Test

Friday, March 23, 2012

Silkmen Goalless With Bees

Macclesfield's relegation six-pointer with Barnet ended up 0-0 at Moss Rose tonight.

The Bees had two thirds of the goal chances, hitting the woodwork twice, but neither side could break the deadlock. The Silkmen move a point clear of the Bulls as a result of the draw, with the Bees now four points ahead.

Both sides collected further injury problems. Macclesfield striker George Donnelly was subbed off after half an hour with a problem, while former Bulls loanee Paul Downing took a clattering at a corner and spent the first five minutes of half time receiving treatment on the pitch before leaving on a stretcher and playing no further part.

Happy Birthday - Terry Paine

73 today.

Davis Looks To Break Streak

Crewe boss Steve Davis is looking to break a streak where the Railwaymen have not won at Edgar Street for 18 years.

Such is the length of time since their last win in Herefordshire striker Nick Powell wasn't even born, but Davis has told their official site he isn't too concerned about history:

"I don't take too much notice of records or take too much notice of the fixtures coming up or the league table. I just try and keep things as simple as possible and that is just going out and trying to win the game.

"We know we are not going to win every game because that is a really tough ask and although that is not impossible it would be a great achievement. We are going to have dips in form and have to try and win when we are not playing as well.

"The players are going into every game with a positive attitude and we will be going to Hereford looking to win the game. It is always a tough place to go and I think I've only won their once or twice in my career, but past records don't matter to me. I just want us to stay focussed and make sure we play to our strengthens and create opportunities.

"I expect it to be tight because Hereford are fighting for their lives and are a tough side to beat. We narrowly beat them 1-0 at our place thanks to an individual moment from Nick (Powell).

"They have some very good players and we know all about Kenny (Lunt). He is back in the team there and is the one who keeps possession and dictates the play very well. I watched him against Port Vale and he had a really good game. They also have the likes of Colbeck and Elder who are very good and they are strong defensively, so we know it will be a tough game."

The weather for tomorrow is expected to be sunny and warm.

Macc-Barnet Tonight

Macclesfield take on Barnet tonight in a match whose outcome will affect the Bulls.

The sides are currently 22nd and 23rd in the League Two form table, with only Burton below them. The Bees have recorded one win in ten games, while the Silkmen are winless in fifteen.

Macclesfield are currently level on points with the Bulls and six goals better off, while Barnet are three points ahead with a game in hand but a worse goal difference. Both have taken only five points from their last eight games, three points less than the Bulls.

Crewe To Field Six Man Attack

Crewe will come to Edgar Street with all guns blazing when they face the Bulls tomorrow.

Manager Steve Davis will field an attacking line up with new signing Billy Bodin likely to begin on the left wing to bolster their attack. On the new signing, Davis told their official site:

"He is in that Crewe mould. He is skilful, talented and direct. He can score and create goals and I like to play with those two attacking wingers. With our two midfielders also given licence to get forward, we should be attacking with six players. I think we have to go for it at this stage of this season and go for those wins."

Crewe have fielded the same starting XI in each of the last three matches and, apart from the inclusion of Bodin, are only expected to be missing defender Matt Tootle, who was withdrawn during their last game. Jordan Brown is expected to start in his place.

News Round-Up

Southend say they will utilise Bilel Moshni again after discussions. Manager Paul Sturrock says the Frenchman will be available for tomorrow's game after nearly a month away from the side. Shrewsbury are reported to have failed with a bid to sign Port Vale striker Marc Richards yesterday. The local Vale press say that the Shrews and an unnamed League One side make firm bids for the forward but the Administrator chose to reject them.

Plymouth have sold their club car park and surrounding land, and secured additional funding totalling £700,000. The land has been sold to a company largely owned by club owner James Brent's pension fund, but the new owner will have to hand over half the profits if the land is sold in the future. Former Bulls loanee Robbie Threlfall has left Bradford by mutual consent. Claimed previously to be one of their highest earners, the former Liverpool trainee has struggled with injury in recent months.

