March 2000

March 2nd:

AGM date decided - The 52nd annual general meeting of Hereford United Football Club (1939) Ltd will be on Monday, March 27th at 6pm. The event, held at Legends Bar, will include Graham Turner's report for the year and the club's financial situation.

Nuneaton team news - The Bulls will hope to extend their unbeaten run when they take on Nuneaton Borough this Saturday. This will be United's third consecutive away match, but they have won two and drawn four of their last six matches away from Edgar Street. Nuneaton are currently one place and one point above United, but have played two more games. Ian Wright will miss the match, and the next two weeks, with an ankle ligament injury, but, except for James Wall who is out on loan, Graham Turner has a full squad to pick from.

Former club mascot Napoleon has been put down after a bad injury. Fans and players would like to thank Napoleon for his services to the club.

United to share Edgar Street - Hereford United have accepted an offer from Pegasus Juniors to share Edgar Street Stadium. Juniors, who have played home matches at three other locations this season, face relegation from the league unless they play in a stadium which they can charge fans an entrance fee. This is the case at Edgar Street but they will have to pay the Bulls hire charges and expenses on their match-days.

The agreement is for four home games only at this time, and the first match is Pegasus Juniors vs Banbury United in the Complete Music Hellenic League this Satuday, 3pm. They play two leagues below Hereford United, and Banbury are currently top. Admission costs will be adults £3 and concessions £1.50.

March 4th:

BURTON Albion will urge on-loan James Wall to do himself - and the Brewers - a favour.

Burton player-manager Nigel Clough revealed he had first been keen to bring 19-year-old Wall to Eton Park for a month from Hereford United.

But Bulls boss Graham Turner was unwilling to let him go and the former Derby trainee then picked up an injury which meant a spell on the sidelines.

Now he is fit and looking to regain his full match sharpness via the Brewers.

"James will be with us for a month," said Clough.

March 4th:

HEREFORD United have bid farewell to one of the stars of their FA Cup run, goalkeeper Mark Jones.

The keeper, arguably man of the match in their second round upset of Hartlepool, has joined Dr Martens Premier side Merthyr Tydfil on a free transfer.

The Shropshire based part-timer had been first choice after Andy Quy was injured back in September, but he lost his place at the end of January when Scott Cooksey signed on loan from Shrewsbury.

With Quy now in contention after his knee operation, and Cooksey extending his loan deal for a second month, Hereford felt they were able to let the veteran move on.

Manager Graham Turner explained: "Mark has done ever so well for us, particularly in the FA Cup, but his contract is up at the end of the season.

"Merthyr made him an offer and it would be wrong not to let him move on. He had done well for us and we wanted to do well by him."

Cooksey has been in impressive form for the Bulls in helping them extend their unbeaten run to nine games after Monday's win at Stevenage Borough.

The 3-0 success meant Cooksey has kept five clean sheets in his six matches. Tom White, also recruited on loan from Bristol Rovers, has also played his part in a rock-solid defence.

Both players' loans have been extended for another month, though Turner suggests he is not thinking off permanent deals at this stage.

March 4th:

NUNEATON Borough 0 - 1 Hereford United

Hereford United travelled to their third consecutive away league match, with a return of four points from a possible six. Any return from this match would be a good return, but a run of nine unbeaten league games meant the United fans were upbeat, this was boosted by their 3-0 away win over Stevenage Borough last Monday.

Ian Wright was missing from the United line-up through injury, so Graham Turner reverted to a 5-3-2 formation. Taylor was missing from the team, Williams was on the bench and Cooksey retained his place in goal.

However, the show was stolen by someone who has been consistently good this season for Hereford United. Part-time footballer Robin Elmes came on as a substitute thirteen minutes into the seond half and wrapped up a vitally important away match for Hereford United with a goal with twenty five minutes left.

However, Hereford United were not fully in control of this match. In the first half, both sides enjoyed the possesion, but neither could break the deadlock. Two Nuneaton Borough players were booked before the break, Broughton on 23 minutes for a foul and Wray, 45 minutes for unsporting behaviour.

There was a small amount of crowd trouble at the game played at Nuneaton's Manor Park, but this blew over as the game progressed. Neither side created a clear effort in the opening half, but there were efforts from Wray, Broughton, Rodgerson and Fewings. Into the second half, and Graham Turner made a substitution on fifty-seven minutes which changed the match. Paul Fewings, who had not impressed in his attacking role, was removed to make was for Robin Elmes. Elmes made an impact just seven minutes later with a diving header from a Paul Sturgess cross, beating former Hereford United goalkeeper Chris MacKenzie who joined Borough in the summer.

