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Saturday, April 13, 2013

Clucas Named Player Of The Year

Winger Sam Clucas has been named Player of the Year for the 2012/13 season.

The vote, organised by HUISA, was the closest ever seen, with five players at the head of the voting being split by just 14 points.

The Player's Player of the Year award was handed to club captain Luke Graham.

Sam Clucas Along With Keith Dodd And Nicky White From HUISA

Luke Graham

Stefan Stam Also Collected An Award

Bulls draw in highly entertaining match

After a slow start that saw visitors Gateshead take a first half lead through Carl Magney The Bulls stormed back in the second period to earn a well deserved point with a goal from Player Of The Year Sam Clucas and arguably should have taken all three.

Martin Foyle honoured a gentleman’s agreement with the Heed manager not to start on loan Chris Bush instead opting to play Rod McDonald at left back. Stefan Stam returned to central defence with Craig Jones added to the substitute’s bench. Former Bull Adam Bartlett started between the sticks for the visitors.

Gateshead Clear Out Of Their Area - Pictures From Andy Compton Of The Hereford Journal

The Bulls kicked off attacking the Meadowend with Connor feeding Clucas but the wideman’s back-heel from the bye-line failed to find a United player. Rod McDonald found himself on the right to force a corner that was cleared before Chris Sharp broke on the right and delivered a low cross that Josh O’Keefe hit on the run but a defender blocked his shot with Bartlett struggling to make his ground.

Sam Clucas

Sam Clucas sped infield from the left only to be body checked just outside the box. Marley Watkins free kick brought a desperate punched clearance from Bartlett before Watkins was guilty of delaying a shot when well placed to strike from the edge of the box. James Brown broke forward but Stam bided his time before making a timely interception.

Gateshead were having their share of the ball and showed some tidy build up play with Gillies and Brown both impressing and it was The Heed that took the lead on 24 minutes. The ball was played in from the right, Hatch laid it off and Magney swivelled to fire home from 8 yards.

Joe Connor With Gateshead's Carl Magney

O’Keefe headed wide from a corner then, at the other end, Gillies whipped in a cross that Stam hooked away for a corner. Marley Watkins showed a clean pair of heels to his marker and pulled back to the edge of the box from where Kingsley James was unlucky to see his first time shot skid inched wide of the upright. Bartlett fielded Stam’s header from a Graham free kick before Bowman charged down a hesitant Bartlett clearance only to see the ball fall wide of the goal.

Another Gateshead Clearance

Clucas’ cross looked destined for a Bowman tap-in before Curtis snaked out a leg to divert the ball to safety before the referee brought a halt to the first half in which the visitors had probably shaded possession.

HT Bulls 0 Gateshead 1

Chris Sharp spurned a great opportunity soon after the break. A corner was only partially cleared and when Watkins delivered into the danger area, Sharp scooped over from just three or four yards out with the goal unguarded.

Chris Sharp Should Have Scored (BN Pic)

Kingsley James effort cannoned off the boot of Chandler and over the bar but the referee strangely awarded a goal kick.

Joe Connor did well to nick the ball away as Brown shaped to shoot and then McDonald played a superb crossfield ball to release Clucas. Sam’s cross was half cleared and Marley Watkins screwed his shot wide from 12 yards.

Marlon Jackson replaced Sharp on the hour and immediately brightened the proceedings with some darting runs from his position in the hole between Bowman and the midfield. Kingsley James was producing plenty of threatening balls into the final third and was involved when The Bulls equalised on 65 minutes.

Ryan Bowman pulled to the left and duped the defender before delivering an inch perfect cross, which Sam Clucas gleefully turned into the net from close range.

Player Of The Season Sam Clucas Put Hereford Level (BN Pic)

Jackson drew a full length save from Bartlett and Watkins also warmed the hands of the former Bull with a twenty-yarder before creating an opportunity that really should have produced a winner. Watkins’ good work on the left brought a through ball across the six-yard box but the normally reliable Bowman miss-kicked and the ball ran for a goal kick.

Marley Watkins

At the other end, Brown broke dangerously into the box but Bittner was smartly off his line to smother. Watkins and Clucas continued to run the flanks to great effect but despite some of the most enjoyable passages of play for many months The Bulls were unable to find a second goal to the disappointment of all but 21 in a crowd of 1599.

FT Bulls 1 Gateshead 1

Hereford: Bittner, Connor, Graham, Stam, McDonald, Watkins, James, O’Keefe, Clucas, Bowman, Sharp (Jackson 59). Subs not used: Gallinagh, Heath, Jones, Smikle.

