Hereford United defender Keith Lowe will miss tomorrow's League Two match against Macclesfield.
The defender suffered an ankle injury in training.
Also missing will be James McQuilken who is suspended after collecting two yellow cards during Tuesday's game at Cheltenham.
Craig King, who has been suffering with a virus, is also unlikely to feature. Darren Jones also missed out on Tuesday with an illness and is a doubt.
Meanwhile Chris Adamson and Paul Downing will be available for selection after they missed Tuesday's game. Both players received a red card at Notts County last Saturday.
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Friday, March 05, 2010
Lowe to miss Macclesfield Match
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Rooney wanted by Derby
19 year old Macclesfield striker John Rooney is wanted by Derby County. The younger brother of Wayne has already had a trial at the club.
He is also reported to be interesting Sheffield United and Doncaster.
Last Wednesday he played for Derby in a friendly against Sheffield Wednesday.
"It's not going to be easy for him. His brother is so special so he's always going to be in shadow no matter what he accomplishes," said Derby manager Nigel Clough.
"John's trying to make his own way and I think he wants to be a professional and as long as he can do at that whatever level that will be a success."
Rooney junior is expected to be in Macclesfield's squad to play Hereford United tomorrow.
Hartlepool Sue Billingham For £10,000
Hartlepool have hit Billingham Town with a winding up petition for just £10,000.
In a new low for a football club the League One side, who play reserve team games at Billingham, had the court documents taped to the gates of Billingham's Bedford Terrace ground. The sum, which is not disputed by the Northern League side, is money spent by Pools in upgrading and maintaining the ground.
Billingham committee member Peter Martin told the local press Hartlepool had refused to discuss the matter with them, adding: "We just don't have the money to pay. We have worked hard over the last two years paying off debts left by a previous regime but this could see us off. We don't have the cash. We don't own the ground or the clubhouse and all the payers pay to play for us. Our only assets are four match balls, two strips and the nets."
Billingham face court on May 18th. They are most famous for discovering Gary Pallister, who left the club for Middlesboro as a 19 year old.
In other financial news, Southend have had to ask their supporters trust for an extra two months to repay a £60,000 short term loan handed to the club in December. The sum was due back at the end of February, but the trust have agreed to delay repayment for another two months. Their local paper reiterates comments that the players have not been paid since December, though January's wages are expected next week.
From the Archives: HUISA and Campaign 2000
HUISA, the Hereford United Independent Supporters Association was set up around 1997. At this time the club was in free-fall both on and off the pitch.
At the end of the 1996/97 season the Bulls were relegated from the League to the Conference and Graham Turner had just completed his second year as manager.
In those days HUISA played a big part in keeping Hereford United alive. They started having regular meetings with Turner in the summer of 1997.
However it's probable that in those early days HUISA hadn't thought of getting into local politics.
But just three years later HUISA launched 'Campaign 2000'.
So with a general election imminent, BN looks back at what HUISA were hoping to achieve.
At the Fans Forum on 15th February HUISA announced that we are going to contest the Hereford Council elections in May 2000. This news was received as something of a sensation by all those present, whether supporters or the representatives of the media. We had deliberately waited until the Fans Forum to go public on this, to gain maximum impact. Our press release summarised the background:
We have taken this action in response to an apparent lack of interest in United's cause by the majority of current councillors. The future of Hereford United FC has been in the balance since relegation from The Football League in 1997. The previous board of directors negotiated a deal which will lead to the sale of Edgar Street for redevelopment and a move to a new ground. The search for and the building of a new ground is vital to the club's survival.
Local councillors have been approached to support this cause. Only some have shown any interest in the revived county's senior football club. Over the past three months HUISA has been assessing the positions of Herefordshire councillors. We have identified the wards where councillors will support our aims. We intend to contest other wards on a platform of Hereford United and a series of local issues.
This is a decision which has not been taken lightly. The committee has done its homework concerning the rules and regulations governing the election and the prospects for HUISA candidates in each of the county's 30 wards.
We have not publicly revealed our full plans because what would give away too much to the opposition parties. Bear in mind that the regular political parties are experienced electioneers and shrewd with it. However, the opposition reckoned without HUISA's own political 'mastermind' Kevin Wargen, a former Hereford councillor himself!
