Hereford United's decision to play a 4-5-1 formation in the first half of last night's LDV game wasn't successful.
"It was just something different because I think maybe Adam's injury at the weekend," commented Craig Stanley to BBC Hereford and Worcester after the end of the game.
"That was the thought of doing something different, but we changed it a little bit (in the second half), but I still think even with that formation we still done well."
Ryan Green was on the bench last night as was Carl Lewis. Graham Turner obviously decided not to risk another game without a sub-goalie.
At least Turner will have a cheque to look forward to. The Bulls will receive £12,000 for their run in the LDV this season.
Off the pitch, much to the embarrassment of the vast majority of the Hereford supporters, there were 'handbags' between a couple of so-called fans early in the first half.
It looked as though an minor element were not there for the football.
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Wednesday, January 25, 2006
4-5-1 something different said Stanley
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Bulls drop to Fifth
There were several Conference games last night featuring teams at the top end of the table.
Hailfax defeated Burton, Stevenage drew with Woking, Morecambe were surprisingly defeated by Scarborough and York drew with Southport. Grays Athletic's game was postponed.
Top of the Conference:
1. accrington stanley 25 55
2. exeter city 26 47
3. grays athletic 24 44
4. halifax town 26 44
5. hereford united 24 43
6. stevenage borough 26 43
7. morecambe 26 42
8. york city 26 38
Bulls go out of LDV
Hereford United were defeated 2-0 by Macclesfield last night in the LDV game.
In truth the scoreline flattered the Silkmen who scored both their goals in the first half.
Hereford surprised supporters by playing just Guy Ipoua up-front in the first half. This tactic didn't work and they changed to a 4-4-2 formation in the second half.
The Bulls had several chances after half-time with Ipoua, in particular, unlucky not to score. Macclesfield hardly had a shot on target in the second period.
And fortune was not with Hereford as the referee, Mr Kettle, failed to see at least one hand-ball in the Macclesfield area.
Around 300 or so Bulls supporters made the trip to Moss Road.
Full report later today.
Snapper moves again
Former Hereford United player John Snape is to join Bromsgrove Rovers now managed by Rod Brown who was formerly with Redditch.
Snape, a midfielder, has recently been with Moor Green. He has also played for Worcester City since leaving Edgar Street.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Reports from Macclesfield
BBC Hereford and Worcester will be covering the LDV game at Macclesfield this evening when Hereford United are the visitors.
They are also covering the Kidderminster LDV game at Carlisle.
However there isn't expected to be live commentary from either game as the cost is said to be quite high for LDV matches.
Reports from both games will form part of the Malcolm Boyden programme from 7pm.
Admission prices this evening are Adults £10 and Concessions £5 as reported on this site on Sunday.
Four to miss LDV game
Hereford United will be at full stretch for tomorrow evening's LDV game against Macclesfield.
Wayne Brown and Daryl Taylor are both cup-tied. Stacy Coldicott is still said to be a week or so away from a possible return to the squad and Adam Stansfield suffered a hip injury last Saturday. It is not immediately known whether Ryan Green will be available.
Stansfield's likely absence will be a blow to Hereford's chances at Moss Row. He had returned to excellent form recently after his hernia problem.
Guy Ipoua is expected to start with Andy Williams up front. Daniel Carey-Bertram, who came on for Rob Purdie on Saturday should keep his place. Craig Mawson will be in goal.
Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, will have to decide whether to keep Dean Beckwith in defence or give a start to Tony James who came on late in the game last Saturday. Turner will also need to decide whether to field a sub-goalie. In the recent Trophy game at Halifax, Turner opted not to have a reserve goalie in the squad. However Graham Evans was with Mawson in the pre-match warm-up.
Probable Line-up: Mawson, Travis, Mkandwaire, Beckwith, Jeannin, Stanley, Pitman, Ferrell, Carey-Bertram, Ipoua, Williams.
Subs: Evans, Purdie, James, Gwynne.
Macclesfield are said to have no new injury problems after their 5-0 defeat by Northampton on Saturday.. However they are without defenders Ian Brightwell (foot) Mark Bailey (Achilles) and goalkeeper Tim Deasy(cartilage).
"There's nothing new," said manager Brian Horton. "There weren't any tackles so there weren't any injuries.