Gateshead: Bartlett, Cummins, Magnay, Curtis, Galpin, Gillies, Turnbull, Chandler, Donaldson (Marwood 57), Brown, Hatch (Fisher 78). Subs not used: Boyle, Nixon, Bore.

BN MOM – Kingsley James for loads of hard work and a stream of forward balls into attacking positions.

The visitors started well following improved recent results and provided a worthy test for a Bulls side now unbeaten in six. The slight indecision that resulted in a goal masked an otherwise solid defensive performance in which Stefan Stam once again showed his class and was backed by responsible support from his fellow defenders.

Marley Watkins was occasionally guilty of delaying the release of he ball but he and Sam Clucas were a constant thorn in the side of The Heed. Kingsley James was my pick of the bunch while Josh O’Keefe was unlucky not to add to his impressive goal tally. Chris Sharp, as usual, ran the legs off the defenders but, sadly, missed probably the best chance of the game. Ryan Bowman should also have scored but still looked a threat, as did Jackson during his 30 minutes.

Really looking forward to what should be a cracking game on Tuesday. With Mansfield desperate for a win there is every chance that they could leave the sort of gaps that our lads can exploit.

Bring ‘em on.

Bulls Take PFA Loan?

Bulls News understands that the Bulls have taken a PFA loan to cover player wages for March.

Off-field staff wages remain largely unpaid, with the club hoping on banking a bumper sum on Tuesday to meet their obligations. There would have been a sigh of relief after Mansfield's loss extended their title chase to Tuesday's game, where the Stags will be on the verge of selling-out their 1,559 allocation and putting upwards of £20,000 into the Bulls' coffers.

With fresh investment still likely to be at least two weeks away, the Bulls will welcome the income from what is their last home game for at least three months til the pre-season schedule.

Selected Images From This Afternoon's Match

James Bittner In Control

Rod McDonald Takes A Throw In

Josh O'Keefe And Hatch

Chris Sharp On The Bar After Missing An Open Goal

Bartlett Punches The Ball Away

The Gateshead Faithfull

Results Round-Up - Barrow/Ebbsfleet Down

Barrow and Ebbsfleet were both relegated after today's results. The Fleet went down 3-1 at home to Telford, ending the Bucks' mammoth winless streak, while the Bluebirds lost 2-1 at Cambridge to leave them five points short of safety with only one game left. Seven teams can still technically fill the final relegation spot though Hyde, who lost 3-1 at Nuneaton, would have to be desperately unlucky to drop with a six point gap. The Boro's win puts them five clear alongside Southport, who won 1-0 at Forest Green. Lincoln beat Tamworth 2-1 to move four clear but with only one game left - the three sides below them have two games. Stockport are sat in the final relegation spot after losing 1-0 at home to Dartford in front of over 6,000 at Edgeley Park, with Tamworth and Gateshead two points clear of them.

At the top, the title race will continue to Tuesday after Mansfield lost 2-1 at Braintree with nearly 1,500 Stags fans in the ground. Kidderminster beat Wrexham 2-1 in the televised game to go top by a point but with the Stags still holding Tuesday's game at Edgar Street in hand. Newport beat Alfreton 2-0 to cement third place, with Grimsby drawing 1-1 with Luton last night. In the other game, Woking led Macclesfield 5-0 after half an hour but had to settle for a 5-4 win.

In League Two, the game between Barnet and Torquay was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Aldershot lost 2-1 at Wycombe despite a Craig Stanley goal to see their safety gap increase to three points, with York winning 2-0 at Northampton. Wimbledon drew 2-2 with Exeter to remain in trouble, with Accrington beating Morecambe 2-0 last night and Plymouth losing 1-0 at Burton.

Bury have become the first side relegated in the Football League, losing today's game at Gigg Lane 1-0 to Oldham to seal their drop from League One. The cash-strapped side saw over 4,500 through the gates with two weeks to save the club. Portsmouth and Hartlepool will join them if the pair fail to win both of their remaining games, with Pompey losing at Brentford and Hartlepool winning at Tranmere.

Stats From Edgar Street

Stefan Stam Shakes The Hand Of Former Keeper Adam Bartlett

Below are the main stats from this afternoon's game at a damp Edgar Street.

