Test

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Stalemate in 'Welsh' derby

Wrexham and Chester drew 0-0 in their lunchtime game at the Racecourse today.

Chester, who had six of their players booked, could have gone above the Bulls in the League table had they won.

Hereford United stay in 11th position.

8 Notts County 33 4 46
9 Darlington 33 1 46
10 Bristol Rovers 32 -1 44
11 Hereford 32 -4 44
12 Chester 31 1 42
13 Peterborough 33 -5 42
14 Shrewsbury 29 14 41

Luke drinks for Hereford

Hereford United supporters are drinking their way through gallons of Coca-Cola to help the Bulls.

The 'Buy-A-Player' promotion is well under way and Hereford United supporters have raised £700 for the club so far.

The supporters who raises the most money for the club will be rewarded with a ride in the team bus to a match and also have a pre match meal with the players. He or she will become a 'Superfan'.

To date Luke P is well on his way to becoming that 'Superfan' as he has already raised £100 for the club.

It is easy to help Hereford United in this promotion. Simply buy some Coca-Cola with the special promotion and either text or go online to see if you have won anything.

Yesterday some supporters were given a promotional scratch card with a code on as they entered Edgar Street.

Nicolau returns to Edgar Street

Another Andy Compton/Hereford Journal picture

Nicky Nicolau, who was on loan at Edgar Street for a short spell last season, returned to Hereford yesterday but this time was in the colours of Barnet.

Nicolau came on as a substitute mid-way through the second half.

His manager Paul Fairclough thought that the outcome of the game was a fair result.

"We were in a form of control in the first half and I thought that Hereford were getting frustrated in their play.," he told the League Paper.

"I was very dissapointed with the way we defended the first goal. After that we were chasing everything."

Turner frustrated with time scale for redevelopment

The Hereford United manager, Graham Turner, writing in yesterday's match programme, admitted that it seems an eternity since discussions about the redevelopment of Edgar Street started.

"I, of course, realise that the whole of the Edgar Street Grid square of which we occupy only 4.6 acres is a massive development with a time span close to twenty years. However, we can't wait very much longer, otherwise I can see the continued deterioration of the Blackfriars End leading it to having its capacity further reduced.

"Our partners, the Richardsons, are still convincing me that the only way forward is to work with the appropriate authorities. Co-operation and not confrontation is still the order of the day.

"Perhaps you, as supporters of the Club when canvassed by prospective councillors, could enquire about their views on the Football Club and the redevelopment of the ground.

"I realise that there are many facets of life for Councillors and many more important issues than ours but nonetheless it would be interesting to know their individual views of what I consider a focal point of the community, that is this Club."

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Yates in serious trouble

Whilst Graham Turner was said to be happy with Herefords' 2-0 win over Barnet, his counterpart at Kidderminster wasn't quite as pleased.

"It's a good result for us, scoring two and hitting the woodwork three times," said Turner. "Overall we've got to be pleased."

For Mark Yates, the 2-0 defeat of his side by Exeter at Aggborough, may pale into insignificance compared with what happened after the game which incidentally was refereed by Amy Rayner.

Yates was said to be furious and took it out on Exeter's Lee Elam. Allegedly he head-butted him to the ground.

After the game Exeter released a statement 'regarding an incident after the final whistle at the Kidderminster Harriers v Exeter City match today. At this point in time Exeter City Football Club and the player concerned will leave Kidderminster Harriers and the authorities to deal with the matter in the appropriate fashion.'

Yates will, no doubt, be charged by the FA.

52% of possession to Bulls

The match stats show that the Bulls had 52% possession during the game this afternoon.

Hereford had four shots on target as opposed to three by Barnet and were penalised just eight times for fouls against 14.

Man of the match Rob Purdie was given an eight whilst goalscorers Ben Smith and Danny Thomas received a seven as did 'keeper Wayne Brown and Steve Guinan. With the exception of Alan Connell who had a five, all the other Hereford players were awarded a six.

