Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Friday, October 31, 2003

Guinan tops the poll

Steve Guinan has topped the FA poll.

The FA.com site reports Guinan as saying: "I am delighted to win the award. I have been following the poll all week and it's really exciting to watch, you never know what can happen. It's great that I can now put something back into football at a local level and would just like to say thank you to everyone who voted for me."

Steve will be presented with an UMBRO kit player package including XAI boots and training kit, and an engraved FA salver. FA partner UMBRO will also donate £1000 worth of football kit and equipment to the school, club or organisation of Steve's choice.

FA Director of Marketing and Communications Paul Barber said:

"Steve's hat-trick will live long in the memory of Hereford United fans. We want to thank the many thousands of fans who voted on-line for Steve, guaranteeing that grass roots football in the Hereford area will benefit from the £1000 kit and equipment donation from FA partner UMBRO."



Leigh are a miracle

Graham Turner has praised the way Leigh RMI stay in business.

Speaking on BBC Hereford & Worcester, he said:"I think it's a miraculous job they do keeping them in the Conference with gates of four or five hundred, shared ground with the rugby club, and I don't think they get all the revenue from the gates they do get.

"It must be an absolute nightmare for them, but they do well to stay in there. But sentiment does not come into it and if we can give them a right good thrashing that's what we have to do."

At least Leigh RMI are still in business. The Conference Television company may not be early next week.

It is understood that the bank behind TTFC, the company that has been filming and broadcasting Conference games this season, has recently decided that they want the facility paid back earlier than thought. This has had an affect on the companies cash position and TTFC have spent this week trying to restructure the company with new funding.

It seems that it is the company's main priority is to settle outstanding invoices and they are hoping to give an indication as to if and/or when these will be paid early next week.

An annoucement on the future of the channel is expected after this weekend.

Should the company fold, Hereford United are likely to miss out on any pay-out originally promised by the company.


Festive fixture moved forward

Hereford United have annouced that the match against Forest Green Rovers has been moved forward a day.

Graham Turner's men will now play their local derby at the Lawn on Friday 19th December, instead of Saturday 20th.

The reason for the change of day is explained on the Official Forest Green Rovers website, which reads: "This is because a low crowd was expected for the last Saturday before Christmas, due to people shopping etc., also the fixture move will relieve parking problems on the Saturday in the Nailsworth Town region. The club are hoping that the College car park will be available for the Hereford match."

Now, you can watch the football and do all your last-minute Christmas shopping!


Rain at Hereford

The Hereford area has received more rain in the last twenty-four hours than at any other time in the last two months. Although, as at early afternoon today, the rain has eased, the pitch at Edgar Street will have softened greatly.

For the Hereford United squad, this could be the first time this season they have played on what could be a greasy pitch. The conditions will depend on how soon the predicted drier weather arrives.

Whatever the conditions Graham Turner has said that the game against Leigh RMI is a must win match for the team.

"If we don't win these sort of games then we are not going to win the championship, we are not going to make the play-offs. So that has got to be the message to the players," Turner told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

Meanwhile Steve Guinan, the Bulls top scorer who scored a hat-trick at Harrow last Saturday, is still polling well in the vote on the FA Website to pick the player of the round from the FA Cup games last weekend. Polling ends at 5pm (Friday). Guinan will lead the attack once again tomorrow, and the Evening News reports that Rob Purdie is back in contention after an ankle injury.


Television Channel in trouble

TFFC, the television company that has started to record Conference games and broadcast them on broadband, looks to be in trouble.

It appears that they are still having problems with the poor security of the Nationwide Conference broadband site and the problems with the Paypal payment system. It is being suggested that too many supporters are not paying for the service.

In a posting on Confguide.com, spokeman John Warrington admits there are cashflow problems. Therefore the channel feels it would be wrong to ask contributors to carry on working without guarantees until this situation has been rectified. This means that they will not be able to make available any of the games played this coming weekend.

Warrington said that although they are urgently trying to restructure the company, no deal has been completed in time for this weekend. Until this has been achieved, they would ask that supporters do not susbcribe to the channel. They will be contacting existing subcribers by the middle of next week to clarify the situation.


Thursday, October 30, 2003

Seventeen from seven is Turner's aim

Graham Turner is hoping that the Bulls can pick-up seventeen points from the third group of seven games. It will be a tough challenge but the manager believes it is possible. The Bulls first two sections of seven games produced nineteen and fourteen points.

"If we do manage to get those seventeen points, then we should be well clear in the league as Chester, in particular, have a very tough programme over their next six games," Turner told the Hereford Times.

The seven games in this section of the season started with the away draw at Chester and include two more tough away games at Accrington and Shrewsbury.

"But we also have four home games, against Leigh RMI, Margate, Halifax, and Farnborough, so while it's a demanding target we don't feel it's anything we can't achieve, " he added.

The manager also revealed that the club was having to pay out bonuses to the players because of being in the top three in the Conference.

"We don't begrudge that at all. The players have deserved every penny."


United aim to stay top

Hereford United expect to beat Leigh RMI at Edgar Street on Saturday, but they will not underestimate the task, kick off 3pm.

The Railwaymen languish in the Nationwide Conference relegation zone and have a new management team in place, albeit temporarily, after Mark Patterson left last week. Phil Starbuck, who played on-loan for Hereford from Nottingham Forest in the Ian Bowyer era, will take charge of Leigh, and is hoping to get the job on a full-time basis.

On the other hand, Graham Turner has been United manager since 1995 and his side currently sit at the top of the Conference, but will be dented for the game. Paul Parry will miss out with an ankle injury as he will not be risked ahead of next weekend's FA Cup clash with Peterborough United. Rob Purdie and Andy Tretton are also set to miss out again, but Tamika Mkandawire is likely to return at the heart of defence alongside Tony James. Ryan Green should be fit enough to play at right-back, allowing Jamie Pitman to slot back into the midfield alongside Ben Smith.

In Leigh's seven away matches so far, they have picked up just four points. Hereford, on the other hand, have dropped just four out of a possible twenty-one at Edgar Street.


No FA Cup game for Tam

Graham Turner has confirmed that Tamika Mkandawire can not play in Saturday week's FA Cup match against Peterborough. Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, the United boss said that Mkandawire would stay on-loan at Edgar Street for another month.

"We have agreed with West Brom that he can stay for another month. His loan was originally due to finish on Saturday," he commented.

"I would have liked to have persuaded them to allow him to play in the FA Cup but so far they have not budged on that."

Turner also said that he was unlikely to risk Paul Parry on Saturday as he is hoping his injury, picked up at Harrow last Saturday, will have cleared up enough to allow him to play at Peterborough in the Cup game.


Tam deal boosts Bulls

Tamika Mkandawire's loan-stay at Hereford United has been extended for a further month.

Faced with injuries to several members of his squad, Graham Turner has moved to bolster his numbers by securing the services of the West Bromwich player who has impressed during his time at Edgar Street so far.

It is thought that he will remain unable to take part in the FA Cup game against Peterborough as West Brom did not want him cup-tied, but this has not been confirmed as yet.

Turner still has injury problems to various players. The Hereford Times reports this morning that Rob Purdie's fitness is still in the balance and Andy Tretton is some way from returning to the team with his thigh injury.

