Tony James, the Hereford United captain, is to see a specialist about his injury after clashing with Gary Ricketts in the Trophy replay. He is currently on crutches and could be out for several weeks if not the rest of the season.
"Tony is seeing a specialist but he's on crutches at the moment and could be out for at least three or four weeks," Graham Turner told the Worcester News.
"There's a possibility that he could be out for the rest of the season but we don't know that.
"Obviously, he is going to be sorely missed, not just on the playing side of things but because he is the skipper of the side.
"But we've got Andy Tretton available and he's a possibility for tomorrow. We also have young Tom Smith. Fortunately, it's the one area of the side where we have a bit of strength in depth."
Looking forward to tomorrow's game with Crawley Town, Turner wants his side to get over the defeat at Hucknall.
"I don't think the Hucknall match will be too difficult to get out of the system. What we've got now is the opportunity to finish in the play-offs and we are more than capable of making it.
"But we've got a tough programme of 11 games in 36 days and it's a big challenge. If we got through the FA Trophy tie, it would have been 13 in 36 days.
"So the result on Tuesday does ease the burden in terms of fixture congestion but it's not to say we didn't try to win because we did.
"Crawley have done extremely well. We went down there earlier this season and should have won but they have gone on to have a good season. It won't be easy because they are a very, very hard-working side."
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Friday, March 18, 2005
James to see specialist
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Jones hopeful of return to League
New Physio Wayne Jones has commented that he thinks the Bulls should be able to climb back into the League.
"The future looks quite rosy. They are desparate to get back into the league. I think they are good enough, but sometimes teams that are good enough don't acheive it, Jones told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"They will be going hell for leather for it and hopefully getting in the league this summer."
Jones is expected to help with the training as well as doing the physio work.
Bulls need fresh ideas
Hereford United will need to freshen up and shake off their last few results, and what better way to do it than with a victory against fellow play off hopefulls Crawley Town. Crawley are currently level on points with the Bulls but have played two extra games. The two sides met on the second day of the season and shared the points after a 1-1 draw.
Crawley, who played midweek against Margate in the GLC Cup, have a few injury worries for the trip to Edgar Street. Robert Kember and Paul Armstrong were both hurt on Tuesday night with a hamstring injury and cuts and bruising respectivley. Simon Wormull is suspended, as John Robinson might be, depending on the outcome of a misconduct hearing.
Former Hereford United striker Danny Davidson should be fit again though, after a scan revealed that he only had bruising to his knee. Manager Francis Vines has also added a new face to his squad for the game; James Donovan, a centre back, has been recruited from Millwall.
Hereford will be without skipper Tony James who badly injured his ankle against Hucknall Town. The extent of the injury is yet to be confirmed but it's feared that he may be missing for the rest of the season. Tom Smith and Andy Tretton will benefit from this as they both hope to get a look in to the squad. Brian Smikle was absent on Tuesday evening but should be back for this one, with Graham Hyde expected to drop to the bench.
Graham Turner may choose to reshuffle his side once again after the disappointing cup exit, with Rob Purdie, Danny Carey-Bertram and Mark Robinson all hoping for a recall. Ben Scott has a shoulder injury still and is unlikely to have recovered by the weekend and so Carl Lewis, from the youth set up, is expected to continue on the substitute bench.
United will be hoping to get their league campaign back on track following the two disappointing performances, and results, against Morecambe and Tamworth. The Bulls have slipped to eigth but have games in hand on those above them. However, it's often said at this stage of the season it's better to have the points in the bag.
Every Team plays on Saturday
There is a full programme of Conference games this Saturday. Hereford United entertain Crawley Town at Edgar Street and there are several other games whose results could influence whether Hereford can start to make up ground on the other clubs hoping to be in the play-off places at the end of the season.
Runaway leaders Barnet have formwise the easiest task of the top teams with a home match against Farnborough who are second from bottom.
Halifax, who moved up to second position after their televised win over York City last Monday, travel to Scarborough. The seadogs are unbeaten at the McCain Stadium this season and could make life difficult for their opponents.
Aldershot, third, are at home to Stevenage, sixth. Just four points separates these two and the Shots, who could only draw at Canvey Island last Saturday, will need to be on best form to take all three points.