Smith's first goal for Hereford this time around - picture by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal

Smith: Turner's prodigal Son

This report on this afternoon's game is by Brian

Although Barnet, the visitors to Edgar Street this afternoon, may feel they could have escaped with a point, they rarely troubled Wayne Brown's goal as United returned to winning ways, with another clean sheet. Perhaps ironically, the first clean sheet since New Years Day came about without skipper Tamika Mkandawire, who missed out through suspension. Ben Smith gave a captains performance though as he stepped in, netting the first of two second half goals. Also, United lined up with a 4-4-2 formation, a change from 3-5-2 which has been the preferred formation for the season to date.

Steve Guinan made the first major impact on the game after seven minutes when he crashed a close range effort against the crossbar, following good work by Alan Connell and Smith to carve the opening. In the programme notes Guinan had been bemoaning his luck in front of goal, saying how many times he'd hit the woodwork this season. Both sides went on to create some half chances, but neither goal looked in real danger until the end of the half. Twenty seven minutes had passes when Graham Turner was forced into his first change of the game, as Simon Travis pulled up with what looked to be an ankle injury and so Andy Williams came on and man of the match Rob Purdie filled in at left back.

Ten minutes later the game sprung into life when a simple ball to the feet of Dean Beckwith evaded him completely, allowing Guiliano Grazioli a run in on goal. He approached Brown calmley but the 'keeper got the better of him, not only making a fine save but triggering a counter attack that almost resulted in a goal at the other end. Smith linked up the play in the middle, playing a pass to debutant Danny Thomas on the left wing and his cross was met by a thumping Connell header, that flew just the wrong side of the near post. Grazioli found himself in another fantastic position a minute before the interval, but he headed wide, somehow, from almost point blank range.

Steven Jennings was replaced at the break by Andy Ferrell, and the change seemingly paid dividends. Just three minutes into the half United broke the deadlock, thanks to stand-in-skipper Smith. Guinan passed to Williams on the right who crossed low to the edge of the six yard box, where Smith charged in, directed the ball goalwards with his right foot, and the ball hit the back of the net, though it took a deflection on the way in. At the other end The Bees forced a rare second half opening but Dean Sinclair couldn't get a full enough connection on the ball. Guinan would have been further frustrated with his luck when, after a cheeky flick from Smith, Trent McClenahan crossed to Guinan, who headed against the foot of the post.

Two successive corners followed for Hereford with Smith collecting the second on the edge of the box before spreading play to Williams on the right, who crossed to the near post where Connell touched wide. Nicky Nicolau, who had a spell with United at the end of last season, was introduced by the visitors on seventy minutes as Barnet looked to change the balance of the game, but it was the hosts who were the more threatening. Connell saw a snap shot from twenty five yards just miss the bottom corner before Guinan controlled on his chest and layed on for his strike partner, who hit the post with a drive from twenty five yards once again.

With five minutes and injury time remaining, someone seemed to hit the panic button for United, as they suddenly seemed to switch to defensive mode and invite pressure from Barnet. The visitors took full advantage of this and really should have levelled things up, but Grazioli once again failed when one on one with Brown. This time though, Brown didn't have to make a save as the striker fired wide from fifteen yards. Hereford were gifted the opportunity to double their advantage though on eighty nine minutes when goalkeeper Rob Burch poorly cleared, but Tim Sills, who'd just replaced Connell, fired back into his arms. Burch was feeling generous though and in the first of three added minutes did exactly the same thing, playing the ball to Guinan. The loanee played a tidy pass with the outside of his boot across the box to Thomas who raced onto the ball and drilled it low into the back of the net, for a debut goal in front of the Meadow End.

The goal capped off an all round good performance from The Bulls, in front of a crowd of 2,608 including 116 travelling fans. The change to 4-4-2 paid off for Turner and Co. but it was perhaps suprising that Phil Gulliver was left on the subs bench, with Richard Rose being preferred at the heart of the defence. It was also good to see and out and out left winger in Danny Thomas who, despite not excelling, and a decent game and delivered a couple of good crosses and, of course, sealed the 2-0 victory right at the death. A quick mention for referee Mr. Deadman, who must have left his cards at home today!