Nuneaton fought back and almost grabbed a point late on. Ged Murphy's shot what rising when it hit the underside of the crossbar but it bounced to safety, much to the relieve of the Hereford United defence. Overall, however, it was Hereford United who had the best of the chances with goal attempts at 7-10, and on target shots at 4-6 to Hereford. The twenty-seven fouls showed the nature of the game, and a foul by Paul Sturgess on seventy-four minutes resulted in a booking for him, just three minutes after Paul Parry was taken off and replaced by Gavin Williams.

A special mention must be given to Chris Lane, who was consistenly good all afternoon and deserved his man-of-the-match award by this website.

Attendance = 1,947

Man of the match - Chris Lane

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Clarke, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Fewings, Sturgess

Sub(s) who came on - Elmes

March 5th:

PRICE Rise - AS United are in the top five, tickets for the Hednesford match next Saturday will cost an extra £1.

Jones goes Welsh - Mark Jones, united's part-time goalkeeper, has signed for Merthyr Tydfil on a free transfer. In his first match against Cambridge City on Saturday, he kept a clean sheet and the match finished 0-0, and joins up with former Bulls striker Dean Clarke at Penderryn Park. Thanks for the memories, Joner.

March 7th:

STADIA OK - All five sides at the top of the Nationwide Conference have been told that their stadiums are up to Football League standards by the organisation. Chiefs have visited Rushden & Diamonds, Dover Athletic, Kidderminster Harriers and Yeovil Town and awarded them A gradings for Division Three football, but are yet to visit Hereford. In the event that United are still in the race on April 1st, they will be rated. However, the Edgar Street Stadium is already rated as A grading from their Division Three days. The requirement means that all teams could be promoted if the win the league, and almost certainly means a Division Three side will be playing Conference action next season.

March 8th:

ON-loan goalkeeper Scott Cooksey has been recalled to his side Shrewsbury Town after an injury to Paul Edwards, their regular number one. Edwards was injured in their 2-0 defeat against Cheltenham on Saturday and will mean that Cooksey, who has conceded two goals in five matches at United, will go to Shrewsbury as cover. This will mean a return to the first team for Andrew Quy, who is now fit after a lengthy lay-off from injury. However, due to the sale of Mark Jones, there is no reserve goalkeeper leaving Graham Turner with only a youth keeper for backup. Siddaway is the most likely option.

March 9th:

A SMALL minority of Hereford United's travelling contingent have been branded 'disgusting animals' after trouble broke out before and during Hereford's match at Nuneaton Borough last Saturday. Warwickshire Police say that up to 100 Hereford United fans were guilty for provoking the Nuneaton fans at Manor Park, both before and during the match. Inspector David Fry said that fans were not segregated until half-time, and extra officers were brought in to keep opposing fans apart. After the match, one United fan was arrested for drunken behaviour, but was released without charge. The club were sorry for the trouble, but were disappointed as the majority of travelling fans have behaved this season. The fans involved are a disgrace to the club, and should be disciplined. They have tarnished the good name of Hereford United, and don't deserve to be associated with the club.

"We are disturbed and disappointed to hear of the events of our match at Nuneaton," said a club statement.

"As a club we totally condemn any acts of misbehaviour by our supporters. We would like to point out that throughout the season our travelling supporters have behaved impeccably and have been a credit to this club and the city."

The club said it was concerned that, just before kick-off, a large contingent of supporters were allowed into what looked to be the home end of the ground, which was clearly occupied by Nuneaton.

However, the club added: "We find it difficult to accept that if our supporters' behaviour and provocative manner was so bad, why was there only one arrest."

Loss for United - Hereford United lost £162,074 in the last financial year (ending May 1999) according to Graham Turner. He gave the news during his report to shareholders as chairman of the club. However, the loss adds to the £1.3 million debt of the club after losses in consecutive years since 1995. The season was a bad one on the pitch, as United were eliminated in the early round of both the FA Cup and FA Trophy. The three paid directors got £54,300, and the staff wages came to £437,454, a 20% reduction on last year.

