Test

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

BULLS RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

Ryan Bowman, Stefan Stam and Ashley Sammons made this evening’s starting line-up, replacing Tom Nichols, Michael Townsend and Simon Clist. Looking quite good value for a 2-0 interval lead, visitors Woking enjoyed considerably more possession after the break, with the home side finally hanging on to all three points.
Harry Pell raced onto a diagonal ball from the energetic Sam Clucas, but was given a slight nudge at the crucial moment, though the appeal for a penalty was half-hearted. Bowman, now looking as fit as a butcher’s dog, showed both skill and determination to create an opening for Sammons who applied a lime green boot to dispatch a splendid 5th minute, 25 yarder past the flailing grasp of Aaron Howe in the Woking goal. An early goal, and two corner kicks followed- Stam almost connected with the first, and then Brian Smikle could not reach a centre from Sean Canham.

Sean Canham wins a header - pictures taken by Linda Richards

After a botched clearance, Chris Carruthers won possession and planted a useful ball onto Clucas’s head, but his attempt failed to trouble Howe. Bowman’s speedy run and cross for Smikle was met with a bullet header which Howe initially fumbled before falling on the loose ball. At the other end a terrific cross from Mike Cestor (please tell me there is an Ann in his family tree) was dealt with by Luke Graham’s powerful headed clearance. Ex Bull Gavin McCallum caused some consternation in the Bulls box with some wickedly -driven corner kicks as Woking tried to level proceedings.

Andy Gallinah then joined the attack and fed Sammons who made a good connection, but Howe again made the save. The full back was then caught out by the pace of McCallum. The pudding basin flew down the wing and delivered a great pass for Loick Pires, who should have done better than to shoot straight at Dan Hanford. Bowman, Smikle and Pell then cleverly worked an opening for Clucas, who showed instant control, but nudged the ball wide of goal. Bowman then dragged a shot past the post when well-positioned. However, a minute before half-time, Hereford doubled their advantage. Clucas chased what looked like a lost cause, showed sufficient determination to win the ball and send an unstoppable shot high into the Woking goal.

Man of the Match Sam Clucas

HT: HUFC 2 WOKING 0

What's he claiming?

Woking manager Gary Hill will not want to be reminded of his last encounter with the Bulls (there, I’ve done it), but todays half time team talk certainly served to motivate his charges. Adam Newton whipped in a cross for Lee Sawyer, and a useful run by the experienced Kevin Betsy needed a further intervention. Sawyer in particular started to run the midfield, as Hereford tended to back off, and his shrewd, accurate distribution looked likely to get the Cards back into the game. Together with Betsy and McCallum, chances were created, but a lack of that vital finishing touch, and some fine blocks by the home defence combined to keep Woking at bay.

Clucas pounced as Joe McNerney tried to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick, and almost found Sammons in space, and the ball went to the other end of the field where Dean Sinclair created a chance for Pires, and then Sawyer repeated the trick for Sinclair, but both times a block came to the Bulls rescue. Hereford had chances to make the points safe, Canham and Smikle sending over a ball that Bowman headed home, but celebrations were cut short by a linesman’s flag. Stam’s long range effort was well saved, and then Howe’s fingertips were all that prevented a Clucas shot from putting the Bulls in the comfort zone after Bowman had smartly chested the ball into his path. Sub Will Evans then wrong-footed the full back and passed to Pell who lashed it wide.

Harry Pell getting away from former Bull Gavin McCallum

Hanford was called into action to save smartly from McCallum who had been left alone in the area. From the resultant corner by Sinclair, he seemed to have palmed the ball to safety, but in fact it went straight to Betsy who rather untidily bundled it home to set up a nervous last 8 minutes. This was no more than the visitors deserved for their second half dominance. As the minutes ticked by, caution was thrown somewhat to the wind in an attempt to equalise, and the gaps that started to appear meant that it was Hereford who came closest to troubling the scorer, most notably when Tom Nichols found space and was unfortunate to see a shot cannon off the woodwork. Time was finally called by Mr Evans (who merits praise for his handling of the game) and a rather disappointing crowd could celebrate a return to winning ways.