Result: Hereford United 1 Gateshead 1

Scorers: Clucas (68)/ Magney (24)

Possession: Bulls 47% Gateshead 53%

Shots on Target: Bulls 10 Gateshead 5

Shots off Target: Bulls 3 Gateshead 3

Corners: Bulls 12 Gateshead 8

Fouls: Bulls 11 Gateshead 10

McDonald Caught Hatch And Was Given a Yellow Card

Cards: Yellow for Rob McDonald

Captain Stam Trying To Reason With The Referee Not To Book McDonald

Sponsors Men of the Match: Connor and Clucas

Attendance: 1599 with 21 in the away area.

Hereford remain in sixth position in the Conference table, even if they win their last two games, they can't climb any higher.

We Should Have Won said Foyle

In his post match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester, Martin Foyle said he felt the Bulls should have won the game. However he was 'delighted with the point which keeps the run going'.

"I thought the attacking play was very good," said the Hereford United manager.

"It went from end to end, probably too much for my liking.

"We were a little bit slow out of the box but we got in it and played some good stuff, created some good chances, and to be honest should have won that game.

"We have missed some pearls of chances today.

"I think Gateshead are a good side, they shouldn't be where they are in the League. But they are..

Foyle described the Gateshead goal.

"It was a corner, just one ball in, straight down turn, that shouldn't happen. That was my biggest disappointment."

Acrobatics From Bittner But The Ball Is In The Back Of The Net

The Bulls had plenty of chances in the second half.

"There were loads and loads and some good play.

Sam Clucas Scored Hereford's Goal

"I thought Marley and Clucas were absolutely fantastic again, Sharp and Ryan probably need to hold that ball up a little bit better but Marlon came on and caused problems.

Kingsley James

"I've had a problem all season trying to get a mid-field pairing and fair play to James and O'Keefe, and that's probably why we've been on the run, they've been very very good.

"They are two fantastic lads who work hard and want to be here."

The game saw the return to Edgar Street of former keeper Adam Bartlett.

Adam Bartlett

"Adam's probably got the biggest reception I've heard all year here. He brought off some good saves but towards the end a lot of them went down his throat."

Heed Battered But Fail To Fall

The Bulls put Gateshead under a second half battering but had to settle for a 1-1 draw in today's game at Edgar Street.

Sam Clucas collected the supporters' Player of the Year award before the game and celebrated with a goal, but it wasn't enough for all three points.

Full report later.

Trust Coverage On H&W

BBC Hereford and Worcester spoke to Jon Hale, speaking on behalf of the proposed Supporters Trust, during their Drivetime show on Friday afternoon.

He was asked about HUISA, and how a Trust would fit in with them:

"We've met with their representatives and they fully respect what we're looking at doing and we completely respect what they're doing. There's no intention, at all, to step on their toes and, indeed, no intention of stepping on the toes of the football club or any other supporter movement.

"A Supporters Trust can be a platform for all of those organisations. A Government-backed scheme that gives us a bit of credence that can allow supporters, that have been away from the club for some time, can get back involved again."

When asked if the Trust had intentions to run the club, he added: "We've been in contact with David Keyte about the idea. We've met him in person, exchanged emails, he is very much aware of our dealings with Supporters Direct and he knows categorically it is not a movement towards the supporters owning the club. It is not something we envisage happening, but I say that in general terms as, until we have a Supporters Trust, we don't have any specific aims. All we're looking for at this stage is for people to attend an open meeting at which we would discuss a Supporters Trust.

"We've set up an email account hufctrust@gmail.com. We'd like supporters all over the world, this is very much about embracing supporters that can't necessarily get to matches, to get in touch by email and let us know if they're interested in the idea of a Supporters Trust and, particularly, if they're interested in attending an open meeting at the end of April. There's also a Twitter account @hufctrust.

"We're looking for interest up to the 19th/20th April so that a meeting can be arranged in time. David Keyte is aware what is going on, we're not trying to hide anything. We've said, absolutely, transparency is the key to everything we do. We want to open this to every possible interested party in Hereford United and sustain the football club for the future."

Jon was part of the fundraising Walk that took place in November. The walkers are to be guests of the club for today's game with Gateshead, and will be presented to the fans during the afternoon.

Know The Score

The 'Know The Score' campaign will be supported by Hereford United this afternoon.

Current England midfielder James Milner, World Cup winner Martin Peters, women’s captain Faye White and former striker Les Ferdinand
have all pledged their support and helped to promote ‘Know the Score’ in a national newspaper campaign.