Two home games - Hereford United face Hednesford on Saturday and Woking next Tuesday in an effort to extend their unbeaten league run to twelve matches. However, both games will be hard as Hednesford lie in 11th and will b eager to push up the league, as will Woking who have dropped into the relegation zone. United won both away meetings, 1-0 and 2-0 respectively but Woking are under the new management of Colin Lippiatt, formerly of Yeovil Town. Team news and Leroy May and Matt Clarke have both missed training this week but should be fit for Saturday. Ian Wright has a 40% chance of playing but Paul Sturgess faces a suspension. His booking against Nuneaton will rule him out of the Forest Green match in nine days time.

March 10th:

LONG odds for Conference win - The odds for Hereford United to win the Conference are still in the 50's, despite an unbeaten run that has taken them to fourth place. Kidderminster are 5/2, Rushden are 9/4 on. Dover are 10/1, Yeovil are 25/1 and Hereford are 50/1 with Scarborough, Stevenage Borough and Kingstonian.

March 11th:

GRAHAM Turner on today's match (before kickoff): "We realise how much there is to be done to catch the top two. Draws at this stage are no good, we've got to keep winning."

Prices are normal - As quoted previously, the price increase for today's game will not be enforced. It is only when (not if) Hereford United reach the top three that the prices will increase by £1. Sorry for the mistake.

March 11th:

HEREFORD United will keep track on keeper Scott Cooksey despite his enforced return to Shrewsbury Town reports the Sports Argus.

The former Hednesford and Bromsgrove No 1 has been a mainstay in the Bulls' ten match unbeaten run, recording six clean sheets out of seven games after joining on loan from Shrewsbury.

The Third Division side had agreed to extend the initial month two weeks ago but under the agreement they could call him back at 24 hours' notice - and when their regular keeper Paul Edwards was hurt Cooksey was recalled to face one of his former sides Peterborough United on Tuesday.

With Mark Jones having last week left Hereford to join Merthyr Tydfil, it has opened the door to Andy Quy to return following a six months lay-off.

Quy has recovered from a knee operation and has come through a couple of reserves games with no reaction.

But with Cooksey being told he can leave the Shrews in the summer, Bulls boss Graham Turner hasn't ruled out a return.

'We will monitor the situation,' said Turner.

'It's a blow to lose Scott because he has had six out of seven clean sheets in his time with us.

'He was on the bench for Shrewsbury on Tuesday and I understand their other keeper is close to being fit so I don't think they will want to keep three full-time keepers.'

Meanwhile, the Bulls were happy to be on home soil today against Hednesford, for only the second time since the turn of the year.

Turner admitted the run of away games had not helped them financially but thankfully their FA Cup windfall has seen them through. 'We've just managed to keep our heads above water,' he added

March 11th:

HEREFORD United 3 - 0 Hednesford Town

Hereford United went into this match hoping to extend their unbeaten to eleven matches, and aiming to move up to third in the league table. Due to the recall of Scott Cooksey and the sale of Mark Jones, Andy Quy was brought back into the first team after six months out with a knee tendon injury. Paul Fewings missed the match through injury, as did Ian Wright and Steve Piearce, but Mark Taylor was still recovering and was named as a substitute.

The first real effort of the game came with a good long ball into the box in the fourth minute. A quality ball from Parry was met by the head of Robin Elmes who headed it over the advancing Stuart Ford in the Hednesford goal to make the score one as his header from the far post was hit across goal into the net. However, Hednesford hit back immediately and in the fifth minute a long run from Twynham put him one-on-one with the 'keeper who jumped towards the ball and cleared. A minute later Hednesford had a corner which was headed wide of the goal.

However, it was Hereford who had the best of the play in the early stages. A Sturgess cross was knocked back but May and Robin Elmes had his shot blocked. There were efforts for Hereford where the defence struggled to clear with goalmouth scrambles, but Hednesford had a good chance on twenty minutes when Quy had to clear with his legs. The clearance released Parry but the cross didn't match the run as it was cleared. Throughout the afternoon, Parry played well but when confronted by a defender stuttered and more often than not lost the ball. It was well be a day that the Chepstow born youngster will want to forget as he had a good run midway through the half but went down injured a metre from the sideline just outside the Hednesford area. However, it was at least thrity seconds until he was treated because play had moved to the other end of the field. He was soon back and ready to play on

Leroy May, up front for Hereford, was not on the ball in the first half and the Hereford United defence also made some mind-boggling passbacks when under pressure. On the half hour, however, Ian Rodgerson had a corner kick. It came into the box put was palmed away by the goalkeeper. Rodgerson played in the centre next to Snape and Clarke played out-wide on the right to make up for the loss of Mark Taylor through injury.