Morecambe have added youth teamer James Short to their first team squad, signing him on to Football League forms. The left back has made a number of appearances for their reserves this season. Leyton Orient say they will not bid to move to the Olympic Stadium as it is not viable to run as a football stadium. West Ham have submitted a bid for the stadium today.

Darlington's supporters say they are still waiting for an agreement from former owner Raj Singh over waiving the debt the club owes him. The Administrator has a deadline on Monday for a firm bid to be submitted, but the fans cannot do this until they have a legally binding agreement with Singh and that the failure to reach this agreement is barring several major investors from committing to their bid. On the pitch, caretaker boss Craig Liddle says he will remain in the role after a 12 match run without a win put the club four points short of Conference safety.

Bulls Extend Ticket Offer To Under 19's

The discounted tickets for 12-16 year olds, announced yesterday, has now been extended to include 17 and 18 year olds.

Anyone from the age of 12 to 18 can now get into Edgar Street for each match for as little as £7. Admission prices are now:

Stand/Terrace

Adult £16/£14
Concession £13/£10
12-18 £10/£7
Under-11 £3/£3

Meanwhile the club have produced a poster for people to display to help support the club. It can be downloaded, in PDF format, here.

Baxendale Likes A Trick

New arrival James Baxendale likened himself to Joe Cole when interviewed by Doncaster's official site last summer.

On his arrival at the Keepmoat Stadium Baxendale signed up to the passing style preferred by Richard O'Kelly, telling the site: "I like the style of play and the brand of football that the fans get to watch here at the Keepmoat. When I knew the boss was interested, he didn't really have to sell the football club to me.

"I would say I'm like a young Joe Cole - not the fastest, but able to beat a man with a trick. Flair is definitely part of my game and I'm looking forward to developing that under Sean O'Driscoll and the coaches here."

Some video of his time at Buxton can be seen on their Youtube channel, with his debut here.

Preview: Bulls vs Crewe

The Bulls entertain Crewe on Saturday in a League Two match at Edgar Street.

The two sides were only seperated by a Nick Powell 30 yarder at Gresty Road, when the Bulls had done everything but stick the ball in the net. It was the same weekend last season when the Railwaymen last visited Edgar Street, when Stuart Fleetwood's strike earning the Bulls a 1-0 win to complete a double over the visitors.

The Bulls will be strengthened by the arrivals of the pair of loan James'. Messrs Chambers and Baxendale provide experience and versatility at the back and a bit of trickery up front. While not short of goals in recent weeks, Tuesday's goalless effort at Port Vale reinforced the need for additional options when plan A doesn't come off and Baxendale, whose performances have impressed while on loan at Buxton, can provide something different.

After a brief flirtation with the wrong end of the table, Crewe have stabilized their position and have a firm eye on a play-off spot. They come to Edgar Street three points shy of that target and on the back of three straight wins and eight games unbeaten. Their current squad is built heavily on their youth policy with England duo Powell and Max Clayton, and manager's son Harry Davis providing the goals in recent weeks. Powell has 12 goals this term and is widely expected to be an England star of the future.

Hereford United vs Crewe Alexandra, Edgar Street, Saturday 24th March, 3.00pm.

First Impressions Of Pell At Cambridge

Cambridge United manager Jez George appears delighted to have Hereford United midfielder Harry Pell on loan.

"He looks a good player," George told the Cambridge News.

"He’s a good size, with a decent touch on the ball, and he’s nice and athletic.

"He was a player we’ve been monitoring and we just saw he’d been taken off quite early in a game and not featured in the Hereford squad for a few matches.

"Sometimes managers change and players might not get an opportunity, but we made the phone call at the right time and they let him go out.

"We have to be respectful of Hereford because Harry has another year on his contract.

"But if an opportunity arises to bring in a player on loan that we’ve been looking at and identified as someone we like, it’s good for both parties.

"We can assess how we get on with him. You never know what might happen in the future, but that’s out of our hands."

