A more detailed look at the latest Hereford United accounts reveals that the club was only kept in profit because 'donations received' rose from £45k to £95k.
Where that extra revenue came from is not stated.
The accounts suggest why Graham Turner may have felt the need to accept bids for both Andy Williams and Tamika Mkandawire recently as it now looks unlikely that the club will be able to do much more than balance the books in the current twelve months.
However the Board of directors appear to remain confident of the club's future.
The Board of Directors are pleased to report another profit for the season 2005-2006. The good financial results reflect a successful season on the pitch, including promotion back into the league.
The financial situation of the company is now better than it has been for a number of years. We hope that this is a base from which we can build further success in the future.
It is now clear that in the long term the Club will continue to play at Edgat Street and that the ground will be developed and refurbished in partnership with Developers.
The profit for the year is just under £8,000. down from £291,880 last year. However the debt is still over £750,000.
Staff costs have risen from £615,202 to £754,989. Transfer fees received down to £31,997 from £89,375 the previous year. Gate revenue is down by around £80,000 although season ticket receipts rose by £15,000. Prize money rose by £24,000 and sponsorship by £19,000. Club shops sales dropped by £13,000.
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Thursday, March 22, 2007
More about the disappointing accounts
Only £8,000 profit last year
Despite hopes that Hereford United had made another reasonable profit last season, the club has said that it made just £8,000 in the year to May 2006.
In his weekly column in the Hereford Times, manager Graham Turner revealed the figures which suggest that the cost of promotion was higher than generally realised.
Gate reciepts were down by £80,000, transfer income down £50,000 and wages up by £140,000.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Boston Squad Shrinks Again
After announcing the retention of Watford's Albert Jarrett on loan for the rest of the season, Boston manager Steve Evans has been gazumped for the winger by MK Dons.
The Dons have confirmed that the player has now signed for them, apparently offering Watford more than Boston could for the players services over the coming weeks. Jarrett is the third Boston loan player to be 'nicked' by another League Two club, with Evans already having took a swipe at the circling vultures by calling them 'Coronation Street managers'.
It's not been a good day for Evans, with recent signing Stephen Vaughan now sidelined until Xmas after surgery to repair an achilles tendon rupture revealed even worse damage than originally diagnosed.
Four of the club's players are now ruled out for the remainder of the season, with three more receiving treatment on existing injuries. The club currently have just 12 professional players, either contracted or on loan, available for the remainder of the season and, with the club already reliant on charity from their fellow clubs to cover the wages of their current loan crop, it is difficult to see where they can find additional bodies to see out the season.
News Round Up
Stockport boss Jim Gannon has blasted the decision to let referee Dean Whitestone take charge of last night's match with Bristol Rovers. Whitestone postponed the original game in controversial circumstances, and Stockport had lodged an offical complaint about the official. Gannon didn't mince his words about Rovers either, telling the press: "They're a very, very poor outfit, they looked sluggish and we were the better team.". Rovers won 2-1, scoring a penalty in the process.
Accrington have extended the loan of Liverpool goalkeeper David Martin for a second month. The young stopper made his return from injury in Saturday's win over Torquay, after limping out of his first match without touching the ball. Torquay have resigned striker David Graham on loan from Sheff Weds. Graham played for the club for three years until 2004, helping to save them from relegation in 2001 with a last day goal to keep them up.
Cambridge manager Jimmy Quinn has joined Torquay's Keith Curle in slamming players for bottling tough situations: "You'd think if they're not even getting a reserve game for their club they would want to get out and play some football, but the game has changed and unfortunately there are lads who are happy to just sit there taking £1,000 a week while they wait for the summer."
Halifax's trio of supporters clubs are to hold an open meeting next week with manager Chris Wilder and a member of the prospective investment group to discuss the club's current plight. Boston are relying on charity to keep their current loan signings, with manager Steve Evans quoted as saying: "It costs me more to go to McDonalds with my kids than what we are paying towards Albert's (Jarrett, on loan from Watford) wages."
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Hereford stay 14th in League Two
There were two games in League Two this evening.
Barnet drew 0-0 with Shrewsbury whilst Bristol Rovers defeated Stockport 2-1.
Former Hereford United player Michael Rose scored for Stockport.