FT: HUFC 2 WOKING 1

Attendance: 1481, including 54 from Woking.

HUFC: Hanford, Gallinah, Graham, Carruthers, Smikle (Plummer 85), Pell, Clucas, Sammons (Evans 67), Canham, Bowman (Nichols 83).

WOKING: Howe, Newton, Cestor (Doyle46), McNerney, Parkinson, Johnson, Ricketts (Frith 76), Betsy, Sawyer, McCallum, Pires (Sinclair 60).

We're Buzzing with the Three Points says Pell

Hereford United midfielder Harry Pell said that the players 'were buzzing with the three points' after defeating Woking 2-1 this evening.

"I think we could have shut up shop a little bit better," Pell told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"But the main objective tonight was to put Grimsby behind us because we all know that performance wasn't acceptable.

"Let's hope this win is the start of another good run."

Stats from Edgar Street

Hereford United defeated Woking 2-1 this evening. Here's all the stats that matter from the game.

Scorers: Ashley Sammons and Sam Clucas (which could be a candidate for goal of the season)

Possession: Bulls 49% Cards 51%

Shots on Target: Bulls 7 Cards 12

Shots off Target: Bulls 8 Cards 10

Corners: Bulls 8 Cards 13

Fouls: Bulls 8 Cards 6

Cards: Yellow for Harry Pell

BN Man of the Match: Sam Clucas

Attendance: 1481 including 52 in the away area

Top of League Two:

1	FOREST GREEN	7	9	17
2	LUTON	7	8	16
3	NEWPORT	7	6	15
4	MACCLESFIELD	7	4	15
5	WREXHAM	7	5	14
6	HEREFORD	7	3	13

Bulls Drop Cards With First Half Strikes

The Bulls beat Woking 2-1 in today's Conference match at Edgar Street.

Martin Foyle's men moved back up to sixth in the table with strikes from Ashley Sammons and Sam Clucas enough to seal the points despite a late comeback through a Kevin Betsy head (or hand).

Full report later.

Monday, September 03, 2012

Bookies Back Bulls

After two defeats Hereford United will be hoping to get back to winning ways this evening at Edgar Street where the visitors will be Woking.

The bookies are suggesting the Bulls will win the game with a top price of 4/5 available from William Hill.

Best price for a draw is 70/23 from Pinnacle (why don't they say 3/1).

Latest offer from BlueSq:

Bulls 8/13 Draw 11/4 Cards 7/2

The correct score:

Hereford to win:

1-0: 17/2 with SportingBet and William Hill

2-1: 15/2 with 188Bet

2-0: 9/1 with SportingBet, Paddy Power and William Hill

3-0: 14/1 at most bookies

3-1: 12/1 at most bookies

3-2: 25/1 with ToteSport, BetFred, BlueSq and Coral

For a Draw:

0-0: 18/1 with SportingBet

1-1: 7/1 generally

2-2: 16/1 with Coral

3-3: 80/1 with Coral

Finally the first goalscorer:

Ryan Bowman, Tristan Plummer and Sean Canham are all at 11/2

Brian Smikle 8/1 with Bet365

Tom Nichols 8/1 with Bet365

Harry Pell 14/1 with BlueSq

As ever all prices from oddschecker.com are are subject to change

Bulls Confirm Dalibard Departure

Bruno pictured at AFC Wimbledon in September 2011

The Bulls have confirmed that full back Benoit Dalibard has left the club to return to France.

The injury-plagued 21 year old told fans over the weekend he had asked for his release, and subsequently relayed messages of thanks back to the supporters for all the good luck messages he had received since the news broke.

Bulls boss Martin Foyle told the official site "there are more important things in life than football" when he agreed to grant the departure.

BN would like to add to the chorus and wish 'Bruno' all the best in the future.

News Round-Up

Telford boss Andy Sinton says he will hand former Bulls defender Jordan Rose a contract til the end of the year after impressing on non-contract terms. The former Stockport man has installed himself as a regular in the Bucks' defence in recent weeks. Mansfield have released teenage striker Adam Somes so the 19 year old former youth teamer can take up an opportunity in the US.