The main political parties are drawing up their plans and have begun looking for their candidates. HUISA already has a number of candidates lined up. Nonetheless, the more candidates who want to get involved the better.
If any HUISA member wishes to stand, or to assist during the run up to the election, please contact Kevin Wargen, Richard Tomkins or any other committee member.
There will be further news on 'Campaign 2000' in subsequent newsletters.
STOP PRESS...HUISA HAS BEEN INUNDATED WITH PHONE CALLS AND LETTER OF SUPPORT FOLLOWING OUR PRESS RELEASE...HUISA WILL FIGHT FOR OUR CLUB...STOP PRESS
HUISA – Details for Lincoln
The Official HUFC supporters’ coach for the Friday 12th March evening match at Lincoln will depart from Radford’s at 2.00pm.
Seats can be reserved in Radford’s before the Macclesfield game on Saturday or through the Club office (08442 761939).
Trewick pays Tribute to Keith Alexander
With the game against Macclesfield going ahead on Saturday, Hereford United manager John Trewick has paid his own tribute to Keith Alexander.
"The death of a fellow manager in the manner it happened puts all the frustrations and problems and circumstances that you have to deal with on a daily and weekly basis into perspective," Trewick told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
"Keith was well known in the game, a popular man, a well respected man.
"Obviously he's had his health problems over the years but when it happens so suddenly it's a shock to everybody so yes it does make you sit down and think.
"It can have a galvanising effect or a negative effect on people, we will pay our respects and it is not being hard or unemotional, but life goes on and we have to be professional and do what we have to do."
Macc Game Goes Ahead
Saturday's home match with Macclesfield is to go ahead after the death of Keith Alexander.
His family have indicated they want the game to go on with assistant boss Gary Simpson telling the Silkmen OS: "Away from his family, football was his life. He just loved the game and the last thing he would have wanted was to cause any fuss. He would have expected us to go Hereford and put on a show as if it was any other game.
"Of course it is going to be tough and emotional day. And I suspect a few tears will be shed. But having spoken to his son Matt, he was adamant that his Dad would have wanted the game to go ahead and it is only right that we respect his family wishes."
Defender Paul Morgan, who played for Alexander at three clubs, also spoke about the game: "It's going to be difficult but I think we all know what the big man would like us to do on Saturday. Win or lose, we want to go down there and put on a show for the gaffer."
News Round Up
Darlington have signed former Hibernian midfielder Ross Chisholm on contract until the end of last season. He will become their 50th player to play this season when he debuts. Southend's wage bill has eased slightly after striker Dougie Freedman quit playing for the club to become the new assistant boss at Crystal Palace.
Yeovil have ended their dispute with former boss Russell Slade. The club had sacked Slade over allegatons of gross misconduct, with both sides arming themselves with lawyers. A brief statement says the matter has been 'amicably resolved'. Morecambe have released defender Danny Adams by mutual consent. The veteran full back has made only two starts in four months after dropping down the pecking order.
Bradford have signed Wycombe's giant defender Luke Oliver on loan. The 6ft 7in ex-Woking man is Peter Taylor's fourth signing in a week, while winger Scott Neilson has been loaned to Cambridge. Burton have announced pre-season friendlies against Leicester and Derby. Farsley have been charged by the Conference with failing to fufil a fixture after Administrators called off their midweek match with Telford. They are £750,000 in debt and have struggled to agree a deal to exit Administration.
Stockport have announced another agreement to sell the club to the Jim Melrose bidders. The agreement faces scrutiny by the Football League on March 11th. Bristol Rovers have reported debts of £3.8million that are due for repayment within five years in their latest accounts. The sum, the club say, is largely down to the redevelopment of the Memorial Ground.
Chester's season ticket holders have been invited to watch Witton Albion's remaining home games free of charge. Unibond Premier side Burscough has avoiding winding up proceedings by paying their outstanding £30,000 tax bill. Weymouth's debt are up to £900,000 after an investigation into their accounts with owner George Rolls now seeking a CVA to keep the club afloat.