Paul Parry, whose ankle knock was reported on Tuesday not to be as bad as first thought by Turner, is unlikely to play on Saturday against Leigh RMI but it is hoped that Ryan Green will be back.

Meanwhile, the Bill enabling the Hereford livestock market to be moved away from its present site is expected to receive the Royal Assent today.

Herefordshire Council are still to annouce where the market will be moved to but at least the granting of permission means that a move is now likely.

This will free up the site for redevelopment as part of the Edgar Street area plans.


Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Admission prices for LDV

Supporters can watch next Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy at slightly reduced addmission prices when compared to league games.

The charges for the game, when Hereford United take on Northampton, will be £9 and £5 (concessions) in the stand and £7 and £3 (concessions) in the terraces.

Meanwhile, Peterborough have announced that Ipswich goalkeeper James Pullen is set to sign on an initial one month loan deal with a view to making a permanent move to London Road.

Posh manager Barry Fry wants to complete the deal before the weekend so Pullen will be available for next week's FA Cup first round tie at home to Hereford.


Tuesday, October 28, 2003

Too dark at Posh

The flood lights at Peterborough United are not good enough, Sky TV has told the Cambridgeshire-based club.

A news item on the Peterborough website reports that Sky television chiefs have told Posh that their first round tie with Nationwide Conference leaders Hereford United will not be broadcast live because of the poor quality of the London Road floodlights.

Posh (and Hereford United) would have picked up a handy £50,000 if they had been chosen for live coverage. Now they are hoping for the windfall which comes with selection as a feature on a highlights programme.

Posh boss Barry Fry said: "I contacted Sky and they told me we were not under consideration for a live broadcast because of our poor floodlights."


Wrong says Turner

Articles put on this and other websites about Leon Jeanne coming to Hereford are wrong says Graham Turner.

The Bulls manager has told BBC Hereford and Worcester that there is no truth at all in rumours linking the club with the former Cardiff City player Leon Jeanne.

"He's a player I know nothing about. We've got no interest in him. I understand it is on websites and different things like that, but we've got no interest in the player at all." said Turner.

Graham Turner had better news about Paul Parry. It seems that his injury may not be as bad as first thought.

"It will be another day or so before it settles down and we can really tell if he's going to be out for any length of time. Certainly the early reports say it is not as bad as first feared and he might not miss too much," said Turner.

Meanwhile former Hereford defender, Rob Sawyers, has signed for Dr Martens League Western Division title-chasers Redditch United.


Monday, October 27, 2003

Mixed emotions at Posh

There were mixed emotions from Peterborough after they were handed a first round FA Cup draw at home to Nationwide Conference leaders Hereford United, according to the Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

Posh manager Barry Fry realises his side have been set up for possible embarrassment at the hands of the country's top non-league side, but he is also rubbing his hands at a financial killing from television coverage of the tie.

Clubs receive £50,000 for live coverage of a match and £20,000 if they are a featured game on a highlights programme.

Fry said: "I've had a word with Sky TV already and it's fair to say if we'd been drawn away we would have definitely been one of the two games to be shown live.

"But then they might look at our home form and think we are ripe for a shock and put us on anyway. If we're not live, I'm sure we'll be a featured game at night so we could make a nice bit of money out of it.

"There's also prize money for winning, but that won't be easy against a side who are on the top of their game. Hereford have scored 37 goals already this season and regularly put four, five and six goals past their opposition.

"It's a worrying tie in a way because we are on a hiding to nothing."

Posh defender Gareth Jelleyman, a Welsh under-21 international, commented on the Hereford tie: "I am pleased with the home draw and Hereford is not far from Wales so it is quite a good one for me!"

Midfielder Steven Thomson told their official website: "It is good, but only if we get the win to take us through to the second round of the competition."

Player coach Andy Legg added: ‘It is a home draw, but it is a game that the lads will have to be on their guard for. It will be tough though because Hereford are a decent outfit, but a it is a match to look forward too."

Hereford have been out of the Football League since 1997, but currently stand in pole position for a return after suffering just one defeat in their opening 15 Conference matches.

They qualified for the first round proper of the cup with a 6-1 win at Harrow Borough.

Meanwhile, Sky have not announced what games they are to show from the FA Cup First round, but a slot has been pencilled in for a replay on November 18th. The BBC are to show the game at Accrington Stanley.


Vote for Guinan

Steve Guinan has been short listed on the FA website for player of the round, after his performance for the Bulls in Saturdays FA Cup tie with Harrow Borough.

The FA website had the following to say about the Bulls star striker: "Fans of Hereford United, Shildon and East Thurrock United are being urged to voice their support for Steve Guinan, Gary Barnes and Mark Hardingham to decide TheFA.com's FA Cup Player of the Round Award, run in partnership with UMBRO, after Saturday's Fourth Qualifying Round of the world's most famous competition...

"Former Nottingham Forest trainee Steve Guinan has been in scintillating form for Conference table-toppers Hereford United this season, and added to his burgeoning reputation on Saturday with a hat-trick to help the 'Bulls' to a 6-1 away win at Harrow Borough.

"Hereford's reward is a First Round away tie to Second Division Peterborough United managed by Barry Fry, and with Guinan and Ben Smith in hot goalscoring form, Graham Turner's side will fancy their chances.

"These three players were nominated from over 700 players from 64 clubs throughout the country eligible for the FA Cup Player of the Round award, and will be aiming to join previous round winners James Curley of Oldham Town, Paddy James of Lymington & New Milton and Jeff Minton of Canvey Island."

FA Director of Marketing and Communications Paul Barber said. "The FA Cup always produces heroes and last weekend was no exception."


Leon Jeanne linked with Hereford

Hereford United are to give a trial to former Cardiff City player Leon Jeanne.

HTV Wales report that the former Welsh under-21 international will join the Bulls for training next week.

Jeanne, twenty-two year old midfielder or attacker, has told reporters that he wants to get back into football after a five week trial at Cardiff Crown Court, where he was acquitted of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

The court heard how Jeanne, a youngster with Arsenal and QPR before joining the Bluebirds, "blew all his wages" on drink and drugs. He was earning £1,000 a week before being sacked from his role at Ninian Park.

He was arrested in September 2002, and case Prosecutor Stephen Hopkins QC told the jury: "In many ways you might have some sympathy for him. He found fame and fortune at a young age."

Outside court, Jeanne added: "I've finished with drugs and I will never go back. I have already had talks with the managers at Wycombe and Hereford and I'm looking forward to getting my life back on track. I've been innocent from the start and you will never see me back in court again."

He described the months since his arrest as "hell". Cardiff City paid for him to go to a drug rehablitiation center before he moved on to other teams.

On BBC Wales, he added: "I'm going back to football on Monday to get my life back on track. I'm going to start from the bottom and work my way back up again.There are 90, no 100, clubs in the league."

"One manager is going to take a chance."

The situation with Jeanne is not unlike that of Michael McIndoe, when he came to Edgar Street a couple of years ago. If Graham Turner and his team can restart his career, he could be a useful signing.


Blackfriars End to re-open

The Official Hereford United Website reports that the Blackfriars End at Edgar Street is to re-open at least for the home game against Leigh RMI next Saturday.