Fourth placed Woking play at Exeter who are seventh. The Grecians were dumped out of the Trophy by Conference South leaders Grays Athletic last Saturday but returned to winning ways in the Conference last Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Burton. Woking were also put out of the Trophy last Saturday when they lost at Burton. Maybe a draw at this venue.
Carlisle returned to winning ways last weekend when they defeated Accrington Stanley and should take three points off Northwich at Brunton Park.
Stanley, who lie in ninth place, have a home game against improving Morecambe. David Brown is expected to feature for the home side, but might not be on the winning side.
Some of the teams above and around Hereford are bound to drop points this Saturday. As long as the Bulls defeat Crawley they could move up as high as fifth place but this assumes that Carlisle lose and that seems highly unlikely. Should the Bulls lose, then it is possible they could drop as far down as eleventh position.
Reunion a success
The re-union of the 1972 Hereford United side took place last weekend. The following detailed report was published in this morning's Hereford Times together with several pictures including one with 21 of those present at the dinner.
HEREFORD United's celebrated `Giantkillers' side gathered in the city for a reunion to mark the 33rd anniversary of their famous FA Cup run.
Although Colin Addison, Roger Griffiths, Ken Mallender, Dudley Tyler and Peter Isaac still live in Hereford, others had travelled from various parts of the country, and beyond, to meet up with their old team-mates for the first time in eight years.
As on that occasion, Mick McLaughlin had put in the most miles to ensure that the conquerors of Newcastle were all together again, jetting in from his home in Atlanta, Georgia.
And the Giantkillers' "15th man", as he was described by skipper Tony Gough, the BBC commentator John Motson sprang the biggest surprise by driving up to attend from Southampton where he had been covering the Saints match with Manchester United earlier in the evening.
It was also a near reunion of the 1972-3 promotion-wining squad with old stars Eric Redrobe, David Rudge, Colin Tavener and David Jenkins making a return.
From an earlier generation, one of Addison's predecessors as player-manager, Joe Wade, now 83, also turned out for the evening as did former World Cup referee Jim Finney.
Despite recent ill health, former chairman Frank Miles was in attendance, too as was his successor Peter Hill.
The evening's principal guest, John Barnwell, the chief executive of the League Managers Association, could also boast a Hereford connection after a stint as Addison's assistant in the 1972-3 season.
After Addison's opening address, the evening's master of ceremonies, Westfields chief executive Andy Morris introduced Barnwell who proposed the toast to the giantkillers and added his own tribute.
"You were a group of players whose achievement will never be surpassed in the modern game," he said.
Ricky George responded on behalf of the players before handing over to Motson, whose own TV broadcasting career began with the match against the Magpies at Edgar Street in February.
"You were the guys who kick-started my career and I will always be grateful to you for that," said Motson.
The evening's speeches were rounded off by Gough, who summed up the feelings he and his team-mates all have for the city which has adopted them as its own.
"As footballers, we never experience this sort of thing at other clubs," he said. "We all want to come back for these reunions. We love it.
"We were just in the right place at the right time for all of us to have made history."
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Turner knows Jones from past
Wayne Jones, the new Hereford United physio worked with Bulls manager, Graham Turner, some years ago when at Shrewsbury according to the Hereford Times.
He was also capped for Wales.
It is thought that Steve Heptinstall who was listed in Bullseye as the club pyhsio has left Edgar Street.
The ideal move says Brown
Wigan based David Brown has told the NLP that his move from Edgar Street to Accrington Stanley is ideal.
Brown, who is in the final year of a sports science degree at Crewe & Alsager University, reportedly fell out of favour with Bulls' boss Graham Turner over his training schedule. He is expected to make his debut against Morecambe on Saturday.
"I enjoyed the 18 months that I spent at Hereford, and everything was good until the last few weeks, Brown told the NLP.
"I thought it was time to get myself out of the club. There was interest from a few clubs, but I came to speak to Accrington after I'd sorted out my release from Hereford and it was the ideal move for me with it being so close to home."