9 Shrewsbury 35 19 53
10 Peterborough 38 3 52
11 Bristol Rovers 37 1 52
12 Grimsby 38 -15 50
13 Mansfield 38 1 49
14 Hereford 38 -4 49
15 Notts County 38 -2 48
16 Chester 38 -2 47
17 Rochdale 36 9 46
18 Barnet 38 -12 46
Reserves Draw With Coventry
The official Coventry site is reporting that the Bulls reserve side drew 1-1 with their reserves in today's match.
Tim Sills scored for the Bulls on 50 minutes, dispossessing the keeper before slotting the ball home. Leon McKenzie equalised later on for Coventry, scoring from the edge of the box past Glyn Thompson.
The Coventry side included two of the team that played at Edgar Street in the League Cup earlier in the season, and Welsh international Robert Page.
Hereford United :Thompson, Jeannin, Gulliver, Beckwith, Rose, Ferrell, Gwynne, Williams, Sills, Fleetwood, Palmer.
Subs Brown, Purdie, Thomas, Connell, Travis, Smith, Guinan.
News Round Up
Peterboro have signed Notts County captain Alan White on loan for the rest of the season. White, 31, was a regular at Meadow Lane and is expected to sign a permanent deal at London Road in the summer. The Posh have announced that their early initiative to boost season ticket sales has already seen 700 sold for next season.
Mansfield potential bidder Andrew Perry, one of the club's biggest sponsors, has reacted angrily to yesterday's statement placing the club up for sale. Perry claims he was refused access to the club accounts when he made an approach, and made a firm written offer for the club.
Bury will receive a £25,000 bonus if David Nugent plays for England. Bury sold the striker to Preston for £110,000 a couple of years ago. Dagenham have become a limited company to comply with Football League regulations. The club has always been a members club until now, but must be registered at Companies House in order to gain promotion to the Football League.
Boston's prospective new owners intend to move the club away from the existing York Street site, but have not yet agreed to the purchase despite handing over £250,000 to cover player wages. Standing Alone Ltd claim in a statement that they are waiting on details about the gate receipts from a friendly in 2001 before making a decision.
Two Accy players suspended for Hereford game
Accrington Stanley will be without two players, both suspended, for their game against Hereford United on Saturday.
Scott Young and Philip Edwards will both miss out.
Accrington also have several players with long term injuries including former Hereford United defender Andy Tretton.
Meanwhile Graham Laws from Tyne and Wear will referee the game.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Accy Revisited on Saturday
Old rivalries will be renewed on Saturday when The Bulls travel to the Fraser Eagle Stadium for a League 2 fixture against Accrington Stanley. Many will consider that United did enough on their Friday evening Conference visit last season to deserve at least a point so this year there is even greater incentive to go for a win. Visiting fans are normally accommodated on the uncovered Coppice Terrace at one end of the ground although a number of seats are often made available in the main stand. The terrace is fairly exposed and supporters are advised to take some warm clothing for this trip towards the Arctic Circle.
Accrington Stanley vs Hereford United Saturday 24th March 2007 Kick Off 3.00pm
Fraser Eagle Stadium
Livingstone Road
Accrington
BB5 5BX
By Car, leave the M6 at Junction 29 and take the M65 towards Blackburn. Continue past Blackburn towards Accrington and leave the M65 at Junction 7. Then take the left hand exit at the roundabout onto the A6185 towards Clitheroe (this is in the opposite direction to Accrington). At the first set of traffic lights turn right onto the A678, towards Padiham, and then at the next traffic lights, turn right onto the A680 towards Accrington. After about half a mile along the A680 you will pass the Crown pub on your left. Take the next left into Livingstone Road and then an immediate left for the Club car park. Parking , for a small donation is also available on land adjacent to the ground, otherwise street parking. Distance approx. 165 miles allow three hours drive time. Admission Adult - £13. Concessions £8.
HUISA Coach departs Edgar Street 8.30 am Fare £20 (Club 01432 276666)
HUMADS Contact Reg (01684 572945)
FUNBUS Departs Edgar Street 9.30 am Fare est. £15 (Contact Oxo)
Trains depart Hereford at 07.56 and 08.56 arriving in Accrington at 11.19 and 12.19. In both cases change at Crewe and Preston. The return trains leave Accy at 18.06 and 19.06 arriving in Hereford at 21.45 and 23.03, again change at Preston and Crewe. The Station at Accrington is a twenty minute walk from the ground.
