The weather forecast for tomorrow suggests that the game at Edgar Street between Hereford United and Exeter City should go ahead.
As at lunchtime today, the forecast is saying that temperatures tonight may only drop to around freezing with a risk of a light snow shower or two.
Tomorrow is set to be dry and bright with a cool northerly wind, but not as strong as originally predicted.
Temperatures are set to rise to about 6 degrees in the early afternoon.
Last night's snow is melting in Herefordshire as temperatures have risen to around 4 degrees.
Few problems have been reported on major roads in the area.
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Friday, November 25, 2005
Forecast looks okay for tomorrow's game.
Inglethrope on the Bulls
Alex Inglethorpe, the Exeter manager, has backed his players to bounce back from their latest setback, losing to Grays Athletic, even though he admits it will be a tough hurdle to overcome at Edgar Street.
"I have never doubted the character of this group of players," he told the Exeter Express and Echo.
"They have shown great spirit this season and I expect to see it again. Of course we were disappointed after the Grays result and as usual I have been looking at the video. But as far as the players are concerned that game has gone and we have fixed all our attentions on Hereford."
Inglethorpe went on a spying mission on Tuesday night when he watched the Bulls spring an LDV Vans shock by dumping Port Vale out of the competition in extra-time.
"I was very impressed. They pass the ball as well as I have seen anyone pass it this season. They make the pitch really big so it will be a very tough test."
The compliments stand in stark contrast to the swipe aimed at the Grecians at the start of the season by Bulls boss Graham Turner.
In an astonishing outburst, the former Wolves manager accused City of adopting long ball tactics in a bid to land the title.
While the barbs clearly riled City's management team, Inglethorpe refused to get involved in a war of words and instead said that Hereford were one of the teams likely to be involved in the title hunt.
"They weren't very complimentary about us but that is not to say we won't be complimentary about them," said the City boss.
"They are a big club and they have a good side and I hope we fall into that bracket as well. We don't go out of our way to be derogatory about any club, it's the way we operate."
Team News: Bulls vs Exeter
The Bulls have no new problems for Saturday's clash. Stacy Coldicott and Wayne Brown again miss out, but Darren Blewitt has trained all week and will be in contention for the first time in nearly a month. Dean Beckwith and Danny Carey-Bertram will both be pushing for places after coming into the side that beat Port Vale in midweek, but Graham Turner is likely to return to the side that beat both Dagenham and Woking with Tony James and Andy Williams returning to the line-up.
Exeter will be short of their regular firepower for the trip to Edgar Street. Seven goal Lee Phillips starts a three match suspension after being sent off in last Saturday's loss to Grays, and Tony Scully opted to leave St James Park for Crawley on Thursday. Veteran Steve Flack, a regular sub this season, is likely to start in place of Phillips and Les Afful, who deputised in the LDV Trophy and FA Cup, should start in place of Scully.
Bagnall Signs From Birmingham City
The much-anticipated goalkeeper signing has finally arrived in the form of Birmingham City stopper Andy Bagnall, who signs on work experience.
Bagnall has been a regular for Birmingham's under-18 side this season and has also appeared for Birmingham's reserves, with their "first choice" reserve keeper Colin Doyle yesterday joining Millwall on loan. Birmingham have two other keepers on loan, with James Dormand at Tamworth and Adam Legdzins at Halifax.
Bagnall is likely to continue to play for Birmingham when not required by the Bulls, as Brian Smikle did with West Brom last season.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
No new injury worries for Bulls
Graham Turner has no new injury worries ahead of tomorrow's game with Exeter City.
He will be missing Stacy Coldicott and Wayne Brown, but everyone else is reported to be available for selection according to BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Darren Blewitt has recovered from his injury.
Meanwhile, as at 8am this morning, there has been no news of a goalkeeper coming to Edgar Street as back up to Craig Mawson, whilst Wayne Brown is out.