Elsewhere, former Hereford United captain Ian Wright faces a month out through injury after limping out of Burton Albion's match against Accrington Stanley.

"We had hoped that rest might solve Ian's problem, but that does not appear to be the case," said Burton manager Nigel Clough as reported by the Burton Mail. "He'll see a specialist and I'm expecting he'll have an operation to sort out a bit of bone growth and debris.

"It won't be a major operation, but we expect Ian to be out for another month at least."

Burton will also be deducted a point next week if they don't appeal to the charge of fielding of an ineligible player in a Conference match.


King ready to take his chance

Jordan King has been told by Bulls boss Graham Turner that he must be ready to take his chance in the first team when it comes.

"I've managed to stay fit and clear of injury and I'm ready to take my chance when I get it," King told the Evening News. "Graham Turner has told me I will get an opportunity. I've been working hard in training and put in some decent performances in some reserve games and he's told me to keep doing what I'm doing and when somebody gets injured I'll get my chance."

King has no complaints about being on the bench and realises that he has a difficult task of removing Jamie Pitman or Ben Smith from the midfield. King added: "I've no qualms about being on the bench because the midfield has been playing brilliantly all season."

King got his first start of the season against Exeter City last Tuesday in the LDV Vans Trophy and retained his place in the starting eleven for the FA Cup tie away at Harrow Borough. Of the Exeter game, he said:"It was just nice to get a game but it took a while to get used to the pace of the game. Exeter were not a bad team though I'm not sure if it was their complete first team."

King, a summer signing from Telford United, is happy to have returned to full time football with Hereford United and feels he is much fitter that before.

"I feel a lot sharper from training every day, I feel quicker and my fitness is a lot better."


Sunday, October 26, 2003

Fans revolt at Stevenage

A small section of Stevenage fans, who starting signing anti-Stevenage songs at the FA Cup game at Eastbourne yesterday, have brought a quick response from chairman Phil Wallace.

"I cringed when our players led by Steve Watson ran out applauding the travelling supporters in expectation at the start, to be greeted by a lukewarm reception, mixed with taunts at our manager. I cringed when they sang songs about other players that were guaranteed to make the players selected feel uncomfortable and I cringed when they sang songs to undermine the manager," said Wallace. "I am now taking time to digest what I saw and heard today before I make any further decisions."

It appears that Graham Westley, the Stevenage manager, is trying take the club full-time and one of his players, Simon Travis, is likely to leave. Travis, a fans favourite, has suggested that he will find it difficult to adjust to a new training schedule.

Westley, who managed Farnborough last season before jumping ship to Stevenage, promised success this season but as yet this have not happened. Stevenage are currently ninth in the Conference.

Many Boro fans thought the partnership between Wallace and Westley was a dream ticket to Division Three. The current rumblings suggest otherwise.


Was the photographer watching the game?

A picture of Hereford celebrating their first goal is published on the front page of the Non-League Paper this morning.

However it is not the first goal as Danny Carey-Bertram is on the pitch and Jamie Pitman and Ben Smith look to be congratulating him. Carey-Bertram came on as a substitute and scored the sixth goal.

Steve Guinan, the scorer of the first goal is not even in the picture.

However the caption read: 'Six Hitters: Hereford celebrate the first of Steve Guinan's hat-trick goals'.

Elsewhere in the paper Betting Specialist, Gary Boswell, is suggesting that Leigh RMI's battling form will create the shock of the day at Hereford next Saturday. United should ruin his prediction!

Meanwhile, Graham Turner has been quoted on the Nationwide website talking about yesterday's result.

Turner admitted: "We took our chances well in the first half as we didn't get many and Harrow caused us problems.

"They defended very well and we got away with a few things, took charge of the second half and played very well."

Of the first round draw away to Peterborough United, he added: "We're top of the Conference and our priority is getting back into the league, but we'll go to Peterborough full of confidence."


Turner withdraws Baker and Rose

Graham Turner has withdrawn both Matt Baker and Michael Rose from English squad to play Belgium next month. The action by the Hereford United manager should mean that his small squad will not be unduly depleted for the LDV Vans Trophy match against Northampton.

Turner told the Non-League Paper: "Their first duty is to their club. It's an important game for us. The boys have England caps already and they will get more, but on this occasion I need them for Hereford."

Paul Fairclough, the England manager, is hoping the remainder of his squad can stay of injuries and withdrawals. "It's not for me to tell an experienced manager like Graham Turner how to run his club, but I have to say I am disappointed," he said.


Saturday, October 25, 2003

Tough times in November

With several players injured at present, Graham Turner must be relieved that there is no midweek game this week. Also, hopefully a win against Leigh RMI next Saturday should not prove too much of a problem. But then there is a difficult couple of weeks to get through with a total of eight games in November.

With Cup wins against Exeter and Harrow giving the Bulls matches in the next rounds of the Trophy and the FA Cup respectively, the Bulls will need as many of their small squad in action as possible.

The revised programme for November is as follows:

Sat Nov 1st      Leigh RMI           Home  League

Tues Nov 4th Northampton Home Trophy 2nd Round
Sat Nov 8th Peterborough Away FA Cup 1st Round
Tues Nov 11th Accrington St Away League or Possible Cup Replay
Sat Nov 15th Margate Home League
Sat Nov 22nd Shrewsbury Away League
Tues Nov 25th Halifax Home League
Sat Nov 29th Farnborough Home League

Guinan delighted with hat-trick

Steve Guinan eventually received the match ball this afternoon but not before a few problemsm he told BBC Hereford and Worcester after the match at Harrow.

"I had a few difficulties, they wouldn't really let me take it at first but it's in my bag at the moment. I've never scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup before so I'm delighted."

Of the game Guinan said: "Overall when you look at the scoreline it was comfortable. But in the first half I'd probably say they had the better of the play.

"The pitch was all churned up. Big lumps and holes. It brought us down to a level. We had some good chances and put most of them away. Getting as many goals as you can brings confidence to the team.

Looking towards to the next round, United's top scorer added: "Ideally we would have liked a team like Harrow or a Conference team if we had drawn them at home but I don't think any of the lads are phased by going to Peterborough. They are not setting the world alight so we will see what we can do."


Bulls play Posh in first round
Hereford United will play Peterborough United away in the first round of the FA Cup.

They beat Harrow Borough 6-1 in today's qualifying round.

Guinan hatrick puts United through

Harrow Borough 1 - 6 Hereford United

Hereford United swept aside Ryman League strugglers Harrow Borough to book a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup.

Graham Turner missed Andy Tretton, Ryan Green, Tamika Mkandawire and Rob Purdie for the match, so had to make a couple of changes from the side that beat Exeter on Tuesday.

Harrow had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring in the thirty-fourth second when Robert Charles broke into the box and struck the post. The ball bounced away to safety, but it came as an early warning of the threat that is posed by the Ryman Leaguers.

Five minutes later, United took the lead. A low cross from the right from Danny Williams found Steve Guinan, who flicked it well into the back of the net.

Goalkeeper James Jackson was forced into a good save three minutes later as Guinan headed goalwards, but Matt Baker had efforts to deal with too. He saw a Fabio Valenti effort sail wide, and made a superb one-handed save from Robert Charles midway through the half.

