Bulls ready to hand start to Guinan

Hereford United manager Graham Turner is looking forward to today's meeting with Stevenage Borough at Edgar Street, kick off 3pm.



Steve Guinan and Danny Williams should be fit to boost the squad.



Turner told the Evening News: "Danny missed training but should be okay as is Steve Guinan who had half an hour."



After the Exeter game on Thursday, he added: "Exeter is not the easiest place to go and while we defended well, particularly against their set pieces, we didn't play too well when we had the ball. In that respect it was pleasing that we got a win without being at our best."



The Bulls are without the banned Jamie Pitman, but Ryan Green and David Brown are available again after suspension.

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Pitman-less United face injury-hit Boro'

Hereford United have two players back for tomorrow's match at Edgar Street against Stevenage Borough, kick off 3pm.



Defender Ryan Green and striker David Brown return from suspension, but midfielder Jamie Pitman serves a one-match ban after picking up five yellow cards, so Graham Turner will be forced to reshuffle his pack once again.



Steve Guinan may start in attack alongside Mark Beesley, and Rob Purdie could slot into midfield alongside Ben Smith. Richard Teesdale is likely to drop down to the bench to allow Green to regain his right-back position. Danny Williams is expected to shrug off an ankle knock.



"Stevenage have got two good front players but it is another match we have to take three points from," said United manager Turner in the Evening News.



Stevenage have been hit by injury ahead of the match, and as a result could only have eleven contracted professionals available for the game. Gary Holloway returns from suspension though, after missing the 3-2 win over Farnborough Town on New Years Day, but striker Anthony Elding picked up a knock against Westley's former club.



Manager Graham Westley told Boro's official website: "I think that Hereford were the best side that we have played this season when they beat us at our place. They gave us a lesson in football. There aren't too many weak links in their side.



"If we play as we know that we can, then anything is possible," he added.

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Red card decision slammed by 'keepers

Exeter City goalkeeper James Bittner has hit out at referee Mr. Chapman, who sent him off in yesterday's game against Hereford United at St. James' Park.



Bittner was red-carded for a deliberate handball outside the penalty box, but he responded by rubbishing the decision.



He told BBC Radio Devon: "It's a joke - I was a yard inside the area. The ball was definitely inside. It's been costly for us."



"All the Hereford players were telling the referee it hadn't gone outside the box but he went ahead and made a decision that changed the entire match," he continued in the Express & Echo. "It ruined it for the fans as well. I was in disbelief when he showed me the red card. Obviously, I will appeal because this is a huge blow for me personally and the team. I thought the red card on Boxing Day was harsh but this is ten times worse. I still can't quite believe it happened."



City manager Eamonn Dolan added: "You can accept one key decision going against you, but every one in the game is hard to stomach. But you can't ask any more from our players."



"He must be a Hereford fan. It's the only logical explanation and that is my true feeling on it all.



"We try to leave referees alone and that is what you get. I am just dumbfounded. This is a devastating blow and one that is hard to stomach."



Bittner left the field to an ovation, and one of those applauding him was United stopper Matt Baker. "I don't know if he handled it outside or not but that surely cannot be a sending off offence," he said. "The officials seem to want to hammer goalkeepers and this decision was particularly harsh. But James is big enough to get over this disappointment."

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Captain glad to pick up points

Tony James said after today's 1-0 win at Exeter City that he was delighted with the outcome of a difficult game.



"It was probably our scrappiest performance of the season, but they're the ones you really need to win," said the United skipper. "We put the work in, defended very well, and nicked the win."



Of the sending off, he added: "It looked from where I was that he was just in the D."



James man-marked Sean Devine successfully throughout the game, which was a major factor in keeping the Grecians' top scorer quiet. "He hit one from thirty yards going into the top corner and Baker managed to get his left hand out to stop it."



The Bulls are back in action against Stevenage Borough on Saturday, and it will be a tough match, according to United's captain.



"We've got to be prepared for Saturday," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "We need to get another home win and we'll have to see what Stevenage offer."