Yesterday Turner revealed that he hoped to sign a young keeper from a premiership side before the 5pm deadline.
There is a slight covering of snow is some parts of Herefordshire this morning, but this should melt as temperatures rise.
The forecast for tomorrow remains much as predicted earlier this week. A cold windy day with the possibility of a few light snow showers. Temperatures should rise to around 4C.
Second half commentary from Edgar Street
There will be second-half commentary from Edgar Street on Saturday.
BBC Hereford and Worcester will cover the Hereford/Exeter game both locally on 94.7FM and on the internet.
Meanwhile Skybet are offering the following odds on the game:
Hereford 5/4 Draw 9/4 Exeter 7/4
Competition for Robinson at Stockport
Ex-Hereford United Mark Robinson will face competition for his place in the Stockport County team with the signing of Portuguese left back Adelino Cruz Vieira.
The 26-year-old impressed manager Chris Turner playing against Oldham Reserves on Wednesday and will sign non-contract forms, subject to international clearance.
Turner told his Website: "He did well for the reserves yesterday and has also trained well.
"He looks very comfortable on the ball and will provide competition for Mark Robinson which is important as we face a lot of games in December over a short period of time."
Vieira has played for three clubs in Portugal, Operario, Sanjoanense and Estrela. This season he has been playing at Oxford City.
Hereford United entertain Stockport County at Edgar Street on Saturday week, December 3rd, in the second round of the FA Cup.
Scully Leaves Exeter For Crawley
Tony Scully has left Exeter City at the end of his loan spell, and has moved on loan to Crawley Town until January.
Notts County recalled winger Scully from St James Park to farm him out to Crawley after they expressed an interest in sealing a permanent deal. Scully scored three goals in 13 appearances for Exeter and manager Alex Inglethorpe had hoped to seal a permanent deal after Notts County indicated that they were keen to offload the player.
Gudjon Thordarson told nottscountyfc.co.uk: "Scully attracted some interest from Crawley so we decided to recall him to allow him to move there for a month before the transfer window closes for loan signings. It is a chance for him to earn himself something down there on a permanent basis with the loan a view to one. It is another chance to get some first team action under his belt and I wish him well,"
Crawley Town general manager Paul Hobbs told Crawley's Official Website: "We are delighted to have someone of Tony's calibre on board. He has been one of the stars of the season so far for Exeter and we are pleased to have him at Crawley Town. This is a great coup for Crawley and ranks up there with our signing earlier in the season when Daryl Clare joined the club. We will continue to bring in quality players like Scully and Clare and hope to add to the team further in January."
The move leaves Exeter without two of their regular forward players for Saturday's match at Edgar Street, with Lee Phillips banned after being dismissed last week.
Tributes to Frank Miles
The Hereford Times has printed an article with tributes to the late Frank Miles, a former Hereford United chairman.
THE death of Frank Miles, following so swiftly on the loss of Joe Wade the previous week, means that Hereford United have lost two considerable figures from the club's history in less than 10 days.
Miles, the club's chairman from 1969 to 1977, died on Monday after a long period of ill health.
He presided over the club's fortunes through an unparalleled period of success as the Bulls enjoyed glory in the FA Cup with the famous Giantkillers side, were elected to the Football League and gained promotion to the old Division Two, all within a period of less than five years.
"Following on so fast from the death of Joe Wade, we were saddened to hear of the death of Frank Miles, who also played a very significant role for Hereford United," said current chairman Graham Turner.
"He was a man who presided over a very successful period in the club's history and we send our condolences to his widow and family."
Colin Addison, the man whom Miles appointed as player-manager at the club in 1971 and led the club into the Football League, paid tribute to his old friend.
"I called in to see him only last week and he seemed quite bright," said Addison.
"I have a lot to thank him for as I was only 31 when he appointed me. There were a lot of changes going on at the club but Frank was very positive and knew what he wanted.
"He was not everybody's cup of tea and, as manager and chairman, we fought and argued and had our battles along the way but we laughed about it later.
