Test

Sunday, March 14, 2004

The calm before the storm

Hereford United take a break from Conference football this week and turn to Cup action. On Tuesday, the Bulls face Forest Green Rovers in the final of the Herefordshire Senior Cup. This is a competition which seems to appear from time to time, but other than collecting a cup has little relevence to the club.

Tony James says that promotion is the club's priority, but having completed a double over the opponents this season they will be looking to make it a hat-trick.

"We got told about the game a few weeks back. I don't know how the gaffer is going to see that game. I don't know whether he is going to give some people who haven't had a run-out a half or so," James said yesterday.

The game on Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm, is all pay as it is not a club fixture as such. Adults pay £5 and Concessions £3.

Last time the final was played was in 2002 when Swansea were the visitors and the Bulls won 2-1 with both goals from substitute Steve Piearce.

Saturday, March 13, 2004

Parry gets his first for Cardiff

Paul Parry scored his first goal for Cardiff City this afternoon and assisted in their second.

The BBC report says: Newly capped Wales international Parry - a £75,000 signing from Conference outfit Hereford two months ago - rode his luck and the elements in the 17th minute to fool Norwich goalkeeper Robert Green.

The home side did not need long to double their advantage when Parry's cross was headed home by Earnshaw for only his third goal in 15 league games.

The Official Cardiff website reported: The deadlock was broken after 17 minutes. When the ball was played left to Parry, the former Hereford man cut inside and curled the ball into the area with his right foot. It was supposed to be a cross but the ball skidded off the greasy surface and into the far corner of the net to give the Bluebirds a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later the lead was doubled and Parry was the instigator. After a defensive mistake Parry beat his man on the outside and squared the ball to Earnshaw who tapped it into the net for 2-0.

Well done Paul!

Shrewsbury game could be on a Thursday

If Shrewsbury defeat Telford on Tuesday in the Trophy then the Bulls game scheduled for Saturday 27th March will probably be played on the evening of Thursday April 1st.

A note in today's match programme says: "Tickets already purchased will remain valid. Under no circumstances will any refunds be given for anyone who cannot make the re-arranged date."

If this happens it will be the first Thursday evening game at Edgar Street for many seasons. The Bulls will then have to play Halifax away on the following Saturday meaning two games in three days but a long rest after next Saturday's trip to Dover to play Margate.

However it will be more crowded for Shrewsbury whatever happens next Tuesday at Telford. Win or lose they have a very busy run-in.

Meanwhile, it has also ben announced that tickets for the Chester game on April 24th will go on sale next Wednesday. Normal prices of £12 and £9 for seats and £10 and £6 for the terrace will apply.

"We will be accepting Credit Cards but please note that for all orders over £15 there will be a 3% charge on all cards and for all orders below £15 there will be a 50p charge," says a note in Bullseye.

"Season Ticket holders can still use their season ticket books as per usual."

James on target again

Tony James was back on target with a well-taken penalty at Edgar Street this afternoon. James has now scored seven goals this season all from penalties. Even better was the fact that the Bulls have now kept a clean sheet for the last four games and have scored fourteen goals.

James told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "To go four games on the bounce not conceding a goal, scoring freely away from home and nicking wins at home, it's gone really well.

"They (Accrington) played really well at their place in bad conditions but it's up to us as a home side to put some pressure on and we managed eventually to break them down.

"It's my seventh penalty of the season. They've been coming thick and fast at the moment. I missed one last week. It's a bit of luck at the end of the day but you have to keep having a go."

Of today's performance James admitted: "It was a bit patchy. We can definitely play better. They made it difficult. They put a lot of bodies behind the ball when we attacked, like most teams have since Christmas here.

"We did not play as freely as we have been but we had to grind it out. At this stage of the season a win is what we need."

Also after the game Graham Turner said: "It was an important win for us. We must keep on winning to keep the pressure on Chester at the top."

Hereford keep up the pressure

Hereford United kept up the pressure on Chester by beating Accrington Stanley by the only goal of the game this afternoon. Tony James scored with a penalty when Stanley were reduced to ten men.

Terry's report is here.

Friday, March 12, 2004

It's a brighter morning

After two days of wintery weather, the sun is shining over parts of Herefordshire this morning. The change to warmer weather should allow this afternoon's game at Edgar Street to go ahead without any problems.