HUFC: Brown, McClenahan, Beckwith, Rose, Travis, Purdie, Jennings, Smith, Thomas, Guinan, Connell. Subs: Gulliver, Thompson, Ferrell, Williams, Sills.

BFC: Burch, Devera, Yakubu, King, Gross, Puncheon, Bailey, Lewis, Sinclair, Graham, Grazioli.
Subs: Nicolau, Flitney, Hendon Allen, Warhurst.

Impressive debut from Thomas

New signing Danny Thomas had an impressive debut at Edgar Street this afternoon and capped his performance with a goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Playing on the left side of midfield Thomas showed why Graham Turner had signed him with some good runs and decent tackles. He also showed supporters that he can put a good ball into the box.

Danny Thomas - pictures by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal

He appears to have good close control of the ball and doesn't give possession away very easily.

Guinan will stay if asked

Steve Guinan is happy to stay at Edgar Street if asked to by Hereford United manager Graham Turner.

Guinan told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he hadn't heard anything about whether his loan from Cheltenham would be extended.

"It's a case of just getting on with it and enjoying my football and hopefully contributing to the team like I did today and we'll see what comes at the end of it.

"At this point in time I would probably say yes. The fans have got a nice rapport with me and I've got a nice rapport with them.

"I'm hopefully doing a decent job for the team and if the players think that and more importantly the manager if he said that then I'd probably stay."

Guinan has two more games, against Lincoln on Tuesday and Rochdale next Saturday, until the month long loan ends.

He spoke about the two goals.

"I've had a hand in the first goal and I set Danny Williams (Thomas - ed) up for the second goal.

"The first goal arrived at a great time for us really."

Ben Smith celebrating his goal - picture by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal

League Two Results Round-Up

Torquay remain six points adrift after a 1-0 home loss to Hartlepool, who go second. With Wrexham playing tomorrow, Macclesfield took the opportunity to move clear of them with a 2-1 win over Peterboro. Boston lost again, 3-0 at home to Shrewsbury, in front of less than 1500 of their own supporters.

Accrington lost 1-0 to Stockport, with Stuart Fleetwood subbed at half time after another ineffective display in a Stanley shirt. Two late goals gave Rochdale a 2-1 win at Notts County to move to 35 points, five clear of second bottom Wrexham. Bury are on the verge of being sucked into the relegation battle after a 4-0 home loss to Wycombe, while recent revivalists Mansfield and Grimsby saw the Mariners beat the Stags 2-1.

At the top, Walsall lost to Lincoln (3rd) 2-1 last night, leaving their lead down to goal difference from Hartlepool. Swindon drew with Darlington 1-1 to lead the play-off spots, and MK Dons drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers. The gap between 7th and 8th is now eight points

Bulls Batter Bees... And The Woodwork

The Bulls beat Barnet 2-0 in today's League Two clash at Edgar Street thanks to goals at the start and finish of the second half.

After a largely forgettable first half the Bulls brought the bite of Andy Ferrell into midfield to replace Steve Jennings, who had been struggling for fitness all week, and his presence seemed to bring more composure to the side. A deflected strike by Ben Smith and a debut goal for Danny Thomas was the difference but the Bulls battered the Barnet goal at times and the woodwork was struck three times.

Full report later.

The win gives the Bulls 44 points to put them in 11th place, but they are still ten points off the final play-off spot.

News Round Up

Chester have signed Everton midfielder Alan Kearney on loan. The 19 year old Irishman is out of contract in the summer. Torquay have signed defender Dean Gordon on non-contract terms, taken Sheff Utd midfielder Lloyd Kerry on loan, and released defender Stephen Reed by mutual consent.

Bristol Rovers have taken Birmingham defender Sam Oji on loan for a month. He is the second loan defender to come in this week. Boston coach Paul Raynor has escaped a violent conduct charge relating to a match with Torquay in December. Boston had two sent off and Raynor was alleged to have been involved in an altercation with the Gulls' ex-Boston keeper Nathan Abbey. Both denied the charges and the FA found the case to be not proven.