Bulls recruit Jones
Wayne Jones
Hereford United have signed Wayne Jones as a physio according to the Hereford Journal. The Bulls have been in need of a physio since the summer when Richard O'Kelly, who was also the coach, left for Bournemouth.
Jones was coach and then later assistant manager at Gillingham until May last year when his contract was not renewed. Gillingham had claimed only one point from six games at the time, in a poor run of result which saw them slide to twenty first position in the Championship.
Lee Symonds, who works in the club office, has been acting as the physio so far this season but this was not full time. The appointment of Jones is thought to be full time, which will surely be of benefit to Hereford United.
One mistake lost the game
Graham Turner told the Worcester News after last night's defeat that "We have made one mistake and paid a heavy penalty for it.
"We had a lot of the ball in their penalty area and sometimes you need a break. Their 'keeper made one or two very good saves but the crime was not finishing it off on Saturday when we had ample opportunity.
"What you cannot afford to do is give a silly ball away like we have done. The ratio of chances to goals we are conceding at the moment is very high, but we had a great deal of possession which we should have done better with."
Hereford tactics cost semi-final place
Hereford United were defeated 1-0 at Hucknall Town yesterday evening in the F.A. Trophy quarter final replay. A disappointing evening for the 166 travelling supporters, who offered plenty of vocal support, was capped off with the news that skipper Tony James now faces a spell on the sidelines, maybe the rest of the season, with suspected ankle ligament damage.
After the 2-2 draw at Edgar Street on Saturday, Graham Turner made a number of changes to his side. Mark Robinson, man of the match on Saturday, was demoted to the subs bench and Simon Travis took his place at left back. Graham Hyde was redrafted into the midfield to partner Jamie Pitman. Brian Smikle didn't travel and so Craig Stanley took to the wing for the game and Turner also decided on a complete change of strike force. Rob Purdie and Danny Carey-Bertram found themselves on the bench with Adam Stansfield and Lee Mills being the preferred partnership.
The early stages of the contest saw Craig Mawson make an easy save at his near post and Danny Williams having a shot deflected away at the other end before either side really made an impression. Stansfield met a free kick from deep with a volley, but it didn't trouble the 'keeper. Stanley and Danny Williams combined well on the right to create the best chance yet. Stanley's whipped cross was headed to the edge of the box where Pitman volleyed well, but it was pushed behind for a corner.
Ryan Green then played a good ball into the feet of Stansfield, who linked up well his strike partner, but Mill's shot flew inches over the bar. Williams then crossed a free kick but Stansfield, who met it with his head at the far post, directed it wide. Hucknall enjoyed their best spell of the game after this, and were more clinical than United had been. Good work down the left flank resulted in a cross to the middle, where Mark Smith headed well but was denied by a good diving save.
The left wing was where the hosts were enjoying most success and it was no suprise when they attacked again with little more than half an hour gone. Dean Barrick raced onto Andy Todds ball into the box but was denied by the onrushing Mawson. However the ball broke to Daniel Bacon, but Tamika Mkandawire blocked his shot on the line. Bacon was given a second chance as the ball rebounded kindly and this time he made no mistake from six yards out.
Stansfield almost hit the Bulls back level terms immediately, but his shot hit the side netting and Williams swung a powerful free kick into the arms of the goalie before the half time whistle sounded. Mkandawire saved Hereford from blushes, after Smith had sprinted through the defence, by making a superb last ditch challenge. With ten minutes of the half gone James was involved in a challenge with Gary Ricketts in which he came off the worst and had to be stretchered off and so Andy Tretton replaced him.
Travis played a one-two with Stanley before a cleared the ball against Travis. It fell kindly to Mills but his well hit twenty five yard effort was easy for the goalkeeper. The Bulls worked a neat throw in move, but Stanley was just too far adrift of Stansfield fired cross to the far post. Williams hit what originally seemed a poor corner, but it fell to Hyde on the edge of the box and he shot a dipping volley towards the top corner but the keeper forced it behind.
Carey-Bertram replaced Stansfield in the attack as Hereford continued to press and he went close with his first touches, as his shot from well outside of the area went just over the bar. For the final twenty minutes the Bulls pressured the Hucknall goal but rarely caused any real threat. Stanley's cross bounced inches wide of the far post. Hyde shot wide once again from a similar position as before but United couldn't break down the Town's defence.