Truro City have had their winding up order in the High Court adjourned for two weeks after lawyers for the club told the judge it was set to go into Administration. Wrexham boss Andy Morrell has complained about the 'massive custard pie' that came his way after transfer target Danny Rose joined Aldershot instead of the Dragons on Friday. Rose's decision leaves the Welsh side short of defensive options.

Lincoln have put out a plea to fans to back the club with only 1,682 attending Saturday's draw with Ebbsfleet. Director David Parman had written in that day's programme of the club's need to return to average attendances of 3,000 and that 'none of us want Lincoln City to be the next Darlington'. Some fans are already calling for protests against manager David Holdsworth and the board after a slow start.

Preview: Bulls vs Woking

The Bulls entertain Woking at Edgar Street on Tuesday night looking to get back on track after two losses.

The two sides were regular combatants during the Bulls' previous Conference spell, with honours fairly even between the two team. Across nine straight Conference years the Bulls won eight of the matches, the Cards six, and with four draws. Amongst the highlights were the 5-0 win at Edgar Street from ten years ago and Woking's last visit to Herefordshire, when Rob Purdie scored twice in a 4-0 win for the Bulls as they marched to promotion in 2006.

The Bulls frontline on Tuesday night may well be made up of who is fittest to face the Cards. Ryan Bowman's disrupted pre-season has seen him wait for a start, while the late arrivals of Brian Smikle and Tristan Plummer are likely to mean neither are fully match fit. Mystery surrounds the length of time Marley Watkins will be out with his absence on Saturday sorely felt. While collecting the VP Club Man of the Match award on Saturday, Chris Carruthers showed something not seem much in last season's squad - humility, with the full back apologising face-to-face to the fans present for the performance and promising to improve results.

Woking boss Garry Hill must shudder every time he sees the Bulls on his fixture list after 'that 9-0' while in charge at Dagenham, as he's managed to successfully avoid the fixture every time since. After managing a variety of non-league financial basket-cases Hill has surfaced at one of the more well-founded sides, pulling them back into the fifth tier this summer. Amongst his summer signings is one Gavin McCallum, who will probably be reminded by the Meadow End about his over-the-top goal celebration while with Lincoln.

Hereford United vs Woking, Edgar Street, Tuesday 4th September 2012, 7.45pm.

Sunday, September 02, 2012

From The Archive - Bulls put five past Cards

Hereford United play Woking at Edgar Street tomorrow evening which has given BN an excuse to remember the home game between the two clubs ten seasons ago.

December 14th 2002

Hereford United 5 - 0 Woking

It's not often that Hereford United win two home games in a row, but to score nine goals without reply in the process was phemonemal.

It was Woking who were on the end of a 5-0 capitulation this afternoon after Barnet were given a 4-0 bruising two weeks ago.

The Bulls, without Mick Galloway who has joined Gretna, made one change to the side that won against Barnet so Danny Williams came into midfield, and dominated the opening period. Early efforts rained in from the home side, who eventually took the lead on twenty eight minutes. A Michael Rose free-kick on the Hereford right, twenty yards from the Woking goal-line, was swung in and flew through the Cards' defence before slotting into the net past on-loan goalkeeper Shwan Jalal, the teenager from Tottenham Hotspur.

Matt Baker was forced to make one save from Warren Patmore in the first half, but United had doubled their advantage at the break. Another free-kick, this time twenty five yards out and in a more central position, was hit home from Rose after Stuart Reeks had made a bad challenge.

A double substitution at the break saw Woking come back into the game, but only after one of those replacements, Anthony Allman, had been red-carded for a reckless challenge on Danny Williams. Nevertheless, the 103 Woking fans got behind their team as Matt Baker was forced into a couple of saves, but it was the vast majority of the 1565 crowd, the highest at Edgar Street in the league for two months, who were celebrating on seventy three minutes. A Rob Purdie cross from the right found Steve Guinan on the far post. He nodded the ball goalwards, it rebounded off the bar, hit the goalkeeper and went in! A bizarre goal, but one that Guinan will claim [Ed: the goal has since been credited to Jalal].