The campaign is also being backed by several leading bowel cancer charities who want to raise awareness of key symptoms.
These include the Bobby Moore Fund, the Adam Stansfield Foundation, Beating Bowel Cancer, Bowel Cancer UK , the Men’s Health Forum
and the founding charity of ‘Know the Score’, the Mr Brightside Project.

This photo, taken at Edgar Street, is from a previous campaign.

Less Parking Close To Edgar Street

There will be less parking close to the home of Hereford United when the redevelopment of the adjoining former livestock market is complete.

However the total amount of parking spaces in Hereford will increase.

Supporters who have parked in the Merton Meadow car park for as long as they can remember will have to look elsewhere as the Meadow is to have houses built on it.

According to Hereford Futures there will be a 'modest net reduction' of parking spaces within 150 metres of the ground.

Peter Clasby from Hereford Futures gave BN this summary.

Within 150m of the ground, then post development there will be a modest net reduction in the available amount of public parking

Parking capacity – Currently within the city centre there are around 3,000 public parking spaces. This excludes those parking spaces associated with supermarkets, and other retail/business parks etc. Generally daily demand within the Council’s public car parks peaks at around 2250 indicating a generous surplus. Once the proposed housing development is completed then Merton Meadow will no longer provide any public parking, but this will be post completion of the Old Market retail development.

Public parking; including patrons attending HUFC - In total approximately 3,100 city centre parking spaces will be available post opening of the Old Market. Based on current demand and factoring in growth as a consequence of the new development this is considered to be an adequate supply. The new parking spaces coming forward as part of the Old Market development will be available for any member of the public to use, subject to payment – Waitrose customers will enjoy a short period of free parking. Therefore football supporters will continue to have access to public parking spaces.

Coach access to HUFC – The design of the Link Road took into account access to HUFC, and the new north-south feeder road can serve as a controlled area for coach pick-up / drop-off.

Friday, April 12, 2013

HUISA – Telford – Next Saturday

Coach departs from Radford's at 2.30pm for the 5.15pm kick off at the New Bucks Head with a fare of £13 (non-members £15).

Seats can be booked in Radford's before Saturday's game against Gateshead or through The Club office (08442 761939).

Gateshead Fighting To Be Safe From Relegation

Gateshead come to Edgar Street tomorrow knowing they are not yet safe from relegation. Depending on how other clubs around them fare they probably need to win at least one of their last three games. Last Tuesday they were defeated 2-0 by Nuneaton Town

"It’s still in our hands," said manger Anth Smith.

"We’ve got to focus on Hereford. Hopefully that becomes the three points that we need and then we can take it easy for the last two games.

"Hereford have done well. I think they've won their last three which has taken them up to sixth place.

"They’re in a decent run of form. But again, if we turn up with the right mindset and apply ourselves in the right way, as we’ve seen, we can be a match for anybody.

"So we’ve got to bear that in mind. The other night as I say, hopefully it’s a blip.

"But we need to be back at it on Saturday and you’ve got to back the lads. There’s still more than enough in our dressing room to beat any team on our day."

Does Bartlett Still Fear The Meadow End

This from last September:

In his final Bulls game

Former Bulls keeper Adam Bartlett has told the Non-League Paper about the nightmare his final 18 months at Edgar Street were.

The former Kidderminster stopper's injury problems and loss of form left him needing to leave the Bulls 'for footballing reasons':

"In the last 18 months at Hereford, I started making silly mistakes. Some of them were horrific and I could sense the fans in the Meadow End turning.

"I could feel that maybe they didn't trust me like they should, and it started to have a negative effect. I started to feel mentally like I didn't belong, and it had a big effect on the way I was. I lost a lot of confidence both on and off the field."

Bartlett then recalls the home match with Swindon in Feburary, when he spilled a cross right into the striker's path for the winner: "You hear the stick from the fans. Not long after that the ball went into the crowd behind the goal, someone threw it back to me and I got a big cheer for catching it.

"That's off your home fans, and it just got to a point where although I was contracted there for another season on a lot better money than I'm on now, I needed to go somewhere else for footballing reasons."

From The Archives - Gateshead Defeated By Hereford

With Gatehead the visitors at Edgar Street tomorrow BN looks back to March 1998, the last time the two clubs met in Herefordshire. Here's a report on that game written by Peter Povall.

March 14th 1998:

HEREFORD United 1 Gateshead 0

Considering that Hereford are pretty much out of the running this season a crowd of 2,007 turned out to see them extend their undefeated run to seven matches with a clean sheet run of six.