The fans who had made the journey and supported throughout were left disappointed and many questioning the tactics that were used. The "long ball" seemed to be in operation far too often and it was obviously favouring the Hucknall defenders. It would seem that with Lee Mills in the attack, the rest of the side think they can lump the ball forward to him and he will win it everytime; as we have seen on many occassions this is not the case though. Some of Hereford's best chances were made when the ball was played along the ground, on what was a good surface. It was wondered why Stansfield was replaced and not Mills, as the latter appears to encourage the long ball tactic.
HUFC Team: Mawson, Green, James, Mkandawire, Travis, Stanley, Hyde, Pitman, Williams, Mills, Stansfield. Subs: Robinson, Tretton, Lewis, Carey-Bertram, Purdie.
Hucknall happy with result
Last night's goalscore for Hucknall Town, Danny Bacon, has declared: "We can win it now," according to This is Nottingham.
"We are full of confidence and not frightened by anyone. We believe we can win the competition.
"Hereford are a good passing side and you could tell they are full-time players. But it is 11 men against 11 men and we fought hard and matched them all the way.
"This result means a hell of a lot to the club. It was a great atmosphere. The fans were probably more tense than we were towards the end.
"We were holding on a bit, but we restricted them to long shots. We got the goal and held on to it."
Dean Barrick, the Hucknall manager commented: "I could not be more pleased or more proud. Last night was the pinnacle of being in charge and they amazed me.
"They have gone that extra yard and I could not be more proud of them.
"I want to win everything I go in for: I told them I cheat playing monopoly against my kids because I want to win at everything, that is my mentality.
"But I said if they give me everything and we get beat by a better side then I will hold my hands up.
"We have ground out a result against a very good side. Every single player has given everything and I asked for that before the game knowing that we needed it to win. They have always given me that since I took over.
"I know that when we start against whoever we will give every single amount of effort we have in our bodies to get a result."
Chairman Brian Holmes said it was the biggest night in the club's history and the 1,521 crowd provided a big financial boost.
He said: "We got a bigger gate only once, against Burton when they won the league. The atmosphere and support was tremendous and it was a great night for Hucknall Town. It is the biggest night in our history.
"I am delighted for the players but also the team of volunteers that puts the show on the road at Watnall Road.
"We showed tremendous team spirit right through the club. Sometimes you do get what you deserve and we deserved it.
"Financially we are well on our way out of the mire now. Last night is probably worth about £15,000 for us, big money at our level.
"And I believe we can win it. You have got to have faith and faith is the hunter, isn't that a wonderful saying? I think we are in with a shout - you cannot deny it any longer."
Credit to Hucknall
Hereford United supporters leaving Hucknall last night were wondering how a team can go away to Barnet and defeat the league leaders then fail to get through a round in the Trophy against lower league opposition.
The Bulls looked either unable or unwilling to take on the opposition and many fans were questioning whether their was any real intention of trying to win the game.
However at least two Conference games can now go ahead on the original dates and there is only the date of the Carlisle match to be confirmed. The outstanding Cup game against Kington has to be played sometime but as the Hereford FA have not, as yet, fixed a date for the final of this local cup there appears to be no urgency to play this game.
Hucknall Town should be praised for their performance both on and off the pitch. For a part-time side their players looked fit and didn't appear to be over-tired towards the end of the game. There are several players in their side who could probably play at a higher level.
The ground was quite tidy, parking easy, and even the programme which had been rushed out for the game was a credit to the club (even if the Bulls were called the motormen). The food was better than at Edgar Street and the toilets had lights that worked. Only the poor floodlights let them down.
Hucknall Town will play Bishop's Stortford in the semi-final of the Trophy. Good luck to them.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
James suffers suspected ligament damage
Tony James, the Hereford United captain, was stretched off at Hucknall last night with suspected ankle ligament damage during the second half of the FA Trophy which the Bulls lost by the only goal of the game.
His place was taken by Andy Tretton.
Hucknall deserved their victory. Once again the Bulls looked as though they didn't want to be playing for much of the first period.
