Test

Thursday, April 04, 2013

Potter Medal Sells At Auction

A medal awarded to former Bulls keeper Fred Potter has sold at auction in Ludlow.

The 1965/66 Division Four Championship medal, won by Potter with Doncaster, went for £650. Potter subsequently helped the Bulls into the Football League in 1972, being named Player of the Year for the 1971/2 season and cup run where he kept 38 clean sheets.

A few other Bulls-related items were up for auction, including an England u20 signed shirt that went for £42. Amongst those having signed the shirt, from the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship, was Chris Carruthers, who made 11 appearances for the u20 side including one marking Cristiano Ronaldo against Portugal.

Mansfield Chase Bulls' Winning Record

Mansfield equalled the Bulls' Conference record number of consecutive wins on Monday - and can beat it tonight.

The Bulls set a 12 game marker in 2004, starting with the 9-0 demolition of Dagenham in February and finishing with a 3-1 win over Farnboro on the opening day of the following season. The Stags joined Burton, who equalled the record in 2008/9, in levelling with the Bulls on Monday after beating Gateshead 4-0.

They face Wrexham tonight having won 16 of their last 17 games, with a 2-0 reverse to Newport the only blot on the record. The Dragons haven't won - or scored - since lifting the FA Trophy at Wembley.

If Mansfield hit the 13 game mark, it would be the second Conference record to tumble this season after Telford burst through Leamington's 26 game run without a win. The Bucks are currently on 29 with three games remaining of their forgettable season.

News Round-Up

Macclesfield will be without striker Matthew Barnes-Homer for the remainder of the season after he sustained a fractured cheekbone during their game with Wrexham at the weekend. He will undergo surgery today. Newport midfielder Max Porter will miss the rest of the season after boss Justin Edinburgh gave up hope that the groin problem, that has been "two weeks away" from being fixed for the last two months, would heal.

Conf South side Farnboro will seek dispensation from the Conference to sign another keeper after sacking their last remaining stopper. Craig Bradshaw had his contract terminated after declaring himself unfit for the remainder of the season on Twitter, with a club statement noting their displeasure. Alfreton have had loan striker Scott Boden recalled by parent club Chesterfield. The 23 year old scored three times in 13 games for the Reds.

Ebbsfleet boss Liam Daish told the BBC he was away from his house for 24 hours for their epic trip to Barrow last night. A crash on the M25 was followed by a spilled load of baked beans on the M6, causing them to have a 10 hour journey to Cumbria. Stockport say they have made cost savings of around £135,000 a season over the last four months. The savings have come from renegotiating contracts and axeing staff in the accounts department.

Dunfermline owner Stuart Masterton has signed his shareholding in the club over to the interim Administrator. The club is not yet in actual Administration but has already made a number of redundancies including 11 players and the assistant manager. Accrington have cut season ticket prices by up to 25% in a bid to attract fans. Their cheapest Early Bird Adult ticket is £192.

Woking have allowed loan keeper Seb Brown to return to Wimbledon with first choice Aaron Howe ready to return from injury. Brown, 23, made 13 appearances for the Cards.

Yeovil Axe Youth Academy

Yeovil are the latest side to axe their youth setup due to the cost.

A string of clubs have made the decision to disband their youth schemes since the controversial Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) was forced through by the Premier League just 18 months ago, with the top flight withholding funding until the deal was done.

The EPPP deal means clubs will receive transfer fees for youngsters that are a fraction of their previous levels, leaving many clubs to wonder if their schemes are worthwhile.

In Yeovil's case they had already ditched their under 9's to under 16's last summer, keeping only their under 18 side this season. Yeovil fansite Ciderspace notes that the last player to play for the first team that graduated from the side was five years ago, and manager Gary Johnson will now target 18-21 year olds released by other clubs.

Elsewhere, Lincoln's youth setup is again under threat. The Imps have struggled to maintain it financially since the last of their Football League funding was cut last summer, and the scheme is now reported to have a £50,000 funding gap with the senior side not prepared to finance it.