Three to four inches of snow fell in the area but it is rapidly disappearing and the ground does not appear to be frosted to any great extent. So although the pitch is likely to be sticky, it should be playable.

There should be a good crowd to watch the game this afternoon especially with the Bulls having one or two new faces in the squad. It will also be the first time Accrington Stanley have played at Hereford in a Conference fixture. Stanley have a reputation for hard play so it may be fortunate that Mr Singh is today's referee.

With the Mexicain Supporters Group rumoured to be out in their traditional gear and calls on the HU-FC.co.uk forum for plenty of noise from fans to encourage the team, this will be a good afternoon to go to Edgar Street. Get there early, as there may be a slight delay at the turnstiles.

Meanwhile Steve Guinan is also calling on plenty of support again this afternoon. Speaking to the Evening News, Guinan commented: "The fans have been giving us a little bit of stick but they were absolutely brilliant last week, even though we missed a penalty."

"It really helped and the fact they got behind us made the difference. We didn't play that well and needed the crowd to give us encouragement which they did superbly."

"I think a lot of our fans expected us to be two or three up against Northwich by half time but when we beat them we were only 1-0 up at half-time and we knew we'd been in a tough game. Although we went on to win 5-1 I don't think the scoreline reflected the match and it was difficult again last week."

Guinan also spoke of his pleasure that partner David Brown is getting a run in the team and finding the net on a regular basis. "I'm really pleased for him because he had a bit of a jittery start," he said

"He came in expecting to be playing but then dislocated his shoulder, missed a lot of pre-season and it took a while for him to get his fitness back. Now though he's getting some goals, playing well and getting his reward with an extended run in the team."

Quinn admires Rose

Jimmy Quinn, the Shrewsbury manager, has dismissed speculation linking him with a move for Hereford left back Michael Rose.

"I think there are a lot of people interested in Michael Rose because there's not many brilliant left backs about to be honest and he's certainly a player I admire," Quinn told the Shropshire Star.

"But he's under contract at Hereford and there's no way Graham Turner would let any of his players go to one of their rivals."

Training disrupted this morning

Because of the snow, training was disrupted at Hereford United this morning. But Graham Turner thinks his squad has enough know-how to get over one missed training session.

Talking about the squad for tomorrow, Turner said on BBC Hereford and Worcester: "Danny is still struggling with his ankle, but we are a little more optimistic about Simon Travis but there is no certainty. So Tom Smith will come in the reckoning, Bertram and Cozic will come into the reckoning and for the rest we will juggle the pack as we need."

The away game at Accrington Stanley last autumn was a game which Hereford United might want to forget but tomorrow the team has the chance to make amends.

Turner continued: "I thought we played badly (at Accrington), never really caused them any problems. They were a very workmanlike side, strong physically, solid at the back. The last report we had they played with one striker and nine out field players always goal-side of the ball. Again it's a matter of being patience, again we have got to break them down.

"Mullen is a threat. He holds the ball up well. He's quite strong in the air and they play five or even six at times across midfield, they look to get runners from there. It is a matter of making sure we are really focused throughout the game at the back. We have to keep focused on keeping a clean sheet."

Football fans splash out on beautiful game

Dedicated football fans will fork out almost £928 million on credit cards before the season ends on match tickets, pay per view, programmes and pies, according to a study released today, reports the Virgin website.

While the Hereford United typical fan will spend around £240 a season to support their teams, dedicated followers of the game are happy to spend almost £1,000 on match tickets, away trips, team shirts and Sky subscriptions.

Three in four (75 per cent) told researchers for Virgin Money that football fans are increasingly turning to credit cards to help them manage the costs of following the beautiful game.

Scott Mowbray, spokesperson for Virgin Money, said: "Football fans are passionate about their teams and this research shows they are happy to spend a small fortune to see them in action. Using a credit card to buy match tickets and European packages over the Internet and phone has become common place with football supporters. And, to avoid scoring an own goal, fans should look at cards with 0% balance transfer deals, low standard rates and at least 59 days interest-free credit."

The Football Finances study from Virgin Money also reveals that:

· An incredible £10million is spent on tea and pies at grounds around the country

· More than one in three (38 per cent) spend up to £4 million on team tops

· One in three (35 per cent) fans use their credit cards to help them support their favourite team

· Scottish fans are the biggest spenders and will splash out on average £332 per season, while North East supporters spend least at £191. Locally, the Midlands figure is £205, with Wales and the South West at £238.