Matt Clarke had a good effort which went wide from a good piece of skill by Parry on thrity-two, but he clashed with the goalkeeper soon after and it resulted in him receiving treatment. There were no chances for either side in the rest of the half, as things got a bit scrappy.

The second half brought back the scrappy encounter that the fans had seen in the first, and this became apparent in the first minute with a goalmouth scramble. Eventually the United team scored but it was disallowed thanks to a foul. A minute later it was Hednesford's turn to attack, but Quy saved well from a freekick from twenty-five yards. On fifty minutes Hednesford had another chance thanks to Neil Davis, but Quy lifted the ball from his feet.

Scott Goodwin was yellow carded soon after a foul on Ian Rodgerson who had to receive treatment. A free kick was awarded wide on the United right thirty yards out but the 'keeper plucked the ball from the air. Matt Clarke had his shirt pulled on the hour, and Chris Brindley, Hednesford's centre back, was booked. The free-kick, in almost an identical position to the previous one, was passed to May in the box who turned but fired into the 'keeper's hands. Clarke had a good effort soon after, but it went wide. The referee was particularly impressive as he was up with the match, unlike some of his colleagues that have been asked to referee at Edgar Street this season!

With twenty-three minutes left, Hednesford's Twynham had a good run but, when one-on-one with Quy, fell over and Quy saved. Three minutes later, a foul on Clarke meant a corner but the home fans were protesting for a penalty. Hednesford made a substituation as Twynham who had been unimpressive upfront, was replaced by Ged Kimmins, and soon after replaced Ian Robertson with Stuart Airdrie. The home side brought off Parry for Williams. Further chances came, but none that really troubled either goalkeeper until Lane's long throw was met by Elmes. He couldn't get the shot in but managed to knock over the Hednesford 'keeper instead!

The second goal eventually came three minutes before times thanks to Gavin Williams. He made a great run from the half way line into the box and GOAL! United went 2-0 up. However, Jim Kelly was booked after the goal for fighting. The third goal, in added time, came from a Rodgerson corner. Elmes met it with a diving header to knock it past the goalkeeper and seal a convincing victory for Hereford United.

The man of the match award was given to John Snape who battled well in the midfield all afternoon and probably deserved the award.

Attendance = 2,122

Man of the match - John Snape

Hereford - Quy, Lane, James, Clarke, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Elmes, Sturgess

Sub(s) who came on - Williams

March 14th:

HEREFORD United 2 - 4 Woking

Woking, one from bottom of the league, vitally required points and the players were out to impress new manager Colin Lippiatt, who had returned to the club two weeks ago. Defeat for Hereford would effectively end their slim chances of a championship win, recently revived by a run of eleven matches unbeaten, the last defeat coming at Scarborough last December. Before the game, Graham Turner said the match would be much harder than it looked on paper.

The referee, Mr K Barnes from Wiltshire, and his assistants, Mr I Restell and Mr R East, were awful and frequently missed fouls and offsides. In fact, at least two of the Woking goals were off-side, with the final one clearly missed by the officials. Wright and Taylor were still missing from the United side, as was Fewings, and Leroy May continued up-front with Robin Elmes.

However, it all went horribly wrong for Hereford, as they were dismantled in the opening half-an-hour and create a huge uphill task for themselves in the second half. Despite Hereford United having most of the possesion in the first half, they were scrappy. Passes were hit of-course and they looked like a relegation threatened side, not a team looking to win the championship. The goals, from Darron Hay, Nassim Akrour and Scott Steele, were not particularly good, but lapses in concentration by the Hereford United defence meant that the goals looked easy. One defender was very poor, and didn't pay that well against Hednesford on Saturday - his name is left-back Paul Sturgess.

The opening goal came in after eleven minutes, when Scott Smith crossed for Darron Hay to head in. The goal was due to awful defending by United, as Hay wasn't marked in the box and was left clear to head past Andrew Quy. It was the first goal the Bulls have conceded for 479 minutes, since their 2-2 at Doncaster over a month ago. The second goal came ten minutes later, as Alighiara headed a cross from Scott Smith and Akrour beat Quy from close range. Another dreadful piece of defending from United allowed the goal, and the defenders were not concentrating.