Refreshments. There is a club at the ground but visiting supporters are not admitted. The nearest Pub to the ground is The Crown which is behind the ground in the main Whalley Road whereas The Greyhound is a little further down the same road as is The Castle Hotel. There are reputed to be a couple of Irish bars in the centre but I have no details of these establishments, nor can I find any reference to a Wetherspoons. However, for proper ale fans there is an absolute gem of a boozer in Haslingden called The Griffin at 84 Hud Rake, BB4 5AF. Several excellent ales are brewed on the premises. It is well worth a visit and is about a 15/20 minute drive from the ground.
Enjoy
Mansfield Up For Sale
Mansfield Town has today been officially put up for sale ahead of a proposed fans boycott of the next home game.
Chairman James Derry has confirmed that major shareholder Keith Haslam has put his stake up for sale, telling the official Mansfield website: "I am notifying all agencies of the media today that the club is up for sale. There is no question about that and no one should be left in any doubt what so ever that this is my position. I look forward to receiving expressions of genuine interest and in the mean time my immediate responsibilities remain MTFC players and staff and their continued financial security at the club."
Haslam has been the subject of intense fan criticism in recent months, with fans paying last week for a light aircraft to fly over their last home match with a 'Haslam Out' banner. He has been accused of milking the club for his own benefit and fans have organised a boycott of next Friday's home match with Macclesfield.
If sold, they follow Peterboro and Torquay in changing ownership. Boston are also the subject of protracted takeover talks.
Preview: Accrington vs Bulls
The Bulls travel to Accrington on Saturday for a League Two match that means little to the Bulls, but memories of last seasons encounters will surely spur the travellers to hinder their hosts survival chances.
A bad tempered match at Edgar Street last March saw Danny Ventre dismissed for the visitors and Nicky Nicolau bag a late equaliser for the Bulls with the antics of Stanley officials being less than well received by their hosts, but the Bulls took the points at Edgar Street in October thanks to a solitary Alan Connell striker and they will be keen to do the double over the current Conference champions.
It would be the first points at Stanley if the Bulls did get a result as they've lost each of the previous three trips for league matches, conceding two goals in each. The only bright spot on their travels was a 0-0 FA Trophy draw in January 2005. Rob Purdie has featured in every league meeting between the two sides, while Paul Mullin has done the same for Stanley.
It's not been dull at Accrington this season. They had to repaint the pitch after vandals sprayed messages against manager John Coleman. Free admission for last weeks win over Torquay cost the club £15,000 but it could be money well 'spent' if the atmosphere and three points stop the club from being the first to have a single season stay in the League. Three times the last home gate took advantage of the free ride but were kept waiting until the last minute for a goal. Ex-Bulls striker David Brown has been repeatedly overlooked as the side have struggled for goals, even turning to Stuart Fleetwood for help at one stage.
The Bulls may be out of the play-off picture, but the majority of players will be looking to secure deals for next season. Fleetwood himself, an early season revelation, has disappeared from the first team picture and may find himself rethinking his future if he fails to perform in the coming weeks. Several other 'fringe' players, like Alex Jeannin and Andy Ferrell, will also be looking to make an impact to secure their footballing futures.
Accrington Stanley vs Hereford United, The Frazer Eagle Stadium, Saturday March 24th, 3.00pm.
Gulls And Stanley Favourites For Drop
Torquay and Accrington are favourites for the drop, according to bookmakers.
Torquay are all but relegated according to bookies, with a price of 1/8 suggesting that their aim to claw back a nine point gap to safety with eight games remaining is futile. Accrington, the free admission at the weekend cost them £15,000 in lost revenue, are 11/8 second favourites for the drop with the current Conference Champions just three points off the bottom two having played a game more than Wrexham, who currently occupy 23rd place.
Boston, whose own manager described as a pub side after they were forced to drive themselves to Mansfield, are 9/4 with Wrexham 3/1. Macclesfield, who were once far adrift at the bottom, are 11/2 with Bury the only other quoted club at 7/1.
At the other end of the table, the Bulls are still rated as a 33/1 shot for promotion. Hartlepool are 1/10 favourites with Walsall, Swindon, and MK Dons all rated odds-on. Shrewsbury are eighth on the list at 11/2.
Turner Plans For Next Season
Speaking to the press after Saturday's game, Graham Turner admitted that he was now planning for next season:
"The play-offs are way beyond us now, but this season has been a learning curve for us and most of the players have shown that they are up to it. It's been a big jump up from the Conference, and we are now preparing for next season."
