April 2000

April 1st:

HEREFORD United chief Graham Turner insists plans to award the Conference a second promotion place into Division Three will be good for football.

The chairman of the Third Division clubs this week agreed in principle to increase the promotion with the Conference. At the moment, only the Conference champions are promoted.

A working party will be created to look into the practical and financial issues of what is likely to become two-up, two-down, and their findings will be put to all 72 League clubs, possibly at the annual general meeting this summer.

If the Conference are granted two promotion places the champions would go up automatically, with the second spot decided by a play-off.

Turner - who has a foot in both sides of the divide after being relegated with the Bulls in 1997 - believes the concept will only benefit both leagues.

Not only will it reward the ambitious clubs in the Conference but it will also mean an easier way back into the League for any club dropping out.

A play-off for the second to fifth placed teams would also increase the interest as the season reaches its conclusion.

Turner said: 'I think it's going to be a very positive move. There are plenty of clubs in the Conference who are capable of competing in Division Three.

'Two-up, two down will give more clubs the chance.

'When you look through the Premiership and Divisions One, two and Three, it's at least three up, three down so it's only fair that the Conference should have another promoted place.'

HEREFORD United 1 - 1 Morecambe

Hereford United could say they were unlucky that they didn't gain all three points in this match against mid table Morecambe - however if they had, they wouldn't really have deserved it. Morecambe weren't very good, but Hereford were not good enough to win the match.

United started without regulars Sturgess, White and Elmes. Instead, Paul Fewings started the match and Tony James teamed up with Ian Wright in the centre of defence, with Mark Taylor returning in midfield. It was clear from the start that this was to be an attacking-minded game, and in the second minute the away team broke down the right and crossed into the centre. The shot came in from Jackson, but was cleared off the line at the Meadow End by skipper Ian Wright.

A couple of minutes later Hereford had their first real opening, as the goalkeeper Steve McIlhargey fumbled a Lane cross but United were unable to capitalise on the chance. McIlhargey and Cooksey in the home goal played well all consistently well all afternoon, and Cooksey showed his skill five minutes later when he tipped a good long-range Stuart Drummond effort over his crossbar.

Hereford continued to pressurise the Morecambe goal, and a good cross from the left hand side was met by Leroy May, but his header went wide of the far post. Midway through the half, another Morecambe cross from the right after a good run narrowly missed the oncoming striker, and the ball was cleared by the home defence.

On the half hour, Ian Rodgerson was brought down on the left on the Morecambe box. A minute later, Scott Cooksey was forced to make a good save from the Morecambe number nine, Justin Jackson, and then Andy Fensome was booked for a late challenge on Ian Rodgerson. The resulting freekick from Rodgerson was headed towards goal by Leroy May, but the goalkeeper saved the effort.

Further efforts came for Morecambe, the best of which was missed by Knowles from close range. Whatever Graham Turner said to his side at half-time, it did the trick as they came out and immediately started to attack. Leroy May headed just over a minute after the restart, then a corner was crossed in two minutes which the defence failed to clear and Ian Wright volleyed the effort into the back of the net.

Soon after, Gavin Williams shot but his effort was blocked but then Paul Fewings scored but the goal was disallowed for offside by the referee Mr A Penn from Kingswinford. The second half continued but chances were rare and the game started to become a bore. A good opening came for Morecambe on the hour but both Cooksey and the striker clashed and needed treatment. Fifteen minutes later, a good strike from thrity five yards was deflected wide for a Morecambe corner but Cooksey eventually got down to extinguish any chance.

The equaliser came on seventy seven minutes, with a good header by John Norman going past Cooksey at the far post. It was a good run from Gary Thompson down the right which allowed Norman to outjump the United defence and score the goal. A minute later Hereford had had a penalty appeal turned down, much to the disgust of the Hereford faithful. Elmes was soon brought on by Turner to replace the unimpressive Fewings, but a good run by Morecambe with five minutes left almost gave them three points, but a last ditch tackle by the defender meant both teams ended the game with a point each, a fair refleection of the proceedings.

Morecambe's McKearney was also booked at the end of the first half for a foul.

Attendance = 1,808

Man of the match - Ian Wright

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Taylor, Williams, Rodgerson, Parry, Snape, May, Fewings, Wright

Sub(s) who came on - Elmes

April 2nd:

AFTER RC Warwick wrapped up the league title with a 1-0 win over Evesham, Hereford are guaranteed to finish 2nd. They also beat Evesham 1-0, but the game was of no relivance because they couldn't move up or down in the league table. Their final game is on Monday, 17th April at 7.30pm when they play Malvern Town at Edgar Street.

NUNEATON Borough held United 1-1 in the recent reserve game after they went 1-0 up int he first half, but Paul Fewings equalised in the second half. Their final home game of the season is on Monday night when they play Telford United at Edgar Street, kick off 7.30pm.

THE HUISA Player Of The Year Evening will be held after the Sutton United match (6th May) at 8pm in Legends. Tickets, costing £5, include a buffet and tickes can be bought from the club office in Blackfriars Street (call 01432 276666). Shield's presented by HUISA include the Player Of The Year and Supporter Of The Year.