Bottom team Gateshead were never seen as an easy kill as they have everything to play for as the end of the season nears and relegation looms large over their shoulders. The statistics were against them though as they have yet to win a game away from home this season. Hereford though had no intention of becoming their first away blood.

The game started at a furious pace with Gateshead pushing hard, showing they were here to win. They generated chance after chance as they cut through the United defence which has started to show the lack of Richard Walker who is currently suspended.

The opportunities had started at the other end though as Brian McGorry grazed the post with a free kick in the opening minutes. The play quickly moved to United's goal and the busy Andy Quy.

The first chance Gateshead had came down to Paul Proudlock as he received a sailing cross from Steve Bowey which he headed into the bottom corner, having it pushed out for a corner by Andy Quy at full stretch.

Minutes later Gateshead missed a real sitter when their easy tap-in was sent wide of the post with the defence looking on.

By the time Tony Agana opened the scoring in the 68th minute, Hereford could easily have been three goals down had the finishing of Gateshead been better. The United defence was not at its best and the attacking line-up appeared to miss the confidence of Neil Grayson who will be sadly missed.

Agana's goal was justly deserved by Hereford as they had controlled the majority of the second half as Gateshead started to tire. Brian McGorry started the move by sending Ian Rodgerson down the wing where he beat a rushing defender and crossed the ball quickly and accurately to Tony Agana who flicked the ball on and into the back of the net past the diving Dean Williams.

Ian Rodgerson could also have added another when he again beat the Gateshead defence but lifted his shot over the bar.

The game was full of "interesting" decisions by referee P Gibbs of Birmingham who had kept the game full of surprises. A number of occassions come to mind where the team sending the ball out of play are awarded throw-ins, keepers are awarded goal kicks having just pushed the ball out of play and corners were awarded almost for fun.

A number of disturbing decisions were made though where a clear advantage play was available. On one occassion Gavin Mahon had beaten two defenders only to be felled having just played the ball through to Jamie Pitman who was clear on goal. The whistle blew and the play brought back. Pitman was lucky not to get booked for dissent as his objections were made load and clear.

Gateshead's Paul Proudlock did manage to get himself sent off for two bookable offences. The first for dissent and the second for a blatent foul on Brian McGorry.

Altogether another good match, although not one of the better ones but a victory is a victory regardless of how its dressed.

HEREFORD (5-3-2): Quy; Rodgerson, Fishlock, Pitman, Brough, Matthewson; Warner, McGorry, Cook; Agana, Mahon. Subs (not used): Mansell, Williams, Hill

Bush To Miss Gateshead Game

Chris Bush

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle has decided not to play Chris Bush against his parent club Gateshead tomorrow.

Whilst there is no clause in the signed loan deal to prevent Bush playing, Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he had taken the decision after speaking to the Gateshead manager.

"I did do the loan with the secretary and there was no clause he couldn't play," said Foyle.

"But I did have the manager on the phone yesterday pleading with me not to play him.

"They realised they had made a mistake.

"Ant's (Gateshead manager) done me a favour so I've got no problems.

"Bush won't play tomorrow."

Joe Heath is expected to take his place at left back.

Supporters Trust Statement

Following discussions with various bodies including Supporters Direct, the organisation which represents supporters’ trusts in the UK, the group looking to form a Supporters Trust at Hereford United are seeking levels of interest in the idea ahead of a meeting planned for the end of this month.

Supporters Direct has advised that a 'Steering Committee' be formed to take the idea from embryo to the first open meeting, and the group concerned is now looking for people who may be interested in participation at any level.

The reason for the formation of a supporters’ trust is that supporters need to be better represented in the decisions made by directors and the owners of the club, and believe that some form of formal involvement, as is the case in many clubs in the UK – including Newport County, Mansfield Town and others – would significantly benefit the club. It would also serve to reinforce the links between the club and the wider community it serves, and which has sustained it for nearly 90 years.

Whether you would be interested in becoming a member of a future Trust, or would be willing to get involved in the creation and running of the organisation, the Steering Committee would like fans from around the County of Herefordshire, across the wider country, and indeed across the world, to register their interest to confirm that a Trust has the support of the fans of the club.

Anyone wishing to register their interest is asked to email the Steering Committee at hufctrust@gmail.com. Providing there is sufficient response an open meeting will be arranged, and could take place within weeks.

The Steering Committee is a group of people interested in setting up a Supporters Trust. Following formation and the first AGM, members will elect a board to represent the organisation.