Turning his attention to the game itself, he was disappointed with the result:
"We felt we could have got something from this game. We had a couple of chances in the first half, then two more after Darlington scored. But Darlington are a good side, and you can see why they are unbeaten for so long. They had a lot of chances in the first half but we defended better in the second."
Darlington manager Dave Penney was a happier man but still criticised his side:
"We didn't take our early chances, and that makes everybody anxious. We need to be more calm and calculated in the penalty area. But credit to the players for keeping going. The spine of the side was good and we got more from the wide men in the second half.
"We have had a good unbeaten run and are grateful to our young defenders. They are all on-loan which isn't ideal, but they will go back to their clubs better for this experience. We weren't defending well enough before they arrived but now we are, and we still have everything to play for."
News Round Up
Boston failed to field on Saturday either of the two announced loan signings last week after the prospective new owners failed to rubber stamp the transfers. Manager Steve Evans is due to meet the new owners tomorrow to sort out 'a number of issues'. The team had to travel by car for Saturday's match after financial issues prevented them using a team coach. Stockport have signed Blackburn full back Eddie Nolan after their move for the Bulls' Simon Travis failed. The 18 year old joins for an initial month.
Bournemouth's shareholders have voted in favour of a takeover by a local based consortium ending the ownership of the club by the supporters trust, Community Mutual. The club was the first to be owned by fans in such a way in 1997, but struggled with a massive debt pile and have had to sell off land around their Dean Court stadium to keep afloat.
Peterboro have continued their raids on the non-league with the capture of Cambridge City defender Danny Blanchett. The 19 year old was due to have trials at Watford and Wolves this week, and had previously trained with Liverpool. Torquay have released youngster John Wheedon and midfielder Leon Hapgood.
Ex-Bull Jimmy Quinn's job as manager is not under threat, according to chairman Lee Power. The club sit one place above the relegation places. All the sides beneath them have games in hand with beaten FA Trophy semi-finalists Northwich and Grays having eight and five games in hand respectively to close a two point gap. Darlington have released midfielder David Duke by mutual consent. He played just 20 times in two years after joining from Swindon.
Bristol Rovers are looking increasingly likely to play their home games at Cheltenham while the Memorial Ground is rebuilt. Former home Twerton Park has been all but ruled out after Team Bath revealed a contract for them to share with Bath City until 2009, leaving a three-way ground share inpractical.
The Conference has lost a second major sponsor for next season. Following Nationwide in pulling out of Conference sponsorship are brewers Marstons, who have been the official beer of the Conference for the last couple of years.
Thomas In Team Of The Week
Danny Thomas has been named in the Football League Team Of The Week.
He is the third Bulls player to earn the award in 2007, following Tamika Mkandawire and Ben Smith.
The official site is also reporting that the reserves will get a run out at Coventry tomorrow. It will be only the sixth reserve match of the season.
Stanley's charge to be heard next week
Accrington Stanley will find out next week whether they face any deduction of points or other punishment for allegedly fielding two players without the correct documentation.
The appeal, which will be heard in Preston on March 30, could result in a seven points reduction.
Chairman Eric Whalley isn't amused.
"It took us 44 years to get back into the Football League and one or two are people are doing their best to make it one of the shortest stays ever," Whalley told the Daily Telegraph.
As well as a potential points deduction Whalley has other problems.
Last Saturday he allowed free admission to the game with Torquay. Accrington collected three points but the cost to the club was substantial.
And he has to decide whether to allow a drum into the ground for this Saturday's clash with Hereford United. In the past there have been complaints. But Whalley let the drum back in last Saturday to create atmosphere.
"It was banned because the neighbours complained but it was like Accrington bloody library," explained Whalley.
According to the Telegraph no-one would suspect Whalley of being a football league club chairman. Last Saturday he was said to be sporting a 'woolly pully decorated in crumbs from a half-eaten sausage roll, utterly bereft of Armani and without the slightest hint of overwhelming cologne or codswallop in the air'.
Whalley even has a plan to stop being 'rumbled' whilst away from the club.
"If I ever go anywhere and I don't want to talk to someone and they ask me where I'm from, I say Hyndburn because nobody has heard of bloody Hyndburn. But if I want to talk, I'll say Accrington. Everyone wants to talk about football then."