HUISA XI vs Hereford United XI - If you would like to be referee/assistant referee or even play in this match, make sure you go to the aforementioned awards ceremony to bid for the chance to participate. The game will be played at Edgar Street, kick off 7pm on Wednesday, 10th May.

ANYONE wanting to go to Kingstonian on Thursday must call the club on 01432 276666 to book their place on the bus (minimum 20 passengers). The coach leaves Edgar Street at 2.30pm (pick up Ledbury at 3pm) and travel costs £10 members, £12 non-members. When at the ground, seats cost £10 (adults + concessions), terracing £8 adults and £6 concessions.

April 4th:

THE redevelopment of Edgar Street has been classed as one of the high prorities of local councillors, and is expected to be top of the agenda for the May elections. The Liberal Democrats have announced that they will support and such scheme to redevelop Edgar Street and provide a stadium with top-flight requirements to the city. United fans have had meetings with councillors, and big sounds have been heard from the authority. The local people evidently want state-of-the-art facilities for the club, and the authority has commited itself to the cause.

THE Football League and Football Conference have been in negotiations on a possible increase of promotion places from the Conference to Division Three. However, it looks as if the Football League is reluctant to allow another automatic promotion place, and are currently negotiating a deal which would allow the teams in 2nd-5th positions to fight for an promotion place. Another idea was to let the one from bottom side in Division Three play in a play-off tournament with the 2nd-4th placed Conference teams. No final decision has yet been made.

LAST Sunday, United held a charity match headed by former Liverpool star Emlyn Hughes. 800 fans turned up for the event to see stars from Grange Hill, Emmerdale, Eastenders and Brookside play against United stars past and present. On the day, the Bulls won 5-3 with current player Chris Lane scoring a hatrick! The club announced that £3,140 was raised on the day.

April 6th:

THE latest proposal to make Conference clubs a bigger part of professional football is to allow leading sides to play in the Auto Windscreen Shield. The top few sides in the Nationwide Conference may be invited to play in the shield, currently contested by teams from Divisions Two and Three, and Hereford United are likely to be one of the chosen teams if the scheme gets off the ground. Graham Turner has said "There are plenty of clubs in the Conference capable of competing in Division Three." This has been seen in the FA Cup this season, and could again be highlighted if the idea develops.

AFTER a flu bug, striker Rob Elmes and on-loan defender Tom White returns to the Hereford United side who are hoping to win three points against Kingstonian tonight. Paul Sturgess could also return after missing the last match with a thigh strain. Matt Clarke will again play with his hand in cast but Kingstonian will be without leading marksman David Leworthy who will miss the remainder of the season after an operation.

KINGSTONIAN 0 - 0 Hereford United

Hereford United and Kingstonian vitally required the points in their effort to win 3rd place in the Conference, however both sides were dealt a blow by a boring 0-0 draw, and it would have been more entertaining staying at home! Kingstonian may have had an eye on this weekends' FA Trophy match, and opponents Hereford brought in Tom White and Robin Elmes. This meant Rodgerson moved to his normal right sided midfield position, and Tony James was back in his defensice role at left back.

The opening half was particularly drab, with very few goalmouth efforts. The first chance, in the 16th minute, came a free kick from Colin Lucketti and it took a stuck out leg by Cooksey to put it behind. A minute later, Derek Allan the Kingstonian defender made a poor back pass to the keeper, but Crossley then cleared the danger. This was probably caused by one of the many sand filled holes in the Kingstonian pitch. However, United broke on the half-hour, when Rodgerson hit a right wing cross to Parry. Mustapha, still upfield, left the right side of the defence completely open for Parry, who beat the goalkeeper but hit just over the bar. Soon after, Rodgerson was brought off with a hamstring injury and replaced by Gavin Williams.

As the half drew to an end, Chris Lane fouled Pitcher, a run which almost resulted in a great goal from Simba, but the overhead kick went horribly wrong. Lane was then booked for the challenge. Two minutes later, Cooksey stopped a Mustapha cross but the referee adjudged him to have knocked it over the line and behind for a corner. Cooksey protested and was promptly booked!

After the break, Kingstonian continued to dominate the play and almost scored after ten minutes. Lucketti's corner was headed against the bar by Saunders, and two further efforts went close to giving the home side the lead. Despite having most of the possession but doing very little with it. They probably deserved the victory on the night, but goals make victories and they didn't score one! The referee, Mr M North, also missed a possible penalty for Kingstonian when substitute Clarke put out his arm to stop Pitcher in the area.

On 75 minutes, Williams' shot went wide and from the corner, White headed just wide of the post. Five minutes later, Williams got onto the end of a great through ball and one-on-one with the 'keeper. However, Farrelly blocked well with his legs. At the end, Kingstonian should have wrapped up victory with two great chances. The first, through striker Ronnie Green, was smothered by Cooksey. With two minutes left, Amara Simba shot with his right food from 20 yards but a great save from Cooksey kept the score goalless. This game was a boring encounter producing exactly the result both sides deserved : 0-0.