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Macclesfield Depose King

Macclesfield boss Steve King has been sacked after their play-off hopes effectively ended with a 3-1 home loss to Grimsby tonight.

The sharp suited miniature manager is reported to have spent heavily over the season on players, with the club at least twice failing to pay players on time due to the outlay. They sit in eighth place in the table, 12 points short of the Mariners in fifth place.

They are the eighth side to dispense with a manager this term.

In the other games tonight Southport won 3-1 at Braintree to move four points clear of danger, while Ebbsfleet had a marathon 10 hour trip to Barrow for their game.

Traffic delays saw the match kick off at 9.05pm with Ebbsfleet having ex-Bull Nathan Elder sent off shortly before the end. The 1-1 draw leaves the Fleet with 10 points to make up from six remaining games, while Barrow are a point behind target sides Nuneaton and Gateshead.

Macclesfield Travel – Saturday 6th April

Macclesfield Town v Hereford United

Blue Square Bet Premier

Saturday 6^th April 2013 KO 3.00pm

Moss Rose

London Road

Macclesfield

SK11 7SP

Phone 01625 264686

The visitors terrace is uncovered but provides a good view. Some seats are usually provided in part of the McAlpine Stand. With the weather forecast predicting rain, it should be a testing afternoon with The Silkmen.

BY CAR – You need to travel north on the M6 either via Worcester and the M5 or, in my case, up the A49 to the north of Shrewsbury joining the A53 to Market Drayton and onto the M6 at J15 (Stoke). Leave the M6 at J17 (sign Sandbach/Congleton), then at the crossroads turn right onto Old Mill Road – A534 (sign Congleton). At Congleton, join the A34 and follow signs for Manchester. Then join the A54 (sign Buxton). At Bosley crossroads, turn left onto the A523 (sign Macclesfield). Follow this road into Macclesfield and the ground will be on your left. Parking is mostly in the Streets around the ground. Distance approx 120 miles. Allow 2 hours 30 minutes. Post Code SK11 7SP

HUISA – depart from Radford’s at 10.00am with a fare of £18 (members £16). Seats can still be booked through The Club office (08442 761939).

TRAIN/BUS – Macclesfield train and bus stations are about a mile from the ground (twenty-minute walk).

ADMISSION – Terrace, adults £14, Conc £10 (Over 60’s), U18’s and Students £5 and U12’s £3. Seating, £18, £14, £5 and £3. Savings of, typically, £2 can be made by booking in advance through the Macclesfield ticket office (01625 264686) before 5.00pm on Friday

REFRESHMENTS – Keith’s Bar at the ground usually welcomes visiting supporters and serves decent Pug Grub. The Bar opens at around 12.30 and has Sky Sports screens. Leaving the ground, follow the A523 (London Road) towards the town centre. You will find several decent Pubs along the way including The Albion at 6 London Road and the nearby Railway View in Byrons Lane (Boddingtons, Cains plus four guests and the best pies in Macc). Also worth a visit is the Waters Green Tavern in Waters Green (Taylors Landlord plus at least four guests!) on the way from the Station. The Boarhound in Brook Street is a Robinsons outlet, which has a pool table. The Golden Lion in Moss Lane is the closest to the ground being just 500 yards or so away. It usually has a good mix of both home and away fans but, I believe, only serves keg beers whereas The British Flag in Coare Street has a range of Robinsons ales and I think is still run by a home supporter. It has a big screen but no food. Finally, The Sun (Mill Lane) is about halfway between the Station and the Moss Rose. It has two bars, Sky TV and offers an excellent range of beers (no children). There is a refreshment kiosk behind the visitors end inside the ground.

See you at The Moss Rose

'Overseas' Investor To Bulls' Rescue?

Hereford United may be about to get some welcome investment from overseas according to chairman David Keyte.

"There is an overseas investor that we've been working on for about four months," said Keyte.

"I thought it would have been through by now - there are some banking system hang-ups or something.

"If it comes off, then I can probably put my cheque book away for about three years."