Mkandawire wanted by Malawi
Steve Constantine, a well-qualified coach who was until recently with Milwall, has been given the task of trying to improve the prospects of the Malawian national team. He has a three year contract.
One of his aims is to build a squad that can compete with other African nations.
He says he would like to help promising Malawian players find clubs in Britain and Europe.
One player he has his eye on for the Malawi national team is Hereford United defender Tamika Mkandawire and has enquired whether he might play for his 'fatherland'.
"I spoke to him recently. The only problem is that he hasn't decided at the moment whether he is gonna stay where he is or move on, so at the moment we won't have Tamika," said Constantine.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Hereford - just a small team from Wales
The 'leaflet' on the left comes from the official Accrington Stanley website for next Saturday's game against Hereford United.
We reproduce it on here with absolutely no comment on the geographical knowledge of the person who designed the 'leaflet'.
However it is understood that John Coleman was a teacher before going full-time as Accrington's manager.
Meanwhile the offer of family tickets mentioned on the leaflet run out a few games ago according to an Accrington source.
Parry still remembers Hereford
Paul Parry, who recently signed a new two and a half year deal with the Welsh club, has been talking about his hopes to play at the new Wembley stadium should Cardiff be in the play-offs.
"A trip to Wembley would be a fantastic way to finish off the season. It looks amazing."
However before then he will turn out for Wales in an international at the stadium in Dublin called Croke Park.
"I hadn't seen the stadium until I flicked on the Ireland v England rugby the other week. I hate rugby but I just wanted to have a peak at what it's like.
"It looked pretty intimidating when the ground was full but it's the kind of game you want to play in for your country.
Parry has recently returned to form. Yesterday he scored in the game against Derby.
"When I was a young lad at Hereford I always had belief in myself but it took a while before I made it," he told Wales on Sunday.
"I was there for seven years and although there was often a lot of talk about a move at one stage it looked as if it would never happen.
"Once the chance came I wanted to grab it with both hands.
"It's no different now."
Ex-Bull Watch
Paul Parry scored Cardiff's goal in their Championship match with leaders Derby, but couldn't stop his side going down 3-1. Michael McIndoe scored with a header for the first of Wolves two equalisers as they got a point at Sheffield Wednesday. John Eustace was an early second half sub for Stoke but saw his side lose by the only goal at Norwich.
In League Two, Michael Rose provided one goal from a free kick but also conceded a free kick that cost them a goal as Stockport drew 3-3 with Hartlepool. Chris Mackenzie helped Shrewsbury extend their unbeaten run to 11 games after a 2-1 win over Peterboro.
In the Conference, Jon Brady was dropped back to the bench after two sucessive 5-0 losses but was a late sub as Cambridge drew 1-1 with Crawley. Exeter again chose forward Richard Logan to come off the bench rather than Adam Stansfield and the choice was justified as Logan scored the only goal to beat Morecambe. Tony James not only saw his Weymouth side keep their first clean sheet in 15 games, but also saw his goalkeeper score in the 89th minute for the only goal as they beat Southport. Daryl Taylor scored again for Tamworth as they beat Halifax 1-0.
No Hereford shots on target
Although Hereford United had 53% of the possession in yesterday's game at Darlington, they failed to produce a shot on target according to the PA stats.
This poor finishing by the Bulls begs the question whether Graham Turner needs to change his front men around.
Danny Thomas on the left wing was Hereford's hardest working player with Tamika Mkandawire strong in defence but several of the squad didn't perform that well.
The stats gave Thomas and Richard Rose a seven.
However Hereford conceded thirteen corners against just one in their favour.
A disappointed Thomas spoke to BBC Hereford and Worcester after the game.
"Conditions didn't help. Opposition is different every week. Sometimes things just don't go your way.
"At the end of the day we've got to keep our heads up as a squad. I think we've got a good squad here. Everyone's got to stick together."
There were no bookings for either side.
Hereford drop two places in the table after yesterday's results and will really need a win at Accrington next Saturday to keep them in the middle of the pack.
11 Grimsby 38 -15 50
12 Mansfield 38 1 49
13 Bristol Rovers 36 0 49
14 Hereford 38 -4 49
15 Notts County 38 -2 48
16 Chester 38 -2 47
17 Rochdale 36 9 46
18 Barnet 37 -12 45
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Impressive but very cold Darlington
Both the outside and inside of Darlington's stadium are very impressive but this afternoon it was probably one of the coldest places anywhere to be watching a football match.