Despite the Woking goals, Hereford United did attack and hit the crossbar through a long range shot by Ian Rodgerson. However, a lack of understanding between Paul Sturgess and Parry on the right meant Hereford couldn't attack as well as they would have liked. The third goal came just seven minutes after the second, thanks to official man-of-the-match Nassim Akrour. Hereford who were attacking, lost possession and Akrour broke on the left and then crossed to Scott Steele who beat Quy (again).

Just six minutes after the third goal, and with the score at 3-0, Rob Elmes headed against the Woking crossbar but it rebounded away. Then Woking could have gone 4-0 up but a header from Hay was knocked just over the bar. Disgusted by the performace, the home side were booed and jeered off at half time as the fans showed their anger.

When United came out for the second half, they looked more vibrant and whatever Graham Turner had said to them at half time, it looked to have filtered through. After early Woking pressure, Hereford pressed forward and Elmes had a long range shot that went just over the bar. Eventually, on the hour mark, Hereford reduced Woking's lead through a goalmouth scramble. Ian Rodgerson's free kick was knocked into the net by Woking defender Steve West. Goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, who's brother Aaron plays for Portsmouth, scrambled for the ball but to no avail.

The second goal came seven minutes later as the atmosphere started to build up. The Meadow End were not effected by the 53 fans from Woking, as Parry picked up a poor clearance from Flahavan and slotted the ball past him after a good run, making the score 2-3. With seventeen minutes left, Gavin Williams replaced Parry in an attempt to salvage a point but as the attacks came, good defending by Woking meant United were unable to capitalise. Two minutes after the substitution, Woking had a corner. Scott Smith crossed it in, but Quy saved well and it went behind for another corner.

Tony James missed a good chance after good work from a free kick by Ian Rodgerson and United captain John Snape, but United continued to pressurise. Two minutes from time, however, it was Danny Bolt, a substitute, who had a good chance that Quy saved but the final goal came in the last minute. Akrour was put through but he was offside. However, the assistant or referee failed to recognise the offence and eventually he scored from eight yards by slipping the ball passed Quy.

The final score was a fair reflection of the sides, and Hereford United deserved to lose after a dire first half performance. Woking weren't particularly good, it was that Hereford were really that bad.

Attendance = 2,216

Man of the match - Nassim Akrour

Hereford - Quy, Lane, James, Clarke, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Elmes, Sturgess

Sub(s) who came on - Williams

March 15th:

DUE to call ups from the Kingstonian squad to the England Semi-Professional Match, next Wednesday, the match between Kingstonian and Hereford United next Wednesday has been postponed. A new date has not yet been set.

WANTED - 20 people for 'Fun' Penalty Shoot Out

FIRST ROUND - 29th April (vs Welling)
FINAL - 6th May (vs Sutton)

To be held before the match and at half-time. Try your skills against the reserve goalkeeper. Winner gets - a trophy, two seats on the team bus and tickets to an away match.

All you have to do is get £75 Sponsorship

To register call 01432 359389

YOUTH Team Second - Hereford United Youth Team are currently second in the Midland Floodlit Youth League Southern Division, nine points behind Racing Club Warwick with two games in hand. In the reserves, United lie seventh in the eleven team Optimum Interiors Central Conference. Cheltenham Town currently lead the league.

New ConfCall - For the latest Conference match details, you can call 09068 800 619 from 6pm on Saturday and 10pm on Weekdays. Calls cost 60p/minute.

FANS FORUM - Taking place at Legends on Thursday, March 30th starting at 8pm. Graham Turner and the players will be attending.

Up to 3rd but odds lengthened - Despite moving up to third place in the Conference, Hereford United's title odds have been lengthened. Kidderminster and Rushden are clear frontrunners, according to leading bookmakers Ladbrokes, with Jan Molby's side at priced at 5-4 and Rushden & Diamonds at 4-7 favourites. Hereford and Dover are 66-1 with all other teams quoted at 100-1.

The great 150 - Hereford United scored the 150th Conference League goal in their 3-0 win over Stevenage on February 28th.