Ebbsfleet have seen just 800 of over 4,000 MyFC members renew their membership when they came due in February, and they now face further budget cuts. Sheff Weds say US investors are talking the Co-op bank, who are owed a substantial amount by the club, about taking a stake in the club. The Owls say they need an average gate of 24,000 to break even whether they go down or not. They are currently 1,800 under that figure.
Eleven Years of Guy Ipoua
An interesting article about former Hereford United striker Guy Ipoua has appeared on the Scunthorpe website. It was written by Simon Bourne. Below is an somewhat shortened version.
In 1999 Scunthorpe manager, Brian Laws was in the market for some additional firepower. Darryn Stamp, John Gayle and Gareth Sheldon had led the line well that year but Laws, with a minimal budget, felt the need to add to his attack. Some shrewd work found the Cameroonian journeyman, Guy Ipoua.
The marksman said: "I was a centre forward who liked to get the ball into feet, turn, and run with the ball going past defenders. I used to like to create my own goals opportunities."
Guy held an impressive CV boasting clubs such as Torino, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla. He made his first move to England when he joined Terry Venables for a trial at Crystal Palace. Problems with international clearance and agents meant a move never materialised, however, he soon found his way to the Memorial Stadium and Bristol Rovers.
"I did struggle for a little while with the language as all the other countries that I had played in spoke Latin languages," added Ipoua.
"I soon adapted with the help of my team mates but not before the customary pranks and humiliation!"
Ipoua spent a year under Ian Holloway at Rovers but a large part of it was spent on the physio table. At the end of his contract, Guy left Avon and began to search for his next club.
"I had a trial at Scunthorpe with the season about three weeks old. Brian Laws obviously saw potential in me as he named me on the bench after training only twice with the squad."
It was this that game in which Guy made the dream start to his Iron career, coming on as a half-time substitute against Bournemouth. The game was poised at one apiece when 16 minutes after coming on Ipoua grabbed a debut goal and sent Scunny on their way to a 3-1 victory.
Guy settled into the club quickly, as Brian Laws explains: "Guy Ipoua was a player we knew little about; in fact it was one of my scouts who recommended we should take a look at him.
"We brought him in on a non-contract basis and threw him in. He was awesome! He was strong in the air and powerful on the floor.
"From what we saw we had to tie him down to a full contract and luckily we did. He could speak four languages so settling in wasn't a problem. He is a great lad who always had a smile on his face and he was a real joy to work with."
Despite the impressive start to his first season, collectively the team failed to hang on to their Division Two status and were soon relegated back to the fourth tier.
"As strange as it may seem I have no recollection of us being relegated. I left for France before the season had finished to have an operation on my troubled ankle," explained the 34-year-old.
The arrivals of Steve Torpey and creative midfield player Bjarni Larusson arguably drew career best form from Guy.
Torpey explained: "When I played with Guy, he was very strong, had quick feet and a good turn of pace. On his day he could score goals out of nothing."
The week of November 18 saw him grab headlines nationally as he scored seven goals in one week - a hat-trick against Hartlepool and then four in a 6- 0 demolition of Mansfield.
Guy said: "Life was great then because I was full of confidence and you can't beat a striker when he is that sure he will score goals."
All together Ipoua hit the net an impressive 23 times in 50 starts for Scunthorpe and it was this unmissable form that attracted the interest of Division One side Gillingham.
"Peter Taylor was the manager of Gillingham when I first heard they wanted me," explained the striker who moved for a fee of £25,000
"Unfortunately not long after I signed Peter Taylor left for Leicester City, I found my feet and enjoyed my football under Andy Hessenthaler," he continued.
The latter years of Guy's career it would be fair to say were a bit stopstart. The Cameroon ace moved on to Scotland with Livingston but an injuryhit campaign never saw Ipoua settle. Loan moves and trials south of the border soon followed while there were also opportunities overseas.
"I went to the MLS for a short stay at Dallas FC," continued Ipoua. "I wasn't there for very long after they offered me a contract; I just didn't feel the time was right for me then."
There was however more success ahead with Hereford United. Guy scored a few vital goals including two crucial play-off strikes on their way to promotion. Following on from Hereford there was a brief spell with Forest Green Rovers before leaving and ending his playing career.
These days you will find Guy running his own business. His project is aimed at reducing the water usage for various organisations, thus making them more sustainable. In addition to this Guy maintains an involvement in the game.