Supporters help the Atmosphere says O'Kelly

Hereford United manager Richard O'Kelly was delighted with the support at Port Vale last Tuesday and is hopeful that will continue tomorrow at Edgar Street.

"The support at Port Vale was fantastic," O'Kelly told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"The noise they made, it was as though the whole of the end was full up. It was really heartening to hear.

"What you would hope is that the home support is the same.

"From our point of view we have to give them something to shout about, I'm well aware of that.

"People come to the game - they don't have to stand there and shout and cheer but it's always nice when they do.

"That sort of atmosphere is always good for the players, but if it isn't there we have to create it."

Bulls 15/8 to Derail Crewe

Hereford United can be backed at 15/8 to defeat Crewe at Edgar Street tomorrow afternoon. This price is with BetVictor.

Best price for a draw is 12/5 which is generally available.

Latest Offer from SkyBet;

Hereford 8/5 Draw 12/5 Crewe 8/5

With the bookies suggesting a close contest, here are some prices for a Hereford win or draw.

Hereford to win 1-0: 9/1 with Bet365 and Coral
To win 2-0: 14/1 with Bet365, Coral and William Hill
To win 2-1: 9/1 generally
To win 3-0: 43/1 with BetFair
To win 3-1: 22/1 with Ladbrooks, Coral and 188Bet
To win 3-2: 28/1 generally

Now for a draw 0-0: 12/1 with SkyBet
1-1: 6/1 generally
2-2: 14/1 with ToteSport, BetFred, 188Bet and William Hill
3-3: 50/1 generally

Finally the player to score the first goal of the game:
Tom Barkhuizen: 13/2 with BlueSq
Delroy Facey: 7/1 with Ladbrooks
Nathan Elder: 8/1 with Ladbrooks
Richard Peniket: 9/1 with Ladbrooks
Will Evans: 18/1 with Ladbrooks
Sam Clucas: 25/1 with SkyBet

As ever all prices from oddchecker.com and may vary.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Chambo and the Albion Factor

Exiled Bull is pleased that James Chambers is joining Hereford United.

The James Chamber I recall (more commonly known as Jay or Chambo) was an exciting young versatile footballer.

He and twin brother Adam (now of Walsall) were developed by the Albion Youth Department then solely consisting of John Trewick and Richard O’Kelly. The twins were influenced by their Dingle-loving father but had so much respect for Tucka and Richard O that they refused all offers from Wolverhampton to switch clubs. Adam and Jay are identical twins, other than non-visible-when-dressed birthmarks. They did their best to confuse the club doctor with one twin going in for examinations and the other not at all. There was also the potential to swap girlfriends and swap shirts after one of them had been booked though neither would admit to such activities. Jay is known to have dated Richard Sneekes’ oldest daughter Melissa.

The twins are not tall but made up for their lack of height by their tenacity and sure touch on the ball. Most made first team debuts for WBA in 2000 and both were quickly popular. ‘Local lads made good’ is always a grand selling point, but more importantly, they could play. After a decade has passed, it’s hard to remember which twin did what. Adam was the stronger tackler and was often used in a man marking role. Jay was arguably the quicker of the two and was comfortable playing full back, central defender or as a defensive midfielder. The Chambers boys were introduced to an Albion side featuring Richard Sneekes and Russell Hoult.
There were often rumours that the twins somehow upset club manager Gary Megson just for being twins. It was often said that he insisted they could not train together. Possibly they just weren‘t tall enough for Megson’s liking.

James played a few games in Albion’s promotion season of 2001/2002 and followed that with 9 more during a grim first season in the Premier League. He and Adam were the first twins ever to play together in the Premier League. After collecting a second medal for 16 appearances in the Baggies next promotion season, he and Adam were both released on free transfers. This was a sad end to a 7 year Albion career but at that time, Megson was considered bombproof.