After half-time, Hereford had more possession but hardly gave the Hucknall keeper more than the odd shot to deal with. Too many high balls to Lee Mills seemed the main tactic, and as at Tamworth last Tuesday, Mills couldn't cope with many of them.
Full report on the game later today.
Meanwhile as Exeter defeated Burton in the Conference last night , Hereford drop to eight position in the table.
Barrick hopeful of win
Dean Barrick, the Hucknall player/manager, knows his side will have to give a good showing if they are to defeat Hereford United this evening.
"We'll have to work as hard as we did on Saturday and have a bit more quality about us tonight," Barrick told This Is Nottingham.
"We can play better than we did and there's more to come from us. We didn't use the ball as well as we can, but our work rate earned us a replay.
"We will have to defend very well. They will play the same way as they did on Saturday and they will create chances.
"They scored two excellent goals in the first game and there wasn't much we could have done to prevent them."
Asked about the possibility of extra-time and penalties tonight Barrick replied:
"I'm not fussed. We'll give it our best shot and we'll just get on with it. I'll be pleased if we get through, however we do it.
"Our record from penalties isn't very good but if it comes to it, we'll just have to run up and smash the ball as hard as we can! There will be a few tired legs tonight, but I know they will put in the effort."
Delayed start for Brown at Stanley
David Brown is expected to make his debut for Accrington Stanley next Saturday against Morecambe.
It is understood that Accrington Stanley expect to get the all-clear to seal the signing of David Brown in a day or two.
The 26-year-old striker last week agreed a deal until the end of the season following his departure from play-off rivals Hereford United.
However, a delay in his release from the Bulls prevented him from playing in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Carlisle.
Extra effort needed says James.
Tony James, the Hereford United captain, has told the Worcester News that An improved performance is needed this evening if the Bulls are to defeat Hucknall in the FA Trophy replay.
"If we play 10 per cent better than we did at our place, we should make it through," said James. "Obviously, we got the lead twice on Saturday and we were a bit disappointed not to have closed the game out both times.
"But fair play to Hucknall, they played pretty well. Once they scored their first goal, we knew we were in for a very close game. We got another goal but we could not kill the game off.
"It was just poor organisation really. We were not switched on for their goals and we did not play awfully well. But at least we are still in the competition and we've got another opportunity to put things right.
"They have a lot of decent players, especially their wingers and front men who are quite dangerous.
"They've got a big lad up front that made it difficult, but they have also got their weaknesses too.
"We know it's going to be a battle. It's always going to take a while to put some decent passing moves together early, but we are prepared for that.
"We have been given a decent draw in the semi-finals and there's a big incentive to get through."
Monday, March 14, 2005
Halifax go second
After defeating York City this evening, Halifax Town move up to second in the Conference table pushing Aldershot down to third.
They have now played 33 games gaining 59 points. Hereford, remain in seventh place with 52 points from 31 games.
Tomorrow evening, as well as the two Trophy replays, there are two Conference games. Of interest to the Bulls will be the result of the Exeter/Burton game. The Grecians will move above Hereford if they win.
Meanwhile Ben Scott is unlikely to be on the bench at Hucknall. The Hereford United reserve keeper is understood to have a shoulder injury.
Transfer deadline now March 31st
Confguide are reporting that the transfer deadline for the Conference is now March 31st. Some sources had suggested that the date was to be March 24th.
Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, now has just two and a half weeks to bolster his squad should he feel that is needed.
Confguide also state that the opening date for next season will be August 13th, the second Saturday of the month, which is the same as this season.
Hucknall game reports on BBC H&W
BBC Hereford and Worcester will have updates from the Trophy replay at Hucknall tomorrow evening.
Terry Goodwin will be at the match and his reports will be on the evening programme from 7pm.
There will be live streaming of the match on BBC Radio Nottingham.
Meanwhile Hucknall Town have confirmed last night's report that there will be segregation at the game.
Hereford United supporters have been allocated about 120 seats and about room for 400 to stand. On arrival please use the second entrance on the right. There is a turnstile adjoining the car park. Inside the ground are both a refreshment stall and toilets.