"But training's been positive and I'll be putting a positive team out. They're a strong team (Hereford) and they've knocked Doncaster and Port Vale so we know it'll be tough.
"It's an important game for the club. We've changed a few things around and we've just got to be positive."
Meanwhile Horton has told his Offical Site that he accepts his side are favourites because they are in a higher league.
"I'd accept that we are favourites because we're in a higher League but I don't think for a minute that we're in for an easy game against a club that I've got a lot of respect for," said Horton.
"Their manager Graham Turner and me go back a long way, to when we had a fair few battles against each other in the early 1970's as players, me with Port Vale and Graham at Shrewsbury Town.
"Now I'm expecting another battle on Tuesday night. Yes, we'll be favourites, but Hereford will be up for it and they'll have a right go at us. We're three games away from the final itself and I'd love to take Macclesfield to the Millennium Stadium.
"It's a fabulous football arena and I had one of the best days of my football life there with Port Vale. It would be great to experience it again, but first things first - and right now I'm not thinking any further ahead than the Hereford game.
Rose may stay at Scunthorpe
Former Hereford United defender Michael Rose is set to stay at Scunthorpe for the rest of the season if manager Brian Law can agree an extension with Yeovil.
According to the Offical Scunthorpe Website Laws is optimistic that on-loan defender Michael Rose will stay at the club.
The 23-year-old left back who joined Scunthorpe from Yeovil Town at the start of the month has impressed since signing and the Iron boss is hoping to extend the stay of the former Hereford and Chester man but admits he faces competition from other interested parties.
"Michael has come in and done a terrific job for us and we'd like to keep him a bit longer," explained Laws. "We are going to talk to him this week.
"There is competition out there and a few clubs want to take him now but I am just hoping that Michael makes the decision to stay with us."
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Cambridge Merger Draws Near
The merger of the two Cambridge clubs, United and City, has drawn nearer with City admitting that a union of the pair could be the best solution to their cash problems.
Chairman Arthur Eastham told the NLP that debts were mounting and the likely conclusion to the situation if a merger was not finalised was that the Conference South side would fold it's senior side and operate the in the existing reserves Ridgeons (East Counties) League with the Academy side.
City fans have remained fiercely loyal to the cause since the two sides battled regularly in the Southern League and the loyal, if small, band are set against a merger but they will get a chance to voice their feelings on Wednesday when the club hold a Fans Forum to give supporters details on their financial situation and ask fans for their opinions on the options available.
Yates 'Ignores' Rochdale Christie Bid
Kidderminster boss Mark Yates has hit back at Rochdale counterpart Steve Parkin after being accused of mishandling Iyseden Christie's proposed move.
Parkin had accused Yates of ignoring the offer, but Yates saw the deal differently, telling the official Kidderminster site: "I last spoke to Rochdale at 6 o'clock on Thursday evening when I was told that had I not got back to them about their offer for Iyseden an hour or so later then the deal was dead. I wasn't completely happy with what was offered - I didn't get back to them. You'd think that would have made my intentions pretty clear, wouldn't you? So I was a little disappointed to read the comments coming from Rochdale over the past couple of days."
Yates admitted that both Christie and Mark Jackson had been subject to bids, but that neither player would leave unless the deal was right.
It's going to be tough says Horton
Brian Horton, the Macclesfield manager, has commented on the Silkmen's 5-0 defeat by Northampton yesterday and the visit of Hereford United next Tuesday.
"In the first half an hour there wasn't much in the game, then we conceeded two goals inside a minute which is quite disturbing. The third goal was down to poor defending, the same again for the fourth one and there's no excuse for the fifth.
"It's a disappointing result, they are a good side but for half an hour we were even. We've got to be mentally stronger. We're training on Sunday now and we'll be having a look at who's injured because we've received a few knocks. We've got a very important game against Hereford on Tuesday night, it's going to be tough."
Horton admitted that the recent sale of striker Jon Parkin to Hull had left the Silkmen short of a target man.
"People are going to look at that and of course there is no getting away from the situation."
Wallace and the Facts.
In an unusual move Stevenage Borough chairman Phil Wallace has released a copy of his programme notes for Tuesday's game against Woking.
In the notes he clarifies several topics that have arisen lately connected with his club.
He confirms that Stevenage has not brought in any rule to stop under 16's attending games without an adult.