"He was very strong-minded and had his opinions which he was not afraid to put forward and I always respected him for that.
"You either liked him or you didn't, but he made the decisions and he had some very big decisions to make.
"He was the one who really set the club on its way."
Jeannin wary of former club
Alex Jeannin, now with Hereford United after a spell at Exeter, has told the Exeter Express and Echo that he is wary of a backlash from his former club after they were defeated by Grays Athletic last weekend.
"When a team loses you expect them to come out fighting and do everything they can to win the next game," said 28 year-old Jeannin.
"There is a lot of character in the Exeter squad, it was one of the things that helped us be successful last year, and I am expecting a very difficult game on Saturday. Whenever Exeter play Hereford it is always very close and I can't see this game being any different.
"Things are going very well for us at the moment. We had a difficult start to the season, but we had a lot of important players out injured.
"Sure there were games where we did not play as well as we could have done, but we have turned it round and, now that we have everyone fit again, you can see what a difference it makes.
"Against Port Vale on Tuesday we played some very good football and deserved to go through.
"We were the better side on the night and it is always nice to get the better of Football League opposition."
Jeannin revealed that he will always remember his time at Exeter.
"When I arrived at Hereford I had to win my place in the team. I have managed to get in the side and am happy with how things have gone and I think the manager is happy with me.
"I have only missed one game so far and that was because of suspension and I am pleased to have established myself.
"I am looking forward to playing against Exeter. It is always something special to play against your old club.
"I had a great time at Exeter and and it will be special for me to play against them. But I will be doing everything I can to help us beat them as that is what we need. I always look out for Exeter's results and stay in touch with Barry McConnell and other friends I have at the club and in the city."
Vale Chairman Blasts Players
Port Vale chairman Bill Bratt blasted his clubs players after the LDV defeat at Edgar Street.
Bratt, who was visibly angry after the match, told The Sentinel: "I think when you are at the bottom and things aren't going well you have to start fighting. They have to get out there and play with some heart and start fighting to get where we want to be. The performance on the pitch tells you there was not enough heart and fight there which is what we need now. If players are not prepared to do that then they shouldn't pull the shirt on. There is nothing I would like more than to go down there and say how well they have played. But on this occasion whatever I said would be the opposite. Certain players are exempt from this and I don't want to name names, but certain players seem to be going through the motions."
Bratt defended manager Martin Foyle after recent criticism: "I think Martin Foyle feels the same as well. He must be tearing out what hair he has left. He puts the effort in to get people to play and is getting a lot of stick at the moment which I don't think he deserves. He is a hard worker, as are the rest of the football staff here."
Goalie on the way
Graham Turner has revealed that he is hopeful that a goalkeeper will be on the way to Edgar Street before today's deadline.
According to BBC Hereford and Worcester, Turner is hoping to finalise a deal to bring in a Premiership academy goalkeeper.
"The arrangements will be work experience
"We're hoping all the formalities will be taken care of before the deadline on Thursday afternoon."
Conference News Round-Up
Accrington have signed Charlton goalkeeper Robert Elliot on loan to replace Charlton goalkeeper Darren Randolph, who reached the maximum three month limit on Saturday. Aldershot will complete the loan signing today of Cambridge striker John Turner. Turner, 19, had previously had a trial at Scunthorpe and will become Aldershot's 11th loan signing. Halifax have signed former Accrington winger Rory Prendergast on loan til the end of the year. Prendergast joined Blackpool in the summer from Accrington but has failed to break into regular first team football. Halifax have also loaned midfielder Steve Bushell to Altrincham for a month in a bid for match fitness after a broken leg. Southport have signed former York player-boss Chris Brass on loan for a month. Scarboro have made Scunthorpe striker Andy Parton their fifth signing of the week on loan, but have allowed fellow forward Jake Speight to join Bury on loan with a view to a permanent move. Grays have signed MK Dons defender Nathan Koo-Boothe for a month, but have failed in their appeal against Jamie Stuart's red card in last Saturday's match at Exeter. Both Stuart and Exeter's Lee Phillips will serve three match bans. Dagenham have signed Heybridge striker Cliff Akurang on loan with a view to a permanent move. Akurang was former Daggers striker Tresor Kandol strike partner at Thurrock and has scored 12 in 15 games this season. Tamworth have signed midfielder Carl Motteram on a five week loan from Birmingham City. The youngster has just returned from nine months on the sidelines.