Keyte To Meet Hotel Chain

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has said that he is to meet 'a hotel chain' later this month to discuss the possibilities of development of the Blackfriars End of the Edgar Street Ground.

The club is continually looking for new investment and it is hoped this meeting will be worthwhile.

"These things don't seem to move very quickly," Keyte told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"As Herefordians we know how long it has taken for the cattle market to get off the ground.

"We are meeting a hotel chain on the 16th of this month to talk about Blackfriars Street End possibilities."

Meanwhile Keyte has once again suggested that there could be some kind of housing development at the Meadow End of the stadium.

Player Of The Year Voting Closes Saturday

Voting for the HUISA sponsored Player Of The Year award closes on Saturday.

Voting forms are available from the Club's reception and bars. You can also download and print off the form by clicking on the link below:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7xr-8UbQ4sOMmdkRE41MFJqREE/edit?usp=sharing

Voters can also vote online by emailing their vote to huisavote@gmail.com with their top three choices.

Beadle Joins Bulls Management Team

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle has recruited Peter Beadle to his management team.

Beadle is to take responsibility for the Youth Set-up at the club. He will combine this task with a scouting role.

Now 40, Beadle started his career in football with Gillingham and went on to play for at least ten other clubs before moving into management.

He spent much of his playing career around Bristol, firstly with Rovers where he made 109 appearances and scored 39 goals between 1995 and 1998.

From Rovers he moved to Port Vale where he played alongside Foyle for about six months before being sold to Notts County for £250,000, some £50,000 less than Vale had paid for his services.

In July 1999 he moved to Bristol City where he stayed until 2003 making 82 appearances and scoring 14 goals.

His first job in management came at Newport County in October 2005. However he was sacked in April 2008. Later he was in charge at Clevedon Town.

More recently he has worked with young players firstly at West Bromwich and then at Cheltenham Town.

It's believed Beadle has been working with the under 18's since John Layton left.

News Round-Up

Former Luton boss Paul Buckle has confirmed that he left the club to move to the US with his fiancee. The news that Rebecca Lowe has joined NBC's Premier League coverage team has finally been confirmed, allowing Buckle to speak on the matter. The Hatters have offered professional terms to two of their youth teamers. Full backs Brett Longden and Jerome Jibodu have both been on the first team bench this season.

Cambridge City have been granted an extension to the March 31st deadline to agree a ground for next season. The Southern League side have to leave their home of 91 years, Milton Road, as it is scheduled for demolition this summer. Torquay's survival hopes have been dealt a blow after loan winger Joss Labadie was recalled by parent club Notts County. The former West Brom trainee scored four times in seven games for the Gulls.

Welsh League side Llanelli are reported to have total debts of £138,000. The sum includes rent, players wages, and tax with the club currently facing court action from the taxman.

Un-Civil War Breaks Out At Newport

A Newport fans group is to stop raising money for the club after a dispute over funds.

The Friends of Newport County raised £12,000 last season to boost Justin Edinburgh's playing budget as they fought against relegation but new chairman Les Scadding directed a foul-mouthed tirade towards them when they attempted to hand over a further £5,000 at the weekend.

FONC spokesman Rob Santwris says the fans will probably have to bail the club out again when lottery millionaire Scadding 'gets bored'. Club Director Howard Greenhaf told the local press he could not condone Scadding's comments and wanted the parties to get along.

The dispute between the two parties arose in January over a fundraising event that went sour. Santwris told the South Wales Argus: “We have a fantastic manager and I really hope we go on to win promotion, but the club shouldn’t treat fans in this way.

“This is supposed to be the fans’ club but County fans need to ask what will happen if Les Scadding gets bored of the club. Is there a plan B? No doubt the fans will have to bail the club out again.”

Meanwhile, Conf North side Gainsborough's manager Steve Housham has called for a boycott of the club's own Supporters Club over a dispute over ownership of the ground.

The supporters' Blues Club own the club's ground and have rejected a £250,000 offer from club owner Peter Swann, who says he will walk away from the club if they do not sell.