GT: Back To Basics

Speaking to the official website, Graham Turner said it was time to get back to the basics:

"It's a big game for us and we've had a frustrating wait since our last game here against Stockport. Although I didn?t think there was much between the two sides in that game, the result was disappointing and you want to get out and play again as soon as possible to try and get that out of your system. On the day the game was fairly even but unfortunately we came up against a team who got ahead and never looked like relinquishing the lead. Defensively they came here full of confidence and that meant we were always up against it once we went behind.

"What we have to do is get back to basics defensively and put right the fact that we've conceded 12 goals in our last 5 games. That simply isn't good enough and as a team we need to improve that. When we keep clean sheets we praise the whole team so now the whole team has to take responsibility for the goals we?ve been conceding. Although it's been a difficult week weather wise, we had a really good session on Thursday, looked at everything we wanted to and hopefully that will make the difference on Saturday."

Game on at Edgar Street

Todays' League Two game at Edgar Street against Barnet goes ahead. Yesterday's rain cleared during the early evening and it has been dry since. However the pitch will be on the heavy side for the game as misty damp conditions during the night and early morning will not have given much chance for the ground to dry.

Meanwhile in addition to those players already out Barnet will also miss midfielder Andy Hessenthaler with a groin injury which occured during training yesterday.

"We are struggling with numbers but we are very confident of getting a win. It's a good opportunity for someone else to stake their claim," said manager Paul Fairclough.

Finally there will be full coverage on the game for those who subscribe to Barnet's website. BBC Hereford and Worcester will have updates as usual.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Rip-off ticket prices petition

The Football Supporters Federation have launched an on-line petition against rip-off ticket prices in the game.

Commenting on the petition launch FSF Chair Malcolm Clarke, a Stoke City supporter, said, "Supporters in this country are sick to the back teeth of being ripped off. My own club has just had a game at St Andrews against Birmingham City moved from Saturday at 3.00pm to Sunday at 11.30am with eight days notice. Despite this surreal kick-off time for a professional football match we were still expected to pay £30 a ticket in the Stoke end for the privilege. It's absolutely shameless. I've made an official complaint about this to both clubs and the League.

"It's simply not good enough. Now we have Peter Kenyon at Chelsea reported as saying that the club has no intention of lowering ticket prices as his players will be demanding big pay rises. Sorry Peter. Get real. Here on planet Earth most people view professional footballers in the Premier League as being paid enough already. I think most people would be able to get by on the average salary of a Chelsea first-team squad player. Anyway Chelsea and every other club in the Premier League are going to receive extra millions in broadcasting income next season. It's time this was shared out with the fans. The new money coming into the Premier League from next season is worth around £30 per admission over three seasons. The Premier League clubs could afford to let most fans in for nothing and still be as well off as they are today."

The on-line petition calls for:

§ A League wide away fans ticket price of no more than £15

§ A League mandated freeze on all matchday and season ticket prices

§ The use of television facilities fees for broadcast games to lower ticket prices to compensate for fixture moves and inconvenient kick-off times

Clarke commented, "Although the proposed changes are targeted at the Premier League initially, the petition is for all supporters, whether they support a club in the Conference or lower, the Football League or the Premier League. Ticket prices in this country are far too high at almost all clubs at all levels."

The petition can be found on the FSF website at:

http://www.fsf.org.uk/petitions/away-tickets/

Under 18's look for win at Plymouth

Hereford United under 18's team travel to Plymouth for a Puma South West Conference League game tomorrow morning.

The young Bulls' form has improved recently and they will feel they are in with a good chance of picking up at least a point from the game.

Plymouth have lost all their home games whilst the Bulls have drawn their last two games against Yeovil and Bristol Rovers.

UPDATE: This game was postponed.

No plans for pitch inspection

There are no plans for a pitch inspection at Edgar Street in advance of tomorrow's match against Barnet.

Although there has been well over half an inch of rain in the Hereford area today, the forecast (as at 5pm) is for the rain to peter out in the next hour or so. A dry night is expected and at present there is no rain forecast for tomorrow.

Long Trips For Bulls Fans

It's going to be a tough time for Bulls' fans over the next month, as their side faces many lengthy trips around the country. Long journeys north to the likes of Darlington and Hartlepool will really test fans financially. All journeys below are from Hereford.