Good tie for Bulls if they defeat Hucknall
This report is from Confguide:
The draw for the semi-final stage of the FA Trophy was made this morning. Burton Albion will play Grays Athletic (away leg first), while a potential all-conference tie will see Gravesend and Northfleet home in the first leg to Hereford United, should the clubs with their respective replays.
1st leg, 2nd april 2005
bishop's stortford or gravesend & northfleet v hereford united or hucknall town
grays athletic v burton albion
2nd leg, 9th april 2005
hereford united or hucknall town v bishop's stortford or gravesend & northfleet
burton albion v grays athletic
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Fixture list for Hereford United
Below is a list of fixtures for Hereford United, beleived correct at the time of publishing:
March 15th Hucknall Town Trophy Replay Away 7.45pm
March 19th Crawley Town Conf League Home 3pm
March 22nd Morecambe Conf League Away 7.45pm
March 25th (Good Friday) Farnborough Conf League Away 3pm
March 28th (Easter Monday) Northwich Conf League Home 3pm
April 02nd Stevenage Conf League Away 3pm
April 09th York Conf League Home 3pm
April 12th Forest Green Conf League Away 7.45pm
April 16th Halifax Conf League Away 3pm
April 19th Woking Conf League Away 7.45pm
April 23rd Accrington Stanley Conf League Home 3pm
The dates of both the Carlisle United Conference game and the local cup game against Kington Town are yet to be announced.
Although Hereford have a free Tuesday on April 5th, Carlisle are already playing that evening.
Should Hereford defeat Hucknall in the replay on Tuesday then the two games on April 2nd and April 9th, Stevenage and York, will also be postponed as the Trophy semi-finals, a two-legged affair, are to be played on those Saturdays.
Where is Hucknall?
Hereford United travel to Hucknall on Tuesday for the FA Trophy replay.
Hucknall Town is just off the M1, north of Nottingham.
Directions from the Herefordshire area:
M5/M42/A42/M1.
From M1 Exit the M1 at junction 27 and follow the A611. Go straight over at the
next 2 roundabouts, keeping to the right hand lane after the second roundabout,
following the lane markings for Hucknall. Go through the traffic lights on to the
dual carriageway, and then turn right at the next roundabout. Go straight over
the next roundabout, and after approx half a mile, turn right at the roundabout
(the ground is on your right). The Entrance to the ground is 100 Yards on the
right hand side.
Alternatively leave the MI at exit 26 take for 0.7 km. Head towards: Nottingham,
Bulwell, Stapleford via: A610 continue along A610 for 0.9 km. At the
roundabout, take the 1st exit Nottingham Road/B600. Continue along Nottingham
Road/B600 for 0.9 km. Turn right onto: B600 for 2.5 km. Turn right onto: Narrow
Lane/B6009 for 150 m. Turn right onto: B6009 for 3.5 km
Address of ground: Watnall Road , Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. NG15 6EY
Car Parking: Just a short walk from the ground. Plenty of space.
There should be access to all areas of the ground for all including the social club and there will be a burger stall similar (hopefully better) to Edgar Street.
Train: There is a rail link between Nottingham and Hucknall called the 'Robin
Hood Line'. The ground is about a 20 minute to walk from the station. Leave the station and walk up station road to the traffic lights (cinema/bingo club on far corner), turn right to the next lights, turn left and this is Watnall Road. Keep walking to the first Roundabout, the ground is on the right.
Admission; Adults-£9, Concessions-£5.
Bulls News would like to thank Jamie Foster of the Official Hucknall Town Website for his help in compiling these notes.
LATER: It now seems probable that the two sets of supporters will be segregated. More details tomorrow.
Daft goals said Turner
Graham Turner told the Non-League paper that he was unhappy the Bulls had conceded two goals yesterday in the Trophy game.
"We're happier with the replay than we would have been in going out of the comnpetition. It's a game we could have done without but we're conceding some daft goals at the moment.
"It looked comfortable for us in the first fifteen minutes and we should have killed them off but we stopped defending from the front and gave them a goal with poor defensive play.
"And the second was even worse."
Dean Barrick, the Hucknall player-manager, said that it was a tough game.
"I can't see it being any different at our place."
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Really silly goals says Pitman
Jamie Pitman told BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game that the Bulls gave away "really silly goals today".