March 16th:

SATURDAY's league match between Forest Green Rovers and Hereford United could be a hard-fought encounter between two sides looking for points for different reasons. Hereford United, who lost 4-2 to Woking on Tuesday are still in with a very slim chance of winning the championship whereas Forest Green Rovers need points to pull away from the relegation zone. Forest Green will also want to complete the record of beating all of the top five at home this season - but they must win to make the set complete. United will be without defender Paul Sturgess (above) as he serves a one-match ban and the Gloucestershire side will miss Tony Daley, the former England, Aston Villa and Wolves winger, who has an ankle injury. The score at Edgar Street earlier in the season was Hereford United 1 Forest Green 0.

March 18th:

HEREFORD United expect to have Scott Cooksey available to end the season at Edgar Street.

The England semi-pro keeper had been an instrumental figure in the Bulls' storming unbeaten run through February and March, recording six clean sheets in seven matches.

The former Hednesford and Bromsgrove No 1 was called back from his loan last week by Shrewsbury Town, but they have now allowed him to return to the Bulls. While the Shrews can recall him at any time, United boss Graham Turner hopes Cooksey's season will continue with them.

'Scott did well for us and I'm pleased to have him back on board.' said Turner.

Andy Quy has been in goals for the past two games, but he has missed six months of the season following surgery on his knee.

Ironically, the Bulls' unbeaten sequence came to a shuddering halt after 12 matches amid a flurry of goals against lowly visitors Woking on Tuesday.

Having conceded just two in the previous eight matches, they let in three in the space 20 first half minutes.

Turner admitted he was left shell-shocked by the start but he highlighted the positives in their second half comeback before losing 4-2.

'It was an amazing start. We should not have been 3-0 down at half-time because we hit the bar and other chances to make it 3-1 or 3-2 and then it would have been a different game,' said Turner.

'But we gave it a real go after the break. We showed a lot of character and a great spirit.'

Better news for Hereford is that they can report an injury free squad for the first time this season. Paul Sturgress missed today's match at Forest Green Rovers through suspension but he will be available for next Saturday's clash at Rushden & Diamonds.

March 18th:

FOREST Green Rovers 0 - 1 Hereford United

Forest Green Rovers went into this match knowing a win would pull them away from the relegation zone, and that they needed to beat Hereford United to gain the coveted record of beating all of the top five teams at the Lawn this season.

United fielded a goalkeeper that no one felt they would see at Edgar Street again this season. Scott Cooksey has re-started his loan spell at Edgar Street and was plunged straight into the team, as Andy Quy dropped to the bench after he conceded four goals against Woking on Tuesday. Forest Green's former Hereford captain David Norton was recalled to the team after he passed a late fitness test.

The first half was quite an active affair, with Forest Green creating the first chance. It was former Wolves, England and Aston Villa winger Tony Daley who provided the cross, but he failed to pick out ex Manchester United striker Dennis Bailey in the Hereford United box, as the ball was just too high. It didn't take long for Hereford to start attacking, and John Snape's first effort was a long range shot that went narrowly wide of the post. The Gloucestershire side continued to create chances, and two minutes later Daley had an effort, but the shot went narrowly wide. Later Forest Green had another attack through a Jason Drysdale freekick. The effort found Daley who headed narrowly wide of Scott Cooksey's post.

United had the brighter of the start in the second half, and Parry's cross was tipped over by Shuttleworth. Leroy May then should have given United the advantage but somehow managed to hit the ball over from close range.

However, in the fifty-ninth minute, the deadlock was broken. Paul Parry's left handed cross was knocked back to Tony James who hit a powerful shot which took a deflection and goalkeeper Justin Shuttleworth knocked the ball under his own crossbar to give Hereford United a 1-0 lead.

United made three substitutions and Forest Green two in an attempt to extend/level the scoreline. Forest Green brought Paul Hunt and Adie Mings, and United brought on Fewings, Williams and Taylor.

With seventy two minutes on the clock, Rovers looked to equalise from a Drysdale corner but Bailey's volley went way over the crossbar. Eight minutes later, Rover should have levelled when another corner was headed back but Mings hit wide. Referee J. W. Pettitt only had to make one booking, for a late foul by Paul Fewings.

Rovers were by far the better team in the first half, but Hereford better in the second. Whether United deserve the three points is open for debate, but they were handed them by one piece of awful goalkeeping by Justin Shuttleworth. However, the pitch was difficult for both teams but it was Hereford United who went home with the points.