An exciting game is in prospect
The weather on Saturday promises to be very cold but the atmosphere at Edgar Street could be very warm with the visit of Exeter City to Hereford United.
And if the message boards of both clubs are anything to go by, supporters are really looking forward to this game.
Talk of at least 4,000 supporters, maybe nearer 4,500, piling through the turnstiles will give the Bulls the best attendance of this season so far.
Both teams are in good form.
Exeter did lose to Grays Athletic at St James' last Saturday, but then so did Hereford at home back in August. Otherwise the visitors won four and drawn one of their previous five games.
To their advantage is that they were knocked out of the LDV in the first round so
haven't had a game this week other than a local friendly against Weymouth which Exeter lost 1-0.
In theory they should be just that little bit fresher than the Bulls on Saturday.
Hereford are also on a good run. An excellent win over Woking two weeks ago may prove to be the turning point in their challenge to make a play-off place in the Conference for the third season running. The home side are unbeaten since the Accrington game, from which many supporters thought the Bulls deserved at least a point.
In both the last two seasons the two clubs have met over the Christmas period.
Exeter had the upper hand last season defeating Hereford 4-0 at St James' and then coming to Edgar Street and winning 2-1 in front of 3,978 fans.
The previous season Hereford drew at Edgar Street 1-1 and defeated the Grecians 1-0 at St James'. However when the Bulls went to Exeter a week or so later for a FA Trophy game that Exeter won 3-2.
Currently Exeter lie third in the Conference table with 34 points from 18 games whereas Hereford are eighth with 29 points from 17 games.
This season supporters will look to the mean Hereford defence who have only let four goals, in eight Conference home games, past them. In contrast Exeter have scored 16 goals on their travels in nine games.
The Grecians have conceded 11 goals away but Hereford have only scored 13 and eight of those have come in two matches, against Scarborough and Woking. Average those figures and a low scoring draw looks a distinct possibilty on Saturday.
But there may be other factors to be taken into account. Exeter will be without Lee Phillips, their joint top scorer with 6 goals so far this season, and Hereford could miss Ryan Green who took a nasty sounding knock in the LDV game.
Steve Flack will probably take Philips' place, but it is less certain who might replace Green if his knock keeps him out. Although Simon Travis replaced him on Tuesday, Graham Turner may think it is too soon for Travis to start this game after his long absence.
Andy Williams and Tony James missed Tuesday's match. Williams was said to have taken a knock at Dagenham last Saturday, but should be available for Saturday. James was rested and will return as captain.
Should it be as cold as forecast, Hereford players are tough. Of the eleven who started on Tuesday only three were wearing long-sleeved tops.
It is unknown whether Graham Turner has watched Exeter recently, however Alex Inglethrope revealed to the BBC that he watched Hereford last Tuesday. And he has also spoken of the value of plenty of away support.
"The support has been tremendous this season and it's been one of the key factors in our success," Inglethorpe told the Express and Echo.
"It's a real boost, particularly away from home.
"It's great when the players step on to the pitch as they did at Kidderminster and the atmosphere is like we're at home.
"In home games the noise can be diluted because our fans are on three sides of the ground.
"But away it is concentrated in just one end and it makes for a fantastic atmosphere."
Hereford United will need to counteract that arguement on Saturday. Whilst the Meadow End are expected to lead the support for the Bulls, given the likely atmosphere, it seems inevitable that as long as the team rises to the challenge, home supporters will be right behind them in whatever part of the stadium they are and will out-sing the visitors.