"I'm working hard to encourage Juniors to come to our games, with or without an adult. So let's put that to rest here and now."
He then talks about his manager's ability to compete financially with other clubs.
"I understand Graham's (Westley) comments - there are clubs willing to outbid us. In fact, there will always be some clubs with an 'all or nothing' approach to spending, but we'll never be one of them. Nothing would be simpler than mortgaging our future by agreeing contracts with players now that we can't afford to pay next season, but I gave a pledge to certain people on the day I arrived here 6 years ago that I would never allow the club to fold again whilst I was in charge and that fact determines our offers and actions.
"Graham is quite correct is trying to undo this 'big spending' image we have as it's simply not true. Some clubs have been fortunate - Exeter had the benefit of erasing their debts, then were fortunate enough to earn a 7 figure sum from the FA Cup last year - of course they're going to have a lot of money available to spend. The other half a dozen of us in the top 7 or so places just grind it out and probably spend about the same as each other each year I'd guess."
He also revealed more details on Eldings transfer to Kettering.
"The offer we accepted for Anthony Elding was by far the best offer on the table, even though it's partly conditional, and was great business for a player who didn't want to be at the club and who was a free agent in 10 weeks time. It compared favourably with Crawleys offer when we were still in the FA Cup and had no intention of selling Anthony as he had committed his future to us until May. The fact that Crawleys offer was based on no payment at all until the end of this season made it unworthy of serious consideration anyway."
Turner thankful for the Points
Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager, told the NLP after yesterday's match against Crawley that he was thankful for the points.
"It's a sign of resilance that when you are not playing well you can still get the points," said Turner.
"That sort of side can win things. Last year and the year before we would have lost games like that.
"We knew from reports we have had that Crawley are well-organised and have some useful players and try to play.
"That proved to be the case and I think you have to forget their position in the league. They are a decent side and like Scarborough and Forest Green, they will cause some upsets at the top of the table.
"I am thankful for the three points and that we have got Crawley out of the way. As poorly as we played today, Crawley made life difficult for us and gave us little room to play."
Conference Results Round Up
Accrington remain top, and stretch their lead to eight points, after a single goal victory at home to Cambridge. Second placed Exeter needed a last minute goal at Morecambe to get a 2-2 draw. Grays (3rd) came from behind with two Aaron McLean goals to see off York (8th) 2-1.
Stevenage collected the award for bad result of the day, losing 1-0 at home to bottom club Southport and having Ronnie Henry sent off again. They now average a red card every three Conference games. Halifax (7th) lost 3-1 at Aldershot, with new signing Leroy Griffiths scoring twice. Kidderminster beat Scarboro 2-1 for their second straight win, only the second time they've managed that this season, and Woking and Burton drew 1-1.
Dagenham beat Tamworth 2-1 thanks to two Chris Moore goals, and Guy Madjo bagged two in Forest Green's 5-0 win over 10 man Altrincham - their third five nil loss of the season. In Friday's game, Gravesend beat Canvey 2-0 despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.
Our prospective LDV opponents, Macclesfield, were thumped 5-0 at Northampton in their League Two clash.
Odejayi doesn't remember Radford's goal
Cheltenham Town meet Newcastle in the next round of the FA Cup. Already the tie is being compared to the game between Hereford United and Newcastle over thirty years ago. The following comes from the Independent:
It's a sure sign of time and the tide passing over you when you mention the phrase "Ronnie Radford goal" to a would-be FA Cup giant-killer and he replies with a blank stare and an apology. "I'm sorry, I'm not aware of it," Kayode Odejayi confessed. "I haven't seen it, to be honest."
The BBC are sure to put that right before Odejayi leads the Cheltenham Town forward line against Newcastle United in the fourth-round tie to be televised live from Whaddon Road at lunchtime next Saturday. The long-range screamer that Radford struck against Newcastle in the mud at Hereford back in 1972 has become the symbolic small-screen image of the Davids cutting the Goliaths down to size on the FA Cup trail, although it was actually a late equaliser in that third-round replay, and Ricky George was the man responsible for delivering the winning blow in Hereford's famous 2-1 extra-time victory.
It has some relevance to next Saturday's tie, too - and not just because Graeme Souness's flapping Premiership Magpies are in danger of falling victim to a team of underdogs, albeit from League Two rather than the non-League ranks.