At some point during their Albion career, they jointly bought a house in Sutton Coldfield, just a couple of streets away from Angelo’s, an Italian restaurant then partly owned by Sneekes. It’s an incestuous world, football. Their neighbour is a former workmate of mine who, not realising they were brothers, thought they were having a relationship. Clearly being identical was a clue that simply passed him by....

Eight years on and recovering from injury, who knows whether we’ll get the old Chambo back again. Given all the connections and that Jay is out of contract, it’s easy to envisage a situation that the loan might become permanent.

Bulls Sign Loan Duo

The Bulls have signed Doncaster duo James Chambers and James Baxendale on loan.

31 year old defender Chambers is coming back after a lengthy injury spell. The former West Brom trainee was signed to Rovers while Richard O'Kelly was there as assistant manager.

Winger Baxendale, 19, originally came through the youth academy at Leeds, and has made a couple of first team appearances this season. The bulk of his first team experience came during a month long spell at Buxton in December which earnt him their Player of the Month award.

Both players are out of contract at the Keepmoat this summer.

Richard O'Kelly has commented on the arrival of the two loan players. Firstly Chambers:

"James has played at Championship level and has a wealth of experience behind him," O'Kelly told the OS.

"I'm delighted to have him, his personality is just what we need, he's a great person to have around the place.

"He's played in some high-pressure games, and it's that experience that he'll be able to pass onto the younger members of our squad."

Seconly Baxendale:

"James has some good attributes, is highly thought of and could have a great future ahead of him.

"He has a good background, arriving at Doncaster from a successful spell in the Leeds United youth setup."

Club Calls For Support

Hereford United are optimistic that this advertisment, click to enlarge, will entice more people to Edgar Street this coming Saturday when Crewe will be the visitors.

With the Bulls in 23rd position in the League Two table, it's hoped that a good crowd will get right behind the team from the kick-off and cheer them on to three most needed points.

Pell Joins Cambridge On Loan

Harry Pell has joined Cambridge on loan, the club have confirmed this morning.

The 20 year old joins for a month, leaving him eligible for the Bulls final two matches of the season should he be required.

"We've decided to send Harry out to get some competitive first team football under his belt." Bulls manager Richard O'Kelly told the official site.

"He's performed well in training since I've arrived, and along with the other players who find themselves out of the matchday squad, his attitude has been impressive. Hopefully the short loan spell will give him the regular competitive football he needs, and he'll come back ready to fight for a first team place here at Edgar Street."

Cambridge boss Jez George told their official site: "Harry is a player we've been aware of for some time. We've watched him on a couple of occasions this season; he will add some competition in middle of midfield, and gives us something a little bit different.

"Circumstances mean that he is available for loan when we didn't expect that would be the case. We're very pleased to bring him in for month, and look forward to working with him."

News Round-Up

Macclesfield have loaned keeper Jack Cudworth to Barrow for the rest of the season. The 21 year old is currently the Silkmen's only spare keeper with both senior keepers injured. The Silkmen have also handed out 600 free tickets for Friday's crunch match with Barnet. Dagenham have had keeper Jonathan Bond recalled by Watford, who have loaned him to Bury instead. The teenager was brought in as cover when first choice Chris Lewington was suspended, but has not played since the suspension expired.

Swindon are to sign Barnsley defender Jay McEveley on loan for the remainder of the season. The former Blackburn man is expected to debut in the Robins' JPT final on Sunday. In their final report, Plymouth's Administrator says the club paid just £675,000 in staff and player wages for the year the club was in Administration with the remainder still outstanding. The Administators are due to receive a total of £450,000 for their work over the year.

Crawley have loaned defender Glenn Wilson to Woking for the remainder of the season. The 25 year old is the club's longest servant, having been with them since 2007. Aldershot have signed midfielder Mark Molesley on loan for the rest of the season. The 31 year old hasn't played for current club Bournemouth since the turn of the year.