Housham has called for fans to stand on the side of the ground where the dugouts are rather than the side of the supporters club bar to show support for the chairman, labelling the supporters club's committee as 'dinosaurs'.

Foyle Pleads For Jones' Job

Bulls boss Martin Foyle has take to the official site to plead for the Post Office to give Craig Jones his job back.

Foyle signed Jones until April 20th to trial the Westfields youngster, with Jones returning to Westfields for their final few games of the season. Any contract he would then offer him would not start until July at the earliest.

He explained: "The agreement I had with Craig was that I didn't want to put his job in jeopardy. It was important to me that we didn't get in the way of his job, we made arrangements for him to come in twice a week, at times that would suit his job.

"He's come here to sign for us in his lunch hour, he worked in the gym during a lunch break but he's gone into work one day to find out he'd been sacked.

"He'd made agreements with people at the Post Office before signing for us that his shifts would be covered, we were led to believe, and Craig believed, that everything had been sorted, he had the full backing of his fellow postman who were delighted he'd been given a chance."

Further quotes are on the official site.

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Variety Show In Aid Of Mayor's Charity

There will be a 'Variety Show' in aid of the Mayor's charity at Hereford United's Starlite Rooms on Friday April 12th starting at 7.30pm.

For his year in office one of the good causes the Mayor has chosen to support is Robocap, the prostrate cancer charity and money raised from the show will go to this local cause.

Artists booked to take part in the show include Mike Prince, Mike B, Marc Drew, Warren, Ann May, Sian Haines, Jim Griffith and the Hereford Police Male Voice Choir.

Tickets are just £10 and will be available on the door.

Close to the end of the Mayor's year nearly £40,000 has been raised for the Haven and Robocap Cancer charities.

Betfair Swallow Blue Square Pill

Betting exchange Betfair have bought Conference sponsors Blue Square, with the Conference expecting their sponsorship to now end.

While Betfair say they are considering the future of the deal, with the current contract expiring in the summer anyway, Conference chairman Brian Lee has gone on record to say they expect the deal to end in the summer.

The Conference board will meet later this week with the competition's sponsorship at the top of the agenda.

Young Bulls Draw With Swindon

Hereford United's youth side drew 1-1 with Swindon in an evenly contested game earlier today.

Louis Feeley equalised for the Bulls after Swindon had gone ahead.

"Good point for us," he said.

Meanwhile there was a return to Edgar Street for former manager Jamie Pitman who was in the away team dug-out.

News Round-Up

Stockport have dropped prices for their final home game of the season with their Conference status still in the balance. They will more than halve ticket prices from a maximum of £18 to just £8 for adults for their game with Dartford on April 13th. Newport boss Justin Edinburgh is serving a two game touchline ban for comments made to the referee after their recent game with Tamworth.

Welsh Premier bosses have apologised after failing to send any match officials to a rearranged league game yesterday. The match, between Carmarthen and Airbus, had to be abandoned because the league had failed to tell match officials of the new date. Cambridge Director of Football Jez George completed a 42 hour 100 mile walk from Cambridge to Lincoln in time for yesterday's match between the sides, raising £26,000 for the club in the process.

A Kidderminster fan was stabbed as fans coaches departed Luton after yesterday's match at Kenilworth Road. The incident occurred when 'local residents' attacked a coach. Two Harriers fans were taken to hospital and four locals, reported to be not associated with the Hatters, were arrested. Nuneaton have passed their ground inspection after finishing improvements to their stadium in time. Amongst the work needed was two new turnstiles and paving around their main stand.

Fourteen sides have been granted licenses to operate in the Welsh Premier next season. The league handed approval to 10 of the 12 current teams and four vying for promotion, with Llanelli's financial problems barring them and Connah's Quay bid rejected due to a lack of information, but they are expected to be passed on appeal.

The Club Will Be Here Next Season Says Keyte

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has said that despite the current financial problems the club will be here next year. And is he very hopeful that a new investor will soon will confirmed.

"The club will be here," Keyte told Bulls Player.