That sealed the end for Woking. United surged forward looking for more goals. With nine minutes left, Ben Smith beat the goalkeeper from twelve yards to make it 4-0, and the former Yeovil midfielder doubled his tally for the game in the last minute as he was released in the area. His first shot was saved by Jalal, but he regained possession before rounding the goalkeeper and making it five.

HUISA – Hyde

HUISA have announced details of their coach trip to Hyde on Saturday.

The coach will depart from Radford's at 9.30 am with a fare of £16 (£18 for non-members).

Seats can be booked in Radford's prior to Tuesday's match against Woking or through the Club office (08442 761939).

News Round-Up

Port Vale Administrator Bob Young says bidder Keith Ryder as 'disappeared' after not hearing from him for nearly a month. Ryder is reported to have put over £100,000 into the club to secure preferential bidder status, but is unlikely to see any of it again. Young says three serious bidders are in the running from the six that have made interest known to him. Llanelli say they have settled their outstanding debt to HMRC. The matter is due to be heard on Monday but is now expected to be a formality.

Portsmouth's Administrator has set a deadline of September 14th for the two bidders for the club, Portpin and the Supporters Trust, to submit credible offers. Trevor Birch says neither bid is yet capable of satisfying all criteria. Truro are expected to go into Administration tomorrow ahead of a court date on unpaid taxes. They Conference have confirmed they will incur a 10 point penalty.

Grimsby are reported to have rejected a deadline day offer from Preston for striker Anthony Elding, who would have been reunited with former Stevenage manager Graham Westley.

Trainer has Plans for Hereford Racecourse

Over the past few weeks BN has posted a couple of articles about the future of Hereford Racecourse. Whilst not strictly a footballing matter, nevertheless what happens there could impact on the plans for the redevelopment of Edgar Street. And there's little doubt that should the Racecourse close, it will be another blow to the area.

So when a Stow-on-the-Wold trainer revealed his plans to keep racing at Hereford should a meeting next Friday fail, BN felt it was worth reporting.

The meeting between the Hereford Council and lease-holders Arena Racing Company has been arranged after Arena revealed it was pulling out of Hereford at the end of the year.

This possibility has prompted trainer Harry Chisman to give his thoughts to the Gloucestershire press.

"I am confident that within five years, with the introduction of new prize money levels, course improvement etc, Hereford Racecourse will attract the best horses and top owners and trainers, which will make it one of the premier National Hunt courses in the country.

"Hereford is a smashing racecourse. I've had many happy days owning and training winners there and I beieve racing should be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

"I'a sure many young people were impired, as I was, by the Olympics and I believe it is up to communities to try and develop their talents.

"I believe this is a serious landmark opportunity for Hereford that should not be missed.

"It is a total waste having such a large area only being used for racing perhaps 12 or 15 times a year when its buildings are capable of providing such a useful and worthwhile facility all year round.

"My aim is to set up a company that will benefit this and future generations."

Saturday, September 01, 2012

Difficult Game said Carruthers

Chris Carruthers pictured at Newport last Tuesday

Hereford United's left back Chris Carruthers thought today's game was 'difficult'.

"We didn't really get started," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"We seemed 10/20% off it to be honest.

"It was a good game at Newport on Tuesday, maybe it took a bit out of the lads.

"We've got quite a few young lads. Maybe mentally and physically it took a bit out of everyone. It really did show today.

"We never got started. We didn't give ourselves a platform to build on and get ourselves in the game.

"We got a game Tuesday so we must put it right Tuesday.

"Get three points Tuesday, it's still a good start."

BULLS FLOUNDER

As I sat waiting for London Midland’s finest to ferry me home, two notices caught my eye. Firstly, an ad for something known as Gatorade (other soft drinks are available) which offered the chance to “Win a trip to see the Bulls in Chicago”. Now I know we haven’t featured in the FA Trophy for some time, but since when did the Windy City enter the competition? Close by was a help button which you could press “if you are in distress”. Though far too early for Hereford fans to consider this, what a difference a week makes! A plucky defeat courtesy of two special strikes at Newport was followed by an inept display this afternoon. The well-organised Grimsby side comfortably withstood any attacking threat the Bulls could muster, and deservedly won the game with two goals just prior to the interval..