Meanwhile, midfielder Ben Smith will miss the away game at Morecambe after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season this afternoon.

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Happy New Year for Hereford

Hereford United collected three points in their early kick-off at Exeter City, as they won 1-0.



Danny Williams' free-kick proved to be the decider after Exeter goalkeeper James Bittner was dismissed for the second time in six days against the Bulls.



Terry's report is here.

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City attackers aim to puncture Bulls

Hereford United make the trip to Exeter City today knowing that Eamonn Dolan will have top scorer Steve Devine available again.



Devine missed the 1-1 draw at Edgar Street on Boxing Day because his wife gave birth over the festive period, but he is back in contention to put pressure on Steve Flack, Reinier Moor and James Coppinger.



"We definitely have options now which is fantastic considering the situation that arose last week," said Dolan in the Express & Echo. "We were facing a real crisis but now it looks a lot more rosy. It gives me plenty of options to work with.



"All the strikers look really hungry for goals. The team is creating plenty of opportunities which is giving them plenty to feed on. There is no doubt that this match is going to be another cracker because it involves two teams who like to play attacking football."



Moor added that United's defence is their weakness. "I really want to have another go at them because I felt defensively they lacked a bit," he said. "Obviously going forward they are a good passing side, but I feel we could get some joy from their defence at St James's Park.



"The defence appears to be their weak link and it is something we need to exploit."



There is full commentary of the game on the BBC Hereford & Worcester website, and second half coverage on the radio too.

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Why no offer for Parry?

Despite several weeks of speculation there does not appear to have been a definite offer from Cardiff City for Hereford United's Paul Parry.



The Bluebirds appear to be desperate to sign a left-winger but have been thwarted in their latest efforts as Rotherham have stopped the possible loan of Andy Monkhouse in time for Sautrday's Cup game with Sheffield United.



Monkhouse was scheduled to arrive at Ninian Park tomorrow to complete a temporary move, but Millers manager Ronnie Moore called a halt to the deal.



"I have 17 fit players and nobody is going out right now," Moore told icwales.



"Maybe in a week or so, but not right now."



If Lennie Lawrence, the Cardiff manager, wants to sign anyone for the Cup game he has to act before midday Friday.



However the quote from the Rotherham manager implies that a loan of Monkhouse is possible shortly. Whether that means that Cardiff will still look to sign Parry is unclear.

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Beesley set for first start

Graham Turner is expected to hand new signing Mark Beesley his full debut in tomorrow's Nationwide Conference trip to Exeter City, kick off 1pm.



Hereford United miss the suspended David Brown and Ryan Green, so Beesley is likely to partner Rob Purdie in the United attack.



It is also hoped that Steve Guinan will play a part after his recent knee injury, but he is unlikely to make the starting eleven.



Of the match, United boss Turner told the Evening News: "We have to stay in touch with Chester and that means winning at Exeter. With our trip to St James' Park and Stevenage it's fair to say we've probably got the harder task than Chester who you expect to beat Leigh RMI again.



"But we can't afford to let Chester get nine points in front."



"We know it is going to be a tough game and we've got a couple of suspensions. But Steve Guinan is making good progress and could come into contention while Mark Beesley will probably start."



Chester, though, have not yet wrapped up the title, adds Turner. "There's still a long way to go and a lot of football to be played," he said.

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United star in TV draw appearance

Former Liverpool and Wales star Ian Rush will team up with Hereford United attacker Steve Guinan to make the fourth round draw of this season's FA Cup.



Guinan, who scored a hatrick and was handed 'player of the round' for the fourth-qualifying stage of the competition as United beat Harrow Borough 6-1



"This is a real honour for me, the club and supporters," said the ex-Nottingham Forest striker. "I think it shows how the FA is rewarding and acknowledging the achievement of smaller clubs as part of the Player of the Round award."



He added in today's Evening News: "To team up with an FA Cup legend like Ian Rush is a dream, especially when I remember how my dad used to take me to watch him when I was a kid."