Ronnie Radford spent eight years playing for Cheltenham in their Southern League days. He still worked in the town as a joiner when he joined Hereford as a part-timer. In fact, he spent the day before that Newcastle tie putting the roof on a house in Cheltenham. He returned to finish the job at 8am the following Monday.
"There's a nice little link to Cheltenham, then," Odejayi politely acknowledged, after patiently listening to the FA Cup history lesson. If the roof is to fall in on the latter-day Newcastle at Whaddon Road on Saturday it is the 23-year-old striker who is likely to be responsible for it. Ominously for the Tynesiders, his Christian name does start with a "Kayo", and his surname finishes with a "y" and an "i," as in the Geordie term of agreement, "Why aye". "Most people just call me Kay," he said. "Whichever way you want to say it, it's all right with me."
At £5,000, the fee he commanded from Forest Green Rovers three years ago, Odejayi cost Cheltenham precisely £14,995,000 less than Newcastle paid 10 years ago for the man who will be leading their forward line, and their team, on Saturday. "I think the only comparison between myself and Alan Shearer is that we're both strikers," the modest Odejayi maintained. "He's one of the best in the world at what he does. He's had a great career and he's a massive name, a household name. I doubt many people in Newcastle know about me or any other of the Cheltenham boys."
Not unlike the situation with Hereford United's Ronnie Radford before they defeated Newcastle.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Macclesfield next in the LDV
Hereford United travel to Macclesfield next Tuesday for a Northern Area Semi-Final LDV Game.
As ever HUISA is running a bus. Seats can be booked tomorrow or Tuesday morning at the main office (which has moved from Blackfriars to a new office formerly occupied by Abacus Associates. It is situated to the rear of the public toilets, which are on the corner of entering the Merton Meadow Car Park)
The bus leaves Edgar Street at 3pm and the coach fare is £15.
Directions from the South:
From South: Exit the M6 at junction 17 (Sandbach) and follow the A534 to Congleton. From here take the A536 to Macclesfield (Macclesfield is signposted from the Motorway). After passing the Millers pub on the left continue for about 1/4 of a mile and turn right at the Texaco garage onto Moss Lane. Follow Moss Lane until you reach the ground.
Admission:
Adults £10, Concessions £5.
Guy Delivers the Goods
Hereford United took all three points as they stole a late victory against Crawley Town this afternoon and completed a double over The Red Devils for this season. Crawley, who started the day just outside of the relegation zone, are now in 20th place and Hereford, who started just outside of the play offs, are now in 4th position.
Graham Turner made a couple of changes from the side that beat Halifax in the F.A. Trophy last week as Wayne Brown returned as did Craig Stanley, who'd been suspended. He played on the right wing and there was no place for loanee Daryl Taylor who was injured. Guy Ipoua was also recalled to the bench following an injury, as was Tony James.
Although the game started slowly, United had the lead with just seven minutes gone. Adam Stansfield and Andy Williams had worked well in a small space on the edge of the box when the ball, off a Crawley defender, slipped into the box where Williams was ahead of the defence, and the youngster showed good composure to round Phil Smith in the Crawley goal and slot Hereford into the lead.
Crawley were looking suspect in defence but were also threatening going forward. Their industrious approach often troubled United and the strike pairing of Steve Burton and Chris Giles worked well. The visitors should have levelled things up when Dean Beckwith was unable to control a long ball forward, allowing Giles to sprint clear but he fired wide when one on one with Brown. Tamika Mkandawire almost doubled the lead when he connected with Alex Jeannin's corner on the volley, but his effort was blocked. Rob Purdie had hit the side netting for The Bulls before he was taken off with six minutes of the half remaining. Purdie had not been enjoying the best of games but it was later revealed that he'd been ill. Danny Carey-Bertram came on to play on the wing.
Crawley came out for the second half looking much better and more threatening than in the first half. They began to dominate in the midfield, where Jamie Pitman had excelled in the first period, with Danny Brown's tenacious work and the creativity of Tony Scully. It was the ever-threatening Giles though who came close from a corner which he met well but Brown managed to tip over the bar. He again went close soon after with his head again, but his time was denied by the cross bar.