"I still help out to try and find players clubs in the Football League," he explained. "I'm not an agent; I would describe myself more as a scout. Having played in so many different countries and speaking different languages, I have developed a good European network of contacts which obviously helps me to identify up and coming players.
"In 10 years time I would still like to still be involved in the game in some capacity. I hopefully will have sold my business by then and could even be a chairman somewhere."
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Ward set to referee Macclesfield Match
Gavin Ward is set to referee Saturday's League Two match between Hereford United and Macclesfield Town.
The Bulls haven't met Ward this season but last campaign he was in charge of two games at Edgar Street against Scunthorpe and Huddersfield and the Bulls lost both of them.
This season to date Ward has officiated 24 games and given out 91 yellow and 4 red cards.
Meanwhile Hereford United are supporting 'Football for Heroes' week will take place between March 6 and 14 and will give football fans across the country the opportunity to show their support for the efforts and sacrifices of our Armed Forces.
Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League said: "The contribution being made by our armed forces around the world is truly humbling. As a nation we do not thank them enough for the sacrifices they make. The Football for Heroes week will provide an excellent opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation for the outstanding work being done."
During Football for Heroes Week, all 72 Clubs will:
• Stage a designated Football for Heroes match at their home ground
• Provide a promotional photo featuring managers and players with Help for Heroes banners and balls
• Emerge from the tunnel behind a Help for Heroes banner
• The respective captains and the match officials will pose for a photo at kick-off with a Help for Heroes banner
• Both managers will wear Help for Heroes wristbands for the duration of the game
• The home team will sign a Football League Help for Heroes ball which will then be auctioned off for the charity
In addition to this, clubs across The Football League will also be holding bucket collections, providing discounted tickets for our heroes and staging cheque presentations from previous Help for Heroes games.
Macclesfield Game may be Postponed
A decision whether Saturday's game between Hereford United and Macclesfield Town will go ahead is expected to be taken tomorrow.
The untimely death of Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander has led to discussions between the two clubs.
Macclesfield chairman Mike Rance has spoken to Hereford counterpart Graham Turner about Saturday's match at Edgar Street.
Rance told Press Association Sport: "Graham knew Keith very well and we've both agreed that Keith's family should be the key arbiters in deciding whether Saturday's match should go ahead.
"The players are back in tomorrow and, after speaking to Keith's wife Helen, we expect a decision will be made in the next 24 hours."
Meanwhile Turner has paid a tribute to Alexander.
"We were shocked and saddend to hear of the death of Keith Alexander. Saturday's match against Macclesfield Town now becomes of small significance compared to this news.
"Our condolences go out to his family and friends and all at Macclesfield Town."
Macclesfield manager has died
Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander has died at the age of 53.
Alexander, who recently took time off due to illness, passed away after arriving home on Tuesday night from Macclesfield's League Two match at Notts County.
"It is our sad duty to report that Keith Alexander passed away today after arriving home from Macclesfield Town's game at Notts County last night," said a statement from the club.
"Keith was a splendid man. He will be sorely missed at the Moss Rose and by everyone involved in football.
"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this very difficult time."
Hereford United are due to play Macclesfield on Saturday. Keith Alexander's family will be consulted before the game goes ahead, with Macclesfield chairman Mike Rance telling the BBC:
"Graham [Turner] also knew Keith very well and the decision as to whether Saturday's game goes ahead will be taken by Keith's family shortly. I know what Keith would have wanted, but it will be his family's decision."
Former Bull rejoins Redditch
Matt Gardiner has joined Redditch for the third time.
Now 35, Gardiner was with Hereford United in the 2000/2001 season. He usually played in mid-field.
And Redditch have signed another player with a link to Edgar Street.
21 year old defender Darren Campion started his career as a youth team player at Birmingham City before being released in 2007. He then had a trail with the Bulls but failed to land a contract.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Defence Rotation Worked said Trewick
A very relieved John Trewick put last night's win at Cheltenham partly down to defence rotation. He told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he thought it was more likely the Bulls won get three points at Whaddon Road than at Meadow Lane against Notts County last Saturday.