Brian Smikle started in place of the injured and influential Marley Watkins in an otherwise unchanged side. Sam Clucas looked lively early on and sent in a couple of teasing crosses. Chris Carruthers found the head of Sean Canham and James McKeown, the Town stopper, made a clean catch. Canham then played in Tom Nichols who shot tamely when well placed. Clucas crossed to the near post but Nichols could not gain sufficient altitude to head goal-wards, and Smikle was too ambitious with a long range effort. For their part the visitors seemed at ease in defence, and started to produce some telling moves of their own..

Simon Clist trying get his foot on the ball - pictures taken by Andy Compton of the Hereford Journal

Derek Niven and Andy Cook exchanged passes and neatly set up substitute Dayle Southwell, on for the injured Greg Pearson, to head narrowly off target, and then Cook headed against the top of the crossbar. Most thought that Dan Hanford had got a touch, but a goal kick was awarded. Niven was proving influential with some telling interceptions and sensible distribution. Aswad Thomas also deserves a mention for his awareness, energy and creativity from his left back berth, while Bradley Wood, at 20 hardly an Ancient Mariner, looked a determined and effective player..

Sam Clucas gets the better of former Bull Joe Colbeck

After some uncharacteristic hesitancy in the Bulls back line, the visitors then took a 40th minute lead. Ex Bull Joe Colbeck won a corner which Hanford cleared from the box. However, Thomas was first to react and turned the ball back into the area where Southwell controlled neatly before shooting into the Hereford netting. Although an immediate counterthrust took place, Carruthers and Canham’s interplay almost setting up Smikle, it was the visitors that were soon to double their advantage. Frankie Artus expertly created a chance for Cook, whose shot was beaten out by Michael Townsend at the expense of a corner. Colbeck delivered a wicked ball which bounced around the area, Cook hit the bar before defensive stalwart Shaun Pearson bundled it home. Only a minute to go before the break, and no further action, though some lively debate about the scorer’s resemblance to a character (Quark?) from Star Wars did occupy the faithful..

HT: HUFC 0 GRIMSBY TOWN 2

Thomas once more was quick to intercept a ball out of defence and produce a curling cross which Luke Graham headed clear. Martin Foyle made his intentions clear with some attacking substitutions as the second half progressed, though in truth, despite plenty of possession, Hereford posed little danger to the visitors’ back line and barely produced a shot worthy of the name..

Sub Tristan Plummer came on for Brian Smikle

Ryan Bowman was poised for an attempt but Thomas whipped it away in the nick of time, and then he had a shot blocked after a quick free kick awarded when Wood had tripped. Cook shot straight at Hanford when ideally placed and a delightful move involving Artus, Niven and Thomas ended disappointingly for the vociferous Mariners fans when Cook headed meekly over. Harry Pell, still polarising opinion I see, did not have one of his better games with some wayward distribution, though a lack of movement from colleagues cannot have helped his cause. Tristram Plummer took on Thomas and got in a near post attempt that forced a save from McKeown. Pell and Wood had some protracted disagreements and a little deployment of handbags that earned both a booking..

Young Nichols had previously been wayward with some of his shooting, but he produced a real corker as the seconds ticked away. The ball was bound for the top corner until McKeown, leaping like a salmon, managed to (fish) finger the ball to safety. A few more misPLAICEd passes followed, and that was that.

FT:HUFC 0 GRIMSBY TOWN 2

Attendance: 2059, including 242 from Cleethorpes and district.

HUFC: Hanford, Gallinah, Townsend, Graham, Carruthers, Smikle (Plummer 59), Pell, Clist (Sammons 64), Clucas, Nichols, Canham (Bowman 60).

GRIMSBY TOWN: Mckeown, Thomas, S Pearson , Niven, Colbeck, Disley, Artus, Wood, Pond, Cook (Elding 76), G Pearson (Southwell 25).