The Footie Fanatic Bill is based on seven matches, at £224, and two European away trips at £567. Add to that the costs for merchandise, programmes, food and television subscriptions, and the amount totals £951.30.

Of course, typical Hereford United supporters will probably not make two European away trips, but they may spend a lot more than the example going to Edgar Street as they are more dedicated followers!

Williams and Travis unlikely to play

Hereford United have a couple of doubts ahead of tomorrow's match with Accrington Stanley at Edgar Street, kick off 3pm.

Defender Tamika Mkandawire is banned, while Danny Williams and Simon Travis' ankle injuries mean they are unlikely to make the starting eleven.

Tom Smith is set to make his debut, slotting in for Mkandawire at centre-back, while Dean Craven reportedly has a foot injury so could miss out too.

The title looks to be heading Chester City's way, but United attacker Steve Guinan said: "I think the ball is in Chester's court. I hope they do slip up but the title is in their grasp. Realistically if they win their game in hand they've got eight points so they should win it.

"Manchester United and Arsenal are in a similar position and everybody's saying Arsenal have won it and I don't think it's any different here," he told the Evening News. "But if Chester do slip up we have to make sure we're winning our games to stand any chance.

"We've still got to play the top four teams in those last eight games so we've not got easy games to come either."

Of Accrington, he added: "They've got two good goalscorers up front that we'll need to keep quiet but we've not conceded a goal in the last three matches and we look like we're starting to defend a lot better.

"If we can win our individual battles we can get a result."

For the away side, Simon Hollis is back after suspension, although he is a doubt with a knee injury, but Robbie Williams is banned. Andy Gouck is ruled out through illness, while Andy Procter will face a fitness test ahead of the match, reports their official website.

Accrington boss John Coleman said of the game: "It's just one of those weekends where you can't afford to lose. We have beaten Hereford once already this season and I know they will say they have improved but there's no reason why we can't do it again.

"Their striker Steve Guinan has done well for them but they have a number of good players," he told the Accrington Observer.

Margate game may be Tam's last

Tamika Mkandawire may only have one more game for Hereford United before returning to West Bromwich.

Suspended for tomorrow's match against Accrington, Mkandawire can play next Saturday against Margate but his loan spell comes to an end after that game.

Graham Turner is clearly disappointed: "He is rated at West Brom and I think they want to keep him."

"You are allowed to take a player for three months," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "Up until Christmas you can take them on these long-term loans, but after Christmas it's purely a month at a time; At the most three months and so it looks as though he will disappear after the Margate game."

Thursday, March 11, 2004

The threat to the Conference

In his weekly column in the Hereford Times, Graham Turner returns to the problems facing fellow Conference chairmen as the Exeter saga continues. Turner is understandably bitter towards the Grecians partly because of legal costs facing all the other Conference teams in the opposition to their action.

In essence Exeter are challenging the Conference over several matters, the main one being payment of debts to football clubs in front of other creditors. There is also the points deduction for being in a CVA and another deduction for playing an illegible player to be sorted.

If Exeter win the case there is a view that the cost to other Conference clubs could be around £25,000 which many could not afford.

Turner contrasts the situation at Exeter and Hereford: "When I think about how hard everyone has worked at this club (Edgar Street) to keep it alive and that it could be put in jeopardy by the actios of another club, I have become very bitter towards them.

"The FA have to step in and help finance the case which has serious implications for all football clubs. My own view is that Exeter will not be playing Conference football next season."

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Harriers win in friendly

Kidderminster Harriers beat Hereford United 1-0 in last night's hastily-arranged friendly match at Aggborough.

Bo Henrikson, the Danish striker, scored the only goal of the evening.

Gate receipts needed to be higher

The slightly disappointing results for last season announced earlier this week showed that had gate receipts been just £14,000 higher, Hereford United would have broke even for that year.

The figure equates to about £700 per Conference home game or, assuming an entry charge of on average £8 per person, less than 90 supporters per match.

The average gate last season for Conference games was 2038. So to balance the books the gate needed to be about 2126.

This current season the gates are a lot higher, currently averaging 3354. Roughly this translates into extra income of about £10,000 per home game or, assuming the figure stays about the same for the rest of the season, about £200,000 over the year.