Members of the Steering Committee are, in no particular order, George Webb, Jon Hale, Will Hale, Matthew Taylor, Martin Watson, Ron Parrott.

For more information on Supporter Trusts, please go to www.supporters-direct.coop

News Round-Up

There were three Conference games last night. Newport beat Macclesfield 4-1 to move up to third, Alfreton beat Tamworth 3-0 to virtually secure their place in the fifth tier next term, and Dartford and Braintree ground out a goalless draw. Luton face Grimsby in tonight's televised match.

Newport manager Justin Edinburgh has signed a new two year deal with the club. The former Rushden boss has been joined by his assistant Jimmy Dack in signing up to the summer of 2016. Telford say that former Bulls midfielder Kris Taylor has refused to return to the club after being recalled from his loan spell. Taylor says he will stay with Hednesford for this weekend's games.

Port Vale have released former Bulls trialist Ryan Burge by mutual consent. The 24 year old was suspended in March, despite being a regular and receiving praise for his performances, and hasn't played since. Forest Green have handed midfielder Stephen Brogan a deal for next season. The 25 year old signed from Guiseley in September.

Truro City have been threatened with a winding-up order over a £125,000 bill from the girlfriend of bankrupt former owner Kevin Heaney. The club deny the claim, saying it is 'fabricated' and that the current owners 'bought and paid for it all' when taking over the club. The bill is claimed to be for the use of their Treyew Road home, which documents now reveal was sold for £2million by Heaney with none of the money hitting club bank accounts.

Bury boss Kevin Blackwell has warned that the club could slide out of the Football League if it's finances are not balanced. The club's board have confirmed they have opened talks with potential investors after Wednesday's statement. Morecambe boss Jim Bentley has told the press he has had to release one of his higher earners this summer due to budget cuts for next season. Low gates at the Globe Arena have forced the move.

Forest Green boss Dave Hockaday say that, for him, it's 'play-offs or bust' next season. He says he is finding it difficult to motivate his side now they cannot make the top five having 'thrown it away'. Oxford have reported a loss of £1million for last season, after initially telling fans in February the loss would only be £750,000. Losses are expected to be a similar level this term.

Kidderminster have recalled striker Nathan Blissett from Cambridge due to an injury to winger Danny Pilkington. Blissett netted twice in seven games for the U's.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Bulls 6/5 To Defeat Gateshead

Gateshead, who are expected to have former Bull Adam Bartlett in goal, are the visitors to Edgar Street tomorrow and the bookies think they will be defeated.

Currently Hereford can be backed at 6/5 to win the game. That price is available with BetVictor and 188Bet.

Best price for a draw is 5/2 with BetVictor, Bet365, Stan James, 188Bet and Ladbrooks.

Latest odds from SkyBet:

Hereford 11/10 Draw 9/4 Gateshead 11/5

Council Idiocy To Grind City To Halt

Herefordshire Council have given businesses and motorists just a months notice of major roadworks in the city centre.

Alterations to drainage around the Old Market site mean the council will shut the two lanes of Newmarket Street that run from Edgar Street roundabout to Commercial Road - for a month from May 12th.

Their preferred diversion route turns a 0.3 mile stretch of road into a 5.8 mile diversion around the city - a route that the Hereford Times says will be taken by the 11,000 vehicles a day that currently use the closed road.

News Round-Up

Portsmouth's takeover by the Supporters Trust is set for completion after a last-minute deal between Portpin and the Trust over Fratton Park was sealed ahead of a court hearing. The Trust were offering £3million of Portpin's £10million claim on the ground, and are believed to have agreed a deal for their £3million offer plus some additional clauses based on success of the team. The Administrator expects to conclude the deal by April 22nd, with the club likely to incur a further 10 point penalty on exit of Administration.

Former Bulls winger Joe Colbeck has been suspended for four games after being sent off for violent conduct on Tuesday night. The 26 year old will sit out their remaining three league games and the opening play-off match. Dartford are considering switching to full time status. The move is currently under consideration but is unlikely to be done in time for next season.

Southend's proposed stadium at Fossetts Farm has moved closer after the club partially won a cash battle with the local council. Initial planning consent demanded a £6million up front payment from the club and Sainsbury's for the deal, but that has now been reduced to £3.5million - although the pair tried to get the sum down to zero. Telford have had loan midfielder Simon Ford recalled by Grimsby. The 31 year old had featured six times for the Bucks.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

We're Not Good Enough For Play-Offs Admits Foyle

In his post match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester at Forest Green last night, Martin Foyle suggested that currently the Bulls were not good enough for the play-offs despite reaching sixth place in the Conference table.