Attendance = 644

Man of the match - None awarded

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

Sub(s) who came on - Williams, Clarke

April 8th:

HEREFORD United 0 - 1 Yeovil Town

Again, Yeovil Town showed why they are Hereford United's bogey team with a hard-fought victory on a sunny afternoon at Edgar Street. Hereford United probably deserved a draw as they were good in the second half, but it was the Huish park side who wnet back to Somerset celebrating. Hereford, rocked by a late injury to Gavin Williams, were also missing Rodgerson, James and Fewings.

Two former Hereford United players started in the Yeovil side. Tony Pennock, the goalkeeper, started well as Hereford piled on the early pressure. The other former Bulls who started the match was midfielder Jamie Pitman. Hereford had the early attacks, with a goalmouth scramble in the fourth minute almost resulting in a goal for Hereford. There were further attacks from the home side, but Yeovil clawed their way back into the match and started to create chances despite a defence that looked like it could concede goals. However, when Yeovil did attackn they attacked well with both strikers, Belgrave and Patmore, playing well. Patmore was closely marked but as the half progressed, Yeovil became stronger and stronger and they were looking the better side when they broke the deadlock.

Jamie Pitman's throw in was knocked on by Terry Skiverton and the Yeovil striker with a posh sounding name (Barrington Belgrave) knocked the ball in from five yards with one minute of the half left. The score at half time - Hereford United 0 Yeovil Town 1.

A special mention for his performance this afternoon must go to Matt Clarke. He played well in the Hereford midfield, and I gave him the Man-of-the-Match award. Despite being 1-0 down, Hereford didn't pressurise Tony Pennock's goal as much as I would have expected, but still looked like equalising throughout the second half. Paul Parry had a better game today, but still looks lazy at the moment as if he isn't that interested in playing. Leroy May didn't have the best of matches this afternoon, and missed some good chances especially in the second half. His commitment cannot be faulted and he always chases lost causes, but whether his will be good enough to stay here through the summer is yet to be seen.

However, Barrington Belgrave, on loan from Plymouth Argyle, continued to lead the Yeovil attack and almost beat Cooksey with a good header, but Cooksey dived well and pushed the effort away. Hereford's best attacking spell came late in the second half but the Yeovil defence coped well with the pressure, particularly Tonkin and Steele. With five minutes left, Leroy May was given a superb opportunity to seal a point for him side. The former nightclub stripper's header went over Pennock, but also wide of the post. Then Hereford got two late corners, and brave goalkeeper Scott Cooksey came up for both of them and was almost caught out after Yeovil broke on the first, but he tackled well to clear any danger. The second corner almost resulted in a goal, but Matt Clarke could round off a superb afternoon for him with a goal as his header hit the crossbar.

Overall, I think Hereford United will feel disappointed that they didn't get a point from this match. They battled well, and Craig Hanson had a good game after coming on as substitute for Elmes on 32 minutes. Robin Elmes was the subject of a bad tackle and had to go off with what looked like a hamstring problem. There were two bookings, one for Matt Clarke and one for Jamie Pitman

Attendance = 1,819

Man of the match - Matt Clarke

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Taylor, White, Clarke, Parry, Snape, May, Elmes, Wright

Sub(s) who came on - Hanson

April 9th:

SOME fans at Saturday's game thought Leroy May was not up to his job as Hereford United striker. Graham Turner's striker problems have been highlighted recently as Leroy May has been an almost regulation starter for Hereford United, and without Robin Elmes, Paul Fewings and Gavin Williams for most of the game, Leroy looked poor. In the new poll, we want to know what you think of Leroy May - should he stay at the club as a firm fixture in the side, or should he be sold. Despite looking good earlier in the season, his last goal came against Doncaster back in February, and he missed numerous good chances yesterday. Does this spell the end for Leroy May at Hereford United?

IN the last poll, you voted Ian Wright player of the year with 40%. Runner up John Snape received 32%, Paul Fewings got 14%, Paul Parry received 5% and Others got 9%.

April 10th:

Supporters wanting to go to Telford on 18th (Kick off 7.45pm) should contact the club immediately. Members are £6 and non-members £7, coach leaves Edgar Street at 5.15pm. Ticket prices at Bucks Head range from £5 (Concessions standing) to £9.50 (adults, seated). The prgramme will cost £1.60. The following Saturday United play Kettering away. The bus costs £8 members and £10 non-members, and leaves at 10am picking up in Ledbury at 10.30am. Prices range from £6 to £9.50 at the stadium, and the programme costs £1.50.

Reminder - If you would like to participate in the penalty shoot out call 01432 890205 or 01432 359389, and you must raise £75 in sponsorship by the date of the first round, April 29th.