"We only had to keep a clean sheet. They made it difficult and, fair play to them, they came and got a result.
"Craig scored a great goal but then our silly mistakes made them score an equaliser and then we scored a great goal through Mark Robinson, but then our lack of concentration cost us the game.
"We have to switch on a little bit quicker. We have no-one else to blame but ourselves for the result today. But we are still in the Tie.
Asked about the replay Pitman replied "We fancy beating them. They've had really no great chances and we've created some good ones."
Bulls stay in seventh position
Wins for Barnet, Carlisle and Morecambe in the Conference this afternoon have kept Hereford United in seventh position in the table. Of particular note was the result at Carlisle where the visitors Accrington Stanley were defeated 2-0. David Brown was not in the Stanley squad.
The Bulls are five points behind second place Aldershot and have games in hand over every other club in the top ten positions in the league.
Hereford United's next Conference game is at Edgar Street next Saturday when Crawley Town are the visitors.
Sun Valley to continue Sponsorship
Sun Valley are to continue sponsoring Hereford United for the next two seasons. Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, confirmed the new agreement in Bullseye this afternoon.
"Sun Valley who have been great supporters of the club have agreed another two year deal with us," wrote Turner.
"Joan Fennessy and myself met with Sun Valley director Richard Maxfield for discussions about a renewal and it did not take long before agreement was reached.
"Many of the Sun Valley workforce are supporters of the Club therefore the continued association will, I am sure, please them.
"The Sun Valley - Hereford United shirt sponsorship must be one of the longest in football so we are delighted that it will continue."
Draw means further backlog for Bulls
Hereford United twice threw away the lead as Hucknall Town battled away to earn themselves a replay this Tuesday evening , meaning Hereford's match with Carlisle must now be rescheduled once again. Hereford put in another medicore performance in front of a disappointing crowd of 1,766, which included 288 away fans.
Lee Mills was out for United and Simon Travis only made the bench, having been replaced against Tamworth due to injury. As expected, Ryan Green took his place. Carl Lewis was a surprise inclusion as the sub goalkeeper, from the youth team, as Ben Scott was left out. Rob Purdie also returned to the side and partnered Danny Carey-Bertram up front and Jamie Pitman returned after three weeks out in the place of Graham Hyde.
The Bulls could not have got off to a better start; having conceded early goals in both of their previous two outings, it was their turn to score early on. Pitman found Brian Smikle on the wing who found Purdie. His square ball was met first time by Craig Stanley as he hammered the ball beyond the goalkeeper from the edge of the box. Hereford went on to create a couple more openings, but Hucknall were not ready to turn over yet.
Purdie's shot was easy for the 'keeper from fifteen yards out after good build up through the midfield and Stanley again was on the end of a cross, this time from Green, but he lifted it over the bar. Then Hucknall broke from halfway and were back on level terms after twenty three minutes. Andy Todd held off the challenge of Smikle before play a perfect through ball on the inside of Tony James, for Mark Smith to run onto and round Craig Mawson before firing in to make it 1-1.
Hereford were slightly rattled by this and James made a mistake in playing a free-kick straight to Todd, as he attempted to pick out Green across the back, but luckily for him the cross was harmless. Just after the half hour United sprung back into life and Purdie, running onto a forty yard pass from Stanley, crossed from the left for Carey-Bertram, whose near post effort was deflected wide by a defender. After the corner Pitman threaded a neat ball into Tamika Mkandawire in the area. His touch beat the goalie but there was a defender on the line to stop United retaking the lead.
Stanley went close again when his twenty five yard effort was kept out by a great diving save. Hereford clearly wanted to have an advantage going in at the break, and on the stroke of half time they got what they were looking for. Stanley had found Green moments before, who played a one-two with Purdie and then crossed to Carey-Bertram who won a corner. A second cross was headed away by Hucknall but only as far as Mark Robinson who met the dropping ball with a full volley. It left his boot like a rocket and flew into the top corner, leaving the 'keeper stranded.