"I thought Adam needed to be taken out of the firing line just to re-focus, although he would not agree with that, in order to get him absolutely fired up to his best.
"Ryan Valentine the same, fresh legs there.
"Eddie Sonko has come in and done a great job for us as well.
"So it's worked out as I hoped it might."
Meanwhile Trewick was disappointed with the sending off of James McQuilken.
"We looked good until James McQuilkin was sent off. It was only his second foul of the game, and quite honestly worse tackles went unpunished later on.
"The second half was fantastic to watch, we really dug in, and Adam Bartlett produced some good saves.
"We've played a lot of games recently, and I always had Cheltenham chalked up as a more likely result than Notts County. I kept some fresh legs for this game, and its worked out as I hoped it might."
And Cheltenham boss Mark Yates admitted: "It was not good enough against 10 men. I apologise to our fans."
Cheltenham Tanned by Green
A goal midway through the first half from classy Welshman Ryan Green was enough to secure three points for The Bulls at Whaddle Road on Tuesday evening.
Green was recalled to starting line-up along with Ryan Valentine, Richard Rose moved to centre back replacing the suspended Downing while Adam Bartlett returned in place of Adamson and Edrissa Sonko made a long awaited return to first team action on the right of midfield.
The Bulls were quickly into their stride with Valentine advancing down the left and delivering a chance to McCallum but the opportunity was scuffed wide. Alsop flicked on a long Cheltenham throw but Bartlett was on hand to palm away at the expense of a corner, which was cleared without threat before McQuilken picked up a needless early booking. His challenge was doubtless a foul but walking away when being addressed by the referee probably cost him the caution, which was to prove expensive later in the game. Valentine played a delightful cross-field ball to Sonko who immediately crossed to the back post where Constantine’s downward header was scrambled off the goal-line. Then Ryan Green showed what has been sorely missed of late with a trademark overlapping thrust down the right flank ending in a Sonko cross that was a fraction long. For Cheltenham, Pook and Hutton both sent efforts high over the bar but Green was not to be denied and soon engineered and scored the only goal of the match. Picking the ball up near the halfway line, Green roared into the opponents half before playing a classic pass and move with Kenny Lunt before hammering the ball passed Brown in the home goal to notch his first strike since his promotion winning effort at Leicester. At the other end, Hayles missed a golden chance from just five yards when he screwed horribly wide from Hutton’s cross. Hayles then produced a chance for Hutton but Bartlett pushed the midfielder’s effort round the post. As the half drew to a close, another Green rampage into Robins territory almost produced a second goal before McQuilken’s rash challenge saw him receive a second yellow and his marching orders.
HT Cheltenham 0 Bulls 1
Hereford emerged for the second period a man short with Trewick electing to leave McCallum up front as a lone striker while Constantine played to the right of midfield. Sonko joined Lunt in the centre to replace the departed McQuilken as The Bulls looked to resist the expected onslaught. An early cross from the right found the head of Alsop but the soft fruit specialist could only direct his effort straight at Bartlett who comfortably held. As the half progressed, Hereford found themselves fighting a rearguard action although a hoofed Constantine clearance did almost create an opportunity for McCallum but Brown was off his line quickly to gather. McCallum was guilty of picking up a silly booking for kicking the ball away but continued to graft away in his lone role up front before eventually giving way for Manset for the final fifteen minutes. He received generous applause for his efforts from the Bulls’ supporters as he left the pitch. Meanwhile, Adam Bartlett was very busy in his laundry maintaining Mr Trewick’s clean sheets as he brought off a string of fine saves including a couple of full-length efforts and a series of goal-line blocks as The Robins added both Hammond and Richards to their strikeforce. Hayles’ spin/turn provided space for a shot but he fired into Bartlett waiting gloves while Gallinagh and Pook both blasted high over the bar when well placed. Another surging run from Ryan Green, this time playing a wall pass with Manset, almost produced a second goal but the fullback’s effort was deflected wide. The home side bombarded The Bulls’ back line but were unable to find an equaliser and the 495 Herefordians amongst the total of 3273 went home happy.
