The Bulls were far from outplayed by their supposedly higher graded opponents and on occasions produced some fine football despite the robust attentions of the home team. Elliot and Carter were particularly fortunate to avoid the notebook in a game that, remarkably, referee Pawson was uncharacteristically lenient. Another fine team performance from Martin Foyle’s men with Pell, Clucas and Bowman being the picks of the bunch. I somehow doubt that the NLL’s of Cheltenham will muster 1350 for their Cup Final at Edgar Street.

See you in Barrow.

We Didn't Do Enough To Win says Yates

Cheltenham Town manager Mark Yates admitted that his side didn't do enough to win this evening's FA Cup-tie against Hereford United.

"We didn't deserve to lose the game but we didn't do enough to win it either and that's the disappointing thing," Yates told the Press.

"We are frustrated and have a disappointed dressing room but we're still in it.

"They've got some big strong boys and we knew it was going to be tough. No-one thought it was going to be easy but we didn't apply ourselves to the best that we could have done.

"We've now got to go there and perform. Hereford are happy with themselves and quite rightly so. They played well tonight but we can play better and we have to make sure we do that next time."

Stats from Whaddon Road

Here's a run down of the stats from Whaddon Road as Hereford forced a replay against Cheltenham in the FA Cup Second Round.

Final Score: Cheltenham 1-1 Hereford

Goalscorers: Shaun Harrard 16 / Josh O'Keefe 20

Possession: Cheltenham 50% Hereford 50%

Shots on target: Cheltenham 7 Hereford 3

Shots off target: Cheltenham 5 Hereford 7

Corners: Cheltenham 5 Hereford 5

Fouls: Cheltenham 9 Hereford 10

Attendance: 5,070 with 1,336 in the away enclosure.

Replay: Probably a week tomorrow (Tuesday 11th December - possibility of ITV coverage; they are yet to announce their live game/games)

Proud to be a Bull!

Reaction from Martin Foyle

Martin Foyle spoke to ESPN after the live match between Cheltenham Town and Hereford United, which ended 1-1 at Whaddon Road.

"It's another replay and some more much needed money in the coffers. Times have been very hard but as you can see from the players, they're all fully committed. They deserve a pat on the back, thought we played some really good stuff

Speaking about the first goal, Foyle commented, "McGlashan is a good player. He got inside Joe (Heath) and it was a good finish. Joe's learning, had alot of injuries and he's just finding his feet again.

But Hereford soon levelled, and the manager was delighted, "Great reaction. Wasn't planned. We were looking for a foothold in the game. Ryan has been an unsung hero, it was a gamble but he can play that one man role. Great celebrations behind the goal

Foyle then spoke about Harry Pell, who was outstanding throughout, winning the ESPN man of the match, "He's only 20. Raw. But certainly up for it, great energy and broke from that midfield area. Just needs to get goals in his game and to keep things simple, he'll be a decent player."

Colin Addison was one of the analysts for ESPN and was delighted with the result and full of praise for the work that Foyle has been doing in difficult circumstances.

Both Harry Pell and Josh O'Keefe were also interviewed by the television station, with Pell confident that Hereford can overcome the Robins in the replay at Edgar Street.

Bulls Get A Cup Replay

The Bulls drew 1-1 with Cheltenham in tonight's FA Cup match at Whaddon Road.

Josh O'Keefe netted to earn the Bulls another crack at the ultra quiet League side.

Full report later.

Club Shop Open from 3PM

Hereford United's club shop will be open from 3pm this afternoon for the sale of scarves, hats and flags etc in advance of the trip to Cheltenham for the FA Cup-Tie.

Addisons Bar will also be open, with Rolls and Sandwiches also available.

Bulls to Win at Cheltenham - 5/1

Best price for a Hereford United win at Cheltenham this evening is 5-1. These odds are available with William Hill, BetFred and Boylesports.

Top quote for a draw is 51/16 with Pinnacle. BetVictor has 31/10 on offer.

Here's what SkyBet are offering:

Cheltenham 8/13 Draw 11/4 Hereford 9/2.

Ferrell Pleads Guilty To Drugs Offences

Former Bulls midfielder Andy Ferrell has pleaded guilty to drug dealing offences at Newcastle Crown Court.

Ferrell, 28, entered a guilty plea on charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and amphetamine. 19 people were arrested during raids in October, which netted up to £1.7million in drugs, with 14 charged and five so far admitting their part.

Ferrell will be sentenced at a later date.

Parking at Cheltenham

It is believed that the park and ride that operates between the racecourse car park and Whaddon Road will be in use for this evenings FA Cup match between The Bulls and Cheltenham Town.

The postcode for the car park in GL50 4SH.

The service starts at 6.00pm ‘til 7.20pm with return journeys leaving the end of Whaddon Road at 9.45, 10.05 and 10.25pm. Journey time is approximately 10 minutes.

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Commentary From Cheltenham

Hereford United Supporters at Whaddon Road in February 2011. The Bulls won the Game 3-0

For Hereford United supporters unable to watch the match 'live', there are various ways of keeping up with all the action from Cheltenham this evening.

The match is to be screened on ESPN which is channel 417 on Sky.

And it will be on both BBC Hereford and Worcester, BBC Radio Gloucester and Bulls Player.

H&W will have a sports special from 7.05pm on both 94.7FM around Herefordshire and also on-line but, as it's the FA Cup, only in the UK.

Trevor Owens will present the programme and Keith Hall along with Gareth Davies will be at Whaddon Road.