The second half started with United the more threatening side but couldn't create any clear chances. Carey-Bertram's shot on the turn was not far away and Rob Purdie went just as close with a good effort from all of thirty yards. Then, against the run of play, Hucknall found themselves level once again. Dean Barrick started a move on the left, which resulted in Todd playing a ball to the edge of the area, where Smith was in acres of space to burst into the area unchallenged and slide the ball into the bottom corner. A few minutes later, Stansfield replaced Smikle soon after as United searched for more options in the attack.
Green and Ricketts tangled after the ball had been knocked out of play as tempers on the pitch rose. Both were booked, but it seemed a harsh decision on Green and maybe slightly lenient on his opponent. A well worked throw in move saw Pitman play a nice flick for Williams to run onto and cross to the far post. Purdie played a cushion header to Carey-Bertram but the bounce was just to high and he sliced his shot.
Hereford continued to press, but Hucknall were tenacious and packed their defence as they hoped to force a replay. Hereford worked a move down the right in which Carey-Bertram crossed to Stansfield, but his header was off target. Travis was then introduced in Green's place, as he was fired up following the clash with Ricketts.
Stansfield then rounded Barrick on the right flank before picking out Carey-Bertram deep into injury time. Carey-Bertram's shot appeared to be goalbound but was deflected wide by what seemed to be the arm of a defender, but the referee waved away the claims. Man of the match Robinson crossed into the danger zone but Mkandawire headed wide.
Hucknall will be delighted with their performance and will be full of confidence when they get a second attempt against Hereford this Tuesday. Hereford will be frustrated that they could not finish off the job today as the replay means further fixture back log in an already extremely tight schedule.
HUFC Team: Mawson, Green, James, Mkandawire, Robinson, Williams, Pitman, Stanley, Smikle, Purdie, Carey-Bertram. Subs: Travis, Tretton, Lewis, Hyde, Stansfield.
Draw creates more congestion
Hereford United will have to travel to Hucknall Town next Tuesday after the two teams draw 2-2 this afternoon at Edgar Street. The Conference match with Carlisle arranged for that evening will be postponed.
The Bulls scored two excellent goals but poor defending allowed Hucknall back into the game. Full report shortly.
The replay will not be wanted by the Bulls and Hucknall will feel pleased with their afternoon's work.
Meanwhile so-called Hucknall fans were said to have caused trouble in Hereford both before and after the game. Extra police were brought in to deal with problems.
Traffic was stopped outside the ground after the game ended and dogs were seen being used close to the away entrance.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Busy week for Bulls
This afternoon's Trophy game against Hucknall Town marks the start of another busy week for Hereford United.
The Bulls must win the game today. A draw will mean a reply on Tuesday. With £7,000 on offer to the victors, a place in the semi-final and a possible final at Villa Park, the Trophy is worth going for.
Assuming a result, the Bulls next two Conference games are at home with the visit of Carlisle next Tuesday and Crawley Town next Saturday. Both will be difficult games but Graham Turner will be hoping for six points from these two fixtures.
Meanwhile the Worcester News quotes the Hereford United manager as saying that the departure of David Brown is "not a big loss".
"He lived up in Wigan and that was a heck of a distance for him to get to training. We had a difference of opinion over his training schedule. The difficulty was the sheer distance he lived from the club," said Turner.
"Over recent weeks, it has become apparent that David was our fifth-choice striker. Danny Carey-Bertram has come in and done really well. We've also got Lee Mills and
Adam Stansfield. Rob Purdie has also come in. We've got our leading goalscorers here and so, with that, he had become fifth choice. So it has not been a big loss to us."
With the transfer deadline looming Turner commented on the current situation.
"It would be easy to bring in players but it's not easy signing players who are any better than those already at the club.
"We can get quantity but perhaps not quality and that is what we need. The deadline is coming up but I will not sign players just for the sake of it.
"Obviously, there is going to be some big changes in the summer. I'm not necessarily talking about us but everyone on the whole."
Turner also commented on the Tony James position.
"We've had no contact with Yeovil. Our priority is the play-offs and so we'd not release him at this time anyway."
Good start to the weekend
Hereford United supporters will be pleased that Canvey Island have drawn with Aldershot this evening 2-2.
The Shots move up to second place but have now played four more games than Hereford United.
For a look at the up-dated Conference League Table please click on the link on the left of the screen.