One side of the stadium
The history of the stadium is well-known. Built to cater for 25,000, it's just too big. There's nothing much close to it so supporters tend to use the bars before games. But for travelling supporters it is easy to find being just two miles or so off the A1M.
Away supporters are sat behind the one goal in the East Stand. It's a good view and there's even a big TV screen to the right.
View from the away end
However in a stadium of this size it's very difficult to create much atmosphere, unlike, for example, at Hartlepool just a few miles further away.
Ferrell gets his own shirt
Hereford United's Andy Ferrell has a new dedicated t-shirt.
The shirt was unveiled at Darlington this afternoon by members of the Fun Bus.
Andy Ferrell talking to supporters
Ferrell didn't start this afternoon but came on for Luke Webb after he had suffered a cut to the head.
Mid Table Mud
If someone had offered Hereford United a mid-table finish on their return to the Football League at the start of the season they would have undoubtedly bitten their hands off; however with The Bulls well and truly safe from the drop in the top half of the table, there's a slight disappointment that they are just lacking what is needed to make the final step up to the play off places. Just a month a go the play offs were looking a real possibility, but a recent dip in form, which has co-incided with the absense of loanee Steve Jennings, means there is little to play for in the remaining games this season.
This afternoon Hereford made the long journey to the north east, to the impressive all seater 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena, but after a disappointing performance the journey home might have seemed even longer. Graham Turner made just one change to his side, with Luke Webb stepping into midfield at the expense of Andy Ferrell. The midfield was again lacking a dominant figure, and this proved costly as The Quakers were able to dominate possession. Early on Clark Keltie fired over before Wayne Brown was called upon to deny at the feet of Ricky Ravenhill, who'd worked some space in the box. This was a sign of things to come, though it wasn't one way traffic all the time.
However, it was the hosts causing most threat on goal and Scott Wiseman should have done better when a throw in picked a hole in the Hereford defence, but he fired inches wide of the far post before Steve Guinan went close, but his shot was tame, after good approach play and a decent cross from the, once again, impressive Danny Thomas. Rob Purdie forced Sam Russell into his first save on the break as Brown threw out to Alan Connell, who picked out the overlapping run from the full-back.
Keltie fired wide again for Darlington with a clear sight on goal from the edge of the box before Guinan and Ben Smith combined for the latter to cross for Connell, but his header was off target before Darlington had a final chance before the interval. Webb lost possession and Tommy Wright went through but shot wide. No changes were made at the break, and the second half, despite both teams showing intent (Thomas especially for United), didn't offer anything in the way of opportunities until after the managers had done some tinkering.
On fifty eight minutes ex-Premiership striker Julian Joachin was introduced for the home side, but it was Hereford who were next to go close. Thomas latched onto a loose ball in between two centre backs, but he had more time than he'd anticipated and rushed his shot, and consequently it was over the bar. Wright went close at the other end, forcing a low save following a cross from the left but he made no mistake a few minutes later, as the deadlock was broken on sixty seven minutes. The ball was returned into the box after a corner was half cleared, and Wright was first to the ball, looping a header over Brown and into the back of the net for the only goal of the game.
That shouldn't have been the case though. Turner introduced Ferrell for the injured Webb and then with eleven minutes left he replaced top scorer Connell with Tim Sills, who scores about as often as an eclipse of the sun. United didn't look like scoring until the eighty nineth minute, when they won a free kick for a foul on Simon Travis on the right. Purdie delivered the set piece to the far post, and Thomas hit the ball on the volley, but it was kept out by a good low save from Russell. Then, in the final of three injury minutes Sills managed to get run onto a Guinan flick on and with Russell approaching, just had to lift the ball over the 'keeper and into an unguarded net to net a point for his side. He beat the goalie with his shot, but put too much on it and it went over the bar, and that was that. The ref blew up with the score 1-0.
Although results aren't all that important now for United, they and their supporters will be disappointed with the level of performance that has been shown in the last few games, especially with standards set so high following such great results as the one and Lincoln. The Hereford side was crying out for Steve Jennings again today, as it was last week. With the ball winning midfield general sort of player out of the team Smith is restricted from his more attacking role, and it clearly has an adverse effect on the teams general play.