FT Cheltenham 0 Bulls 1
This was a much-improved performance from the United squad that had shipped a shedfull of goals in recent games. The return of the experienced Valentine and, in particular, Ryan Green brought shape and reliability to the defence. Kenny Lunt again put in a good shift with some timely interceptions and good quality movement and touch while Sonko’s early delivery from wide and his later graft in the central area was invaluable. In the heart of the defence, Richard Rose and young Daniel Preston proved stubborn opponents for Hayles and Alsop. It was a good response following some woeful recent performances and the now traditional three points from Gloucestershire are very welcome.
Man of the match? Hmmm…a four way tie between Bartlett, Lunt, McCallum (for his lone striker effort) and Green. Sorry Ryan…a goal but no banana.
Cheltenham: Brown, Bird (Watkins 45), Gallinagh (Hammond 89), Eastham, Ridley, Hutton (Richards 70), Thornhill, Pook, Low, Hayles, Alsop. Subs unused: Puddy, Duff, Watkins, Lewis, Andrew.
Hereford: Bartlett, Green, Preston, Rose, Valentine, Pugh, Lunt, McQuilkin, Sonko, McCallum (Manset 76), Constantine (Lowe 82). Subs unused: Gwynne, Weir, Morris, Done.
Stats from Cheltenham
Here are the main stats from this evening's League Two game at Cheltenham where Hereford United beat the Robins by 1-0.
Possession: Bulls 50% Robins 50%
Shots on Target: Bulls 5 Robins 13
Shots off Target: Bulls 7 Robins 11
Corners: Bulls 6 Robins 7
Fouls: Bulls 4 Robins 8
Cards: 2 Yellows for James McQuilken (he will miss Saturday's game against Macclesfield) and yellows for Marc Pugh and Gavin McCallum.
Attendance: 3273 with 495 following the Bulls
Bottom of League Two:
16 Bradford 32 -6 40
17 Hereford 33 -13 38
18 Barnet 33 -9 37
19 Lincoln City 33 -20 34
20 Torquay 34 -5 33
21 Macclesfield 32 -11 32
22 Cheltenham 33 -15 31
23 Grimsby 33 -24 24
24 Darlington 30 -42 15
Yates: "We Haven't Got The Quality"
Speaking to the press after the game, Cheltenham boss Mark Yates was thoroughly disappointed:
"I'm lost for words. If we had got the goal then maybe we would have gone on to win the game but we didn't do that. If Julian Alsop's effort had gone in just after half time then maybe we would have been stood here talking differently but it didn't and we've been defeated.
"We gave a stupid goal away and given them something to hang onto. Tonight has shown that we lack that quality on the final ball and to open teams up. We got balls into the box but we didn't give our strikers many clear cut opportunities. The keeper has made a few good saves but we didn't test him enough.
"We are where we are in the table because we haven't got that quality to open teams up when we need to and take responsibility. We haven't done enough to go on and win the game and we're bitterly disappointed.
"I apologise to the fans because it wasn't good enough against ten men. We've got to stick together and keep working hard. Maybe I've got to go and get a couple of players this week and hopefully Michael Townsend will be back for this weekend and that should make us stronger back there. The problem is bringing the right player in but in all honesty we need a lot of new players because really the squad isn't good enough. Perhaps we need a couple of new faces to freshen us up because that was disappointing.
"I think we could have had a couple of penalties but I'm not making excuses. Barry's first one and then the third one was a definate penalty. Thornhill was clattered into but when you don't work hard enough then you don't get those decisions."
Results Round Up
At the bottom Darlington surrendered a lead yet again to lose 3-1 at home to Port Vale. Macclesfield lost 1-0 at Notts County to stay a point ahead of Cheltenham, with Torquay a further point ahead after a goalless draw with Dagenham.
At the top Rochdale beat fifth placed Rotherham 4-0 to go eight points clear at the top with a game in hand on Bournemouth, while Aldershot kept in touch with the play-offs with a 1-0 win over Bradford.
In the Conference Oxford drew 1-1 at Cambridge, allowing Stevenage the chance to close the gap - a feat they managed in some fashion in smashing six past Eastbourne. Kidderminster drew 2-2 with Ebbsfleet with ex-Bulls Brian Smikle and Moses Ashikodi scoring for their respective sides.
Thou Shalt Not Pass
Despite having James McQuilkin sent off before half time, the Bulls shut out Cheltenham to claim a valuable 1-0 win at Whaddon Road tonight.
