February 1998

February 1st

Hereford United 0 Dover Athletic 2

Hereford United were dumped out of the FA Umbro Trophy by a disciplined performance from their Vauxhall Conference opponents Dover Athletic reports the Birmingham Mail.

Striker James McCue failed to take an early chance and Hereford were punished a minute later when Gerald Dobbs opened the scoring for the Kent club.

Hereford never recovered from the early setback and substitute Roy Goddon added a second for Dover on the stroke of time.

Hereford's best effort of the match came in the 66th minute when Murray Fishlock broke clear to put over a perfect cross to Trevor Matthewson but the central defenders header fell agonisingly wide of the post.

Dover never relaxed their grip with Lee Shearer dominating the Hereford strikers.

Scorers: Dobbs (11) 0-1; Godden (90) 0-2.

HEREFORD UNITED (5-3-2): Quy; Rodgerson, Fishlock, Pitman (Foster 72), Brough (Mansell 23), (Williams 80), Matthewson; Hargreaves, Warner, Grayson; McCue, Mahon.

DOVER (4-4-2): Davies; Leberl, Palmer, Budden, Shearer; Stebbing, Henry, Dobbs, Ayorinde (Goddon 84); Lebihan, Adams (Wilson 82). Sub not used Daniels

Referee: Mr P Vosper (London).

Bookings: Hereford Matthewson (foul), Grayson (dissent); Dover Leberl (foul), Ayorinde (foul).

Attendance: 2,108.


AFTER being dumped out of the Trophy, Hereford United manager Graham Turner wasn't best pleased.

"It's been a disastrous day for us and magnifies our financial problems," said director of football Graham Turner.

"I just hope the fans will continue to support us through this difficult period.

"A lot of things conspired to see us go out. Tony Agana couldn't play due to an abscess on his face and John Brough was substituted early on with a back injury".

Meanwhile the Bulls have been linked with Bromsgrove's Darren Grocutt who is a central defender.

Feb 7th:

Tony Agana is fit to return to the Hereford United front line at Slough today, having had a bad tooth removed.

He will link up with top scorer Neil Grayson and Wolves on-loan striker Richard Leadbeater to spearhead the Bulls attack. Four-goal Leadbeater, back after being ineligible to play in the FA Umbro Trophy last week, said: "I was delighted when Wolves agreed to extend my loan. I know my game can get even better as I gain first-team experience."

Director of football Graham Turner, disappointed over the Trophy defeat by Dover and the Bulls' mid-table standing, said: "We must buckle down to achieve the highest position we can."

Skipper Brian McGorry is back after a one-match ban to face a side who are undefeated at home since November, have lost two of their last nine league games and knocked title favourites Halifax out of the Trophy on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, South Hereford District Council has thrown out proposals for an out-of-town stadium and leisure complex. Bulls chairman Peter Hill and Turner, shortly to become the club's majority shareholder, made an 11th-hour appeal to the authority, but the 10,000-seater stadium at Bullinghope was rejected on environmental grounds

SLOUGH 3 Hereford 0 (report by Peter Povall)

After travelling 160 odd miles to stand with the dedicated few 'Mad Bulls' who had made the trip and the London contingent, we were presented with another pitiful performance.

The lack of both John Brough and Richard Walker made a noticeable difference as Slough walked through the defence on quite a number of occassions. Gavin Mahon and Ian Rodgerson are not cut out for being central defenders and their inadaquacies clearly showed in this respect.

The revised formal failed to work and United were completely outplayed as they failed to adapt. Wexham Park was hardly the place to try it either, as Slough have been unbeaten at home for about the last 3 months.

Slough again proved that an early goal has a great deal of effect on Hereford as Gary Brazil (aptly named as judging by his footwork at the start of this move he could play for them) snaked a cross right through the entire United defence to Gary Abbott who was loitering on the back post and simple tapped the ball home.

Give United their dues, they made a better than usually reply and Richard Leadbeater's shot was blocked by Paul Wilkersonm, the ball returned to Agana who should really have finished the goal easily but his shot was well wide.

Slough's second came during a dubious decision to allow play to continue. The ball was quickly sent from end to end during a very quick couple of runs of play. The ball came from the Slough end, through the United defence towards Danny Bolt who was still running back from the previous attacking play. He was thought to be offside by the United defence who made a reasonable call form it and then settled back, expecting the flag to go up. The problem was, as Bolt made no attempt to play the ball and simply continued past it, he was deemed as not interfering with play. This allowed both Brazil and Abbott to sprint through the stationary United defence. Brazil collected the ball and crossed to Abbott leaving Quy completely stranded while the ball was slipped into the net.

Brazil also played a vital part in the third goal as he made a stunning break down the wing and then sent in a swinging cross to Corey Browne on the back post.

United did make a flurry of efforts on goal in the last five minutes but none of them were converted and it was far to little, to late. 

Feb 9th:

Hereford United boss Graham Turner spelt out his anger to his players after their third defeat in a row, during which they have failed to score and conceded seven goals.