EARLIER in the week it was announced by us that the score in the celebrity match was Hereford X1 5 Emlyn Hughes X1 3, but it was in fact 5-4. Hereford United lined up : Tommy Hughes, Dudley Tyler, Steve Emery, Tony Byrne, Gary Stevens, Tony James, Paul Parry, Paul Fewings, Chris Lane, Steve Ritchie, Stuart Phillips. The managers were Simon Shakeshaft and his assistant Luke Powell. The scorers for United were Lane (3), Parry and Phillips, and Fletcher, Kelly and Beale (2) scored for the celebrity side. The club raised £3150 from the day, but Gavin Mahon was unable to participate because he picked up an injury against Bristol City for Brentford the week before. Reserves win 4-0 - Hereford United reserves beat their Tamworth counterparts 4-0 last week. Hanson, Burgess, Bishop and Parker scored the goals, and on Wednesday they travel to Worcester, kick off 7.30pm. The following week they are at Rushden in the Optimum Interiors Central Conference, again on the Wednesday and again kick off is at 7.30pm. The youth team are at home for their final league match on Monday 17th April against Malvern Town, with a 7.30 kick off.

April 13th:

HEREFORD United who dropped to sixth in the Conference after Tuesday's results, could drop further if Saturday's results go against them. United are without a game, and next play on Tuesday when they travel to Telford. This could be a blessing in disguise because a number of players are hoping to return from injury and could do with the extra time to recover: Tony James (hamstring problem and is unlikely to play) Ian Rodgerson (again a hamstring and will probably miss the game) Paul Fewings (groin strain and very doubtful to participate) Leroy May (hamstring, but is hoping to play) Paul Parry (ankle injury but should play) Matt Clarke, Gavin Williams and Paul Sturgess have all been suffering from injuries but will be back. Steve Piearce is still out with a back problem but may be back before the end of the season.

ACCORDING to leading football website Football365 and previously reported on Hereford's very own "You Whites", Hereford United's star midfielder Paul Parry is wanted by a whole host of Premiership teams. Martin O'Neill's Leicester City and Gerard Houllier's Liverpool are leading the chase for him, and after his performance against Leicester in the FA Cup, Hereford rejected a bid from a first division side for him, the most likely bidder being promotion-chasing Huddersfield Town. Only 19, Graham Turner rates him at about £300,000 in value, and said "He could go straight away into a First Division side now", and also said that Hereford "will not stand in his way if the right offer comes along."

TELFORD are in Trophy action this Saturday as they take on Kettering in the semi final second leg. Currently in 15th place, they are still too close to the relegation zone for comfort and will want three points against Hereford in order to beat off any threat or relegation.

Gav not going to Luton - Again, as seen on 'You Whites' website, Gavin Williams was subject of transfer speculation about him linking up with Lennie Lawrence at Luton Town. However, Graham Turner as said he will not be moving to Kenilworth Road in the near future.

April 15th:

A handful of teams can still grab 3rd place in the Conference on Saturday, and Hereford are one of them. The Bulls have no game this weekend, but some of their rivals played.
Morecambe 2 - 1 Doncaster Rovers Rushden & Diamonds 1 - 0 Altrincham Scarborough 5 - 0 Forest Green Rovers Southport 0 - 1 Kidderminster Harriers Yeovil Town 1 - 1 Welling United
The results leave Hereford in 6th place. Scarborough are 3rd, Morecambe 4th, Yeovil Town 5th, and Dover Athletic 7th. The gap between Scarborough and Hereford is four points, but Hereford have a game in hand. Behind United, both Dover and Kingstonian have the chance to go above them if they win their games in hand. United's next match is away at Telford on Tuesday night.

SCOTT Cooksey fully intends to rebuild his career with Hereford United after claiming: I was never given my chance at Shrewsbury Town.

The 27-year-old former England semi-pro keeper yesterday signed a two year professional contract with the Bulls, where he has starred on loan over the past three months.

Cooksey, who was signed by Shrews from Hednesford Town two seasons ago, has been out of favour at Gay Meadow since Kevin Ratcliffe took over as boss from Jake King in the autumn.

But his loan spell at Edgar Street has revitalised his spirit and ambition and now he wants to prove Shrewsbury's loss is Hereford's gain. While it might one step back short-term to drop out of the League, the Walsall-based keeper believes Hereford are on the right track to challenge for honours once more.

'I'm delighted to sign for Hereford. I've enjoyed my time on loan and I'm pleased to be able to extend my stay,' said Cooksey.

'Going to Hereford gave me the chance to get back playing and I've felt part of the set up with the players, the manager and the fans since day one.'

Bulls boss Graham Turner brought Cooksey to the club in January and his presence signalled the start of a storming run which pushed them into the top three in the Conference rankings. Cooksey's record of eight clean sheets in 11 games makes more than impressive reading.

'I think I've shut up a few people who doubted my ability,' said Cooksey. 'I have never doubted my own ability and the people around me haven't. I was a bit down when I joined Hereford on loan and I didn't feel I had been given a fair crack of the whip at Shrewsbury.

'I've worked hard; I've tried to be professional, but the new boss never gave me a chance. He's never even seen me play.