The game seemed pretty even as the half drew to a close, but a team move for Hereford a minute before the break saw them extend their advantage. David Brown, Jamie Pitman and Williams all linked for the ex-Chesterfield midfielder to cross from the right again, and Steve Guinan headed a powerful ball home from six yards.

In the second period, United dominated. Ben Smith tested the goalkeeper with a header on fifty two minutes, and twelve minutes later, David Brown's overhead kick made it 3-0. It took just five minutes for United to score again, as Smith calmly headed home a Williams corner and Hereford appeared in control and cruising.

However, Harrow brought on substitute Abdulai Yoki and with his first touch, he fired a good ball from the right edge of the area over the defence and into the far corner of the net.

It was, though, nothing more than a consolation goal. Steve Guinan netted his hatrick with six minutes to go when he nodded home a Michael Rose corner at the far post, and in added time, substitute Daniel Carey-Bertram latched onto a Guinan through ball to seal the 6-1 scoreline.
One minus-point for United was an injury to Paul Parry, and he left the ground on crutches. However, it is not thought to be serious.
Written by Terry Goodwin - 25th October 2003.
Harrow Borough Hereford United
James Jackson Matt Baker
Wayne Walters Jamie Pitman
Dean Marney Michael Rose
Stuart Elliott (off, 70 minutes) Jordan King
Richard Goddard Richard Teesdale
Perry Norman (off, half time) Tony James (captain)
Fabio Valenti Danny Williams (off, 90 minutes)
Kevin McKenna (captain) Ben Smith
Robert Charles (off, 59 minutes) David Brown (off, 67 minutes)
Ross Fitzsimon Steve Guinan
Clemente Lopez Paul Parry (off, 87 minutes)
Subs Subs
David Ocquaye (on, 59 minutes) Ben Scott
Abdulai Yoki (on, 70 minutes) Paul Collins
Steve Dogbe Daniel Carey-Bertram (on, 67 minutes)
Danny Moore (on, half time) Dean Craven (on, 87 minutes)
Daniel Dyer Danny Moon (on, 90 minutes)
Yellow cards Yellow cards
Stuart Elliott (foul, 30 minutes) -
Fabio Valenti (unsporting behaviour, 78 minutes) -
Red cards Red cards
- -
Scorers Scorers
Steve Guinan (5, 44, 84 minutes) -
David Brown (64 minutes) -
Ben Smith (69 minutes) -
Daniel Carey-Bertram (90 minutes) -
- -
Man of the Match Steve Guinan
Attendance 655
Referee Mr. G. Chapman (Stroud)


Friday, October 24, 2003

Difficulties buying tickets for Shrewsbury game

The annoucement this afternoon by Hereford United giving details of how to purchase tickets for the Shrewsbury game leaves various questions unanswered.

There have already been several postings on the HU-FC.co.uk Forum from supporters asking whether a visit to the Edgar Street office to purchase tickets should really be required.

Obviously the club needs to make sure that those supporters who are either season ticket holders or have membership cards are given first refusal to buy tickets. But, as one supporter points out, in this day of credit cards and other electronic ways of transferring monies there must be other ways the club can sell tickets.

Is it not possible to send an application for tickets with a photocopy of a season ticket holders address or a membership card? As the club must hold records of these supporters, it would be easy to cross-check these applications.

There is an arguement for a credit card surcharge to be levied on ticket sales of perhaps 2% and that no applications could be accepted without a stamped addressed envelope. It would be quite simple to process these applications.

The club has not said how many tickets are available to Hereford United. Neither has it told supporters when the office will be open.

As there is some extra work in selling these tickets does the club receive any commission from Shrewsbury?


Cup win is worth 10k

Graham Turner has been talking to BBC Hereford & Worcester about tomorrow's game and other matters. A win at Harrow would be worth ten thousand pounds to Hereford United.

He commenced by concentrating on Harrow: "Their recent results have not been too impressive. They are in the bottom three of the Ryman League so we know their confidence will not be too high, but they will put all their problems of league form behind them for Saturday. They will have nothing to lose. They can go out and enjoy the occasion.

"I think their average gate is around 200 and I imagine we will take around 500 down there. It should be the biggest gate and the best atmosphere their players will have seen this season and so their game will be lifted.

"They have experienced people in charge in Edward Stein and David Howells, both who have been around the Football League scene for a long time.

"We have had them watched in the replay against Newport and again last Saturday when they lost 2-0. The impression is that they have got one or two useful players but the side is so lacking in confidence but it's the FA Cup and all the pressure is off them. So they can come out and have a go."

On the injury front, Turner said that Ben Smith should be back in the side. "He was feeling his foot and failed a fitness test before Tuesday's game but some of it was being cautious. He trained yesterday without any ill effects and he's fit to take his place in the side," he added.

Reviewing the performances last Tuesday against Exeter, Turner thought Jordan King and Dean Craven had done well.

"It was Jordan King's first taste of first team action for us. I thought he did the sensible thing and played things simple. I think there is a lot more to come from him but on his debut he just played things nice and easy, kept the ball, kept it flowing.

"I think the crowd have taken to Dean Craven's whole-hearted attitude. He does get stuck in and shows a bit of pace at times. Both did okay.

"The result (beating Exeter in the LDV) means that we have quite an attractive fixture against Northampton. Big spending Northampton, because they have invested a lot of money in their team through the summer. So that is one to look forward to. We are under no pressure for that game. It's a win, win situation for that one.

"But what we need to do is be in the hat for the FA Cup first round proper and have something to look forward to in that respect."

Hereford United are No 72, assuming they are still in the cup, when the draw for the first-round proper is due to be made at 5.05 pm tomorrow.



Shrewsbury tickets information

The Official Hereford United Website is reporting that tickets for the Shrewsbury game at the Gay Meadow to be played on Saturday November 22nd will be available for season ticket holders and membership card holders from next Monday 27th October until 31st October. After that date they will be available to other supporters.

PLEASE NOTE THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT CARDS AS A FORM OF PAYMENT. CASH OR CHEQUE ONLY.

Prices are adults £12, with concessions at £7, while stand prices are £14 and £9 respectively.


Smith fit for FA Cup battle

Hereford United have been boosted ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup game against Harrow Borough with the news that Ben Smith is fit to play.

The midfielder has overcome an ankle injury which kept him out of Tuesday's LDV Trophy win over Exeter City and will feature in the fourth qualifying round game at Earlsmead, kick off 3pm.

However, the Bulls will be weakened in defence without on-loan centre-back Tamika Mkandawire, as West Bromwich Albion don't want him cup-tied, while right-back Ryan Green has a thigh injury and faces a late fitness test. Richard Teesdale will come in for Mkandawire.

Tony James, who was rested for the Exeter game but will return tomorrow, is cautious ahead of the tie.

"When the draw was made and we were paired with either Harrow or Newport, Isle of Wight I was reminded only too well that we can't afford the slightest complacency in games against lower-graded teams," he told the Shropshire Star.

Graham Turner added in the Evening News: "We're synonymous with giantkilling but the tables are turned at Harrow Borough. Of course, to get to the point where we can be giant-killers we have to get through to the stage where the league clubs are involved and to do that we have to win at places such as Harrow which will not be easy."