Turner, who had warned his men before kick-off that they were playing for contracts and their future careers, said: "If you don't defend as a team, you won't win anything. Slough looked like scoring each time they attacked".

The Bulls must put their house in order as they go into a series of four Conference home games in 14 days, starting with local rivals Telford tomorrow (7.45pm)
 

Feb 10th:

TELFORD 1 Hereford United 1 (report by Peter Povall)

Graham Turner received a vicious blow today as his son Mark hammered home Telford's opener after 39 minutes. What he would say to dad the next day would have been worth being a fly on the wall for.

The match started well enough, even though Hereford have lost their last three games. The fact that they had failed to score in any of them was causing concern though.

Hereford dominated the majority of play but the killer instinct needed to claim goals was not forthcoming. Even with Telford being one of the bottom clubs in the Conference, Hereford never looked like claiming the match with any degree of confidence.

The opener from Mark Turner merely reinforced the point that the smaller clubs usually cause Hereford problems.

Almost the entire second half of the match was played in Telford's half. The main problem was that as the chances were created, it was James (Mis-Cue) McCue who was usually on the receiving end of them.

His first crystal clear chance came in the 47th minute when he was presented with a clear view of the goal and a stranded keeper. As usual, he missed the target by a mile. The second chance was at least on target but gave Mark Jones more than enough of a chance to make the save.

Mark Turner was also still causing a few problems as he beat the Hereford defence as Ian Duerden sent in an excellent cross but he failed to connect well and Andy Quy made a simple save.

The equaliser was very long in coming and it wasn't until the dying minutes of the game that Hereford earned a corner which Brian McGorry took, sending in a low ball which Trevor Matthewson flicked on to Chris Hargreaves. The next bit happened far to quickly to really take in. I think that Chris Hargreaves got a boot to the ball and was sending it right at the upright when a foot from Neil Grayson appeared from nowhere and hammered the ball against the underside of the bar.

The ball rebounded straight down and just for good measure, Chris Hargreaves reappeared to drive the ball into the back of the net.

Just who the really belongs to will be a mystery but it secured a draw from what has been a dreadful month of football for Hereford.

Feb 14th:

BULLS physio Simon Shakeshaft has parted company with the club to take up the position at Third Division Exeter.

Hereford-born Shakeshaft, who was once a ballboy with the Bulls, said: "It's sad for me. But I had to secure my immediate future due to all the problems at Edgar Street.

"I want to stay in football and its a step up the ladder as Exeter are a league club."

KEITH Downing is relishing his chance to guide Hereford United's first team off the pitch.

The former Wolves and Blues mifielder, who had been reserve coach since the start of the season, stepped in to look after the first team while director of football Graham Turner concentrates on securing the club's financial future through his take-over.

Downing has become more involved in coaching and training and he is enjoying the challenge.

"It's a big honour," said Downing.

"It's something that has come fairly soon, sooner than I expected. But with the circumstances going in upstairs, Graham has got a lot on his plate sorting out the board room matters.

"For me it's a great challenge and a great experience to be dealing with the senior players.

HEREFORD United 1 Morecambe 0 (report by Peter Povall)

Hereford showed true spirit and confidence today against Morecambe who are currently fifth in the table. Hereford controlled most of the game from start to finished which was partly due to the team having Richard Walker back in the squad to release Gavin Mahon to his usual position in midfield, although Mahon did have some trouble adapting again to not having to "hoof" the ball up the pitch.

Chris Hargreaves also had one of his best games this season. Coming close in the 4th minute. Just six minutes later his cross to Jamie Pitman was scramble saved.

James McCue then joined the assualt, but managed to balloon an excellant cross from Murray Fishlock clear over the bar from inside the 6 yard box. Two minutes later he had a headed shot saved on the line.

The game continued with almost continuous pressure on the Morecambe goal as McGorry, Hargreaves, Leadbetter, Fishlock and Matthewson all had shots saved or pushed out for corners.

The break finally came in the 40th minute when Jamie Pitman converted a flick on by McCure from a Murray Fishlock cross.

The rush of the first half also saw Brian McGorry drive a shot just wide of the post with a couple of minutes left before the break.

After the break, little changed except the pace although Morecambe did gain control for a period at the beginning of the second half but failed to exploit it. Again, play quickly changed ends leaving Pitman, Mahon, Leadbetter and Hargreaves all having shots on goal within 10 minutes.

Morecambe came back again from the 70th minute. Two minutes of play revealed three strange decisions by the referee and his assistant, one of which resulted in Pitman being booked for decent.

Andy Milner looked like becoming yet another former Hereford United player to seek revenge as his shot was blocked by Pitman only for him to put the rebound wide.

Rob Warner was brought on to replace Richard Leadbetter and quickly made his presence known as his shot just rose above the bar in the 81st minute.

Morecambe did not give in though and in the closing minutes Andy Milner drove home a low shot, only to have it disallowed for being offside.