HUFC: Brown, Travis, Mkandawire, Rose, Purdie, Thomas, Webb, Smith, Williams, Guinan, Connell. Subs: Gulliver, Thompson, Ferrell, McClenahan, Sills.
DFC: Russell, Horwood, Wiseman, Miller, Wheater, Smith, Wainwright, Keltie, Ravenhill, Blundell, Tommy Wright. Subs: Stockdale, Armstrong, Rowson, Ryan, Joachim.
League Two Results Round Up
A 4,000 crowd saw Accrington grab a late goal to beat ten man Torquay 1-0. The Gulls saw a man sent off early in the second half but held on for most of the remaining time until Peter Cavanagh scored a last minute free kick. Torquay remain six points adrift at the bottom with eight games left, while Accrington put some breathing space between them and the bottom two.
Wrexham occupy the second relegation spot after their 2-1 loss to MK Dons, getting a man sent off again in the process. Boston won to leapfrog the Dragons, 2-1 at Mansfield, but they also had a man sent off to further stretch their threadbare squad. Macclesfield are three points clear of the drop after a last minute penalty saw them grab a point at local rivals Bury, who are on the same 38 point total.
At the top, Hartlepool remain three points clear after coming back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Stockport. Second placed Walsall could not take advantage, drawing 0-0 with Wycombe. The Chairboys hold on to the final play-off spot from Darlington by a single point. Swindon slip out of the automatic spots as they lost 1-0 at Grimsby, with Lincoln taking advantage to move up with a 1-0 win over Barnet. In the other result Bristol Rovers beat Notts County 2-0, moving the Pirates back into the chasing pack with games in hand.
Bulls Lose At Darlington
The Bulls play-off hopes have virtually evaporated after today's 1-0 loss at Darlington.
A 66th minute goal from Tommy Wright was enough to seperate the sides in a scrappy match to leave the Bulls nine points short of the play-offs with just eight games left.
Full report later.
Players look to earn new contracts
Few Hereford United players have contracts beyond the end of this season, so although the Bulls have little to play for as regards the League, many of their players will be hoping that they can string a few good performances together.
"Most of us are on one-year contracts and will be aiming to prove we deserve offers of extensions," Rob Purdie told the Western Daily Press.
"We've drifted further away from the play-off positions but we still believe we have the ability to put a good run together.
"Whether we do that or not, we've still got Swindon, MK Dons and Walsall to play and we will be doing our best to show we are a match for them."
Friday, March 16, 2007
Shrewsbury move closer to play-off place
There were two games this evening in League Two.
Shrewsbury, who still have several games in hand, move up the table to ninth after their 2-1 win against Peterborough, however Chester lost 1-0 at home to Rochdale.
Hereford United remain in twelfth position.
8 Darlington 37 3 54
9 Shrewsbury 34 19 52
10 Peterborough 38 3 52
11 Mansfield 37 2 49
12 Hereford 37 -3 49
13 Notts County 37 0 48
Seven Out For Darlo
Darlington will be missing seven players for tomorrow's visit of the Bulls.
Brian Close has been ruled out with concussion, and Micky Cummins was ruled out in the week with a hamstring problem. Defender Darren Holloway is still three weeks away from fitness, as is Mark McLeod, while Conor Logan is struggling with a groin problem. Goalkeeper Lee Jones is also a week short of full fitness.
Manager Dave Penney has ex-Doncaster full back Tim Ryan back in contention but Swiss international forward Gaetano Giallanza remains sidelined with a virus following a long lay-off with a knee problem.
The Bulls have just two injury problems as previously reported, with Martin Giles and Stephen Jennings out, and are expected to include Dean Beckwith back in the squad after he came through the reserve match with Cardiff.
Halifax On Sale For £1
Halifax Town have been put up for sale for a token £1, with chairman Geoff Ralph having resigned.
Last year's Conference play-off finalists have suffered financially for a long time, losing an average of £3,000 per week, pinning their hopes on the local council bailing out the Shay redevelopment plan that has left the stadium an untouched building site for several years.
Ralph announced a plan several weeks ago to sell up to an un-named West Yorkshire businessman but the deal failed. An onimous statement on the official Halifax site announcing Ralph's resignation reads: "It would therefore be foolhardy to continue to trade the business without the certainty of being able to pay the creditors."
Ralph intends to convert the loans he has made to the club into shares, giving him a majority stake, and hand over the club to any interested party providing they take over the guarantees on existing bank loans.