'But that's history now. Graham Turner and Ron Jukes convinced me that Hereford are ambitious and from working with them already I know they won't settle for being anything other than the best.

'I've joined the right club at the right time. I've still got ambitions of playing higher and I would love to achieve them with Hereford.'

Ironically, Cooksey, who also had a League spell with Peterborough United after signing from Bromsgrove, will make his bow as a 'new' Hereford player against King and Roger Preece, the men who took him to Shrews. Hereford visit Telford on Tuesday.

While Cooksey's arrival at Edgar Street will be the first piece of the jigsaw for 2000-1, manager Turner will also hope to hand Steve Piearce some run-outs before the 2000 season ends.

Striker Piearce, bedevilled with injury since his summer move from Halesowen Town, bagged a goal in a reserves outing against Worcester City on Wednesday. It was his first match action since October following a mystery back problem but the former Wolves and Doncaster forward came through a 70 minutes outing in positive mood.

April 16th:

LEROY poll results - What should Hereford United do with Leroy May?

Offer him a five year contract
3%

Give him a one year contract
23%

Offer him a part-time contract
13%

Wait for a bid
16%

Release him now
45%

April 17th:

GRAHAM Turner has underlined Hereford's ambition for next season's Conference title by securing the signing of goalkeeper Scott Cooksey. Cooksey has been on-loan at Edgar Street for much of 2000, and finally put pen to paper, signing a full-time contract with the Bulls and therefore becoming Hereford's new first goalkeeper. As one new star appears, another one fades and it looks as if this spells the end for Andy Quy at the club. He is contracted until the summer of 2001 but may well be sold by Turner to make room in the wage bill for Cooksey. Shrewsbury signed the keeper a couple of years ago from Hednesford Town for £20,000.

April 18th:

VARIOUS rumours have been heard regarding certain players and their future at Edgar Street. Firstly, I have heard that United defender James Wall will make his loan move to Burton Albion permanent, after impressing manager Nigel Clough. A Cheltenham fan recently said that Paul Parry was to sign for them in the summer, for a fee of around £100,000. Somehow, I think this is false! Liverpool, Leicester City and Huddersfield Town have all been tracking the young star. As previously reported on fellow Hereford site 'You Whites', Gavin Williams was linked with Luton Town, but manager Graham Turner has since said this is false. The following players have yet to sign new contracts for next season : Quy, Taylor, Fewings, Rodgerson, Snape, Elmes and Lane. They are all currently in negotiations with Turner.

TONIGHT's match at Telford United has been postponed. It will now be played on Thursday, April 20th.

April 19th:

AFTER the recent signing of Scott Cooksey, goalie Andy Quy's future looks as if it will be away from Edgar Street. When Cooksey joined on loan, Quy's first team chances were limited to the substitutes bench and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it looks as if he will be released by Graham Turner. The former Derby and Grimsby goalkeeper was recently seen training with Burton Albion, managed by former England international Nigel Clough. Bulls defender James Wall is also on loan at Burton until the end of the season so a double move may be on the cards. Tom White, the Bristol Rovers defender currently on loan at Edgar Street is available on a free transfer in the summer so may be a transfer target of Graham Turner.

April 20th:

Scheduling angers Turner with three vital games in five days - After the away match at Telford was postponed on Tuesday night and rescheduled for Thursday, Graham Turner showed his anger at having to play three games which could make or break United's season in five days. The Telford game was originally scheduled for May 1st but was moved by Telford when they asked for extra time to allow for rebuilding work at Bucks Head. Graham Turner said "I think the whole set up left alot to be desired and our supporters could have been warned." Two coachloads of United supporters had travelled to the game only to say it had been called off with an hour to go.

The HUISA chariman Richard Tomkins said "We are furious and very disappointed. Our club has gone out of its way to help them with their ground development and this is how they repay us." However, a source from Telford United said that it didn't start raining until 4.30pm so there was no way of knowing the pitch would require an inspection.

GRAHAM Turner will not have a handful of players available for tonight's match at Bucks Head. Paul Parry, Robin Elmes and Ian Rodgerson are almost definetely out, and Leroy May and Paul Fewings may play. Scott Cooksey will continue in goal after finalising his move from Shrewsbury Town in the week

IF Hereford avoid defeat at Telford tonight, their away run, stretching back to December 18th when they lost 3-0 at Scarborough, will be extended to eleven league games.

Good Friday Football - If you are able to get to Edgar Street tomorrow, go and see the HFA County Challenge Cup final between Ewyas Harold and Bromyard Town. Kick off is at 11am.

AN Open-air-concert will be held at Edgar Street on July 22nd. Bands playing include 'Abba', 'Elton John', 'Cher' & 'Freddy Mercury' and the event should last around six hours. The seating will be at the Meadow End and tickets go on sale soon.

April 20th:

TELFORD United 1 - 1 Hereford United

After the match was postponed on Tuesday night an hour before kick-off, Graham Turner was very annoyed that the Hereford fans and team had travelled to the ground and were not told about the cancellation earlier. Turner was angered even more when he found out that the game had been re-arranged for Thursday, as United also had games on the Saturday and following Monday. The game was originally moved from May 1st to April 18th to allow rebuilding work at Bucks Head.