Liverpool fan Guinan will join Rush on BBC2 at 1pm on Monday, 5th January.

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Bulls look for a Happy New Year

Hereford United look forward to gaining revenge on Exeter City for Boxing Day's 1-1 draw when they travel to St. James' Park on New Year's Day, kick off 1pm.



Rob Purdie's goal was cancelled out by Steve Flack's strike at Edgar Street, but the Grecians had goalkeeper James Bittner sent-off for a foul on Paul Parry.



Purdie is confident that Hereford can bounce back. "I think we can go to Exeter and get the three points, and four points over the two fixtures won't be a bad return," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "We're good enough, on our day, to beat anyone in the Conference quite comfortably."



Bittner picked up a knee injury in that challenge on Parry, but is fit to play and told the Express & Echo: "I have put the red card to the back of my mind because I am determined not to let it affect me mentally. In hindsight I should have never come for the ball. But I did and the result was costly for me. Instead of dwelling on it I have replaced the disappointment with a fierce determination to make amends on Thursday."



The red card means Bittner misses the FA Trophy third round game against Hereford on January 10th, but he has only picked up a one-match ban after referee Bob Desmond reviewed his initial decision. City boss Eamonn Dolan added: "I was hugely impressed with this referee and his decision is a huge boost for James."



Of Hereford, Bittner continued: "They are very good going forward and show a lot of movement up front. They play a crisp and neat one-touch game but I thought they looked quite vulnerable at the back."



"We are well capable of beating them at home because we are creating a lot of chances at the moment. And we have the psychological edge because we came from a goal behind to earn a draw when they must have thought they would get all three points.



"All in all it is set up to be a real thriller and I hope we can get a bumper crowd to drive us on."



Hereford miss Ryan Green and David Brown through suspension, while defender Andy Tretton is out. Graham Turner waits over the fitness of striker Steve Guinan, and also midfielder Danny Williams, who picked up a knock on Boxing Day.

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Lawrence looking for fresh faces

The pressure on Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence could tip the balance in favour of signing Paul Parry.



Lawrence is rumoured to be mulling over a possible £100,000 bid for the Hereford United winger, and faces pressure from supporters at Ninian Park to bounce back from a run of four consecutive league defeats.



The Bluebirds manager said after their latest defeat, a 2-1 reversal at Watford yesterday: "Managers have to take all the responsibility and I feel under pressure. We will have to see how the chairman reacts — it’s the first time I’ve faced this situation in two years at the club. We have been making some ridiculous errors and it’s getting to be a huge cause for concern.



"I'm increasingly concerned about our situation. Any cushion we had in the First Division has been wiped out by our own ineptitude," report cardiffcity.com. "We are still in mid-table but unless we put this right and stop the rot we will start looking behind us."



City chairman Sam Hamman is eager to bring success to the Welsh capital, and has the finances to back Lawrence with. "Bringing in new players is a solution but that's easier said than done. I've tried to loan players but that hasn't been easy to do," added Lawrence.



The impetus of fresh faces at Ninian Park could be what is required, and Parry is one player who Lawrence has been tracking with great interest.

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Guinan rues misses - but backs Bulls for the top!

Hereford United's top scorer Steve Guinan not only reckons that the side should have netted fifteen more goals this season, but adds that the Bulls can clinch the Conference championship.



United have netted fity-seven times this season, and Guinan told the Non-League Paper: "We have missed some absolute sitters and been creating an unbelievable amount of chances."



"We are very capable of winning the Conference. We are only halfway through the season, but no one thinks we are genuine contenders.



"It makes no difference to any of us what people think - and in fact, it is adding to our resilience."



However, Guinan recognises the limits of the squad's size. "As long as we stay injury free, we have players who are more than good enough to win this league."



One clash that could decide the destination of the title is on the final day, when Hereford host Chester City at Edgar Street. "No on would want it to go down to the wire and hopefully, we could win the title before that, but I wouldn't be surprised if that game was crucial. If it was than I am sure Edgar Street would be packed to the rafters."