Hereford then just maintained possession until the final whistle and Hargreaves put yet another one just wide.

A justly deserved three points which closes the gap on the next few teams above.

HEREFORD UNITED (5-3-2): Quy; Rodgerson, Fishlock, Pitman, Walker, Matthewson; Hargreaves, McGorry, Leadbeatter (Warner 79); McCue, Mahon. Subs (not used): Downing; Williams.

After the game both Jamie Pitman and Chris Hargraves spoke to the press.

"We won an important three points today. Hopefully, it will kick start another good run," said Pitman. "Our aim is to finish in the top six."

Hargreaves, the former West Bromwich Albion player who had a hand in the goal, said: "Everyone worked hard, particularly the defence. We do care about this club and hope to prove that to the fans."

Feb 21st:

HEREFORD United 1 Leek Town 0 (report by Peter Povall)

An inspired substitution by Graham Turner lead to Tony Agana bringing Hereford United to a second successive victory and a jump of three places up the GM Vauxhall Conference table.

This latest victory brings Hereford to a run of six unbeaten matches. The usual reality of the team finally being able to settle down and get the job done now that the championship is out of reach seems to continue.

Hereford dominated much of the match and stayed within Leek's half for most of their possession although Newland was rarely tested in the first half even though the defence offered a few corners.

He was however, tested by a header from Trevor Matthewson from a Brian McGorry corner which was cleared from the line.

The second half continued in the same way, but with Tony Agana replacing James McCue. The pressure on the Leek defence rose sharply as Agana, well supported, pushed hard against goal.

His efforts were rewarded in the 57th minute as he drove his shot wide of the keeper and set the crowd dancing.

This pressure continued in what was, to be honest, a fairly dull game. Andy Quy was only needed once in the second half as Dean Trott headed a cross wide of the post.

Chris Hargreaves, however, continued to pressure goal and had a shot blocked by Newland's feet and he was unlucky not to be rewarded for his efforts.

Another well deserved three points.

HEREFORD UNITED: Quy, Rodgerson, Fishlock, Pitman, Walker, Matthewson, Hargreaves, McGorry, Leadbeater (Cook 77), McCue (Agana 46) Mahon. Sub: Warner. 

Substitute Tony Agana ripped the Leek Town defence apart to claim Hereford United's winning goal in their Vauxhall Conference clash at Edgar Street.

Veteran Agana, a replacement for James McCue seven minutes earlier, latched on to a through ball from former Birmingham City fulack Ian Rodgerson before shrugging off three Leek defenders to score from close range.

"You have to take your chances as they come," said Agana after his fourth goal of the season. "It was a great ball from Ian which turned their defence." 


Feb 24th:

WOLVES striker Richard Leadbeater, who has netted four goals while on loan at Hereford United, plays his last game for the Bulls as they take on Hayes in the Vauxhall Conference at Edgar Street tonight. Top scorer Neil Grayson will return, having served out a two-match ban.

HEREFORD United 3 Hayes 0 (report by Peter Povall)

After losing 2-0 at Church Road back in September, Hereford were charged for this match from start to finish. The third successive win which takes the undefeated run to 7 games has hopefully set United on a storm to the top.

The match never looked in doubt even though Hayes had a good chance to open the scoring in the first ten minutes, but United were on a roll and never gave Hayes another look in.

Leadbeater opened the scoring with a low drive following a bit of a scramble which also involved Hargreaves and Grayson. Richard Leadbeater is now to return to Wolves as his loan period is over. He has been a great asset to the club in their time of need.

The second half was more even more eventful with Hayes captain Andy Cox being sent off in the 53rd minute following a foul on Neil Grayson. This did not help Hayes' chances and Hereford took advantage of this as the second goal followed just 5 minutes later.

Jamie Pitman was found in the right place at the right time as Meara blocked a powerful drive by Grayson only for the ball to fall to Pitman, who rightly buried it in the back of the net to bring his scoring total to 5 this season.

Again the pressure continued relentlessly, and the fans commented that it was good to see Hereford getting on with it and going for goals instead of just sitting back on a lead, which has been known to end in a draw or even a loss.

In the closing minutes the decisive goal was finished by Chris Hargreaves who had played well for the whole match. A flurry of moves brought the ball to him as a Grayson cross was headed on to Rob Warner who had a dig, only to have it saved, again with the ball falling to a waiting Hereford man to finish the job.

This match was an inspiration to the fans who have now seen what the team can really do. It was also good to note that this brings the goals for the last three matches to 5 for and 0 against. An excellent performance all round.

Feb 28th:

HEREFORD United director of football Graham Turner has introduced two new money-raising schemes to help the cash-strapped Vauxhall Conference club.

Supporters who wish to travel with the players can do so for a £50 fee which will also include a ticket for the appropriate game.

Hereford are also offering to hire out their Edgar Street stadium to local football clubs for a fee of £250 after April 26.