"People said you still had half a chance," said Foyle.

"I thought probably a while ago it was probably out of our reach even if we did have a run of wins which we have done. We've done great.

"Realisticly we are a long way off some of the big boys in this league."

Meanwhile in a second interview Foyle mentioned that despite the current financial problems continuing, the players have been 'absolutely fantastic'.

"It been hard times for the players, hard times for the board of directors as well," Foyle told Bulls Player.

"But the players showed me that they wanted to play for me tonight.

"They've had three games without being paid but nobody can point their finger at any one of them."

Bury "Will Go Bust In Days"

Bury chairman Brian Fenton has announced the club will go bust unless it secures £1million in new investment.

The Shakers have relied on PFA loans in recent months to cover the wage bill and, with the season close fast approaching, have finally admitted they are on the verge of bankruptcy - with the local press suggesting matters could reach a head within days. A club statement reads:

“At this moment in time the situation is now critical - we are quickly running out of money by trying short-term fixes that are not working long term. The club desperately needs £1 million of external investment to secure the long-term future of the club. Without this investment the club will cease to trade and there will be no more professional football played at Gigg Lane.

“We are looking for a number of people, local businessmen or women to join a consortium and invest £100,000 each, with a guaranteed payback.”

The club are on the verge of relegation from League One, a fate that could be sealed this weekend, having seen gates slump this season.

Bulls win - but faint play-offs hopes over

Players Shake Hands In Front Of The Impressive Main Stand

Hereford United and Forest Green Rovers' faint play-off hopes were ended last night despite a 1-0 victory for Hereford against their Gloucestershire rivals. Both sides have to make do with another season of Conference football after Grimsby picked up three points on their travels to Dartford. The result at the New Lawn was settled by Rod McDonald's second goal of the season since his switch from Nantwich Town, in front of 1,142 supporters.

Only one change was made as United looked to build on three straight victories; Martin Foyle opted to take a look at McDonald, with captain Stefan Stam left on the bench. Former Gumpers James Bittner and Luke Graham started for Hereford.

The early exchanges fared well for the Bulls with Ryan Bowman bursting into action. Chris Sharp linked up with his striker partner and Hereford's leading scorer fired a vicious strike against the frame of the woodwork. Moments later, Sam Clucas stung the fingertips of home 'keeper Sam Russell with a 25 yard drive.

Rovers took a while to settle into their stride on their home turf, despite keeping possession well in the middle of the park, they failed to trouble Bittner in between the sticks. A long-range free-kick from Yan Klukowski was a yard wide whilst Reece Connolly latched onto a long-ball to administer half a chance for himself but the excellent reactions of Bittner closed the gap and foiled the chance. As the half progressed to a close, Klukowski had an opportunity with a header from a Paul Green cross but he couldn't hit the target.

Ten minutes had passed in the second period when the away team took the lead through McDonald, much to the delight of the arduous 444 away following. A Clucas corner from the right was hung to the back-stick where McDonald outmuscled his man to powerfully volley past Russell.

Another Goal For Rod McDonald

Buoyed by the opener, Hereford pushed on with a deflected Clucas effort forcing another corner whilst the impressive Chris Bush surged forward from his left-back position, firing a cross cum shot goalwards which Russell was forced to push behind. A similar corner to the one that produced the goal was again met by McDonald with his header cleared off the line by former Watford midfielder Al Bangura.

The hosts had their best opportunity of the game with just over fifteen minutes to go. A well-time pass found sub Magno Vieira but his goalbound effort was well stopped by Bittner and the follow up effort from Connolly superbly foiled by a block from Graham. As the hosts pushed men forward in search of the equaliser, the Bulls threatened on the counter. A misplaced back-pass by Jared Hodgkiss presented Bowman with a chance to fire goalwards, finding the side netting from an acute angle, whilst in stoppage time, Sharp found himself free from the final men but a heavy touch and rushed effort flashed past the post where he should have at least hit the target.

Another narrow away victory against a team who haven't been far from the play-off pack all season. Foyle will be delighted with two clean sheets in a row whilst United could have added to the solitary strike from McDonald on a number of occasions. This was my first game of 2013; if we can keep the core of this team then we'll give ourselves a solid punt at the play-offs next season. McDonald and Bush in particular were impressive, with Sharp running his socks off up top. An enjoyable evening out at the New Lawn, although consuming one of their badger pasties was one step too far for me! Next up for Hereford is the visit of Gateshead on Saturday and the possibility of a dodgy bobble for former 'keeper Adam Bartlett.