Crawley defender Dean Howell claims he was racially abused by a Gillingham fan on Tuesday night during their match at Priestfield. The incident is said to have been included in the referee's match report. Wimbledon have loaned out defender Fraser Franks and midfielder Reece Jones to Newport and Hampton and Richmond respectively. The pair will remain on loan until the end of the Conference season on April 28th.

Morecambe have signed striker Craig Curran on loan from Carlisle until the end of the season. The 22 year old former Tranmere trainee is yet to score in 16 appearances this season. Burton have signed Preston midfielder Seanon Clucas on loan for the rest of the season. The teenage N.Ireland u21 man has a couple of first team appearances to his name. The Brewers say current loan man Matthew Harriott will not play for the club again, with his loan expiring in April.

Accrington are raising matchday prices for next season, but freezing season ticket costs. Matchday prices will rise to £17 for adult admission for either seating or terrace, up from £16 and £14, but they will offer advance discounts of £2 on that price. Gillingham have signed striker Rowan Vine on loan from QPR for the rest of the season. The 29 year old recently impressed on trial but isn't yet match fit.

Cheltenham have signed striker Ben Burgess on loan from Notts County until the end of the season. The 30 year old previously played with current Robins striker Darryl Duffy at Hull. Yeovil have added their weight to the call for plastic pitches, saying they want to make their Huish Park ground a plastic pitch sooner rather than later. They believe their current surface needs £500,000 spent on it to improve drainage and the quality of the pitch.

Macclesfield have signed Blackburn forward Zac Aley on loan for the rest of the season. The 20 year old was signed by the Premier League side from Southport 18 months ago, ending last season on loan at Morecambe. Blackburn winger Josh Morris, a rumoured Bulls target when Gary Peters first arrived at Edgar Street, has signed for Yeovil until the end of the season. Crewe forward Jordan Connerton has joined Workington on loan until the end of the season.

Plymouth have signed veteran striker Steve Fletcher on loan from Bournemouth for the rest of the season. The 39 year old has scored once in 23 games this season but is currently carrying a thigh injury. Dagenham have loaned striker Rob Edmans to Dover for a month. The 25 year old has struggled with injury all season, playing just four games.

Southend have signed striker Freddy Eastwood from Coventry on loan for the rest of the season. The former Welsh international was sold by the Shrimpers to Wolves for £1.5million in 2007 but he hasn't scored a senior goal in 12 months. Swindon have signed midfielder John Bostock on loan from Spurs until the end of the season. The former wonderkid, 20, has just completed a disappointing month at Sheff Weds, starting only two of four appearances.

Macclesfield have extended the loan of Bolton defender Mark Connolly until the end of the season. The 20 year old has played seven times in his opening month at Moss Rose. Hayes and Yeading will start next season groundsharing at Woking after their own new ground would not be ready in time. They hope to move into their ground in October.

Crewe have signed Swindon striker Billy Bodin on loan ahead of their trip to Edgar Street on Saturday. The teenager, who turns 20 on Saturday, has scored eight times this season including one against the Bulls while with Torquay. Cheltenham have signed Yeovil striker Steve Maclean on loan for the rest of the season. The former Plymouth man had been due to sign for the Robins earlier in the season but the deal fell through.

No Bulls For Bird

Former Cheltenham Town midfielder Dave Bird has joined Gloucester City after failing to win a deal with Hereford United.

Bird was released by Cheltenham Town last January and according to the Gloucester press has been training with the Bulls in a bid to win a deal. It is understood that the 27 year old, who racked up over 300 appearances for the Robins, is likely to be a summer acquisition at Edgar Street.

Adcock to Referee on Saturday

James Adcock is set to referee this coming Saturday's League Two match at Edgar Street where Crewe will be the visitors.

The young Nottingham-based official has already been in charge of a game at Hereford this season. That was on the evening of December 30th when the Bulls draw 1-1 with Accrington. Yoann Arquin scored and Adcock booked three players - Rob Purdie, Benoit Dalibard and Joe Colbeck.

This is Adcock's first season refereeing at this level. To date he has been in charge of 25 games in which he has given out 64 yellow cards and 5 red cards.