If a replay is required, it will be contested on Tuesday night at Edgar Street, kick off 7.45pm.


Thursday, October 23, 2003

5000-1 for the FA Cup

Hereford United are priced at 5000-1 to win the FA Cup by one leading bookmaker and another one has the Bulls at 50-1 to win the LDV Van Trophy.

But there is little change in the prices offered for the Bulls to win the Conference.

Chester are still favourites at prices from 7-4 to 2-1. Hereford are anywhere from 9-4 to 5-1 and Shrewsbury from 10-3 to 6-1. Last weekend's draw at Chester seems to made little difference to the prices offered.

As regards Saturday's FA Cup match at Harrow, Skybet are offering: Harrow Win 9/2, Draw 12/5, Hereford Win 1/2


Burton may lose a point

Burton Albion may be set to lose a Conference point for fielding an eligible player against Forest Green Rovers two weeks ago. Nigel Clough's side, the only team to beat Hereford United this season so far, apparantly forgot to register the name of Sean Gummer.

Today's Burton Mail reports that the Albion are counting the cost of a five-minute appearance by midfielder Sean Gummer after being docked a point by the Nationwide Conference.

Gummer, who had been recalled from a spell on loan at Belper because of an Albion injury crisis, was a late substitute in the 1-1 draw at Forest Green two weeks ago and only spent five minutes on the pitch.

But the player was ineligible because the Brewers had not renewed his registration as a non-contract player.

The loss of a point, if confirmed, means that Burton would drop one place to 12th position in the League.


Turner cautious over Harrow tie

Hereford United make the trip to Earlsmead on Saturday as they face lower-ranked Harrow Borough in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, kick off 3pm.

The hosts have held a meeting with the Football Intelligence Unit regarding Hereford United's following, and possible outbreaks of crowd trouble, report the Harrow Times newspaper.

However, all eyes should be on the pitch. This is the first game between the two clubs, and Harrow manager Edwin Stein told the Hereford Times: "It's a real David and Goliath job. I do think Hereford have a lot to live up to and you never know. Every now and then you get an upset and I wouldn't necessarily think that we haven't got any chance at all.

"It's great for Harrow Borough as Hereford come with a fine tradition and Graham Turner is an excellent manager whom I know from old, during my time at Birmingham City.

"He is a hugely respected character in the game."

Graham Turner added: "With our club being synonymous with `giantkilling', our match at Harrow Borough is of considerable significance.

"Of course, to get to the point where we can be giantkillers we have to get through to the stage where the league clubs are involved and to do that we have to win at places such as Harrow which will not be easy."

Harrow miss goalkeeper Keita Karamoko, who is suspended, while Hereford do not have permission to field on-loan defender Tamika Mkandawire. As a result, Richard Teesdale stands by, with Jordan King also looking to retain his first-team spot if Ben Smith fails to recover from an injured foot.

Admission prices are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, and the matchday programme will cost £1.50.


Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Great experience for us

Next Saturday's Cup tie will be a great experience for us says Peter Rogers, football director of Harrow Borough, as reported in the Hereford Journal.

"We are certainly looking forward to the match. It's the first time in our history that we have played Hereford. We just want to give a good account of ourselves and come away with respect from both the home supporters who watch us and the away fans from Hereford.

"Obviously the FA Cup is a different sort of animal to League games (Harrow are second from the bottom of the Ryman League) and something we all look forward to. A run in the FA Cup is always appreciated"

"To play hosts to the Conference leaders is a great experience for us and something we are certainly looking forward to." said Rogers.

Harrow are expecting a crowd of between 1000 and 1500 on Saturday. Usually they have about 250 through the turnstiles."


Exeter take positives after defeat

Eamonn Dolan, boss of Exeter City, took positives out of last night's 2-0 defeat at Hereford United in the LDV Vans Trophy.

"We are delighted as we had a 17-year-old 'keeper Martin Rice, and left-back Dean Moxey - who was making his debut," he told BBC Radio Devon.

"Apart from winning the game, we achieved our objectives tonight."

Moxey, just seventeen, added in the Express & Echo: "We had some really good spells in the game but unfortunately just couldn't take our chances. I think we should have won the game. Their keeper has kept them in it with some great saves."

Exeter's first-choice stopper James Bittner has been named in the England National Game XI squad to face Belgium on November 4th, as have Hereford United's Matt Baker and Michael Rose. However, the game, to be held at Darlington's new ground and with free admission, clashes with United's LDV Vans Trophy second-round game against Northampton Town at Edgar Street.

The full squad, as reported by thefa.com, is:
Matt Baker (Hereford United)
James Bittner (Exeter City)
Greg Oates (Margate)
Ismail Yakubu (Barnet)
Jon Boardman (Woking)
Danny Collins (Chester City)
Michael Rose (Hereford United)
Gary Thompson (Morecambe)
Sam Ricketts (Telford United)
Jon Challinor (Aldershot Town)
Chris Piper (Dagenham & Redbridge)
Anthony Elding (Stevenage Borough)
Luke Rodgers (Shrewsbury Town)
Roscoe D'Sane (Aldershot Town)
Aaron McLean (Aldershot Town)
David Perkins (Morecambe)


After Exeter comes Northampton

Hereford United will be looking forward to Round Two of the LDV Vans Trophy with a visit from Northampton who currently lie nineteenth in Division Three. But the tie will bring back memories of an October night last year when the Bulls went out to Northampton in the first round of the LDV after the game was decided with a controversial penalty.

United were playing well and holding Northampton 3-3, until Andy Tretton was penalised in the box. Northampton scored from the spot and the game was over.

Midfielder Mick Galloway, said of the penalty decision: "The player had clearly over-run the ball and it was in Baker's hands when the referee gave the penalty. It was a shocking decision."

Graham Turner later commented: "The winner for them came via the penalty spot to give them the Golden Goal but I have to say that it would rank amongst the worst refereeing decisions I have seen in my time in football in awarding the penalty in the first place. It was a bizarre decision against Andy Tretton who was the last defender, he (the referee) failed to take any further action, no yellow or red card.

"If I was a cynical old sod I'd suggest that he didn't fancy another twenty four minutes of extra time and the time taken up by penalties, he just wanted to get back on the road to his north-west home, so he took the first possible opportunity to bring the game to a conclusion."

At that time Northampton were in the Second Division. Last night they were beaten at home by Kidderminster Harriers, who are among the favourites for relegation.

Hereford United will go into the game on November 5th hoping that this time round they can defeat Northampton. Assuming the Bulls can put out a strong side it should be a good game and hopefully last year's gate of only 1,087 can at least be doubled.


Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Several reserves on show

With Andy Tretton and Rob Purdie out with injuries, Tony James on the bench and Ben Smith also off, Graham Turner decided to give several reserves a run this evening against Exeter.

And by giving the captaincy to Paul Parry, this was a different side to that which played at Chester last Saturday. Jordan King was given his first start of the season and Richard Teesdale partnered Tamika Mkandawire.

However Ben Smith's absence was noted. There seemed to be less creativity in midfield. King did little wrong but it was easy to see why Smith is first choice. Pitman seemed to miss Smith. His booking was justified as he appeared to kick out at an Exeter player after being fouled.