Meanwhile the subscription based Bulls Player, which is available world-wide, will have commentary from about 7.40pm with Jamie Griffiths and Gregg Davies.

Finally the Starlite Rooms will show the game. A good venue to watch the match and discuss the action with other Hereford United supporters.

It Could Be Everton

Hereford United have been drawn to play Everton at Edgar Street in the third round of the FA Cup.

However before that can happen the Bulls have to beat Cheltenham in the second round either tomorrow evening or in a replay a week next Tuesday.

Third Round matches will take place during the weekend of January 4/5/6/7 depending on TV coverage.

Results Round-Up

Newport lead the Conference table by two points after being the only one of the top three to win yesterday. The Exiles beat Gateshead 3-1 in front of just 1,473 at Rodney Parade to return to the top with Grimsby dropping to second after a 1-1 draw at Ebbsfleet and Wrexham dropping to fourth after losing 2-0 at Kidderminster. Forest Green are up to third after beating Nuneaton 1-0. Fifth placed Dartford lost 3-2 at Tamworth.

Down the bottom, Hyde moved out of the relegation zone after thrashing ten man Woking 7-0 with four goals from Phil Jevons with just 429 in attendance. Southport also moved out of the bottom four despite letting a 3-0 lead slip at Stockport, eventually winning 4-3.

In the FA Cup, Luton beat Dorchester 2-1 to progress into the Third Round. Potential FA Trophy opponents Chelmsford lost 3-0 at Crawley after having a man sent off, and Macclesfield's trip to Barrow was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

You've Got To Dream At This Level says Foyle

With Hereford United playing tomorrow evening in the FA Cup they will find out this afternoon who they could face in the Third Round.

"You've got to dream at this level," Foyle told Talk Sport earlier this morning.

"There's always two non-League clubs every year that get into the third round.

"So why not us?

"We'll see the draw today.

"I think it will crank up the pressure on Cheltenham probably as much as us.

"They obviously want the money to continue their promotion charge.

"If we don't beat Cheltenham, or Cheltenham don't beat us, then you don't deserve to go through to the next round.

"I know there will be a few people saying if, what happens if, but if we haven't been good enough on the day then we don't deserve to get through."

The draw is on ITV at about 2.40pm.The Bulls are ball number 56.

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Bulls Get Ready For Cheltenham

The Hereford United Squad Being Filmed Yesterday At Edgar Street

Hereford United's players have training sessions both today (Saturday) and tomorrow in advance of Monday's FA Cup-tie at Cheltenham.

And manager Martin Foyle is hopeful that the nine day gap between the last game, a win in the Trophy at Ebbsfleet, and Monday's game will have given some players time to get over any little niggles.

"I gave them Monday off," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We trained Tuesday and Wednesday, then had Thursday off.

"So we've Friday, Saturday and Sunday to prepare for the game.

"We've still got one or two little niggles.

"Saturday and Sunday we're on the pitch.

"Hopefully we can get a little bit more quality because the training ground has been very poor over the last few weeks.

"I think we are enjoying it (the build-up), I think it's kept the players going.

"They're bright, they know they're on TV. A few will probably have their hair done. Typical for the occasion.

"Our supporters selling out 1300 as well gives us another boost.

"It's a game we're looking forward to."

What about Cheltenham?

"They're very dangerous at set pieces but we will have chances.

"Their home record is good but they've had a couple of 'fours' on their travels.

"If we go and get the first goal it could put pressure on them."

Seven Conference Games Today

There are seven Conference games going ahead on what is FA Cup Round Two day.

Newport start the day at 12.30pm with Gateshead the visitors, with the Exiles able to retake top spot with a draw - at least until 3pm when six other games kick off featuring the rest of the top five.

Leaders Grimsby travel to Ebbsfleet, and second place Wrexham are at Kidderminster, while fourth place Forest Green entertain Nuneaton and fifth placed Dartford travel to Tamworth. Elsewhere, Hyde take on Woking and Stockport face Southport.

The FA Cup action kicked off last night. Bradford drew 1-1 with Brentford in front of just a third of their usual League attendance.

Footage From The Radford Challenge

BlueSq have uploaded footage of yesterday's challenge to YouTube.

Thorndale Predicts Cheltenham To Win Cup-Tie

It's 43 years since Cheltenham Town last defeated Hereford United at Whaddon Road but one of their players from that day thinks the Robins will come out on top on Monday when the two teams meet for a second round FA Cup-Tie.

Roger Thorndale was a right back who became the player to have made the most appearances, over 700, for Cheltenham and he still watches them today.

He played alongside Ronnie Radford for a spell before the latter moved to Hereford.

"I've not seen Hereford play this season so it's difficult to judge," Thorndale told the Gloucestershire press.

"But I imagine Cheltenham will win this one comfortably.

"I don't think it will be a rout, but by at least a goal or two.

"Ronnie was at left-back and I was at right-back.

"He was a great player.

"He went to Newport first and then Hereford after leaving Cheltenham."

Meanwhile his former team-mate is hopeful Hereford can do the business.

"I had five happy seasons at Cheltenham and it was a great part of my life," said Radford.

"We made loads of friends and they visit my wife and me each year.

"But Hereford was just something special and remains special to this day.

"I hope it’s a draw, goes to a replay and then Hereford go through."

For the record the game Cheltenham won, by two goals to one, was a Southern League Cup quarter-final tie in 1969.