Attendance = 1,509

Man of the match - Tony James

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Clarke, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Elmes, Wright

Sub(s) who came on - Taylor, Fewings and Williams

March 23rd:

HEREFORD United face what will prove to be a tough match at Nene Park as they take on Rushden and Diamonds on Saturday. United, 3rd, beat Rushden, 2nd, 4-0 in the match at Edgar Street in September but the game was much closer than the score suggests. United, however, are eight points behind Rushden so a win would bring the title back into view. Defeat would effectively end any challenge but would mean Rushden would keep the heat up on United's great rivels Kidderminster. Hereford United will have Paul Sturgess back from suspension, and Matt Clarke (right) should play, albeit with a light cast on his hand to protect a broken bone. Rushden will play Simon Wormull, a recent signing from Dover, but top scorer McElhatton is out for six months injured.

Matchman of the Month - Hereford United defender Ian Wright has been awarded 'Conference Matchman of the Month' by Match Magazine. However, he was named as Ian Wright in the magazine, so he may not be so pleased with it!

THE Kingstonian away league match has been rescheduled for April 6th.

IN an effort to see United's competition on the stadium front, a group of seven councillors led by Terry James will visit the stadium when United play there on Saturday. HUISA are organising the trip to the stadium, dubbed as the 'Mini Old Trafford' and paid for by Max Griggs, multi-millionaire chairman of Rushden and Dr Martens.

United to be league champions? - In the Midland Youth Floodlit League Southern Division, United won 1-0 at Evesham thanks to a goal from Matthew Beale. The win means there are five points between United and Racing Club Warwick, and Warwick could wrap up the title if they win their final game of the season tonight. United have two games to play.

March 24th:

MORE fundraising information - Don't forget:
Sunday April 2nd, 11am, Emlyn Hughes XI vs Hereford United XI at Edgar Street
Emlyn Hughes Select includes - Richie (from Emmerdale), and stars from Brookside, Eastenders, Byker Grove, The Bill, and former professionals from Liverpool, England, Birmingham and Aston Villa.M
Hereford United XI includes - Tommy Hughes, Tony Byrne, Dudley Tyler, Stewart Phillips, Rick George, Phil Stant Billy Meadows, Gary Stevens and Gavin Mahon. Also some present players.
The club have annouced that photos may be taken with the players, so some extra cash might be handy!
Also, there's a raffle - 1st Prize - A PC with Windows 2000 and Microsoft Office.

March 25th:

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner is keeping his options open on making any late moves into the transfer market.

The Bulls chief will sit down after today's crunch clash at Rushden & Diamonds to assess any extra injuries before weighing up his strategy ahead of Thursday's 5pm deadline.

After a season punctuated by one injury after another, Turner can happily report a near full squad. Only defender Matt Clarke is on the current casualty list after he suffered a broken hand in last week's win at Forest Green Rovers.

'He is in plaster and will be out of action for a couple of weeks,' added Turner.

The Bulls, enjoying their best ever run in the Conference and a highest ever position of third, visit title favourites Rushden & Diamonds today looking for a win which would throw the title battle firmly into the air.

Turner insists he won't be giving up, until it's mathematically impossible.

'We've got to believe that we have still got a shot at being champions,' he added.

'We are very much third favourites but if the top two slip up we've got to put ourselves in a position to take advantage.

'We want to keep breathing down the necks of Kidderminster and Rushden.

RUSHDEN and Diamonds 0 - 0 Hereford United

Prior to the match, Graham Turner would have been pleased of any points return from this match again Rushden, league favourites currently in second place. The biggest Conference attendance of the day, totally just over 4,000, watched a game that produced no goals, but was a very entertaining affair. Thge eight points difference was indistinguishable in the second half, as the Bulls outplayed their rich hosts.

The game started brightly and 'keeper Scott Cooksey did well to frequently clear Rushden's early attacks. First he cleared an effort from Simon Wormull, Rushden's recent five figure signing from Dover Athletic, but then Hereford started attacking through Leroy May. The former nightclub stripper headed a good effort which Rushden's striker Miguel De Souza cleared off the line, and kept the score goalless.

Former Leicester City striker David Lowe had a good effort which flew just over the bar, and Wormull continued Rushden's attacking presence with a header. Again Cooksey consistently saved the efforts and was given the website Man-of-the-Match award for his superb defensive performance. If Turner can secure him on a full-time contract he will be a great addition to the squad, but could spell the end for Andrew Quy.