Hurst delighted with win at Hereford

Grimsby manager Paul Hurst gave his reaction to the press after this afternoon's game at Edgar Street

“We came down here yesterday and prepared correctly. We looked to build on the Mansfield game and that was basically the team talk before the game.

"Apart from an exceptional save near the end from James McKeown, I don't think they caused us too much danger today.

"I think it's a warm day and both sides found it hard going out there.

"I thought we kept a nice shape when we didn't have the ball and I thought we had a bit more cutting edge to us.

"When we did go forward I thought we went forward with a bit more pace.

"Credit to them they did pass it well at times."

Young Bulls Win at Yeovil

The Hereford United under 18 team won 3-1 at Yeovil this morning and manager John Layton was delighted.

The youngsters were 3-0 up at half-time but Yeovil scored a consolation goal late in the second period.

"Very happy with the performance," Layton told BN.

"It was a long day.

"We left at 7am to get to Yeovil for a 11am start.

"Coming back there was a lot of traffic so it took us until 5pm to get back to Edgar Street."

To date this season the youngsters have won one, drawn one and lost one

There are a number of pictures from the game at: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/pictures/Photos-Yeovil-Town-U18s-1-Hereford-United-U18s-3/pictures-16812319-detail/pictures.html

Dalibard Set To Depart

Bulls defender Benoit Dalibard is set to depart the club after asking for his release this afternoon.

A tearful 'Bruno' told fans his injuries and homesickness had prompted the decision after 12 months in England where he managed just nine starts since debuting at AFC Wimbledon last August.

The Frenchman contributed to the Bulls goal on that day, but a 12th minute injury ended his game and he played just five full 90 minute matches during his Bulls stay. His last contribution was a 23 minute appearance against Cheltenham over six months ago.

Stats From Edgar Street

Below are the main stats from this afternoon's game at Edgar Street where Grimsby Town deservedly defeated Hereford United 2-0.

Possession: Bulls 53% Grimsby 47%

Shots on Target: Bulls 4 Grimsby 3

Shots off Target: Bulls 6 Grimsby 4

Corners: Bulls 3 Grimsby 3

Fouls: Bulls 7 Grimsby 8

Pell was would up by Grimsby's Niven and reacted to it. The referee, after speaking to other officials, gave both players a yellow card.

Cards: Yellow for Harry Pell and Sam Clucas

Attendance: 2059 with 240 in the away end.

Top of League Two:

1 Newport 6 7 15
2 Forest Green 6 6 14
3 Luton 6 7 13
4 Gateshead 6 5 12
5 Macclesfield 6 3 12
6 Telford 6 6 11
7 Wrexham 6 3 11
8 Tamworth 6 3 10
9 Hereford 6 2 10

Will Evans with new signing Tristan Plummer who came on as a sub in the second half.

Ex-Bull Watch

In League One, Marc Pugh scored for Bournemouth as they lost at Sheff Utd. Paul Parry scored for Shrewsbury as they drew at Stevenage.

In the Conference Stuart Fleetwood scored the final goal as Luton beat Macclesfield. Richard Peniket debuted for Kidderminster in their draw at Barrow. Nicky Nicolau scored for Lincoln as they drew with Ebbsfleet.

In the Welsh Premier, Jason Price scored for the second successive match as Prestatyn lost at TNS.

I couldn't see that performance coming said Foyle

After this afternoon's 2-0 defeat by Grimsby Town, Martin Foyle gave BBC Hereford and Worcester his reaction.

"Disappointed with the result and disappointed with the performance," said the Hereford United manager.

"I couldn't see that one coming, if you want the truth.

"Whether Newport took a lot out of them I don't know but there are a lot of questions to be asked.

"I've just seen the other side of the coin with the players. I've seen the good stuff then I've just seen the poor stuff.

"Gives me something to think about now.

"We couldn't seem to get tight. All across the mid-field we couldn't get tight. The frontmen couldn't hold the ball up. Nor defensively from set-plays.

"The big lad Pearson got the better of Townsend on a couple of occassions, hit the post, got away with it but they reacted to the second ball. The second ball is just as important as the first ball and that's where we were very poor today."

Foyle made three substitutions in the middle of the second half.