495 Bulls fans in the crowd of 3,273 saw Ryan Green score his first goal since the play-off final at Leicester, only for McQuilkin's obsession with collecting yellow things to leave the Bulls a man short for 50 minutes but retain the lead despite heavy late pressure from the Robins.
If Green was the hero of the first half, it was Adam Barlett that stole the second with a string of fine saves. The Bulls move up a place to 17th in the table and, more importantly, 14 points clear of the bottom two.
Full report later
Downing's appeal is Lost
Hereford United have failed to overturn Paul Downing's red card which he received last Saturday at Notts County.
He will miss this evening's game at Cheltenham which means manager John Trewick will have to make at least two changes to the starting line-up from last Saturday.
Paul Downing, Hereford United FC
Notts County FC v Hereford United FC
Football League Two, 27 February, 2010
Dismissed for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity
Claim received for wrongful dismissal
Claim dismissed, one-match suspension with immediate effect
It's Grim, But Woods Is Safe (For Now)
While Bulls fans grumble on about being 18th in the League Two table, Grimsby are firmly rooted in the bottom two.
And, worse still, they have now gone 26 League matches without a win. But that atrocious run will not see Chairman John Fenty dispense with the services of manager Neil Woods, telling a fans forum yesterday that Woods' job was safe.
That decision may be based on financial grounds. The Mariners have sacked their last three managers with substantial contracts to pay up, and face a £50,000 claim from Mike Newell for his departure shortly after the current run began.
Fenty had to answer questions yesterday about the club moving into Administration by saying it wouldn't happen while he was there, but the club have shown considerable losses in the last few years and gates are down again this term. They have pinned their long term financial future on a new stadium, but hopeful plans seem to have stalled as their League status is called into question.
The Mariners have won just three of their 33 League games this season, with their only home win coming against the Bulls in what was - to many of the few Bulls in attendance - an early candidate for worst game of the season. They are, however, oddly difficult to beat with only Ipswich recording more than their 15 draws this term including earning solitary points from seven of the last ten games.
Their biggest problem, much like the Bulls, is scoring goals. Their top scorer, Barry Conlon, departed the club in January due to disciplinary reasons. Fenty claims the veteran forward missed training sessions and was disruptive but, two months after his departure, he remains head of the pile with just five goals. A dozen other forwards have been deployed as part of the 40 players they've used this season.
Fenty assures fans that the next win is "around the corner" and that Woods' inhereted a side that "was shipping goals, devoid of confidence and at times were accused of being unfit."
The Bulls face Grimsby at Edgar Street on April 10th.
News Round Up
Crewe boss Dario Gradi wants his club to reintroduce their own scouts after ex-boss Gudjon Thordarson employed an external company to do their scouting. Gradi reckons the company doesn't provide enough information on opponents. Southend captain Adam Barrett has acknowledged the club is going through 'a difficult time' but has refused to comment about claims about wages not being paid.
Chesterfield have had winger Dominic Green recalled by Peterboro after ten games and two goals. He had played in all the games of their six match winning run, that ended with the loss to Aldershot at the weekend. Mansfield have agreed a new ten year lease on Field Mill with former club owner Keith Haslam. The deal means the club can win promotion to the Football League.
Huddersfield have confirmed that their club has been taken over in it's entirely by Dean Hoyle after he bought the remaining shares from former Chairman Ken Davy.
Commentary from Cheltenham
There are several ways of keeping up with the progress of Hereford United at Cheltenham this evening.
BBC Hereford and Worcester will have full coverage of the game direct from the ground on its 94.7FM frequency around Herefordshire. Keith Hall will be behind the microphone. BBC Gloucestershire will also be at the game.
For those who subscribe to Bulls Player, there is a choice of listening to either Bulls Player or Robins Player.
And there will be the usual BBC text service.
Cotterill gives Yates the SP on Hereford
Notts County manager Steve Cotterill and Cheltenham Town manager Mark Yates has spoken to each other about Hereford's performance at Notts County last Saturday when the Bulls were defeated 5-0.
Yates knows Cotterill well as he was a player at Cheltenham Town when Cotterill was manager.