An exciting game is in prospect.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Manager Begs For Fans As Stadium Plans Stumble
This week, Cardiff manager Dave Jones begged for more fans to attend games as Cardiff council demanded the club proves viability on it's envisaged 30,000 capacity new stadium.
With gates averaging nearly 1,700 under the break even, and Tuesday's draw with Brighton getting well under 10,000 fans, Cardiff face another hefty loss to top up their current £30million debt.
The new stadium, adjacent to their current Ninian Park home, hinges on a retail development being built alongside the ground but retailers have so far been reluctant to commit to the plan amid low high street sales. The sale of their existing site and long term increased income from the new site will shore up the clubs finances and help them to remain as top dog in Welsh football.
However, Cardiff council are unconvinced as to the viability of the plan after ploughing in £500,000 of taxpayers money into the planning. The original deadline of December 31st has been extended to March to allow the club to seek extra interest in the development after the club were refused an extension til June. The club itself has already committed £3million of it's own money to the project and can ill-afford the failure of the scheme.
Their position at the top of Welsh football is in severe doubt. Swansea hit a record gate of more than double Cardiff's gate last night as they continue their surge at the top of League One, and they have averaged nearly 50% higher attendances at the new Liberty stadium than Cardiff have managed in the crumbling Ninian Park.
A new stadium has vastly improved the finances of one sleeping giant of Welsh football. Another desperately requires the same before the life support plug is pulled.
Work Experience "Loans" Unaffected By Transfer Window
The new style work experience loans are not affected by the closure of the "emergency" loan transfer window today.
Work experience deals are available to teenage Academy professionals and can be actioned anytime during the course of the season. The Bulls signed Brian "Junior" Smikle as their first ever work experience player last February, playing four times for the club and signing professional forms for West Brom in the summer, earning a squad number for this seasons Premiership campaign.
Aside from work experience loans, only goalkeepers are allowed to move if a club can prove that they have no more than one fit keeper available. This may help Graham Turner to extend his search for a backup keeper with Wayne Brown looking at a minimum of one month out.
Both of the other reserve keepers the Bulls have used this season are contracted to other sides, with Darren Knurek at Evesham and Karl Lewis at Rugby, but are regular trainers with the Bulls goalkeeping coach Bernard Day at Edgar Street as their parent clubs have no specialist goalkeeping coach.
With the "emergency" loan system having already been made a mockery of this season, especially with Championship promotion chasing side Reading today sealing the emergency loan of Aaron Brown from Tamworth - an inexperienced defender from a side three divisions below them, it is likely the work experience loan system will be similarly exploited by anyone requiring a new face.
Kiddy join Bulls in LDV draw
Kidderminster Harriers will join Hereford United in the draw for the Quarter Finals of the Northern area LDV Trophy.
The Harriers defeated Boston this evening 3-0 with Iyseden Christie getting two of the goals.
There is one game left to be played in the current round. Halifax will play Scunthorpe next Tuesday after yesterday's game was postponed.
Teams in draw: Hereford United, Kidderminster Harriers, Cambridge United, Carlisle, Bradford, Macclesfield, Tranmere and either Halifax or Scunthorpe..
Former Chairman remembered
Former Hereford United chairman Frank Miles has died at the age of 72.
Miles was chairman of the Bulls from 1969 to 1978, a period of relative success for the club.
Before the start of last night's LDV game there was a minute silence for both Frank Miles and Joe Wade, a former manager who also died recently.
Update Thursday:
The Daily Telegraph reports about Frank Miles:
Frank Miles, a former chairman of Hereford United, died yesterday of a heart attack aged 72, having been suffering with cancer. When Miles became chairman he predicted the then-Southern League club would make the original first division within 10 years. By 1976, having won the third division title, they were just one step away.