Both Danny Williams and David Brown received knocks during the game. Williams, who was said to have had a minor injury at Chester, looked in some pain after a nasty challenge. Brown received a cut on the side of the head when on the receiving end of an Exeter elbow. He had a bandage put around his head and carried on but was eventually replaced by Danny Carey-Bertram.

Dean Craven came on for Williams and looked more lively than several of the regulars. To allow him to play on the left, Parry moved to the right. Should the need arise through injuries or suspensions, Craven looks a useful replacement, not afraid to tackle and quite fast with the ball.

The 1513 crowd witnessed a scrappy game against an Exeter side suffering from injuries. The Bulls will need to up their game if they are to overcome Northampton in the next round.


United set-up second round tie
Two second-half goals put Hereford United into the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy southern section handed them victory over Exeter City.

David Brown and Steve Guinan struck to hand United a game against Northampton Town in the second round, to be played on Tuesday 4th November.
Bulls beat Grecians to progress

Hereford United 2 - 0 Exeter City

A goal at each end of the second period handed Hereford United a second-round tie against Northampton Town as they overcame injury-hit Exeter City at Edgar Street.
Goals from David Brown and Steve Guinan proved crucial in the LDV Vans Trophy southern section game as Graham Turner handed Jordan King his first start for the club.
The first notable chance in the first period for Hereford was when Guinan broke on the left channel, skinning a defender before crossing to Danny Williams. His first-time shot was blocked in front of goal.
At the other end, Barry McConnell forced United goalkeeper Matt Baker into a difficult in a half of few opportunities and little entertainment, although David Brown did hit the post in injury time from eight yards out.
He made amends straight after the restart as Paul Parry linked with Guinan on the left and the ball was squared to Brown, who tucked the ball home from three yards out.
Exeter, backed by their following of fifty-five from Devon, almost got back on level terms on fifty four minutes when they broke on the left channel, but the dangerous cross was cut out by Tamika Mkandawire, who sliced the ball over his own crossbar.
Jamie Pitman and Scott Canham were both cautioned by the referee after Canham tripped the Hereford midfielder, who retaliated and picked up a yellow card for his actions.
With twenty minutes left, Baker was forced to save from Gareth Sheldon but the ball ran loose to Ryan Green, and Steve Flack slid in with an ambitious tackle and was booked for his actions. Twelve minutes later, the United stopper was forced into another save, this time a hard drive from substitute Leslie Afful after he had beaten Michael Rose at left-back.
United searched for a second, with Guinan volleying wide before Paul Parry found Ryan Green overlapping on the right channel, and the Welshman crossed the ball into the Exeter danger area. The clearance was not an accomplished one, and so Guinan collected, brought it into a central position before firing home from twenty yards to make sure United were through.
Written by Brian Goodwin - 21st October 2003.
Hereford United Exeter City
Matt Baker Martin Rice
Ryan Green Lyndon Duncan (off, 64 minutes)
Michael Rose Alex Jeannin
Jamie Pitman Santos Gaia (off, 90 minutes)
Tamika Mkandawire Moxey
Richard Teesdale Barry McConnell
Danny Williams (off, 61 minutes) Andy Taylor
Jordan King Glen Cronin
Steve Guinan Gareth Sheldon
David Brown Sean Canham
Paul Parry (captain) Steve Flack
Subs Subs
Tony James James Bittner
Ben Scott Chris Todd
Daniel Carey-Bertram (on, 75 for Brown) Leslie Afful (on, 64 minutes)
Dean Craven (on, 61 minutes) Dwane Lee
Danny Moon Lewis Reed (on, 90 minutes)
Yellow cards Yellow cards
Jamie Pitman (unsporting behaviour, 58 minutes) Santos Gaia (unsporting behaviour, 21 minutes)
- Scott Canham (unsporting behaviour, 58 minutes)
- -
Red cards Red cards
- -
Scorers Scorers
David Brown (46 minutes) -
Steve Guinan (87 minutes) -
- -
Man of the Match Matt Baker
Attendance 1,513
Referee Mr. P. Joslin (Nottinghamshire)


Don't underestimate Exeter says Turner

Graham Turner has told the Evening News that he will certainly not be underestimating the Grecians. "It's a competition we want to progress in and that increases with prestige the further you can go," he said.

"We've got an attractive home tie with Northampton Town if we can get through so there's plenty of incentive.

"Exeter are in good form at the moment and I think have won four on the trot so we'll need to be on our game."

Meanwhile, there is no news on whether Michael Rose or Matt Baker have been picked for the Non-League squad, or National Game XI as it is sometimes called, which is due to play Belgium at Darlington on November 4th. However Luke Rogers, the Shrewsbury striker, is a new-comer to the squad.

And Hereford United have announced that the away game at Shrewsbury on November 22nd will be all ticket. Full details are on the Official Site.


Monday, October 20, 2003

Cup campaign kicks-off tomorrow

Hereford United play their first cup match on the season tomorrow evening as they host Exeter City at Edgar Street in the LDV Vans Trophy, kick off 7.45pm.

The southern section first round match was moved back a week after United played Dagenham & Redbridge last Monday night, and so the second round draw was made on Saturday.

The winners of this game will go on to play Northampton Town at their home ground.

United will not have a fully fit squad. Defender Andy Tretton will still be missing and there are doubts about Rob Purdie, Danny Williams and Ryan Green, but manager Graham Turner has the option of featuring some of the squad who have not featured regularly. Goalkeeper Ben Scott and midfielders Dean Craven and Jordan King are among those who could start their first match for the Bulls.

Exeter, who will be without top goalscorer Sean Devine, suspended for this game, have signed three new players on non-contract forms in time for the game. Former Manchester United starlet Andy Taylor, ex-QPR and England under-20 defender Lyndon Duncan and Yeading keeper Matt Hodgson have all been recruited to ease the club's injury crisis. The Grecians already have Martin Thomas, James Coppinger, Les Afful and James Bittner sidelined through injury, and Chris Todd picked up a knock at the weekend too.

The game is `all pay' with terrace prices at £7 (£3 concessions) and £9 (£5 concessions) in the stands.


Penalty misses anger Wright

This report appears in this morning's Times newspaper, written by Mark Venables:

BE WARY of mentioning penalty kicks within earshot of Mark Wright, the Chester City manager, as his team’s inability to convert from 12 yards has been their Achilles’ heel in recent months.

Earlier this year, their attempt to secure promotion to the Football League ended when they lost to Doncaster Rovers in a penalty shoot-out and on Saturday, Ian Foster, a substitute, missed a penalty three minutes from time that would have secured victory.

Had Chester won this tense and often dour confrontation between the top two sides in the Nationwide Conference, the three points would have moved them above Hereford to the top of the table.

“When you get a penalty late on it should win you the game,” Wright said. “Penalties are our downfall at present. There’s a long way to go and we are still unbeaten for a long time, but we can’t be happy with a point when you get a penalty that late on.”

To add insult to injury, Chester were reduced to ten men moments later when Jamie Heard was shown a second yellow card for an impulsive lunge at Michael Rose. “It was a little bit rash from Heard,” Wright said. “When it’s late in the game you don’t need to go flying in; he should have stayed on his feet.”