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Smith set for England call

The England National Game XI boss Paul Fairclough is looking to call Ben Smith up into his next squad.



Speaking to the Non-League Paper, he said of the Hereford United midfielder: "I have seen Smith a couple of times and he was outstanding on both occasions.



"I like the way that Hereford play their football and Smith is very much a key playmaker. If they do go up, he certainly won't have any problem playing League football."



Smith could participate in a major tournament in the USA in June, involving England, the USA, Haiti, Canada and Trinidad, if the FA backs the idea, while there may be a new European Championships at the end of next year. This could include Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, Italy and France.

• This season's play-off semi-finals and final will be decided with a silver goal, if the scores are level after ninety minutes. Thirty minutes of extra time will then be played, and if one team is ahead after fifteen minutes, then the game will end. Penalties will then follow if required.

• Two former Hereford attackers are looking to revive their careers. Scott Voice has joined Redditch United from Hinckley United for a club-record fee, while Adrian Foster had an achilles operation in the summer and is now getting back to full fitness. He is currently on-the-books of Taunton Town.

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Parry - the latest from Ninian Park

The Cardiff City Sleeping Giant website is carrying the following article, written by Sean Wozencraft, which appears to sum-up the latest from Cardiff.



Lennie Lawrence was at Hereford last night to watch Paul Parry in action against Exeter City. Lennie is very interested in the midfielder, who is described as the best player in the Conference.



He has watched Parry a number of times and the youngster has impressed on each occasion. Last night was no exception, Parry putting in a good performance as United recorded a 1-1 draw.



But Lennie has said that he will not make any signings until after the FA Cup match against Sheffield United on January 3. He will have to move quickly to capture Parry's signature as more clubs become interested. Parry carries a price tag of around £100,000.



The time has come for Lennie to stop dithering. Of course there is no guarantee that he would be able to cut it at this level, but for £100,000, it seems like a worthwhile bet. He is a left sided creative player, just what we need to end this slump. If we don't take the risk, someone else will and we may be left regretting it.



Hereford boss Graham Turner has said that he would not stand in Parry's way if a top club made a move for him, but the price has to be right. He spent a couple of days on trial at Ninian Park earlier this month in which he trained with the rest of the squad.

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Beesley set for New Year debut

With David Brown missing against Exeter City on January 1st, Hereford United's new signing Mark Beesley could make his first start for the club.



The prolific striker has the potential to bring a lot to the squad, says United midfielder Jamie Pitman: "With suspensions coming up Mark Beesley's arrival is going to help a lot," said Pitman. "When he was at Chester he scored 20 odd goals and has obviously got a knack of finding the net.



"I would imagine he would fit in quite well with the way we play and he's come in from a good level," he told the Evening News.



"He trained for the first time on Monday and he looked fairly sharp. He just needs to get back the pace of the game which will take a little bit of time."



Ryan Green also is banned for the Exeter match because of his sending-off against Tamworth, while Jamie Pitman has picked up five bookings so will miss the visit of Stevenage Borough a week today (Saturday 3rd January). A week later, Danny Williams will be suspended for the FA Trophy trip to Exeter, but James Bittner's dismissal last night means he also misses that match.



Hereford still have Andy Tretton missing with his long-term injury, while Steve Guinan is a doubt after missing the last couple of games.

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Dolan disheartened by dismissal

After last night's game, Exeter City manager Eamonn Dolan said he was pleased with the 1-1 draw at Edgar Street.



"If you come to Hereford and take a point, that's not a bad result," he told BBC Radio Devon. "I thought the lads showed great character."



He added that the dismissal of goalkeeper James Bittner was "harsh" and continued: "My main concern now is that he does not have a serious injury because he's the only professional goalkeeper we've got."



United midfielder Rob Purdie looked at the league table and feels that Chester can be overhauled at the top. "Between now and the last month, we've really got to push and get as many points as we can.



"We can't keep dropping points against teams that are lower down. We've got to get three points at home and away if we want to win the league," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester."