Panther Aims To Pounce On Bulls
York midfielder Emmanuel Panther has started light training after undergoing cartilage surgery ten days ago, and is targeting the match at Edgar Street on December 10th for a return to the first team.
Without Panther, a summer signing from Partick Thistle, York have collected just one point from four matches and have dropped from second to sixth. Manager Billy McEwan is planning to bring a loan signing in as cover before Thursdays deadline, with the likely target being Grimsby's Terry Barwick after McEwan finished his interest in Barwick's team mate Tony Crane after seeing the player in a reserve match.
Tamworth Fined For Discipline
Tamworth have received a £500 fine from the FA after picking up seven cautions in their weekend match against Canvey Island.
No Canvey players were booked in the match that saw Tamworth defender Aaron Brown also collect a red card in what now is likely to be his last match for the club. Brown, 22, has joined Reading on loan until January with a permanent deal to be tied up during the transfer window. Brown spent 18 months at Tamworth after joining from Midland League side Studley last summer.
Next LDV game expected to be on December 20th
Hereford United will be in the draw for the Quarter Final of the LDV Northern Area which takes place on Saturday but won't receive any bonus from last night's win over Port Vale.
The prize money rules of the LDV are such that the defeated side picks up any prize money and Vale will receive £4,000 for their efforts.
The quarter finals operate in the same way. Should Hereford win, they receive nothing, but if defeated the Bulls will pick-up £6,000.
However defeated league clubs will receive £8,000 each.
The next round of the LDV is set to take place in the week commencing December 19th. Hereford's game will probably take place on the Tuesday but until the draw is made and the clubs confer that date can't be confirmed.
Meanwhile, according to the Official Port Vale Website, Martin Foyle the Valiant's manager, was disappointed with the result.
"It was certainly better than Saturday; there was a bit more passion and commitment there. When we actually got the ball down and played we looked a decent side, but at the moment there are quite a few lacking in confidence and I think it showed in our play again.
"Our play in the final third is letting us down again - we don't create enough chances. There are a lot of things wrong at the moment, I can understand everybody's frustration, but we have got a hard game against Southend coming up and we have got to go and battle.
"I knew it would be a hard game, they are a decent side and they don't give many goals away, but our forward play in that final third was poor and we gave the ball away too easily."
Hollins Named As Crawley Boss
John Hollins has been named as the new manager of Crawley Town.
Hollins, 58, is most famous for a three year spell as Chelsea manager in the mid 80's. He also managed Swansea and Rochdale, and was also caretaker manager at QPR and Stockport. He ended a brief spell as Assistant Manager with Raith Rovers in September.
Conference News Round-Up
Morecambe have released defender Carl Ruffer by mutual consent. Ruffer joined Morecambe 18 months ago but has been limited to just three substitute appearances due to injury. Canvey have transfer listed defender Jay Conroy, and loaned goalkeeper Ashley Harrison to Great Wakering Rovers of the Southern League. Scarboro are on the verge of signing four players from Barnsley. Nathan Joynes, Ryan Laight, Tom Harban and Robert Atkinson are all training with Scarboro with a view to moves either on loan or work experience. Southport have added two new loan signings to their squad - Crewe defender Mark Roberts joins Doncaster winger Adriano Rigloglioso in the squad for the Haig Avenue outfit.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Pleasing result says Turner
Graham Turner commented on the win against Port Vale to BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"We reacted well to losing the goal right on half-time and came out second half and did well. And then into extra-time we looked very strong.
"It's a pleasing result.
"We've got a big period coming up for us with League games, the FA Cup, and the Trophy not too far in the distance. Another round of the LDV.
"Between now and the start of the new year, it's a massive big period for us.
"Results like this do the confidence a world of good."
Bulls dump out second league side
Hereford United, having disposed of Mansfield Town in the first round, knocked out a second league side in the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy Northern Section at Edgar Street this evening. Injury struck League One outfit Port Vale were the opponents and the Bulls overcame them after extra time.