"We've been talking to a potential investor for the last four months.

"We thought the money would have been into the club about ten days ago but there have been some banking issues and so on. So it hasn't quite arrived."

The Players and Staff haven't received their full wages for March. On top of that because the club is in the top eight the players are also owed a bonus.

"As a board we've put in £50/60K per month since January. We are getting through the months but the trading position is nowhere near straight. With the crowds dropping it has just added to the problem."

Keyte then revealed more details about the potential investor.

"It will be long-standing if it comes through, as and when it comes through.

"That would put us right for the next couple of seasons.

"So people need not think about the football club folding. That's not the situation at all.

"There's a lot of positive exciting developments really with the ground and so on.

"We've waited nearly three years since I've been involved but the future is bright.

"We've just got to get through this season which we knew would be difficult."

The full interview is now on Bulls Player.

Monday, April 01, 2013

Season Tickets On Sale

One way supporters can help Hereford United through its current financial problems is to purchase a 2013/14 season ticket.

They are now on sale at Edgar Street with an early bird 'discount'.

The application form is now available to download from the official site here.

Youth Game This Morning

Hereford United's under 18 side will be in action at Edgar Street this morning.

They will play Swindon in a Youth Alliance league game.

Kick-off is at 11am.

Bulls Riding High In Form Table

Graphic - Andrew Kingston

According to the stats, the Bulls are third in the Conference table of games having taken place in 2013.

Since the turn of the year the Bulls have collected 31 points, ahead of play-off contenders Wrexham (30), Newport (29), and Grimsby (23). Only frontrunners Kidderminster and Mansfield are better off than the Bulls.

At the foot of the table, Telford are unsurprisingly holding last place with just six points in 2013. One surprising name joins them in the bottom four - Luton. The Hatters have won just three of 18 matches since the turn of the year.

Financial Problems Continue For Bulls

Hereford United chairman David Keyte has admitted that staff have not received their pay for the month of March. With just 662 at last Tuesday's match, the club did not even have enough income to pay the expenses for the evening.

"We have not been able to meet the wage-bill this month," Keyte told the Hereford Times.

"We have come up with a hardship scheme whereby if any of the staff are desperate to pay their mortgage, or whatever, on the first of the month they will get some of their money."

This afternoon's gate and other takings should mean the staff will receive some money this week but the situation remains difficult.

"Whenever we get something in, then they will get some more," said the chairman.

Keyte is hopeful sales of season tickets will help bridge the gap.

Images From This Afternoon's Match

Below are a few images from this afternoon's match at Edgar Street where the Bulls of Hereford defeated the Lambs of Tamworth 5-2.

Both Kyle Perry And Stefan Stam Were on Their Respective Benches

Rod McDonald And Luke Graham In the Centre Of Defence

Players Celebrate One Of The Hereford Goals

Joe Connor

Craig Jones Came On as A Sub

Kingsley James And Former Bull Kyle Perry

Lambs silenced by rampant Bulls

Hereford United stormed to a 5-2 victory against Tamworth with a brace of Josh O’Keefe spot-kicks and goals from Rod McDonald, Sam Clucas and Kingsley James while The Lambs replied through a Connor own goal and a quality strike from Lee Hendre.

Martin Foyle made three changes following the match at Woking with Stefan Stam rested in favour of Rod McDonald, Joe Connor came in for Joe Heath and Ryan Bowman started at the expense of Marlon Jackson. Kyle Perry was on the bench for the visitors while former Villa star Lee Hendre started in midfield.

Tamworth forced the first corner when Cunnington’s cross deflected off Clucas but Bittner was confidently out to claim. Hendre’s shot from a tight angle drew a save from Bittner and Luke Graham completed the clearance. Then a flag kick from Hendre picked out Lloyd on the edge of the box but his volley finished on the site of the Langford sale ring.

Courtney was penalised when all over Chris Sharp but from the kick, Sam Clucas’ first touch let him down and the ball ran through to keeper Liam Mitchell. Kingsley James fed a ball through to Marley Watkins but, again, Mitchell was quickly off his line to kick to safety before The Bulls took the lead from the spot on 17 minutes.