The visitors continued to peg Hereford back and finally got their reward midway through the second half. Adam Stansfield, who seemed to be limping, was replaced by Guy Ipoua just after the hour mark and just two minutes later Crawley drew level. They'd almost scored a minute before following a counter attack, as they quickly cleared a Hereford corner but United managed to get just enough men back. The goal was a thunderous effort, as Danny Brown picked up a loose ball thirty yards from goal and unleashed a powerful effort which flashed into the bottom corner, leaving Wayne Brown standing helpless in the Hereford goal.
Hereford were triggered into action and produced their first real attacking incentives of the second half but Carey-Bertram's cross was just beyond Williams at the far post and it was Crawley who then enjoyed another good spell, in which Ben Judge saw a long range effort held by Brown. United again tried to get back into the game but didn't look like creating much and it looked as though this would not be their day. It was the visitors who looked more likely to go on to take all three points.
However, Stanley had won a free kick on the right which Jeannin delivered into the box but it was returned to him. While some were appealing for a hand ball decision, Jeannin had crossed again and Ipoua met it with his head, but it fell just the wrong side of the post. He made amends for the miss with just two minutes left on the clock. Carey-Bertram crossed from the left this time and Ipoua, from fifthteen yards out, managed somehow to get enough power from his header to loop the ball over Smith in front of a relieved Meadow End.
The Bulls almost put the result beyond any doubt in the fourth and final added minute when Pitman released Carey-Bertram on the left flank. He cut inside and raced through on goal, but his low effort was saved by the legs of the 'keeper. It didn't matter though, and United took the three points much to the delight of the majority of the crowd of 2,782, which included 57 away fans. The result extends Hereford's unbeaten run to six Conference games and nine games in all competitions.
HUFC: Brown, Travis, Mkandawire, Beckwith, Jeannin, Purdie, Ferrell, Pitman, Stanley, Williams, Stansfield. Subs: Mawson, James, Evans, Carey-Bertram, Ipoua.
CTFC: Smith, Judge, Simpemba, Mendy, Opinel, Blackburn, Brown, Armstrong, Scully, Giles, Burton. Subs: Ward, Jenkins, Woozley, Ekoku, Whitman.
Travis admits we didn't play well.
Simon Travis, speaking on BBC Hereford and Worcester after this afternoon's game, admitted that "we didn't play particularly well today."
"If we are going to acheive anything this season we've got to win games. All credit to them, they were hardworking, they were organised and made it difficult for us to play and they will be aggreived possibly that they didn't come away with anything.
"We knew they were going to come out second-half and get at us. Fair play to the lad that scored the goal (Danny Brown) it was a fanastic strike. They fought well to get back into the game. At one stage it looked as though it wasn't going to be our day. But we persevered and eventually came up with the goods."
Travis spoke about Ipoua's winning goal.
"It was a fanastic header. The ball didn't have much pace on it going towards the back stick. He's a strong lad as he showed with that header which went into the far corner."
Rob Purdie was subbed late in the first half and replaced by Danny Carey-Bertram.
"Rob had not been feeling very well. He's got a bit of flu. He had it yesterday. He tried today to see how much he would get out of the game.
"He was obviously struggling, so it wasn't tactical, just the fact that Rob was ill."
Today's victory was the second double of the season and the second time the Bulls have won two games in a row in the League. In the last twenty games Hereford United have only lost twice.
Conference Table: (for full table see top left of site)
1 Accrington Stanley 25 55
2 Exeter 26 47
3 Grays Athletic 24 44
4 Hereford 24 43
5 Morecambe 25 42
6 Stevenage 25 42
7 Halifax 25 41
8 York 25 37
Bulls Steal Victory With Late Header
The Bulls stole victory with a late Guy Ipoua header to beat Crawley 2-1.
Crawley can rightly feel robbed after dominating large portions of the game, but wasting several good chances. Andy Williams put the Bulls ahead after a ricochet left him one on one with the keeper in the box, and Guy Ipoua's late looping header brought a victory few were expecting at that stage.
Full Report Later.
Rob Purdie was subbed late in the first half strugging with a groin injury picked up in the week. The win leaves the Bulls in fourth place.
Kandol Back In Dagenham Fold
After two weeks in limbo, Dagenham and Redbridge have finally agreed that Tresor Kandol is still a Dagenham player.