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Parry watched again

Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence watched Paul Parry again last night at Edgar Street, according to today's Evening News.



Lawrence, whose team lost again yesterday, is known to be looking for a left-sided player to replace Julian Gray who recently returned to Crystal Palace.



However, the Western Mail reports that it is unlikely that Lawrence will make any signings until after the third round of the FA.Cup on January 3rd.

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Scorer happy, but would have preferred to win

Rob Purdie was delighted with his strike tonight, but was disappointed that it didn't lead to a Hereford United victory.



His goal came eight minutes into the second period, but Steve Flack's equaliser eighteen minutes from time ensured that Exeter City gained a share of the spoils.



"It was one of those shots which either ends up in the corner of the net or flies out of the stadium," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "For twenty minutes in the second half, we were passing it around well, we got the goal, and we looked dangerous."



"While I was pleased with it, I would have been much more pleased with three points."

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United held by Exeter

Hereford United failed to take all three points tonight at Edgar Street. Rob Purdie put the Bulls into the lead in the 53rd minute but Exeter equalised later. An exciting game to watch but with too many missed chances.



Danny Williams was injuried and yellow carded which means he will miss the Trophy game at Exeter.



Terry's report is here.

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Game is definitely ON

Tonight's game at Edgar Street is definitely ON.



Hereford United Director Joan Fennessy has confirmed to HU-FC.co.uk late this afternoon that the rain has stopped at Edgar Street and the game goes ahead.

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United need to make up ground

Hereford United are now seven points adrift of Chester City, but do have two games in hand, as they scramble for the Conference title.



Mark Wright's men beat Leigh RMI 5-0 at the Deva Stadium this afternoon, while Hereford host Exeter City at Edgar Street this evening. The game, which is currently on, is live on Sky Sports 1.



In the other matches, Aldershot moved to within three points of United with a 3-2 to win at Dagenham & Redbridge, but Barnet remain three points behind the Bulls as Ian Selley's late strike shares the points in a 2-2 draw at Woking.



Shrewsbury Town easily disposed of Northwich Victoria 3-1, while Telford United's home match against Forest Green Rovers was abandoned at half-time with the score at 1-1.



Finally, Graham Westley took his Stevenage Borough side to Farnborough Town, his old club. The struggling Hampshire side won 2-0, with Stevenage dropping into the bottom half of the Nationwide Conference.

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Follow the rules, says Turner

In a Sky Sports preview to this evening's game with Exeter City, Graham Turner has once again taken the opportunity to speak out about the potential points deduction facing Exeter as well as hoping to get back the Bulls to the League.



The cameras focused on the old river bridge before moving onto a Bulls training session earlier this week with the reporter commenting about the beautiful city of Hereford. When the camera cut to Turner, he said:"You do miss league status. I've always said to clubs coming down that there is life after the Football League but you don't want to be out of it too long.



"We've been a long time in the Conference. Lovely people, lovely clubs in there but we want to be back in the League.



Turning to Exeter, Turner added: "I just find it a ludicrous situation that a club can challenge a regulation that was brought democratically in the summer and could effect a lot of clubs in the Conference by the amount of money we have to spend to legally uphold the regulations that have been brought in."

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Long day for Bulls fans

With three Conference games starting at Midday and Hereford United's game not kicking-off until 7.45pm, Bulls fans will have a long day of football ahead of them.



Of the early starts the game at Dagenham where Aldershot are the visitors will be of most interest to Hereford supporters. Aldershot will be looking to get back to winning ways after their surprise defeat at home by Margate last Saturday if they are to keep up their fight for a play-off place.



Leaders Chester have what should be an excellent chance to take three points off lowly Leigh RMI at the Deva Stadium. That game starts at 3pm as does the Shrewsbury game with Northwich which again should result in a home win.



Of the other play-off candidates Barnet travel to an in-form Woking side who have won four of their last six outings.