Kingsley James played a forward ball that was flicked on by Chris Sharp and with Ryan Bowman baring down on goal he was felled in the box by Connor Gudger and Josh O’Keefe stepped up to drill home to the keeper’s left.

Josh O'Keefe With Marley Watkins - Pictures Taken By Andy Compton Of The Hereford Journal

A Sam Clucas volley skidded just wide of the upright then from a Lee Hendre pass Cunnington broke forward but fired well over Bittner’s bar. The Bulls got a second on the half-hour mark.

Ryan Bowman’s shot was only cleared out to Clucas and his deep cross was headed back across goal by O’Keefe for McDonald to finish from close range.

Rod McDonald's First Goal For The Bulls

James released Watkins on the right but his cross was too close to the keeper who was able to catch unchallenged. Chris Sharp showed good touch and awareness to feed Bowman but Mitchell got to the ball first and hacked it out of play. Chris Bush’s through ball found Marley Watkins cutting in to the box but his shot was blocked before the third goal arrived in added time.

Chris Sharp chased a ball into the box and got his ankles tapped. O’Keefe finished sweetly from the spot to give The Bulls a comfortable three-goal interval lead.

HT Bulls 3 Tamworth 0

Kyle Perry joined the action after the break but it was The Bulls who were first to threaten after the break. A Sam Clucas corner drew a bout of head tennis and when the ball eventually came down Chris Bush cracked in a drive that Mitchell did well to turn round the post. But The Bulls were back in scoring action a minute later.

Rod McDonald intercepted an attempted through ball from Hendre and played a delightful forty-yard pass out to Marley Watkins on the right. Watkins cut inside to clip a ball across to Clucas and although Mitchell palmed Sam’s first time shot up he quickly nodded into the empty net.

Sam Clucas Scored Hereford's Third Of The Game

Clucas might have added to the score shortly after when he blazed over from a Joe Heath cross from the right. His through ball to Bowman also produced an opportunity but Ryan’s shot was blocked. Then on 65 minutes The Bulls struck again.

Bittner’s quick release sent Chris Sharp away on a rampaging run down the right. He outpaced his marker round the outside and pulled the ball back to the edge of the box. Marley Watkins first time strike was blocked but Kingsley James picked up the rebound and curled an absolute beauty round the keeper and just inside the far post.

Kingsley James With Half The Team On Top

Martin Foyle then took the opportunity to make a triple change with Jackson, Jones and Smikle replacing Watkins, Clucas and O’Keefe. The Lambs got on the score sheet a few minutes later when Lee Hendre’s pass found Darren Byfield at the back post and although Bittner blocked his volley, the rebound off Connor finished in the net.

Byfield was replaced by Stuart Hendre who injected some pace on the right flank and his dangerous cross was headed inches wide by Tommy Wright. Chris Sharp made another surging run down the right and was unlucky to get a nasty bounce as he shaped to shoot resulting in a skied effort over the bar.

The Hendre duo then combined well for Lee to fire in an unstoppable shot from twenty yards with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining.

Sub Appearance For Craig Jones

Three minutes were added in which both Smikle and Jackson saw decent efforts on target before the referee called time in front of an improved crowd of 1424, which included 108 from the snowdome.

FT Bulls 5 Tamworth 2

Hereford:- Bittner, Connor, Grahan, McDonald, Bush, Watkins (Jackson 70), James, O’Keefe (Jones 71), Clucas (Smikle 71), Bowman, Sharp. Unused:- Heath, Stam.

Tamworth:- Mitchell, Tait, Wylde, Marshall, Courtney, Gudger, Kelly, Hendre L., Lloyd (Perry 46), Cunnington (Wright 61), Byfield (Hendre S. 78). Unused :- Oji, Breedon.