Three Points For The Bulls

Hereford: Bittner, Connor, Graham, McDonald, Bush, Watkins, O'Keefe, James, Clucas, Bowman, Sharp.

Subs: Gallinagh, Heath, Stam, Smikle, Jackson.

Forest Green: Russell, Hodgkiss, Turley, Oshodi, Stokes, Green, Bangura, Forbes, Klukowski, Burns, Connolly.

Subs: Bulman, Asafu-Adjaye, Collins, Vieira, Odubade.

News Round-Up

Lincoln's survival hopes have been dealt a blow with the news that central defender Andrew Boyce will miss their final two games after collecting his tenth yellow card of the season in their loss to Luton last night. Macclesfield have dropped prices to £5 for adults and £1 for kids for their final home match against Cambridge on April 20th.

Portsmouth's court case to determine whether a sale of Fratton Park can be forced through is due to start at noon today. It has already been delayed from a 10.30am start, with the court seeking a larger room for proceedings with huge press interest. Ebbsfleet are reported to be facing Administration after virtually guaranteeing relegation last night. The press claim they need £100,000 to stave off trouble over the summer.

Coventry have withdrawn their appeal against the points deduction for entering Administration. A statement from the club says they withdrew the appeal after legal advice. Telford have recalled former Bulls midfielder Kris Taylor from his loan spell at Hednesford due to injuries. Eight players are currently on their treatment table.

We Gave Bulls A Free Chance said Hockaday

Forest Green manager Dave Hockaday was disappointed in the way his side let Hereford United score the only goal of last night's game at the New Lawn.

"I can't say we haven't played well or passed it around but at the end of the day you have got to win games," Hockaday told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"In and around their box even when we get open goals, we just can't put the ball in the net.

"It was 0-0, if we score then maybe we will win it but I can't see them scoring in a million years.

"We've got a throw in, we give it away, they throw the ball in the box, they get a corner, they score from the corner and it's a free chance. One of my centre halves has been done."

Hockaday spoke about Hereford.

"I've seen Hereford a few times, they haven't played well but they haven't needed to.

"They've taken their chance."

Charity Quiz In Starlite Rooms Friday April 19th

Foyle Pleased With McDonald

Rod McDonald scored the only goal in the game against forest Green last night and Hereford United manager Martin Foyle was pleased with his performance.

McDonald And Team- Mates Celebrating His Second Goal For The Bulls

"He's been fantastic in the team last two games," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

McDonald was preferred to Stefen Stam to partner Luke Graham in the heart of defence.

"Stef knows the situation and he's been as good as gold.

"He knows what's happening.

"Stef has probably been one of my best players this season.

"But I've got to make these decisions to look to the future."

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Stats From the New Lawn

Hereford United At The New Lawn This Evening

Below are the main stats from this evening's game at the New Lawn.

Result: Forest Green Rovers 0 Hereford 1

Scorer: Rob McDonald (56)

Possession: FGR 50% Bulls 50%

Shots on Target: FGR 6 Bulls 2

Shots off Target: FGR 4 Bulls 4

Corners: FGR 3 Bulls 5

Fouls: FGHR 10 Bulls 10

Cards: Yellow for Connor

Attendance: 1142 with 446 in the away areas.

Hereford move above Forest Green into sixth position in the Conference table.

Results Round-Up

Mansfield can take the title on Saturday if they beat Braintree and Kidderminster fail to win in the televised match at Wrexham, otherwise it'll go on to Edgar Street next Tuesday. The Stags beat Macclesfield 3-1 to go two points clear with a game in hand. Wrexham's 1-0 win over Cambridge means they can still take second place from the Harriers, while Newport's 1-0 win over Braintree and Grimsby's 2-1 win at Dartford confirmed their play-off berths.

Down the bottom it's looking bleak for Ebbsfleet. They lost 1-0 at Hyde having played half the game against 10 men, meaning they need four straight wins and to make up a 16 goal deficit to stand any hope of staying up. Barrow's 4-0 loss at Alfreton mean they will be relegated Saturday if they lose at Cambridge. Lincoln's 3-0 loss at Luton leaves them only a point clear of the bottom four, while Nuneaton beat Gateshead 2-0 to move two points clear.

At the foot of League Two, Aldershot drew 1-1 at Port Vale in the first of their two games in hand. The point keeps them bottom, but halves their deficit to safety.