A statement on the official Daggers site confirms the player has returned to Dagenham, but that the club are still in discussions with Darlington over their agreement.
Kandol is now likely to return to the Dagenham side for their match with Tamworth today.
Aldershot Signings Suggest Sills On Way
Aldershot striker Tim Sills' long awaited move to Leyton Orient could be finalised next week after manager Terry Brown brought two strikers in.
The Shots have signed ex-QPR frontman Leroy Griffiths from Fisher Athletic on loan until the end of the season. QPR paid £40,000 for the prolific non-league hitman in 1999, but he scored just three times in 37 appearances and slipped back into the non-league game in 2003 initially with Farnboro, where he was part of a side beaten 5-0 by a rampant Bulls in September 2003. He was Grays' 16 goal top scorer in last seasons promotion winning side.
Terry Brown has also added Kirk Hudson to his squad. The former Celtic youth player had a brief spell at Bournemouth earlier in the season but was released in October.
Huxham wants 100k from Grecians
Earlier this week former Crawley manager Francis Vines decided to take his former employers to court, now it looks as though Ian Huxham, formerly with Exeter, is going to follow suit.
Exeter has revealed that they have received formal notification that Huxham has issued proceedings against the Club.
Huxham claims that he was constructively dismissed from his position as Managing Director of Exeter City AFC Ltd and is claiming £104,999-99 in compensation.
The club says that he resigned last October and, having taken legal advice, beleives
it has acted reasonably and lawfully at all times and it has not committed any act of wrongdoing towards Mr Huxham. The Club therefore intends defending itself in relation to all aspects of Mr Huxham's claim.
Meanwhile it is reported that the loan of Exeter's Les Afful to Yeovil is not going ahead after all.
Ingram to lower Support for Woking
Woking chairman Chris Ingram has promised to support the club for two more years whilst discussions about redevelopment of the Kingsfield Stadium continue.
There are now two companies involved with the club. One is a holding company and the other to run the club. In effect the holding company supplies the budget.
It looks as though Ingram wishes to reduce his support of the club. He confirmed to a recent meeting that he would be putting £100k less into the Club next year as part of his strategy to progressively ensure that the Club lives within its means.
Ingram has stressed that redevelopment of the ground was essential in order to produce new revenue streams for the Club. Unless this could be achieved the Club would have to 'massively slash its costs'.
He also wants supporters to buy shares in the club.
Part of the plan includes Woking redeveloping the Westfield Avenue side with facilities such as catering and banqueting to provide revenue streams and some housing or possibly a hotel.
Meanwhile Woking have confirmed that they are going ahead with The Cards Online, which will be providing subscribing fans with exclusive Club audio, video and messaging services, online discussion forums with players and officials, and much more.
Costs are as high as £99.99 per annum for the Platinum Package.
It was recently suggested on the Offical Hereford United Website that the Bulls might consider a similar scheme.
Team News: Bulls vs Crawley
The Bulls will give a late fitness test to Guy Ipoua ahead of today's clash. Tony James has also trained all week and is likely to be on the bench. Craig Stanley returns from suspension, but there will be no place for Stacy Coldicott who missed the reserve match on Monday.
Crawley are likely to be without Daryl Clare (groin) and Sacha Opinel (flu), while Simon Wormull is doubtful with a back injury. David Woozley is back from suspension and is likely to start.
Match Odds (bet365): Bulls 8/13, Draw 12/5, Crawley 4/1.
Trophy final at West Ham
The Football Association have confirmed the venue for the final of the FA Trophy. To date Hereford United have reached the 3rd round of this competition and will have to defeat Grays Athletic on February 4th to reach the Quarter Finals.
The FA Trophy final will take place at West Ham United's Boleyn Ground (Upton Park), on Sunday 14th May, kick-off at 3pm and is to be televised live on Sky Sports.
Paul Aldridge, managing director of West Ham United said: "Having hosted The FA Vase final in 2003, the Women's FA Cup final in 2005, an under-19 and full international, I'm delighted the Boleyn Ground has been chosen as the venue for the 36th FA Trophy final.
"I'm sure everyone at the club will ensure this will be an exciting and memorable occasion for both competing teams and their supporters."
Commentary from Edgar Street
BBC Hereford and Worcester will have second half commentary from Edgar Street locally on 94.7fm this afternoon for the game against Crawley Town.