Wright proclaimed himself content with the performance but must have been troubled by the lack of creativity on show from his team. No one would question Chester’s defensive fortitude; just seven goals conceded in 15 matches this season is ample evidence of their strengths. But when Daryl Clare is not at his best — on Saturday, in just his second game back from injury, he was well off the pace — they lack the guile and penetration to trouble defences. It was 79 minutes before they achieved a shot on target and until the penalty, Matt Baker, the Hereford goalkeeper, did not have a shot to save.

For Hereford, the league leaders, defeat would have been unmerited. In a game of few chances they created the best — two in each period — but for the first time this season they failed to get their name on the score sheet. “We would have settled for a point before the game,” Graham Turner, their manager, said. “That just proves how difficult it is to break Chester down. They have got some very good defenders, but we still had four chances to score.”

The first fell to Paul Parry, who headed a cross from Tamika Mkandawire tantalisingly wide of a post early on. Later in the half, Ian McCaldon smartly blocked a goalbound effort from Ben Smith and the goalkeeper needed to be just as alert early in the second half to scramble across his goalline to push a quickly taken free kick from Danny Williams round a post.

But the best chance of the afternoon fell to the usually clinical Steve Guinan, who failed to add to his tally of 11 league goals after shooting straight at McCaldon when sent clear.

With more than a third of the season played, Hereford have proved themselves to be the team that the rest of the championship aspirants need to catch. The central midfield pair of Smith and Jamie Pitman provide a complementary blend of guile and aggression and the wide play of Williams and Parry is a constant threat.

When they keep the ball on the grass and weave the neat, intricate patterns that have become their trademark, feeding the fleet-footed Guinan and Dave Brown, his strike partner,they can be irresistible.

In recent campaigns the depth of talent has been their downfall, but this time Turner has reinforced his squad astutely to give the supporters hope that they can reclaim the Football League place they lost six years ago. “We think we can play better than that,” Turner said. “We’ve not passed the ball as well as we have been doing."


1300 supporters at Chester

1300 Hereford fans went through the turnstiles at the Deva Stadium on Saturday according to Chester City Football Club this morning.

This is probably the highest number of Bulls fans going to an away Conference fixture since Hereford joined that league.

The number could be higher when the Bulls travel to Shrewsbury on November 22nd.


Sunday, October 19, 2003

Report suggests more trouble

More anti-Hereford pieces in the Non-League Paper this morning centre around allegations that Dagenham fans were abused after last Monday's game.

The article by an un-named reporter quoted two Daggers fans who said that the Dagenham coach was stoned as it left Hereford. It also says that a group of "fans" started swearing at one of their disabled fans.

Interestingly, Len Critcher, the Daggers supporters club chairman, was quoted: "There were four youths on this hill as you leave the ground who started throwing stones at our coach."

Whilst if there is any truth in this story, those responsible should be ashamed of themselves, three points arise.

Firstly, why did the Daggers bus not pick-up supporters outside the ground, not at the bottom of the Merton Meadow car park?

Secondly, where is the hill "as you leave the ground"? Depending on which way the bus went there is no hill for some way in any direction. It has to be asked whether this, so called, incident had anything to do with Hereford United.

Thirdly, for whatever reason there were few if any police to be seen last Monday. But were these incidents reported to local police?

In the editorial column of the NLP it says " following the stoning of the coach". That compares with the above quote which said "four youths started throwing stones" implying it was quickly over.


Saturday, October 18, 2003

Goalkeeper shocked by penalty decision

Matt Baker said after today's game that he couldn't understand how referee Rob Lewis of Shrewsbury had handed the Blues an eighty-eighth minute penalty decision that went in Chester City's favour.

Baker, who had an excellent game, somehow managed to stop the Ian Foster shot with his legs and keep the score at 0-0.

"With the way we've been playing recently, I haven't really been needed," Baker told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "Today, though, it proved crucial."

"We couldn't believe it when the referee gave the penalty. At first, I thought he'd given a back-pass as Ben Smith got his toe to the ball and I picked it up."

On the outcome of the game Baker said:"We were not expected to win today, I think that may be a draw was fair."

United boss Graham Turner felt that the Cestrians did well, and added: "If we finish higher than Chester in the table at the end of the season I will be a very happy man."


Baker saves United point
Hereford United drew 0-0 with Chester City at the Deva Stadium this afternoon.
Star man Baker keeps United top

Chester City 0 - 0 Hereford United

A bumper crowd were treated to an eventful game at the Deva Stadium, as Chester City's late opportunity to seal the points was thwarted star goalkeeper Matt Baker.

4,481 turned out for the non-league clash of the day, and despite the goalless scoreline that keeps Hereford United top of the Nationwide Conference, there were plenty of talking points to keep those who attended entertained.

Matt Baker stole the headlines with a superbly agile save two minutes from time, as he saved a penalty from ex-United and Kidderminster Harriers attacker Ian Foster, who had entered as a substitute earlier in the half. Ben Davies had initially been brought down, but Baker capped a good day for the Bulls back-line with the stop and keep another clean-sheet.

Then, four minutes into added time, Jamie Heard was sent off for a second bookable offence when he was, perhaps harshly, cautioned for a foul. Hereford, though, did not have time to capitalise on their numerical advantage, but nevertheless will the more happier of the two sides with the point.

The first half was a relatively subdued affair, with neither side able to take control of the game. A David Brown header was as close as United came to opening the scoring after Tamika Mkandawire had crossed from the right flank, and Ben Smith forced Ian McCaldon in the Chester goal into a firm one-handed save from close range.

At the other end, Baker was kept busy first by Darryn Stamp, whose header from fourteen yards was easily saved by the ex-Hull City man. Then in added time at the end of the period, a Daryl Clare cross from the left channel should have been converted, but was completely missed by the Chester attackers.

After the restart, Steve Guinan fed onto a Smith ball and fired an angled drive at the goalkeeper's legs and Danny Williams' quickly-taken free-kick was tipped wide by McCaldon.

The excitement, though, really came in the last few minutes and given Chester's penalty miss, Graham Turner will be the happier of the two bosses with the point.
Written by Terry Goodwin - 18th October 2003.
Chester City Hereford United
Ian McCaldon Matt Baker
Danny Collins Ryan Green
Kevin McIntyre Michael Rose
Phil Bolland Jamie Pitman
Paul Carden (captain) Tamika Mkandawire
Ben Davies Tony James (captain)
Carl Ruffer Danny Williams
Daryl Clare Ben Smith
Darryn Stamp David Brown (off, 68 minutes)
Jamie Heard Steve Guinan
Michael Twiss (off, 76 minutes) Paul Parry
Subs Subs
Wayne Brown Ben Scott
Sean Carey Richard Teesdale
Ian Foster (on, 65 minutes) Daniel Carey-Bertram (on, 68 minutes)
Kevin Rapley (on, 76 minutes) Dean Craven
Scott Guyett Jordan King
Yellow cards Yellow cards
Jamie Heard (foul, 33 minutes) David Brown (dissent, 63 minutes)
Paul Carden (foul, 84 minutes) Daniel Carey-Bertram (unsporting behaviour, 76 minutes)
Jamie Heard (foul, 90 minutes) -
Red cards Red cards
Jamie Heard (second bookable offence, 90 minutes) -
Scorers Scorers
- -
- -
Man of the Match Tony James
Attendance 4,481
Referee Mr. R. Lewis (Shrewsbury)


Northampton again if Bulls beat Grecians

If Hereford United overcome Exeter in the LDV Trophy on Tuesday, they will meet Northampton in the next round at Edgar Street probably on November 4th.