Hereford made three changes to the side which lost to Yeovil almost two weeks ago. Tony James had recovered from an injury and replaced Paul Sturgess, Paul Fewings returned up-front in place of the injured Robin Elmes and Gavin Williams took the place of Paul Parry, who dropped to the substitutes bench.

United started brightly and without creating to many chances, by far had the best of the place in the first half. Leroy May was fouled by Gayle in the first minute, and Taylor's free kick was cleared. On eleven minutes, Williams made a good run, beating defenders Travis and Gayle but hit well over the bar when one-on-one with Price. A Snape header on the half hour was met by May, who lobbed wide after being pressurised by goalkeeper Price. A further effort came from Matt Clarke but it didn't deter Price as it hit him.

The game was not the best ever witnessed by United fans, but a very special goal from Gavin Williams on the stroke of half time made the nights viewing worthwhile. His 25 yarder curled into the top corner past former Macclesfield Town goalkeeper Ryan Price to give United a 1-0 lead at the break. Telford came out revitalised for the second half, however, and equalised soon after. On fifty minutes striker Gez Murphy, who Bulls fans will remember scored twice against Hereford earlier in the season, headed the third Kevin Sandwith corner of the half past Scott Cooksey and into the net.

Telford continued to dominate the play for much of the half, but Cooksey played well to keep the score at 1-1. Telford striker Gary Martindale, who is on-loan from Rochdale, shot straight at the goalkeeper and soon after he headed wide from another Sandwith corner. He was also stopped by Cooksey late in the game when his shot from a McGorry cross (rememer him?) was tipped around the post. A goal kick was awarded by the referee Mr R. M. Pollock!

Martindale continued to pressurise the Bulls goal and almost scored in added time, when he hit the ball wide of the post. On the night there were three bookings for Telford (Hartfield, Gayle and Sandwith) and two for United (Wright and Clarke).

This result really doesn't help either side. Telford United edge slightly further away from the relegation zone and look to be save but Hereford look as if anything less than two wins in their next two games will end any chance of grabbing the coveted third place. On Saturday, they are away at Kettering and on Monday at home against Kingstonian.

Attendance = 908

Man of the match - Gary Martindale (Telford United)

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Taylor, White, Clarke, Fewings, Snape, May, Williams, Wright

Sub(s) who came on - Hanson, Parry

April 21st:

Calling United fans from around the globe - Hereford United fans are scattered all around the globe... If you are one of these fans (and I know we have supporters in Canada, Australia and Germany) please contact me as I would like to do a report on Hereford United fans abroad. For more information email the webmaster now!

HEREFORD United will have to try and gain their third Nationwide Conference double win of the season at Kettering Town without Paul Parry and Robin Elmes. Ian Rodgerson could also miss the match through injury but Paul Parry and Paul Fewings are expected to return to the line-up.

April 22nd:

KETTERING Town 2 - 0 Hereford United

Yet another defeat means that Hereford have scored only two goals in their last six games, drawing four and losing two. Hereford United should have gone into this game as favourites, but recent poor form meant that Kettering started as favourites.

Graham Turner made two changes to the team that drew 1-1 against Telford United on Thursday. Paul Sturgess and Craig Hanson came into the team, as Taylor and Fewings didn't start. Paul Fewings has had a bust-up with Turner after he was subbed against Telford but the details are not known. Parry was expected to start, but didn't make his return to the side.

Kettering had the best of the play for the opening half, but Hereford's Chris Lane had a off-target shot. Kettering created chances and it was no surprise when they took the lead.

The opening goal came after Chris Lane barged out Brett McNamara from behind in the area and Craig Norman converted the penalty on twenty six minutes. Kettering continued to pressurise the Hereford defence and almost doubled their lead when Phil Brown volleyed just wide after a superb move and a Perkins pass almost allowed Dale Watkins to make it 2-0 but his shot went just over Cooksey's crossbar.

Four minutes after the break Brett McNamara scored his first and Kettering's second. Watkins' half-volley from eight yards was met by McNamara who knocked it past Cooksey.

Leroy May could have closed the advantage to one goal but his long-range effort but Kettering goalkeeper Adam Sollitt dived to save well, and soon after Scott Cooksey made a superb stop to prevent Watkins from making in 3-0. Hereford almost pulled a goal back but Ian Wright headed a cross from Chris Lane over the bar.

The referee, D. G. Downs, made one booking in the match, to Tom White on 26 minutes for unsporting behaviour.

Attendance = 1,617

Man of the match - ???