Loan Window Closes At 5pm

The loan transfer window closes at 5pm with some action expected at Edgar Street.

With Lyle Taylor currently in Bournemouth's first team picture, hopes for a return for the 21 year old appears slim. Another, unnamed, target from the Championship is on the radar with negotiations ongoing.

There are also possible departures from Edgar Street. With the central midfield roles overstaffed despite Rob Purdie's absence, a loan move for one or more of the out of favour men is possible to help allow Richard O'Kelly to fund a loan signing.

There are several reports that Harry Pell is due to sign for Cambridge on loan. The 'Essex Socrates' is reported to have told people on Tuesday night he was due to depart, but there has been no official confirmation from either club and the U's signed versatile midfielder Ashley Corker yesterday.

Quiz Night in Addisons Saturday

Addisons Bar will be holding another Quiz Night on Saturday, starting at 7.30pm.

Teams of 4 or 5 are welcome with £1 entry per person. Keith Hall is the quizmaster again who will be dishing out prizes for the winning team and spot prizes through the night.

Bulls Cut Prices For 12-16 Age Group

The Bulls have cut ticket prices for the remaining home games for 12-16 year olds.

They have knocked £3 off tickets for the age group, dropping them to £10 for seating and just £7 for terracing. The new price is in force from Saturday's game with Crewe until the end of the season.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

United lose to late goal at Vale

Despite a very encouraging performance at Vale Park, The Bulls conceded a late Marc Richards goal and came away empty handed.

Richard O’Kelly made five changes with Ryan Green, Stefan Stam, Joe Colbeck, Nathan Elder and Sam Clucas all making the starting line-up. Former Bull, John McCombe started for the hosts.

Michael Townsend conceded an early free kick for holding. The kick was cleared and Barkhuizen was unlucky with his effort on the counter. Both sides showed good footballing intent as the passing game was played mainly along the ground. Yates produced a deep cross which McCombe fired into the side netting before Cornell came to collect a cross from the opposite flank.

Kenny Lunt, frequently involved, was probing for a breakthrough but found the lack of movement up top required or more sideways approach. Purkiss was harshly penalised for what was little more than a firm challenge on Doug Loft and then referee D’Urso comically awarded the home side a free kick just outside the Bulls’ box when a Vale player fell over his own team-mate. Fortunately, the kick went wide of the post. As the half drew to a close, a fine move involving Barkhuizen and Feather stone finished with Kenny Lunt dragging a fine effort inches wide of the post.

HT Vale 0 Bulls 0

The hosts had probably had the better of the chances in the first period although Cornell had only really been troubled on a couple of occasions. The second half saw The Bulls more on the front foot. Lunt released Clucas down the right but his cross was blocked for a corner. Colbeck’s driven cross was cleared and when Lunt picked up the ball just inside the Vale half, Colbecks benefited from a cracking through ball. Unfortunately, Colbeck’s first touch was heavy and the opportunity was lost.

Dodds provided a chance for Richards but his shot on the turn went a couple of feet wide. Lunt put Colbeck away down the right but the wideman was outwitted by makeshift fullback Loft and the move came to nothing. Barkhuizen jinked his way into the box but his cross was glanced wide by Elder before another opportunity fell to Colbeck. With a clear run at goal, he chose to shoot at the near post when both Clucas and Elder were well placed.

With twenty minutes remaining, Will Evans replaced Featherstone and Stam made way for Anthony. The Bulls were having the greater share of possession and Tomlinson brought off a point blank save from Clucas before Barkhuizen saw his follow up blocked on the line. McCombe collected a yellow for a foul on Elder and when Lunt laid the free kick square to Evans his shot rifled just inches wide of the upright. Evans then produced a whipped cross from the right but Clucas and Elder both failed to get the required touch on the ball to divert it into the net. Then with just four minutes of normal time remaining The Bulls let themselves down on two counts. Firstly, Pope was allowed too much time and space to prepare his cross from the right and secondly, Richards was unmarked on the edge of the six yard box to head home.