Whether knowing the other Conference results will spur Hereford on this evening remains to be seen, but the visit of Exeter for the second time this season to Edgar Street looks likely to produce an exciting game.

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Happy Christmas

Festive greetings to all of our visitors.



Thank you for your support throughout 2003, long may it continue.

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Thoughts about the Chester game

With just 121 days to the end of the Conference season, Talie the Dragon Slayer's Dad looks ahead to what could be a potentially cracking game between Hereford United and Chester City at Edgar Street.



This may seem a little premature but I feel it is none the less relevant. We’ve all considered the end of season scenario with regard to the last game at home to Chester City. Just image, both sides go into the match needing some kind of positive result to secure the championship, the flip side to the coin that sent us down on the 3rd May 1997 (last day of the season) against Brighton and Hove Albion.



We, the loyal fans, have been there at the ‘Street’ every other weekend and a fair few midweekers as well and we’ll all be there for the finale, won’t we. Or will we? Because, suddenly all those who only ever turn up for the high profile matches will stand outside in the queue to the club shop and nab a ticket whilst the rest of us are inside (as one of 4,000ish crowd) watching the Bulls play Barnet at home. I’m sure you are starting to get the picture I’m painting here. It doesn’t even have to be a championship decider. Alternatively it could be to secure a place in the play-offs or even (please!) a celebration party with the championship already in the bag and the nation’s media in attendance. Either way, there are going to be some mightily peeved people who, having paid their dues all season long, are going to miss out on the icing on the cake to some 'Glory hunter'.



Now before someone comes on and slates me for using the term 'Glory hunter', I don’t mean someone who has noticed the upturn in results this season and has started attending matches just this year or even only the occasional paying customer who never watches more than a few matches each season. Even when these are added to the die-hard fans and other regular attendees our total attendance would not top much more than 4,500. No I mean the true 'Glory hunters'. You know the type? They were there for match verses Manchester United way back in 1990 but haven't been back since. Most of us know at least one person who fits this profile.



So here’s a stab at a solution. The club put a sizable chuck of tickets for the final game of the season on sale now (or within a reasonable time scale) at current prices and we can all make our purchase now and be safe in the knowledge that our respective places at the big event are assured (barring death, pestilence, war, etc.). Then if/when the big event actually nears the remainder of the tickets (less the appropriate amount put aside for Chester City fans) can be sold off at a considerable mark up on normal admission price so as to boost the club’s coffers.



Even if the match is a meaningless end of season run out the clubs will still have made some money from the enterprise and let's face it no one is having a gun put to their head and being told buy or else. The choice is there for all to make. If you snap up the tickets and the match matters, then you’re quids in. If the match doesn’t matter well, if like me you were going anyway what does it matter? If you don’t take up the offer and the match becomes vital and you’re not there, well tough I say. You’ll have had your chance.

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Suspensions confirmed for Brown and Green

As expected two Hereford United players will be suspended from Saturday. This means that they will both miss the New Year Day's match at Exeter City.



Details from Confguide:

DAVID ALISTAIR BROWN: Suspended from ALL FOOTBALL until the Club have completed 1 FIRST TEAM MATCH from 27/12/2003 for 5/10/15 Cautions.



RYAN MICHAEL GREEN: Suspended from ALL FOOTBALL until the Club have completed 1 FIRST TEAM MATCH from 27/12/2003 for a Sending Off.



The following players are on four yellow cards:



ANTHONY JAMES ..... 4 Cautions

DANIEL JOSEF WILLIAMS ..... 4 Cautions

BENJIMAN SMITH ..... 4 Cautions

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Dolan looks to Bulls' scoring strength

In a preview to the Boxing Day clash between Hereford United and Exeter City, Grecians boss Eamonn Dolan looked at the Bulls' ability to score goals from all over the field as a major strength.



Dolan told the Exeter Express and Echo: "Every (Hereford) player looks as if he wants to score goals. Even the full backs push right forward and it has been paying dividends because they score so many.



"We are totally positive about the prospect of playing Hereford twice within the space of a week. There is no fear because we know we can beat anyone in this league.