With Season Tickets now on sale for next year this was perfect timing for The Bulls to turn in a convincing win. Bowman’s return added pace and threat to the forward line and Chris Sharp’s determined and selfless running caused loads of problems for the visitors. The midfield worked hard with Watkins and Clucas providing good service and, at the back, the new boys in Bush and McDonald made telling contributions.

All in all, it was a very satisfying and entertaining day at The Street.

See you at the Moss Rose on Saturday.

People Will Come Back For Good Football Said Preedy.

Hereford United director Dave Preedy gave his views on this afternoon's encouraging 5-2 win over Tamworth

"I'm not saying we relaxed but the Hendrie goal I applauded," Preedy told BN.

"Obviously you want to keep a clean sheet after such a good performance.

"Once we got in front it was game over. Two great penalities from Josh. Sam took his goal well. Sharp, particularily, worked very very hard, pity he didn't score.

"I was very impressed with Bush. First time I'd seen him as I missed the Woking match."

One of the scorers was defender Rod McDonald.

"He got forward very well for a defender. He was almost man of the match as he got forward so often."

Another came from Kingsley James.

"The goal of the game. Again Sharp set it up. Kingsley took his time, picked his spot and a cracking goal, a classy goal."

Sam Clucas On Top Of The Celebration Of James' Goal

No doubt most Hereford supporters would have enjoyed the game.

"If you show good football people will come back and with the season ticket prices just released we have to encourage people to come back, get bums on seats.

"Get bums on seats then we get a bigger budget."

For some time Preedy has predicted the Bulls wouldn't be far off a play-off place.

"I knew we could play football and I knew Martin's squad, the way he plays them, are a good squad.

"We've still got a big say in this league. Games against Mansfield, Macclesfield and Forest Green.

"It's never over, it happens!

"What you want to do is finish with a flourish.

"If we could have today's starting eleven next season I'd say thank you very much. They are getting better."

Very Good Team Performance said Foyle

A delighted Martin Foyle spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester after this afternoon's game.

"A very, very good team performance, I thought we played very well," said the Hereford United manager.

"The first ten minutes we had to handle their big boys up-front but after that once the first goal went in it settled us down.

"I thought the front boys gave an outstanding display of attacking football.

"The wide boys were good and quick and Bushy coming into the side with his long throw does cause problems at any level. They struggled with it.

The Bulls were awarded two penalties in the first half both converted by Josh O'Keefe.

"The first one was 100% but I can't understand why it wasn't a sending off. It was a goal scoring opportunity. And if it was 1-0 at the end of the game you would question that. It was the wrong decision.

"Josh has got the technique. While he is scoring the goals and fully confident - I think that's 13 or 14 for the season, it's a good return. And we must remember he wasn't here at the start of the season."

Rod McDonald Minding Luke Perry

Rod McDonald started in central defence in place of Stefan Stam. And he scored on his home debut.

"I could keep playing Stef who has been absolutely fantastic all season with luke but I have to see Rod with my own eyes.

"He's a 20 year old boy and a pleasure to coach.

"Is that our future and I've got to look at them.

"He made two or three diagonal crosses, he's got that in his locker.

"It was good for our supporters to see it because he's been in the background.

"His goal was the icing on the cake, you don't usually get that in a home debut."

Foyle was pleased with his two 'boys in the middle of the park', O'Keefe and Kingsley James.

Josh O'Keefe With Kingsley James In Midfield

"It's been a problem all season, getting the right balance.

"I think they've gelled very well, I think they have been the back-bone for a number of weeks. They get on the ball and compliment each other. One can get forward and one is defensively minded but keeps the ball. It's a good partnership, long may it continue."

Foyle seems pleased that the Bulls are now in seventh place in the table.

"It's been up and down all season. We've had numberous problems behind the scenes all season.

"I've been branded the big bad wolf with a lot of things but I know exactly what's been going on.

"My job here is to save money and to try and turn a poorly run club really at times but we are certainly getting there.

"With the backing of the fans that all I can ask.".