Two changes were made from the side that beat Dagenham; Andy Williams and Tony James were rested meaning recalls to the side for Danny Carey-Bertram and Dean Beckwith, who performed well at the back alongside stand in skipper Tamika Mkandawire. Guy Ipoua showed the first goal scoring intentions but sliced wide early on and then, following some great link up play, Jamie Pitman fired over from outside of the box.
United, who'd started the better, took the lead with fourteen minutes on the clock, when a free kick move paid off. Pitman had layed the ball onto Jon Brady whose shot was turned into the air off a defender, and Carey-Bertram watched the ball closely and volleyed into the back of the net, via the post, from ten yards out. Vale, who were pretty poor for a League One side, got back into the game and dominated the rest of the half, but Uniteds' defence reduced them to just a few long range efforts. Chris Cornes and Andy Porter shot wide, while inbetween a free kick from Tony Dinning was blocked by Craig Mawson and cleared behind by Mkandawire.
The first chance from close range for Vale fell in the single added minute at the end of the first half, and it resulted in the equaliser. Jeff Smith was on the end of Cornes cross, and headed into the bottom corner unchallenged having lost his marker.
Nathan Lowndes hit the side netting in the opening stages of the second half with a cheeky back heel but United began to get a foot hold on the game once again. Graham Evans was introduced in place of Ipoua ten minutes into the half and he had a good chance when Pitman slipped Bradys' cross into him, but the eccentric Johnathan Brain denied him. Lowndes should have put the visitors in front, but somehow managed to head a corner over, from pretty much under the cross bar and then, soon after Adam Stansfield had replaced Pitman, Robin Hulbert shot wide.
Stansfield had a good effort from twenty yards, that crept just wide of the far post and Simon Travis' appearance late on for Ryan Green was the last of the action for the ninety minutes. Extra time began with Brady giving the travelling 152 Vale fans a scare, when his intended cross clipped the cross bar and went over. Cornes volleyed over in front of the meadow end, before Mkandawire capped a man of the match performance with a goal, much to the delight of the majority of the crowd of 1,355. He met Alex Jeannins' corner with a downward header that avoided several defenders in the box and crept into the back of the net. United were able to play out the three remaing minutes of the first period and the whole of the second period by keeping the ball and frustrating their league opposition.
Much like the game at Dagenham on Saturday, The Bulls started well although they seemingly faded in the second half but were never really troubled by Port Vale. However, they will be delighted with result that sees them in the hat for the third round northern section, to be drawn next Saturday morning.
HUFC: Mawson, Green, Beckwith, Mkandawire, Jeannin, Purdie, Pitman, Stanley, Brady, Carey-Bertram, Ipoua. Subs: Travis, Lewis, Stansfield, Ferrell, Evans.
PVFC: Brain, Togwell, Pilkington, Dinning, James, Cornes, Innes, Sonner, Smith, Lowndes, Mulligan.Subs: Goodlad, Porter, Husbands, Rowland, Cardle.
Bulls go through
Hereford United went through to the quarter finals of the LDV with a 2-1 win over Port Vale this evening.
Daniel Carey-Bertram and Tamika Mkandawire scored the goals.
Full report shortly.
Other teams in the Northern Section that won tonight were Cambridge United, Carlisle, Bradford, Macclesfield and Tranmere.
Turner looks to LDV success
Graham Turner has told the Worcester News that he would like to see his team do well in the LDV competition again this season.
"We were unlucky to lose the area semi-final last year," said Turner. "We played well and should have got a better result against Wrexham.
"It would be nice to get that far again. We want to go as far in the competition as we can.
"Port Vale are a decent side and play at a very good level. But we've proved that we are capable of beating these sides. We showed that against Mansfield and last season against Blackpool, Scunthorpe and Doncaster.
"We enjoy playing the better sides. When we play against them, we tend to find more room to play good football. You think it's going to be a tight game, but it doesn't tend to happen that way.