With twenty-five minutes on the clock, Tony James ran fifty yards only for Rushden's defence to block the shot, and then six minutes later Rushden young midfielder Andrew Burgess beat two Hereford United defenders andf the resulting cross was cleared just before it was to reach Wormull. Rushden continued to pressurise the Hereford defence, and captain Paul Underwood had a thirty yard effort zoom just the post. Rodwell also missed a good chance as he headed over from a Wormull corner, but Turner must have said something to completely revitalise his team for the second half.

Hereford came out more attacking minded, taking the game to Rushden. Nine minutes into the second half, however, Rushden nearly made Hereford pay for their attacking play through De Souza. He knocked a good effort from an acute angle but the shot skimmed the bar and bounced away. As the hour mark passed, Hereford took control of the game and started to produce some of the attacking play which has already allowed them to score fifty four goals this season, only Rushden and Kidderminster have scored more. Nine corners in the second half underlined United's dominance over a Rushden side who defended well and only got one corner.

Turner was obviously going for the win, as he brought on two attackers (Williams and Fewings) on seventy-two minutes, but ten minutes later Rushden almost secured three points. Gary Butterworth had a good effort and a tremendous save from Scott Cooksey meant both teams have to go home with a point. However, there was some bad news for Hereford when John Snape was injured seven minutes from time with a head injury. There were two bookings in the game, both to Rushden players. David Lowe was booked on fifteen minutes for dissent, and Cooper on 81 for a foul.

A 2-0 win by Kidderminster does no favours for either side. Hereford's failure to win now looks as if their title chances are over, but Rushden must win their games in hand to have a chance of stopping Kidderminster win the title.

Attendance = 4,024

Man of the match - Scott Cooksey

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Taylor, White, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Elmes, Wright

Sub(s) who came on - Sturgess, Fewings and Williams

BEFORE today's match HUISA escorted a group of Herefordshire County Councillors to Rushden to see their new ground. The councillors led by leader Terry James were provided with a hospitality package including lunch and grandstand seats.

They were said to be impressed with the development and overwhelmed with the passion of the nearly 1,000 travelling support.

HUISA said that the trip was an excellent opportunity to put over the football clubs case to the councillors.

March 28th:

IT's official - League attendances in the Nationwide Conference have hit 600,000 already this season. Hereford United, currently 3rd in the league, have had no small part to play in the feat, with attendances reaching over 4,000 this season for the local derby against Kidderminster. The average attendance in the Conference is 1,700, but Hereford's is over 2,000, and over a third of the teams have average attendances over 2,000.

March 30th:

HEREFORD United midfielder Mark Taylor will retain his place in the team for his side's game against Morecambe at Edgar Street on Saturday. Matt Clarke will probably miss the match with a hand injury, but John Snape will feature after having three stitches in his head after the Rushden match. Paul Sturgess faces a late fitness test, but fellow defender Tom White has extended his loan for another month from Bristol Rovers.

Wall signed for season - Defender James Wall has extended his loan spell from United to Burton until the end of the season.

Turner: We must finish third - Graham Turner has said that the priority this season must be to get the third place in the Conference, behind Rushden and Kidderminster. Despite not giving up hope of the championship, he said that it would take a big upset for United to win the league. Finishing third would also get United a share of the proposed £25,000 jackpot. However, three teams could go above United if they win their games in hand. Dover, Scarborough and Yeovil all have a good chance of finishing third, but it is Hereford who have the points in the bag.

Morecambe stay top - A thirteen point lead between Morecambe and Hereford United has opened up at the top of the Conference Fair Play League.

£1.3million deficit - Debts for the club are now at £1.3 million, shareholders were told at the AGM on Monday night. The meeting, which lasted only thirty five minutes, also announced that future AGM's would be held within three months of the end of the financial year, and now ten months in this case. Graham Turner, there as chairman, majority shareholder and team manager, thanked staff, supporters, sponsors and everyone who has helped the club in these difficult times.

March 31st:

ACCORDING to Conference statistics, Hereford United have the best home strike rate in the League. On average, they score a home goal every 39 minutes, and second places are filled by Morecambe and Rushden (41 minutes). Away from home, Hereford are 18th (95 minutes), and overall they are 5th (57 minutes). However, United concede a goal every 60 minutes at home (only Morecambe are higher with 58 minutes), and and away they are equally second best (90 minutes). Overall, they concede every 73 minutes (16th). Paul Fewings (right) is =4th top scorer with 13 goals, and Elmes is just behind with 12 (=8th).