With little time to respond, Peniket (on for Barkhuizen) broke into the box to receive a Lunt pass but his shot grazed the wrong side of the post.

FT Vale 1 Bulls 0

Hereford: Cornell, Purkiss, Stam (Anthony 71), Townsend, Green, Barkhuizen (Peniket 85), Clucas, Lunt, Featherstone (Evans 71), Colbeck, Elder. Subs not used: Hanford, Facey.

Port Vale: Tomlinson, Yates, McCombe, Davis, Loft, Shuker, Morsy, Marshall, Dodds (Pope 71), Richards, Rigg (Williamson 82). Subs not used: Martin, James, Roe.

Whilst the goal came from a couple of defensive lapses, it’s probably fair to say that United didn’t deserve, on the balance of play, to loose this one. Cornell did little wrong and the back division had looked reasonably sound until the fateful moment although it has to be said the Greener did not look entirely comfortable on the left. The Midfield all worked hard with Lunt at the heart of most of the good moves. Colbeck was guilty of some poor decisions at crucial times and Elder, although workmanlike, did not hold and bring other players in with the quality of Facey.

The 150 odd Herefordians among a crowd of 3959 would, like me, have been disappointed that the efforts had come to nothing. Port Vale were a more than decent mid-table team. The will be less difficult games between now and the end of the season.

All is not lost.

News Round-Up

Port Vale supporters have arranged an open meeting with the club's Administrators for next Wednesday. They have already raised over £20,000 for their 'fighting fund' and plan further fundraising activities. The Administrator says they have had two further serious enquiries for the club, making six parties in total. They hope to begin getting firm bids early next week. Accrington have extended the loan of Everton defender Toto Nsiala until the end of the season.

Plymouth manager Carl Fletcher has been fined £525 and had six penalty points put on his licence after he failed to provide details of who was driving his car when it went through a speed camera last October. He told the court he didn't know whether it was him or his wife driving. Kidderminster have released midfielder Lee Hendrie from his non-contract terms. The veteran's release comes with the club slipping out of the Conference play-off picture.

Bristol Rovers have announced frozen season ticket prices for next season - but only until April 30th. They have put 2012/13 tickets on sale at this season's rates, but are yet to confirm what price they will be after the end of April. Former Lincoln chairman Rob Bradley has called yesterday's board statement slamming a planned fans protest 'not particularly respectful to supporters'. Current chairman Bob Dorrian has backed current manager David Holdsworth despite winning just one of their last 12 games.

Cherries Ban Their Local Paper

Bournemouth have taken the step of barring the main local paper in the area.

The Bournemouth Echo say they were told yesterday afternoon that the club had taken the move to ban it's reporters and photographer from Dean Court, just days after it was banned from post match press conferences.

The paper claims manager Lee Bradbury, who the majority of fans want removed according to two seperate online polls, phoned the paper to complain about it's coverage last week - one of several calls the rookie boss had made to grumble at their coverage. Chairman Eddie Mitchell had also made complaints about the 'unfair and negative' coverage of his drunken outbursts and, the paper claims, he attempted to dictate the paper's coverage of the Cherries.

The paper say it's coverage of the club has been worth over £800,000 over the last three years at normal advertising rates, and that it had covered the club for over 100 years.

On the pitch, former Bulls loanee Lyle Taylor was a 15th minute sub for the Cherries in their win over Brentford. He played 70 minutes before being withdrawn himself late on, suggesting any hopes of a return to Edgar Street are slim.

Travel Free with HUISA to Accrington and Barnet

HUISA in collabration with Hereford United are to offer free travel to both the Accrington and Barnet away games.

"Our away support has been impressive all season," said Chairman David Keyte.

"But these are two big games where our away support can really help cheer the team to victory, and we'll need as many supporters in attendance as possible."

The game at Accrington is on Easter Monday April 9th at 3pm and the game at Barnet on April 13th with a 7.45pm kick-off.