"Some teams haven't played their strongest side in the LDV Vans Trophy and that has surprised me. If other teams decide to play weakened sides, so be it."
Stansfield dreams of playing against his former club
Adam Stansfield, the Hereford United striker, has told the Exeter Express and Echo that is dreaming of a long-awaited return from injury to play against his old club next Saturday in what is potentially the game of the season so far.
"I can't wait to be involved again. I want to play every game, every week - it's very frustrating not being involved," said 27 year old Stansfield.
"I travelled up to the game at Dagenham last weekend but I was sat in the stand and I couldn't help the team.
"It would be great if I could make my first league appearance against Exeter. My family still lives down in Devon and I'm looking forward to playing there next month, too.
"I played for Exeter's reserves a few years ago and we won the league, so it will be nice to play against them.
"I scored in all our pre-season games but then stopped when the league started and then I got injured.
"I feel fully fit now and hopefully I can help Hereford win on Saturday."
According to the article Stansfield will be on the bench this evening for the LDV game and he is hoping to play a big part in Saturday's clash between the Grecians and the Bulls, both of whom he thinks are promotion candidates.
"It was unlucky for them against Grays and our game will depend on how they react to that. If they don't respond well then hopefully we will get a result," he said.
"They started off the season really well, then dropped off, picked up again and then they lost to Grays. Hopefully they won't pick themselves up from that soon enough to trouble us.
"There's now about eight teams at the top who are all good teams, then there's a six-point gap between us and Woking.
"I think Hereford are good enough to win the league.
"Obviously our defensive record is phenominal - the best in the Conference - and if we can start killing teams off more efficiently we can go a long way. I've not seen Exeter this year, but I know they are strong and it will be a very tough game on Saturday."
Foyle expects tough game
Martin Foyle is expecting a tough game as he tales his depleted squad to Edgar Street for tonight's LDV game against non-league Hereford United according to a preview on the Official Port Vale Website.
"It's going to be a hard game, a very hard game. I have seen Hereford play, they play 4-4-2 they play with wingers and they are a decent side.
"They have got a very, very good home record, I think they have only conceded four goals.
"It is going to be a real test of our character, believe me, I have seen them play, the reaction I need from Saturday has got to be massive.
"There have been questions about whether I will rest anybody for this game, but I can't do that because we just don't have the numbers - Andy Porter is in the squad - and it's not something we can do
"We're not like some of the other clubs. It hurts, but at the end of the day we have got to go with what we have got week in week out."
Tean News: Bulls vs Port Vale
The Bulls will select from the same squad as Saturday's victory at Dagenham, with Stacy Coldicott and Wayne Brown still injured and Darren Blewitt only just returning to full training after three weeks on the sidelines. Graham Turner has always treated the LDV Trophy with respect so is unlikely to make wholesale changes, but both Simon Travis and Adam Stansfield will look to make the bench and prove their fitness ahead of the crunch league match against Exeter.
It would be easier to list the players that are available for Port Vale with eleven first teamers likely to be missing. They will be missing long term injury victims Robin Hulbert and Michael Cummings with neither of them expected to be fit before Christmas. George Abbey, Michael Walsh, and Lee Matthews also remain sidelined. Hector Sam played an hour of a reserve match last week for his first game back after a broken leg but is unlikely to play. Gary Mulligan and Danny Sonner missed the weekend game with knocks and may face late fitness tests, and Mickey Bell limped out of Saturday's game and is doubtful. Manager Martin Foyle will be without loan stars Leon Constantine and Clayton Fortune as both are Cup-tied, but will have three other loan signings in the squad with ex-Bull Michael Husbands likely to start. In one of the few bits of good news for Foyle, Chris Birchall returns to the squad after helping Trinidad and Tobago qualify for the World Cup.
Match Odds (bet365): Hereford 6/4, Draw 5/2, Port Vale 11/8.
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