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, James, Sturgess, Wright, White, Clarke, Snape, May, Hanson, Williams

Sub(s) who came on - Shirley, Cotterill


April 24th:

HEREFORD United 0 - 2 Kingstonian


Hereford went into this match knowing that they hadn't won in April, and were hoping to end a run of seven games without victory, and end a home run without a victory stretching back to March 11th. Graham Turner made three changes from the side that lost 2-0 at Kettering on Saturday. Paul Sturgess was dropped along with Matt Clarke and Craig Hanson, and Ian Rodgerson, Mark Taylor and Paul Parry started. Leroy May started even though Craig Hanson had a better game against Kettering, but Williams played up-front. Tony James moved to left-back, to replace Paul Sturgess, who dropped to the substitutes bench. Paul Fewings was still absent after his bust-up with coach Graham Turner.

Hereford were the brighter team in the first half, and should have taken the lead on several occasions. However, Leroy May and Paul Parry were both guilty of missing good chances, and somehow Leroy missed when it was seemingly impossible, but he somehow managed to put the ball wide of the far post. Williams then headed over the crossbar a minute after the original effort. Ian Rodgerson also hit over after five minutes, and the veteran missed another chance at the Blackfriars End later in the half after Gavin Williams had put him through.

Against the run of play, Kingstonian took the lead with three minutes of the half left. Mark Harris scored a low shot after a corner from Colin Luckett.

The second goal came on eighty-one minutes. A Clarke clearance was intercepted by O'Connor who handballed before knocking the ball through to Pitcher. Geoff Pitcher then beat Cooksey from nine yards, but not even the Kingstonian fans could believe that the goal had been allowed to stand. Referee Mr Trevor Kettle and his assistants must have been the only people in the stadium that didn't see the offence!

Five minutes of added time were allocated on an eventful day for Kettle who booked five players on each side and sent off Gary Patterson from Kingstonian for two yellow cards. He could be in trouble with the FA for making an offensive gesture to Hereford fans whilst leaving the field. The following players were booked for fouls: May, Wright, James and Piearce from Hereford and Kadi, Patterson, Pitcher and Saunders for Kingstonian. Snape (Hereford), Farrelly and Harris (Kingstonian) were booked for dissent. Kettle was by far the worst referee seen at Edgar Street this season and left many fans steaming!

Graham Turner told the press after the game: "The referee had no understanding of the game and I felt sorry for the Kingstonian player sent off. He could now miss Kingstonian's Cup Final at Wembley."

Mark Taylor also chipped in with criticism for Kettle "He lost control of the game. He was giving yellow cards for nothing challenges. It was all very frustrating for the players."

Players claim it was 'their ball' in the second half.

Attendance = 1,527

Man of the match - Mark Taylor

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

Sub(s) who came on - Clarke, Piearce, Elmes

April 25th:

CARLISLE United have joined Shrewsbury and Chester City in the fight for Division Three survival. Shrewsbury are bottom, with Chester 22nd and Carlisle 23rd. Watch out for the story unfolding on this site over the next few weeks. Dagenham & Redbridge have been confirmed as Ryman League Champions, and will probably replace Sutton in the Conference, who are currently bottom. Leigh currently lead the Unibond League, but Boston are also promoted from the Dr. Martens League.

SUPPORTERS may have heard that Fewings and Turner have had a bust-up after Fewings was subbed off against Telford. I have heard that he has received a suspension and that is the end of it, Fewings has apoligised but whether he will still be at the club next August is yet to be confirmed.

IN their final home league match of the season, United Youth beat Malvern 7-0. Their next match is on May 3rd when they are at Kenilworth. The reserves beat Worcester 2-0 after goals from Piearce and Hanson (2). Next Wednesday they are at Nuneaton Borough in their final away match of the campaign.

April 26th:

HEREFORD United's on-loan defender Tom White has left the club after the end of his three-month loan period from Bristol Rovers. However, he is leaving Rovers at the end of the season and may be a target for Graham Turner after some good performances in defence. I have heard that he is also wanted by Third Division Southend United and would like to stay in the Football League. In the new poll, you are asked for your view on White - should he come back to Edgar Street for next season. Vote and let your views be known now!

IN the previous poll 36% think that midfield needs improving, and another 36% that all positions should be strengthened! 15% said attack, 10% defence and 3% goalkeeper. I think the signing of Scott Cooksey has meant people have not voted for goalkeeper.

April 27th:

GRAHAM Turner has fined Paul Fewings a weeks wages after their touchline bust-up against Telford United. Fewings was substituted in the second half and United's top scorer, obviously disgruntled by the decision, hit out at his manager and club chairman Graham Turner. He didn't play against Kettering Town and Kingstonian over the Easter weekend, and has been fined a weeks wages for his actions. Fewings has since apoligised to Turner and is now back in contention for a first-team place. He is currently Hereford United's top scorer. Whether he will be selected next weekend is in the balance, local paper, the Hereford Times, has said he will be left out but the final decision is with Turner. Fewings is out of contract in the summer.

JAMES Wall, currently on-loan with Burton Albion, has broken his ankle and is likely to be out of action until October.

Team News vs Welling United - The only absentees from the Hereford team against Welling will be Tom White, whose loan spell has ended, and James Wall, who is on-loan to Burton Albion and has broken his ankle. Whether Paul Fewings will play is still in the balance.