However there is a downside as the Bulls have not had the TV cameras at Edgar Street for a FA Cup game. This will mean that income from broadcasting will be much lower this year, maybe as much as £100,000 down.

Once again it shows that although Hereford United continues in business and able to pay its day to day bills, there are no large reserves building up.

In fact, without the fee received from the sale of Paul Parry, the current year may only show a small profit as expenses are bound to increase as Graham Turner tries to take the Bulls up to Division Three.

Huge match for Hereford

This Saturday's game is an extremely important one for Hereford United - they can't afford to slip up against Accrington Stanley at Edgar Street as it could well spell the end of the title race, kick off 3pm.

United currently lie five points behind leaders Chester City, who have a game in hand, and if Hereford were to lose and Chester to beat out-of-form Morecambe at the Deva Stadium, Hereford would be eight points adrift having played a game extra.

There are just eight matches left in the campaign, and United, who have won four of their last five matches and haven't conceded in their last three, need to pick up as many points as possible to ensure they remain in contention. The last match of the season sees Hereford host Chester.

Accrington beat Hereford 2-0 at their Interlink Express Stadium back in November, and have had a solid season after last term's promotion from the Unibond Premier Division. They are unbeaten in their last four, and John Coleman's men could make a late push for the play-off places.

Hereford are likely to miss midfielders Danny Williams and Simon Travis again, and Tamika Mkandawire is suspended, so Graham Turner has new signings Bertrand Kozic and Tom Smith on standby ahead of the match.

The Bulls play a practice match tonight at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough ground. Admission is free and kick-off is 7.30pm.

Send Shirts to Skope Cup

A new football cup competition has been launched by the Yorkshire Building Society which is aiming to send outgrown or no longer used football shirts to poverty-striken Macedonia.

Hereford United and Shrewsbury Town fans are to compete against each other to find out who is the more generous in the first round of the competition which lasts until March 18th.

Anyone with suitable shirts can take them to a branch of the Yorkshire Building Society or access their website on: www.ybs.co.uk.

On March 20th, the top 16 clubs will be entered into round two contesting for a place in the final in May.

Ex-student helps United's disabled side

On 21st March ex-RNC Student Paul Martin will be running the Finchley 20 miler to raise money for Hereford United Disabled Football Team and Ready Steady Win.

Paul who is visually impaired is one of the founder members of Hereford United Disabled FC has decided to team up with Ready Steady Win and raise funds for the two organisations.

If anyone would like to sponsor Paul, or sponsor a space on his T-Shirt, then either email Paul Hall at ph9989@rncb.ac.uk or contact him on 07957432966.

Tuesday, March 09, 2004

Barnet held by Stevenage

Barnet were held 0-0 by Stevenage this evening in a game that produced 10 yellow and 2 red cards and so failed to move above Shrewsbury in the Conference table. They have now played 33 games for 60 points, some seven points behind Hereford who have played one game more.

Meanwhile former Bulls captain Ian Wright scored his first goal of the season for Burton in their 2-1 win over Telford.

Friendly at Kiddy

Hereford United are to play a friendly at Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow evening, kick-off 7.30pm.

The official Kiddy website says that the hastily arranged game is to give several of their players some much needed match practice.

It is expected that Hereford United's new signings, Tom Smith and Bertrand Cozic will feature.

Accounts show small loss

The latest Hereford United accounts show a small loss of £14.8k for the period to May 31st 2003. This is slightly down on the loss of £21.6 in the previous year.

Turnover was lower in the year, down from £625k to £600k. Gate revenue increased from £221K to £239K, but prize money decreased from £46K to £26K.

Advertising and broadcast income decreased from £159K to £139K, and transfer income was down from £27K to £8K.

Normal expenses increased from £92K to £113K but there was a saving on wages and salaries (inc social security, pension costs) as they decreased from £527K to £474K. However this was completely down to decrease in directors' pay, down from £110K to £60K.

Cozic signs for Bulls

It is being reported that Bertrand Cozic has signed for the Bulls. He had been with Cheltenham as a midfielder. He has impressed Graham Turner and has played for the reserves.

Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "He's been training with us for sometime, played a couple of reserve matches and he's looked okay, quite impressive in the games, particually in the one we had recently against Grantham. So I've offered him a short-term deal.