20th February - Lincoln - 249km - (498km Both Ways)

27th February - Chester - 152km - (304km Both Ways)

3rd March - Hartlepool - 392km - (784km Both Ways)

17th March - Darlington - 373km - (746km Both Ways)

24th March - Accrington - 253km - (506km Both Ways)

Fans who make all five trips over the next month will clock 2838km. That is the equivalent of driving from London to Moscow.

2838 kms is about 1773 miles. If the cost of driving is put at 40 pence per mile then a fan who goes alone to matches will spend around £709 going to these five away games. If four fans share the driving expenses then it will still cost £177 for the five games.

Luckily, Hereford fans have a nice break after that, with the next away trip at Walsall. Peterborough and Torquay conclude the away season for the Bulls.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Trewick not out for revenge

John Trewick, the Hereford United coach, says he is not out for revenge against Barnet who visit Edgar Street on Saturday. The Bees defeated the Bulls 3-0 earlier in the season.

"We didn't play particularly well at Barnet, I think it was one of our poor performances," Trewick told the Worcester News.

"It's not a case of revenge - it is an old cliche but you treat every game on its merits.

"I don't think this game has any bearing on the last one against Barnet but we do want three points.

"If we can get the three points then it helps us but they are a very hard-working team."

Trewick admits Barnet have done well in League Two.

"A couple of years ago they ran away with the Conference and they have acquitted themselves well in League Two since.

"It's not going to be easy but we will be as prepared as we can."

Turner hopes to keep Guinan

Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he is hopeful Steve Guinan's loan spell at Edgar Street can be extended.

Guinan joined the Bulls on loan for a month just before the Notts County home game.

"Steve knows what the game's about; he had a cracking start against Notts County, scoring two goals," said Turner.

"He's in the side to score goals; he's an experienced campaigner and he might be vital to us between now and the end of the season."

Turner attends meeting of the planners

Last week Graham Turner attended a meeting of most of those involved with the Edgar Street Grid.

The Hereford United manager said that the meeting, which was attended by architects, consultants, developers, planners and Johnathan Bretherton, chief executive of the ESG, had gone 'as well as I could have hoped'.

Turner told the Hereford Times that he hoped his 'optimism will not be displaced'.

"We would dearly love to see the first part of the Edgar Street Development taking place at the football ground, providing the facility that is much needed and giving our supporters new areas of the ground that benefit the modern era."

The paper also reports that plans for the area are coming together.

'More than 1,000 homes will eventually be built on a site stretching from the northern end of the Merton Meadow car park.'

The ESG draft master plan will be published this summer.

Trio Quit Torquay Board

Three directors of Torquay United have quit the club and issued a letter demanding the removal of chairman Chris Roberts.

The trio, the only remaining directors from the previous chairman's reign, had set a deadline of noon today for Roberts to go, else they would quit themselves. A statement appeared late last night on the official Torquay site, edited several times, 'accepting' the trio's resignation and offering to hand the club over to fans once the club had move stadium.

The news comes as former chairman Mike Bateson, still officially the club's major shareholder, admitted that recent talks with Roberts had centered on his position: "I had a long face-to-face meeting with Chris Roberts yesterday and Chris accepts that his position is becoming untenable. We are working towards an agreement that will enable Chris to leave the club, at which point I would resume control. This coincides with the separate action taken by the three directors which, of course, they are quite entitled to take."

It was also revealed that one of Roberts' own appointees, Joe Giordano, had also quit the board last week.

News Round Up

Bristol Rovers have signed Cardiff defender Joe Jacobsen on loan until the end of the season. The Pirates have three defenders injured, including Ryan Green, and have signed Jacobsen after he impressed during a months loan at Accrington earlier in the season.

Chester have acknowledged interest from Boston for defender Ashley Westwood. The Pilgrims want the player in on loan to bolster their tiny squad, and the player is believed to be unhappy at Chester after arriving in the summer. Notts County have been landed with a £4,000 bill after Lincoln fans damaged over 100 seats during their recent league match. The game also saw a £5,000 police bill for the travelling 2,500 supporters.