O'Kelly Pleased With Second Half Performance

Hereford United manager Richard O'Kelly spoke quite positively after last night's 1-0 defeat at Port Vale.

"The result could have gone our way," O'Kelly told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"If we perform like we did tonight especially the second half - the first half they probably just shaded it.

"Our second half performance, you'd take that every week. Do that every week and you'll win more than you lose.

"Probably with a bit more belief in and around the penalty box, just a gamble at times, may be we can improve on that.

"A lot of things in the second-half impressed me.

"To come to Vale Park against a very good side that if they hadn't lost the ten points would be in the playoffs.

"They've got some very good players so for us to run them in the second half and create the opportunities that we did have was good."

O'Kelly made several changes for the game including starting Joe Colbeck and Sam Clucas on the wings.

"They came in and did a job. They did what I expected of them.

"There's Harry Pell and James McQuilken who haven't been involved yet although at training they are looking the part.

"The group of players I've got here I'd have no qualms about putting any of them in the side."

Stefan Stam started his first game for several weeks and was subbed during the second half.

"Stef has missed a fair chunk of the season. I made a decision to bring him off. He captained the side and was excellent motorvating the players around him.

"What you don't want to do is run your best players into the ground. He didn't have to come off, just looking after him.

"He's got a massive part to play for the rest of the season."

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Players Reaction after Port Vale

Below are a few of the Hereford United players' thoughts after a 1-0 defeat at Port Vale last night.

Nicky Featherstone: Gutted about the result tonight. 8 massive games to go starting with crewe on sat

Dave Cornell: Gutted not to get anything out of the game tonight, think we definitely deserved something! Thought the boys played some good stuff

Nathan Elder: So disappointing to play well an not come away with anything. Absolutely shattered now aswel

Stats from Vale Park

Here's a run down of the stats after Hereford United's late defeat to Port Vale.

Final Score: Port Vale 1-0 Hereford United

Goalscorer: Marc Richards

Possession: Port Vale 50% Hereford United 50%

Shots on target: Port Vale 6 Hereford United 4

Shots off target: Port Vale 9 Hereford United 3

Corners: Port Vale 7 Hereford United 6

Fouls: Port Vale 12 Hereford United 9

Yellow card: Ben Purkiss

Attendance: 3,959 including 156 from Herefordshire.

League Table:
20th: Barnet - Played 37 - 38 points
21st: Plymouth - Played 38 - 36 points
22nd: Macclesfield - Played 38 - 35 points
23rd: Hereford - Played 38 - 35 points
24th: Dagenham - Played 38 - 35 points

Results Round-Up

The Bulls remain one place off the bottom of League Two, but are now only clear of last place on goal difference. Dagenham earned a 2-2 draw at Barnet to close the gap, with Macclesfield staying level with both sides on 35 points after going down 4-2 at Rotherham. Plymouth got a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Bristol Rovers to move onto 36 points, with Barnet on 38 and Bradford on 39. Northampton move up to the relative safety of 40 points after beating Burton 1-0 at the Pirelli Stadium. The Brewers stay on 43.

At the top Swindon return to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Torquay to stretch their lead to seven points from Torquay. Shrewsbury's 2-0 win over Cheltenham puts them third over Southend with the Shrimpers going down 1-0 at home to Aldershot. Crawley are up to fifth after beating Gillingham 1-0, with Cheltenham sixth and Oxford seventh after the U's beat Wimbledon 1-0. Crewe are three points off the play-offs after their 1-0 win over Bradford. In the other game, Accrington drew 1-1 with Morecambe.

In the Conference Mansfield moved clear in third with a 6-3 win over local rivals Alfreton. Luton lost further ground with a 3-0 loss at Forest Green, and Kidderminster's play-off hopes fade after a goalless draw at Tamworth. Grimsby did rivals Lincoln a favour by beating Hayes and Yeading 2-1, keeping the Imps out of the drop zone.