"We were trying to get back into the game but again I criticise our naivety.

"We got a free kick out wide with ten minutes to go and we've got three on the ball. We should have one on the ball and get in the box.

"Disappointed with all of it today."

As expected the Bulls were without winger Marley Watkins for the game.

"Marley was a big blow today and a big miss.

"He's hurt his ankle. The scan says bits and pieces but we're not sure if it's an old injury. Hopefully it is."

Foyle didn't know how long he might be out for.

Woking are the visitors to Edgar Street next Tuesday.

"I've just said to my team I've seen the poor side of Hereford United I don't want to see it again.

"So it will be interesting on Tuesday who is up for the fight and who is going to be showing what they are capable of."

Listen to the H&W interview at:

http://audioboo.fm/boos/942524-i-ve-just-seen-the-bad-side-of-hereford-united-bulls-boss-martin-foyle

Results Round-Up

The Bulls are down to ninth, but still five points short of top spot, after today's results.

Leaders Newport went down 2-0 at Wrexham in the early kick off to stay on 15 points, with Forest Green beating Hyde 3-1 to move second on 14 points. Luton are up to 3rd (13pts) with a 4-1 win over Macclesfield (5th, 12pts), with Gateshead fourth (12pts) after a 1-0 win at Nuneaton. Telford are up to sixth after beating Southport 3-0 with the Dragons seventh also on 11 points. The Bulls are level on points with Braintree after the Essex side beat Tamworth 2-1.

At the bottom, Kidderminster still prop up the table after drawing 1-1 with Barrow. Ebbsfleet drew 1-1 with Lincoln in front of only 1,682 at Sincil Bank, while Dartford beat Alfreton 5-1 and Stockport and Cambridge played out a 1-1 draw.

Bad Day At The Office

The Bulls lost a second successive match with a 2-0 defeat at home to Grimsby.

The organised Mariners frustrated the Bulls all game with the home side, missing the injured Marley Watkins, creating few chances to get back into the match.

Full report later.

Full Conference Programme Today

There is a full programme of Conference games today, with one early kick-off.

Leaders Newport travel to Wrexham for the first Welsh derby of the season, kicking off at 1pm, otherwise the other games are all 3pm.

Second placed Macclesfield have a stern test at Luton, while third place Forest Green tackle winless Hyde. Tamworth travel to Braintree, and Gateshead face Nuneaton.

Bottom side Kidderminster face the second bottom side for the second successive week, with Barrow now just two points off the foot of the table, while underperforming Mansfield face a Woking side that has lost both their previous away games.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Full Match Commentary from Edgar Street

A quick reminder that there will be full match commentary of this afternoon's Hereford United game both on BBC Hereford and Worcester and Bulls Player.

Terry Goodwin and Gareth Davies will be at Edgar Street for H&W and Jamie Griffiths and Mark Farmer for BP.

Meanwhile Addisons will be open from 11am and Radfords from 12.30pm for supporters.

Bulls 17/14 to Defeat Grimsby

Hereford United can be backed at a price of 17/14 to defeat Grimsby tomorrow at Edgar Street. That price is available with Pinnacle.

Best price for a draw is 13/5 with Bet365 and BetVictor.

Latest odds from BlueSq:

Hereford 1 Draw 12/5 Grimsby 9/4

Correct Score:

Bulls to win 1-0: 8/1 with Coral and William Hill

2-0: 11/1 with William Hill

2-1: 8/1 generally

3-0: 20/1 with William Hill, SkyBet, SportingBet and Coral

3-1: 16/1 generally

3-2: 25/1 generally

And for a draw:

0-0: 12/1 generally

1-1: 13/2 with BlueSq and William Hill

2-2: 14/1 with ToteSport, BetFred and William Hill

3-3: 50/1 generally

First Goalscorer in the Game:

Ryan Bowman is 6/1 with Bet365 and Coral

Tristian Plummer is 6/1 with Bet365

Sean Canham is 6/1 with BlueSq

Tom Nichols is 9/1 with Bet365 and BetVictor

Marley Watkins is 10/1 with BetVictor and Coral

Will Evans is 12/1 with Bet365 and BetVictor

Brain Smikle is 14/1 with Coral

Ashley Sammons is 14/1 with Bet365

Harry Pell is 16/1 with BlueSq

As ever all prices from oddschecker.com and are subject to change.