"He was formally at Team Bath, when they had their good cup run, and then had a spell at Cheltenham. He could figure in the first team, if selected, and we will look at him with a view to a more permanent deal."

5 Foot 10 inch Cozic comes to Edgar Street for the rest of the season. Although whilst at Cheltenham this season he has picked up three yellow cards this should not pose a problem as a player now needs ten cards before a suspension.

The Frenchman was recently reported to have had a two-week spell at Edgar Street. Twenty-five years of age, Cozic played for Bihoral in France before moving to Bath University and featured in their FA Cup run last season.

He was spotted by Cheltenham manager Bobby Gould and given a contract in August 2003. However, he was released last month after seven league matches, one goal but no appearances since September after picking up a calf injury just before John Ward was appointed as manager. He has also had a trial with Notts County.

Turner talks about contracts

Graham Turner has said that he will be talking to a number of Hereford United players about their contracts this week.

So far only Tony James has agreed to a new deal, but it is expected that several other players will be offered new contracts. One player Turner will not be talking to is Ryan Green, who will stay at Edgar Street as he is on a two-year deal.

Meanwhile former Bulls striker Steve Pierce has re-signed for Hednesford.

Teesdale leaves on loan

Hereford United defender Richard Teesdale has joined Dr. Martens League Premier Division side Moor Green on-loan.

He has joined the Birmingham-based side on a month's loan as cover for the injured Lee Collins, and made his debut in the 1-0 defeat at Nuneaton Borough on Saturday.

Teesdale links up with ex-Hereford attacker Rob Elmes at Moorlands.

Monday, March 08, 2004

Robbery at Edgar Street

It was confirmed yesterday that thieves broke into the Hereford United dressing rooms and stole a number of the players' personal items whilst the players were training.

Cameras, mobile phones, cash, bankers' cards, car keys and an Armani watch were among the items stolen from the Edgar Street ground between 10.45am and midday on Monday, March 1.

Anyone who saw any suspicious activity near the stadium at the time is asked to call PC Sophie Lewis at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888.

This story was placed on the HU-FC.co.uk forum last week, but police would not agree the story at the time.

Shrews go up to third

Shrewsbury Town moved up to third place in the Conference this evening after beating Leigh RMI 3-1. They are now seven points behind the Bulls but have three games in-hand.

Meanwhile Anwar Uddin, who spent two months on-loan at Edgar Street, is going to Telford.

The Official Bristol Rovers site reports that the deal was tied up this afternoon. Uddin, a center-back, will be at Telford, initially for a month, and is beleived to be looking for first-team football which he has been unable to get at the Memorial Stadium since returning from Hereford.

Telford were known to be looking for a center-back after Neil Howarth was hurt in their recent Tamworth game.

Sunday, March 07, 2004

The card at Dagenham counts

Tamika Mkandawire will miss the Accrington match next Saturday because of suspension.

Mkandawire told BBC Hereford and Worcester of the suspension after the game yesterday.

Before he came on loan to Hereford he picked up at least two yellow cards for West Bromwich Albion reserves. The first one was on August 18th and the second one on September 22nd, when the Albion were playing Manchester United reserves.

Since coming to Edgar Street he has been shown one red card and two yellows. The straight red came in the early stages of the home game against Margate. The first yellow was away at Accrington.

At present HU-FC.co.uk can not trace when he obtained his other card.

And then he picked up his fifth card at Dagenham just two days before the rules changed on the first day of March.

Meanwhile Hereford United's game against Shrewsbury Town which is arranged for March 27th will be postponed if Shrewsbury defeat Telford in the FA Trophy on March 16th.

Shrewsbury will only have two free Tuesdays to catch up on their fixtures, March 30th and April 20th. They already have to rearrange a fixture against Barnet so it is likely that the Hereford game will either have to take place on April 20th or could even be played on a Thursday evening. Barnet have not got a fixture on March 30th so would be expected to play their postponed game on that date.

UPDATE MONDAY: Barnet will play Shrewsbury on March 30th.

Of course if Telford can beat Shrewsbury then the March 27th date for the Hereford match will stand.

Even worse for the Shrews is that the the Semi-finals of the Trophy are played over two games, the second leg being played a week later on April 3rd. Should Shrewsbury be involved it will mean that their Conference game against Exeter scheduled for that date will be postponed meaning that they will have to play three Conference games in a week.