Altrincham have announced a £9,000 profit for last season. The part-timers, who only stayed in the Conference due to Scarboro's demotion, have the smallest budget in the division.

Turner Writes To FL Over Chester

Graham Turner has written to the Football League to complain about the cirumstances surrounding the postponement of Saturday's match with Chester.

Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "I can't see why common sense didn't prevail, and why it wasn't called off at nine o'clock. The snow was coming down, the rain had started and the pitch had surface water on it."

The complaint appears to be directed at the referee, Lee Probert, rather than Chester City after Mr. Probert conducted two pitch inspections on Saturday morning, pushing kick-off back an hour after the first, before finally calling off the game.

Fairclough Warns Players

Barnet manager Paul Fairclough has warned his players over their poor disciplinary record this season.

The two-time Conference winning manager has seen seven sent off this term, and the club have a £10,000 suspended fine hanging over them from last season's poor record:

"The fine would be damaging because it would affect the good work on our FA Cup run, for which we picked up a bit of money. We'll develop a strategy and I'm confident the players will bring the situation around."

In addition to the seven dismissals, seven more players have been suspended for totting up yellow cards, with 64 being issued in total, and the club have conceded 13 penalties. Last season, they had three sent off and 95 booked causing the FA to fine them £13,000 with £10,000 of the amount suspended.

Turner looks forward to Barnet

Graham Turner has spoken to the Hereford Times about Saturday's game against Barnet, who defeated the Bulls 3-0 at Underhill last August.

"It was one of our poorer performances of the season down there. Barnet are always well organised and competitive," said Turner.

"We just need to show better defending than we have in recent matches."

Injury wise Turner will be without reserve goalkeeper Glyn Thompson and defender Martyn Giles. Captain Tamika Mkandawire is suspended.

"There have been a few sniffles about this week, particularly Steve Jennings, but otherwise everybody is okay."

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Fleetwood at Accrington

Stuart Fleetwood, pictured by Kipax, played in a reserve game friendly for Accrington Stanley against Tranmere Rovers this afternoon which Stanley won 1-0.

Fleetwood is nearly half-way through his month long loan from Hereford United.

Chester Game Rearranged

The trip to Chester City, postponed at the weekend has been rescheduled according to Hereford United.

The date has now been set for February 27th at 7.45pm. The scheduled HFA game against Westfields on that date has been postponed and will be rearranged at a later date.

News Round Up

Ryan Green will miss only an estimated five weeks after scans showed no bone or ligament damage from the horror injury that saw him subbed after just nine minutes of Saturday's Bristol Rovers game. Torquay are giving a trial to full back Dean Gordon. The former Middlesboro defender played over 100 games in the top flight but was released by Blackpool earlier in the season.

Wrexham captain Danny Williams has warned his side that if they carry on playing as they are they will be relegated, telling the local press: "If we play like we did in the second half at Peterborough we'll get relegated, it's as simple as that. We've a big derby game on Sunday and we've got to improve. I just hope some of the lads realise that Wrexham need to stay up and push on."

The Conference match between Aldershot and Oxford saw five people arrested as violent scenes erupted in the streets after the game. Halifax are giving a trial to Swindon midfielder Gareth Whalley, with manager Chris Wilder in the frame for the managers job at Bradford.

In the international match, England's National Game XI lost to their Irish counterparts 3-1. Ex-Bull Craig Stanley played the entire game. Stockport have extended the loan of Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey by another month.

Stevenage have announced a loss of £151,000 for last season as they missed out on promotion again, despite receiving over £100,000 in transfer fees during the time. The Conference are yet to decide either the date or location of this years play-off final. Leicester, Stoke, Coventry, and Wolves are all in the running to host the match but the venue will not be decided until the date is confirmed.

Average attendances in the Conference so far show that Oxford's average gates are nearly double, at 6478, any of their rivals. Exeter are second in the list with an average 3378, with York and Cambridge third and fourth. Leaders Dagenham have averaged just 1507 so far with only eight of the 24 teams averaging over 2,000. Oxford are also the biggest attraction as visitors to other grounds, with 13 of their 16 away games so far this season being the home club's highest gate of the season.