Results Round-Up

The Bulls are seventh in the Conference table, nine points short of the play-offs with five games left. Kidderminster hold the lead at the top by a point after a 2-1 win at Luton, with Mansfield hot on their heels after equalling the Conference record with their twelth successive win as they beat Gateshead 4-0. Newport are third after winning 2-1 at Nuneaton, with Wrexham down to fourth after a goalless draw with Macclesfield. Grimsby are fifth after beating Stockport 2-1, with Forest Green sixth, four points shy having played a game more, after a goalless draw with relegated Telford.

Stockport's loss means they are a point the wrong side of the relegation line with four games left. Ebbsfleet now need to make up 11 points after going down 3-1 at Braintree with seven games left, while Barrow cut their safety gap to two with a 1-1 draw with Hyde. Lincoln's 0-0 draw with Cambridge took them to 50 points, but Southport are one of three sides just a point clear of danger after a 2-0 home loss to Alfreton. In the other game Dartford beat Woking 4-1.

In League Two, the bottom two both won to drag a number of sides back into immediate danger. York (24th, 44pts) beat Plymouth (22nd, 46) 2-0, while Aldershot (23rd, 45) beat Oxford 3-2. Torquay (21st, 46) lost 3-1 at home to Bradford, with Accrington (20th, 47) drawing 3-3 with Burton. Wimbledon (19th, 48) lost 1-0 at home to Barnet (18th, 48), with Dagenham (17th, 48) losing 4-2 at home to Bristol Rovers.

Stats From Edgar Street

Luke Graham Captained The Bulls This Afternoon

Below are the main stats from this afternoon's very entertaining game at Edgar Street. The Bulls were 5-0 up but Tamworth scored two late goals.

Result: Hereford United 5 (five) Tamworth 2

Scorers: O'Keefe (17/Pen and 45/Pen), McDonald (29), Clucas (50), James (67) - Connor (o/g 74), Hendrie (88)

Possession: Bulls 48% Lambs 52% (BN note - PA mistake?)

Shots on Target: Bulls 7 Lambs 4

Shots off Target: Bulls 4 Lambs 3

Corners: Bulls 3 Lambs 5

Fouls: Bulls 7 Lambs 11

Cards: Yellow for Bittner

Man of the Match: Sponsors Springfield Poultry selected Chris Bush

Attendance: 1424 with 102 in the away end

Conference Table: The Bulls are now in 7th place.

Bulls Tame Tamworth In Goal Avalanche

The Bulls racked up their highest score of the season with a 5-2 demolition of Tamworth.

A pair of Josh O'Keefe penalties were joined by a Rod McDonald strike and finishes from Sam Clucas and Kingsley James. Two late Tamworth efforts failed to dampen the mood at an upbeat Edgar Street.

Full report later.

Belford Expects Performance To Yield Points

Tamworth boss Dale Belford believes his side need four or five more points to ensure Conference safety.

The Lambs go into today's game at Edgar Street on 48 points, two clear of the bottom four, with Belford telling the Tamworth Herald that his side's performances in recent weeks show that they are capable of pulling off a result today:

"Hereford themselves are in a good run of form, but we have just got to go there today and show the exact kind of spirit we did against Mansfield. Hopefully that will be enough, but it will be another tough game regardless.

"Hereford are fourth in the current form guide I think and they were in the Football League last year, we are seventh or something like that since I came in.

"It will be a tough game but all I want from my players in the same kind of spirit they have shown of late. Over the last 13 games these boys have put in everything in terms of effort and commitment but we need that to carry on now.

"Our form in the last 13 games has been good, but the sad thing is everyone else around us keeps picking up results at the same time. I think it is going to take 52 points possibly 53 to be safe which in my opinion will be the highest points total you will ever need in the Conference to stay up.

"That total would certainly be a record for us in this division, in-fact we have already surpassed the points total from last year and are still not safe.

"Despite that the result against Mansfield was not the best but the performance in my view shows the lads are up for this fight and have got what it takes to get those points needed."

The Lambs are expected to field two veteran faces today. Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie and ex-Villa and Sunderland striker Darren Byfield both started Saturday's loss to Mansfield.