"I have been up there to watch them recently and they have assembled a young and vibrant side. They are a credit to the Conference because they will always have a go."



Exeter may have to bring in players from their youth side as several first team members are injury doubts. Dolan continued: "It is a worry having the likes of Santos and Chris struggling ahead of this Christmas programme. But we will have to get on with it."



Meanwhile Sean Devine, the Exeter striker, hopes to rediscover his scoring touch at the expense of the Bulls as he has failed to score in his last three games. He started the season in fine form netting 14 goals in 12 games.



"This is a huge game for the club and I am hungry to get back scoring again," insisted Devine.



"I have set myself high standards and people probably expect me to score every game. But as a striker you have purple patches and then lean spells, that's the way it goes. The most important thing is we start winning again and once we do that I am sure one will fly in off my bum or something like that."

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Exeter face double trouble from Pitman

Jamie Pitman, the Hereford United midfielder is looking to collect six points from the Exeter City double-header, a move which would leave Eamonn Dolan's men twelve points behind the Bulls.



"Two wins would put them out of sight," he told the Evening News. "They are both important games and it's important we take maximum points especially with suspensions coming up so we need to get these games over and done with while we have a full squad."



"Anyone is capable of beating anyone in the Conference but if we play to our capabilities we should beat them and that's what we've got to do.



"Our away form has been excellent because we can counter attack but at home there is added pressure with everyone expecting us to hit four or five goals each game.



"The expectation from fans does add pressure but that's the standards we've set ourselves."

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Bulls seek festive cheer

Hereford United host Exeter City at Edgar Street on Boxing Day eager to claw back the deficit at the top of the Nationwide Conference, kick off 7.45pm.



The Bulls are four points behind Chester City at the summit of the league, but have been boosted by the signing of former Cestrians attacker Mark Beesley, but are likely to miss top scorer Steve Guinan through injury.



Beesley's signing was a relatively swift one last Friday, according to Graham Turner. "It was one of the quickest deals I've done," he proclaimed in the Hereford Times. "I phoned him at 9am on Friday, he called back half-an-hour later to accept and drove down from his home on Merseyside to sign at 2pm.



"He's coming here to resurrect his career and I like those circumstances. Money was not an object. It's a similar situation to when Michael Rose joined us and I hope it works out as well as that deal did."



However, defender Andy Tretton's thigh injury again keeps him out of the team.



Looking ahead to the game, Turner told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "If there's no interest after the Forest Green result then we are banging our heads against a brick wall. Despite the difficult time of the kick-off, it's still an attractive fixture and I would hope that the supporters are going to turn out in force."



Exeter manager Eamonn Dolan could miss Brazilian centre-back Santos Gaia with a hamstring problem, and striker Barry McConnell is definitely missing with a broken collarbone. Chris Todd sustained concussion in last Saturday's 3-0 home defeat to Telford United, so is in the recovery stage and could feature if this is a success.



The game is live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1.

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Stats look good for hopeful Hereford

With Christmas approaching, Hereford United are second in the Conference and lead many of the statistics tables too.



Steve Guinan has scored fourteen league goals, and Ben Smith has netted thirteen, but Giuliano Grazioli of Barnet is top scorer with eighteen.



Before the Forest Green game, United's top striker was Guinan, with fifty-eight shots, thirty-four of which were on target. Ben Smith has missed the most for the Bulls, hitting off-target twenty-six times, while Paul Parry has supplied the most assists and crosses (sixty-nine in total). Guinan has been caught offside thirty times, conceded thirty fouls, but won thirty-eight free-kicks.



The Bulls are also doing quite well in the team stats tables too. They have been awarded most corners, 168, and committed the least fouls, 232. Their recent form sees them lie fourth in the form table, having collected twelve points from a possible eighteen.



As for their totak number of goals, Hereford's fifty-seven is the highest in any of the national leagues, and also the top level of the feeder leagues too. They have scored four or more goals in a league game five times this season, more so than any other Conference side.

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