The Shrews may be quietly hoping that they lose to Telford in the Trophy to save them from a few very busy weeks as the season comes to an close.

This week in the Conference

With five mid-week Conference matches and a full programme next Saturday, Hereford United supporters will be waiting to see if any of the teams at or near the top of the league slip up.

On Monday evening Shrewsbury take on Leigh RMI at the Gay Meadow. The game is live on Sky and it will be the first time the Railwaymen have been on television. The Shrews will start as favourites to win but Bulls fans will hardly forget how Leigh got three points at Edgar Street recently and will be hoping they can at least take something from this game.

Although currently in fifth place, Shrewsbury could go above Hereford if they collect eleven points from their four games in hand.

On Tuesday evening third placed Barnet have a potential difficult home match against near-neighbours Stevenage. Both teams drew last Saturday and Stevenage's away form this season has been quite good as they have won seven of their fifteen games and have only lost one of their last six games.

Moving on to Saturday and leaders Chester face Morecambe at the Deva Stadium where the home team have only lost once this season. Chester have won their last five games but all runs come to an end sometime. However it will be a brave punter who places a bet on Morecambe to win this one.

Probably the match of the day will be at Exeter where Aldershot are the visitors. The Shots are unbeaten in their last six matches but Exeter are also unbeaten in their last six although they draw on Saturday at home to Barnet. A close result seems likely.

Shrewsbury travel down the A49 to Forest Green.The Shrews away record is only average and it would suit the Bulls if the home team can hold the visitors to a draw.

Perhaps the most likely upset of the day could be at Gravesend where Barnet are the visitors. Gravesend held Aldershot to a draw yesterday and have recently moved up the table. They put six goals past Morecambe a few weeks ago and could continue their good form on Saturday.

Guinan could still be top scorer

Steve Guinan still could become top scorer in the Conference this season.

He took his tally of goals to 20 yesterday with his winner for the Bulls. Grazioli of Barnet leads the list with 23. Clare of Chester has 22 and McNiven of Leigh RMI is on 21.

Guinan is quoted at 7-1 to top the scoring chart. His 20 goals have come after 2,520 minutes on the pitch and it has taken him only 126 minutes per goal.

Meanwhile Guinan commented about yesterday's match in the Non-League Paper.

He said:"It was a bit tense out there and it got worse the longer it went on. But we're pleased with the win. We defended well and it was vital to get the three points."

Lucky punter comes up trumps

According to the Non-League Paper, a lucky punter has done very well out of the Hereford versus Dagenham match last Friday week.

He placed £100 on Hereford to beat Dagenham 9-0 on the correct score market.

Gary Boswell, the betting specialist with the paper wrote: "He was last seen boarding the latest shuttle to Mars, whilst the bookie concerned is now earning a living with a cap outside Woolworths!"

Unfortunately the paper doesn't reveal whether the punter was a Hereford supporter.

Saturday, March 06, 2004

Bicycle kick was so important

Tamika Mkandawire was the hero of the Hereford squad this afternoon when he managed to clear a Northwich shot off the line in the dying minutes of the game. With Baker beaten, Mkandawire cleared with a bicycle kick.

Later, speaking on BBC Hereford and Worcester, he thought that Northwich had been hard to break down. "The more it went on the harder it got to break them down. They obviously sat back."

Manager Graham Turner was eager to praise his defence after the match too. "It just goes to show the benefit of keeping a clean sheet," he said. "We eventually managed to wear them down and had always looked like doing it but it was a great clearance by Tamika off the line at the end."

Of his crucial clearance, Mkandawire recalled: "I had to do it. There was no other way of getting off the line. I had to get it off there. They came with a game plan, getting men behind the ball. They went to one up-front later in the first half and that made it difficult for us to break things down. The fans have just got to be patient. We can't win every game 9-0."

Asked about his time at Edgar Street, Mkandawire added: "It's good. They are a good set of lads. Fans have been great.

"It's a chance for me to play first-team football and I'm enjoying really well. It's a much better standard than I thought it would be."

Mkandawire is suspended for the next home game, which is against Accrington Stanley next Saturday. He received a yellow card when the Bulls visited Dagenham last Friday week. He said: "I'm disappointed to miss that one."