We're Going Again Says Foyle

Hereford United manager Martin Foyle sounded quite upbeat in his latest interview despite his side losing at Newport County last Tuesday

"They'll bounce back," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I told them come in Thursday, smile, we're going again!

"The great thing about football is you play Tuesday, you've got a game on Saturday."

Foyle was pleased to win his first two games at Edgar Street after the last two seasons when home wins have been few and far between.

"To win the first two games was very important.

"You can tell people are behind us

"Even if we get defeated, we are going to come back.

"I don't want players coming into training feeling sorry for themselves.

"If we get everybody back fit I know we'll be a decent side but if we get hit with a few injuries it might be a bit of a struggle for the time being."

BN reported yesterday that Marley Watkins was a doubt for tomorrow but Foyle suggested he might play.

"Marley took a knock on his ankle but he should be okay."

Finally Foyle spoke about the start of the season.

"We're happy. Five games have gone and I think we've played well in all five games.

"That's not bad."

Russon Sells Shareholding In Bulls

Former director Tim Russon has confirmed to BN that he has sold his shareholding in Hereford United.

Russon became involved with the Bulls when he joined chairman David Keyte to buy a controlling share in the club from former directors Graham Turner and Joan Fennessey.

However the partnership between Russon and Keyte became strained earlier this year and after some deliberation Russon decided to quit the board.

Russon would not reveal to BN who has purchased his shareholding but there is speculation that the person is someone with close links to the current directors.

Foyle Expects Tough Game

Speaking to the Worcester News ahead of tomorrow's match, Martin Foyle expects Grimsby to be another tough test.

Foyle was pleased with his charges, but was looking to strengthen - bringing in Tristan Plummer earlier today:

“I am happy with the performances but you are always looking to bring fresh blood in to keep people on their toes.

“But those in the squad have done very well in the first five games and there are a lot of plusses. I haven’t got any fault at the moment but I will probably assess it after 10 matches.”

“The first two home games of the season were important for us to get the run going and put the doom and gloom of previous seasons behind us.

“We are pleased so far but are not going to let that work go to waste. I told the players Newport and Grimsby would be two tough games because I know their experience and what they are spending.

“I thought the benchmark was against Newport and there was nothing in the game. If we had bagged the penalty, it could have been different.

“I expect it to be a very tough match against Grimsby as well.”

Plummer Returns To Edgar Street

The Bulls have confirmed the signing of former Bristol City forward Tristan Plummer.

While details of the signing are not disclosed, Plummer is eligible for tomorrow's match with Grimsby. The 22 year old spent last season with Portugese side Portimonense after being released by the Robins, after scoring four times in seven games for the Bulls when he arrived on loan in August 2009.

The Bulls have also added that Benoit Dalibard and James McQuilkin have been made available to loan, while Harry Pell has been added to the stand-by squad for the England 'C' game with Belgium.

News Round-Up

Truro City are to enter Administration after the deal they had previously agreed to pay players wages collapsed yesterday. The Conf South side had previously agreed a deal to cover wages until September 15th with Salisbury's owner, but that deal was subject to a Conference investigation and has now fallen through. They were due to pay the August wage bill yesterday, and face a winding up order in court on Monday.

Mansfield are facing a race against time to get their main stand open for tomorrow's match with Woking after local council officials withdrew the safety certificate for the stand. The 5,500 capacity Ian Greaves stand has building work ongoing for new classrooms and office space which the club had failed to prove to council officials would not impede on spectators safety. UPDATE: Stand will be open after lunchtime inspection.

Former Bulls loanee Dan Preston has admitted his misconduct charge from Telford's win at Luton last weekend. He has been handed a further three match ban in addition to the three games received for his red card. Alfreton say they will face a £22,000 stewarding and Police bill for the coming season - more than their entire fundraising activity for the season and around £1 for every paying spectator through the gates at the Impact Arena.