BBC Southern Counties Radio will also be at the game. According to a post on the Crawley Forum there will be internet coverage from SCR.
Hereford v Crawley (Live Commentary/Internet Commentary)
Surrey frequencies only (104.0/104.6 FM/1368 MW)
bbc.co.uk/southerncounties
Friday, January 20, 2006
Crawley will be tough to beat.
Graham Turner has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that Crawley will be tough to defeat tomorrow.
"You look on paper and they are third from bottom at the moment but John Hollins has gone in there, very experienced manager, knows what the game is about.
"He will have them organised coming here.
"And I've got to say the reports - we had them watched over the Christmas period and into the New Year - that have come back are quite complimentary about them despite their position.
"Sounds crazy when you say there are good reports about them when they are third from bottom. All our scouts can report back is what they see.
"They are a danger and sometimes sides at the lower end of the table, scrapping for their lives down there, are difficult to beat.
"Everybody is expecting us to take the three points, but we know it won't be easy. We know we've got to be at our best, perform right, perform sensibly, be focused on the game and we should take the three points from them."
Great to have Stansfield back says Trewick
Hereford United coach, John Trewick, is hoping that Adam Stansfield will make it four goals in four games tomorrow in the game against Crawley Town.
"Adam is contributing very well at the moment," Trewick told the Worcester News. "He is capable of scoring goals against anyone and, with his energy, he shows how vital he is to us.
"It's great to have Adam back and fully fit. He started the season with injury problems and that manifested itself into a hernia operation.
"So we've missed him for a large part of the season, missed his energy and his goals. He's a very, very valuable squad player."
However Trewick insists that his side mustn't rely on Stansfield for goals.
"Defending is a team effort and so is scoring goals. We've got to be looking at everyone to get themselves on the scoresheet. We can get goals from set-pieces, while we have defenders and midfielders that can chip in.
"Obviously, strikers are the main threat. For a reasonably successful season, we look at two strikers who can score 20-odd goals each. We've got to be looking at our strikers contributing 35 to 40 goals over the whole season."
Trewick also gave his thoughts on Crawley.
"We've watched the video from when we played Crawley. They like to pass the ball and are a good footballing side with a new manager. They will not be a push-over.
"We have got to approach it positively, looking to win. If we play to our potential, we should come away with three points."
Chester Face Game Behind Closed Doors
Chester face playing local rivals Wrexham behind closed doors after the Football League ordered their rearranged League Two match to be played on the evening of March 7th.
The game, originally scheduled for December 28th, was frozen off from the allotted 12 noon kick off, with the original evening kick off having been refused by the local safety group. It is now likely that, unless a compromise is agreed, the game will be played behind closed doors with the Police amongst the group refusing to sanction an evening kick-off - meaning that a crowd cannot be admitted.
The reverse fixture has no such safety concerns for the safety group responsible for Wrexham's ground, with a Saturday afternoon kick-off on March 26th currently acceptable to all, but the last two meetings in Chester have led to major problems with over 100 officers required to prevent a situation from becoming "a full-scale riot" according to Police.
Injury doubts for Tomorrow
Hereford United still have several players with injuries. Last Saturday at Halifax the Bulls only had 15 available and fit players to choose from.
Tomorrow Craig Stanley will be back. He was suspended last week for the game at the Shay. Also available will be Wayne Brown who was unable to play in the Trophy game because Chester wouldn't allow him to take part.
However, both Tony James and Stacy Coldicott are doubtful. Neither played any part in the friendly against Kidderminster last Monday.
Guy Ipoua is likely to be in contention. He travelled with the squad to the Shay last Saturday but failed a late fitness test.
He may start with Adam Stansfield up front. Andy Williams is expected to keep his place in the starting eleven possibly at the expense of loan signing Daryl Taylor who has not impressed as yet.
There is strong pressure on Graham Turner to increase the numbers in his squad with games coming up in the LDV and Trophy as well as the Conference.
Sky Take Another Accrington Game
With Exeter vs Accrington already announced for Sky on January 30th, Sky have added Accrington vs Morecambe for Monday, February 20th.
This will be the third Accrington match to benefit from Sky coverage, after the Grays vs Accrington game was shown earlier in the season.