April 28th:

REFEREE KETTLE'S FUTURE GOING DOWN THE PAN - Assessors were present at Edgar Street on Monday's match against Kingstonian, but they were not monitoring the performance of either team. The assessors were rating the performance of referee Trevor Kettle from Shrewsbury, and were disappointed to asy the least at what they saw. As well as booking eleven players, Kettle dismissed Kingstonian's Gary Patterson and failed to spot a blatant hand ball by O'Connor in the build up to Kingstonian's second goal. United boss Graham Turner and midfielder Mark Taylor have already made their views known on his performance and the assessors have hinted that Kettle's officiating career could come to an abrupt halt.

April 29th:

GRAHAM Turner says that Hereford must finish in the top ten, today's opponents Welling United must win to have any real chance to save themselves from relegation. They are likely to play at 3-4-3 formation and have one injury worry, left back Michael Harle is out for the season. Hereford will be at full-strength, but whether Paul Fewings will play is still not yet know. I think that Turner may draft him in to end the run of seven games without a win. Kick off at Edgar Street is at the usual 3pm.

April 29th:

HEREFORD United's top scorer Paul Fewings has been fined a week's wages after a bust-up with boss Graham Turner at Telford United last week reports the Sports Argus.

Following the incident when the striker was substituted in the second half of a 1-1 draw at the Bucks Head ground, Fewings was left out of the Bulls' two Easter games against Kettering and Kingstonian.

Fewings' contract ends after the season and his future with the club will be discussed by the Hereford directors at an Edgar Street board meeting next week.

He has already been ruled out of today's clash against relegation-threatened Welling United, when the Bulls will be looking to end their dismal run of seven league matches without a win.

The Bulls have dropped down into eighth place after taking only one point from three games over the Easter break.

Wing-back Paul Sturgess will face a late fitness check, but is expected to slot into defence since Tom White has returned to Bristol Rovers after three months on loan.

April 29th:

HEREFORD United 1 - 2 Welling United

Yet another home defeat for Hereford United, it really is hard to know where the next three points are coming from. The atmosphere today was awful, what happened to all those confidence-boosting chants from the Meadow End? It's not surprising though, with the team going nowhere and the season drawing to a close lower attendances should be expected, but how only 1,390 of you managed to turn up defies belief! The thirty-eight Welling fans made more noise than the 1,252 Hereford fans over the ninety minutes.

It was warm and the sun beamed down, so surely that should mean more people would go out to the game! Not at Hereford, where I'd expect that B&Q were doing a roving trade! The game from a neutral perspective was an entertaining affair, but Hereford fans found it frustrating that they threw away chance after chance. Chances came as early as the first minute, as Ian Rodgerson's build-up was wasted by Elmes. The schoolteacher knocked it just wide of the post.

The opening goal of the afternoon came on seven minutes through Rutherford. Former Exeter City striker Leon Braithwaite's header was knocked away by Cooksey but only to the feet of Mark Rutherford who's shot went into the empty net. On twenty-two minutes Hereford had a superb chance to equalise but Paul Parry's diving header was saved well by Paul Wilkerson. Parry then hit the rebound over the bar, and Wilkerson saved another Parry effort just three minutes later.

Robin Elmes made up for his early miss by scoring the equaliser on twenty-seven minutes. Ian Rodgerson's free kick was headed past Wilkerson by the out-of-form striker. The second Welling United goal came courtesy of Danny Chapman. His cross was caught be Cooksey, but somehow the new signing managed to fumble the ball into the net!

The second goal saw a continuous Hereford United attack but to no avail. Even the introduction of Steve Piearce to play couldn't break the deadlock, and he still doesn't look fully recovered from that back injury which has hampered his season.

After the game Graham Turner told the press that : ""These defeats are unacceptable. We need to keep the fans interested with a sale of tickets in mind for next season." Perhaps the Paul Fewings incident has effected team morale more than Mr. Turner would like to admit, or perhaps there is another incident that is causing unrest in the dressing room. How a team can almost beat Leicester just four months ago, then be in such a bad vain of form is beyond me. Answers on a postcard please..... !

Attendance = 1,390

Man of the match - Danny Chapman (Welling)

Hereford - Cooksey, Rodgerson, James, Sturgess, Wright, Taylor, Clarke, Snape, Elmes, Parry, Williams

Sub(s) who came on - Piearce, Lane

April 30th:

Don't forget - The big day next Saturday.
There's the Fun Walk 2000 (Meet in the carpark at 11am), the final of the penalty shootout and, of course, Hereford United vs Sutton United. For other club events, check out our Club Dates page.

Season tickets - Make sure you get next seasons tickets at discount rates throughout May. Call the club on 01432 276666 for more details.

THERE are two reserve team matches next week:
Tuesday - Rushden and Diamonds (away): kick off 7.30pm
Thursday - Telford United (home): kick off 7.30pm
The youth team play their last game of the season at Kenilworth Town on Wednesday.

Painting - If you would like to help with the repainting of the stadium, call the club on 01432 276666. Provisional dates are July 15th and 16th.