Last season the Bulls met Northampton in the first round but lost 4-3. A penalty in golden goal extra time was the deciding factor between the two teams in the LDV Vans Trophy first round encounter at Edgar Street, in front of 1,087. But Hereford showed up the Second Division side a lot during the match and can be proud of the performance they gave.

Whether the Bulls progress to have another chance at Northampton could depend on if it is thought the trophy is deemed important enough to put out a strong side against Exeter.


Just one more game

Both Graham Turner, manager of Hereford United and Tony James, captain, have made more comments to the press about the Chester game today.

In the Evening News, Turner reminds his players that todays game is just one more in a long season.

"It's still very early in the season and it's just three points at stake - the same as on offer when we play Leigh RMI in two weeks time," he said.

Captain Tony James commented: "At the end of the day we've had such a great start to the season that Graham Turner has got to be happy with the way things have gone.

"But he's not putting us under any pressure other than for us to do our best, respect each other and play as well as we can for each other.

"He wants us to forget the fact that we are top and just play each game to the best of our ability."

James has also praised on-loan Tam Mkandawire.

"He's settled in really well, is comfortable on the ball and a good defender," he said.

"At the end of the day he's got to have a lot about him if he's at West Brom and he has the ability to match," added James.


Friday, October 17, 2003

It's one to relish

"There's no bigger game in the Conference so far this season than this one," said Graham Turner in an interview on BBC Hereford & Worcester earlier today.

"A third of the season is now gone. We're two points clear at the top of the table. We're delighted with that. We would have taken that at the start of the season despite the recent slight hic-cups. And I suppose in many ways a draw would be a good result at Chester but we will go there with the confidence that we can go and take the game to them and maybe, just maybe we come away with all three points.

"Chester don't take any chances at the back. They have got three big strong lads there and always launching forward balls and the quality of their front play could cause upsetts for us. So we know what we have got to do to try and break them down. And the players have just got to be patient when we have got the ball. We have got enough ability to do it. The test now is have we got the nerve to do it.

"I think Chester have adjusted well since the present chairman went in and has been prepared to back the manager with fairly substancial funds. Maybe not so much in the transfer market, although they have bought one or two players. Their wage bill must be quite a high one and he's backed Mark Wright all the way down the line and I think they have assembled a squad of players that if they put a second team out, it would probably be good enough to beat a lot of Conference sides. So that is their strength in depth. But it does not matter what numbers 17 to 25/26 are, its the 11 that have to be good enough and I think we have 11 players more than capable of taking three points from Chester."

Asked if he was still looking to strengthen the squad, Turner continued: "I think we have got to make sure we are ready for anything that is thrown at us during the course of the season. There might be some injuries. There are a few players getting to three or four bookings. I think Tony James and Michael Rose are both on four bookings. That's one yellow card away from a suspension. Tam (Mkandawire) can't play in the FA Cup, West Brom have made that clear so we have got to make a change there. I think it's trying to cover all the eventualities if we do get any injuries.But obviously there is some restriction in the size of the squad. We haven't got the resources of a Chester or Telford or Shrewsbury in terms of the money available but the gates have certainly helped to get us into the line of thought that we don't need to sell players any more. We'll keep what we have got and see whether we can add to those."

On the injury front, Turner added: "Andy Tretton is back at Lilleshall. He had a day with us earlier in the week and he was still feeling his thigh muscle so we sent him back. It could be two to three weeks before he's fully fit again. Rob Purdie has made good progress."


Purdie may be on bench

Rob Purdie may be fit enough to be on the bench tomorrow at Chester. Graham Turner thinks he has done enough to be added to the squad after playing for one hour for Hereford United's reserves on Tuesday when they beat Stafford Rangers.

The return to fitness of Purdie will be welcomed as on occasions recently the Bulls have looked short of players prepared to run with the ball at the opposition.

As for tomorrow, Turner thinks that much will depend on the Bulls ability to dictate how the game is played. "We have got to have the courage to get the ball down and pass it," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. "If we do that we can cause them problems"

"I think there will be a good crowd there and a good atmosphere. We have got to keep our nerve."


Section three starts tomorrow

Hereford United's manager, Graham Turner, has spilt this seasons fixtures into sections usually containing seven matches. Section three starts tomorrow at Chester.

The first two sections have gone well. The Bulls obtained nineteen points from the first seven games and fourteen from the second section which includes the defeat at Burton.

Speaking to BBC Hereford and Worcester, Turner said: "Certainly some of the games we have got coming up over the next seven, on paper, we should be taking good points out of these next seven. That's what we have to do if we've got any chance of being top.

Meanwhile, Hereford captain Tony James is relishing the clash at Chester but not expecting to see many goals.

"Over the last few weeks we haven't given it too much thought but now it's upon us the match is even bigger and it should be a really good game," he told the Evening News.

"I think away from home the emphasis in terms of attacking is on the home side and that might work to our advantage because it opens up more space for us," he added.

"In some ways we prefer playing away because we can catch sides on the break.

"We've been scoring lots of goals and taking our chances but sometimes you have grind results out and especially with their defence Saturday might be one of those type of games and end up a 1-0."

James has put out a request for as many fans as possible to travel to Chester and get behind the team.

Quoted in the Western Daily Press he said:"We're looking forward to seeing many of you there and the louder you make your voices heard the better we will like it."


Bulls do their bit to stamp out racism

Europe’s biggest ever series of anti- racism activities in football kicked–off yesterday, and fans, professional clubs, community groups and players from across the UK will take part in the national anti- racism week of action.

The extended week is being launched today to take place between the 16 and 28 October. Over 500 activities will take place over the 12 days across the country.

Every professional club in England and Wales will hold anti-racism activities at home games over the next two weekends, and community groups will be celebrating the history of black, Asian and other ethnic minorities in the game through events in local communities. Over 35 groups will be drawing on ‘Community Chest’ grants awarded by Kick It Out and the Football Foundation to deliver larger projects.

Fans groups will be involved in leading many activities, including distribution of a new fanzine United Colours of Football 4.

Secondary schools will be involved in a competition in which pupils will be asked to write an interview with one of six selected black or Asian players, from the past or those still in the game.

Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out today welcomed the activities, saying: “The range and breadth of both community and club based activities taking place during the week are a testament to the good work going on in football with communities traditionally excluded from the game.

“The message from this year’s week of action is that we need to fend off complacency and keep up the ongoing battle against racism through education, positive engagement and by working in partnership. This way will be the way in which we can bring equality to life.”

Hereford United are doing their bit, as Cyrille Regis attended Monday's game with Dagenham & Redbridge, and have launched their own campaign to rid the Edgar Street terraces of racists. Graham Turner vowed in the matchday programme that offenders will be identified, removed and arrested.

There is also an exhibition running at the All Saints Church in Broad Street to celebrate the week. 'The History of Black Footballers' is open until the end of October.

For more details, please visit www.kickitout.org.