"He has given me bits and pieces, but I know a lot about Hereford anyway," Yates told this is Gloucestershire.
"They started well against County and it ended as a 5-0 drubbing, but it wasn't like that for the first hour.
"They have a threat about them, but we have to set the tempo and not let them play.
"We need to impose ourselves on the game."
This evening's game is unlikely to have the attendance of the game played last February between the two clubs.
Admittedly on a Saturday, the game attracted 4660 through the turnstiles with an excellent following of 1295 Hereford fans.
Monday, March 01, 2010
I fancy our chances says Yates
Former Kidderminster manager Mark Yates is now at Cheltenham and this evening will be the first time he has come up against Hereford United in a league match.
"It's good that we've got a game so soon after the defeat at the weekend. We should have taken something from the game on Saturday but we didn't and now this evening gives us the opportunity to pick up some points from a club who are in and around us," said Yates.
"Hereford are a decent enough team and they will try to play and pass the ball so we need to try and get in amongst them and really play with high energy. If we can play with drive and enthusiasm then I fancy our chances.
"We're aware of the threats but it's about the way that we play. We've got to set the tempo and make sure we don't let them play their game."
Bookies back Robins
The bookies appear to think that Cheltenham Town are likely to defeat Hereford United tomorrow evening.
These are the latest odds from Skybet:
Cheltenham 6/5 Draw 12/5 Hereford 21/10
Meanwhile as regards relegation Hereford United can be backed at 18-1.
Trewick appeals against Downing's Card
Hereford United manager John Trewick has appealed to the FA over Paul Downing's red card which the young defender received at Notts County on Saturday.
The appeal will be heard tomorrow and Trewick should know the outcome before he has to select his squad for the game at Cheltenham.
Reserve keeper Chris Adamson has been given a one match ban after his red card so will be available for Saturday's game against Macclesfield.
Trewick might decide to risk only having just one keeper, Adam Bartlett, available for tomorrow's match.
News Round Up
Darlington have released veterans Lee Thorpe and Steve Foster. Defender Foster has not played for the club since refusing to waive a clause in his contract guaranteeing him a contract for next season if he played two more games, while Thorpe has not featured for the club for nearly three months. Lincoln have received just over £50,000 from their branded savings accounts with the Norwich and Peterborough Building Society. In 11 years, they have made over £900,000 from the scheme.
Bournemouth's Supporters Trust have issued a statement expressing concern at the board's decision to use next season's ticket money to clear debts, and what they claim are conflicting statements about levels of debt. They cite a statement last August that the club had cleared it's tax liability, only to get a further £314,000 demand last week. Ex-Bull Joe Anyinsah is expected to miss the Johnstones Paint Trophy final with Carlisle as he needs surgery on a groin injury.
Shrewsbury have extended the loan of Spurs keeper David Button until the end of the season. Kristian O'Leary, the former Swansea midfielder who has interested John Trewick, is trialling with Cheltenham and will play in a training match at Birmingham tomorrow. Notts County owner Ray Trew says he has already put £1million into the club, and he expects the figure to rise. He had to pay February's wage bill, as well as settling a £54,000 debt to brewers Marstons.
Chesterfield have opted not to extend the loan of Bristol City midfielder Frankie Artus after a month. He played three times, but didn't get back into the XI after being sent off.
Pay on the gate at Cheltenham
The Official HUFC website has this morning posted an article saying that Hereford fans can pay at the turnstiles for Tuesday’s match at Whaddle Road.
It is understood that the decision to 'pay on the gate' was taken by Cheltenham Town this morning as not many tickets had been purchased by Hereford supporters.
Captain Birdseye wants Revenge on Bulls
Ahead of tomorrow's League Two match at Whaddon Road, Cheltenham stand-in captain David Bird wants revenge on the Bulls following a draw at Edgar Street earlier this season and two defeats last season.
"We do owe Hereford because we didn't play well at their place last season when we lost 3-0 and we played better at our place and still lost 3-2," Bird told the Gloucester press.
"We have to perform and go out there and play on what should be a better surface and it's a must-win game for us.
"Saturday was disappointing because we got back into the game and we should have dug in and settled for the point and taken that away. It's very frustrating after a couple of good results."
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