August 1999

August 3rd:

COVENTRY City will be fielding some first team players with Premiership experience for tonight's friendly match at Edgar Street. It is not confirmed, but players such as Gavin Strachan and Marcus Hall are thought to be in the side.

HEREFORD United Cheerleaders, the Bullettes, travelled to Norwich and participated in a National and International Cheerleading competition. The team came came fifth in their class and qualified for the International event. They were given the title 'best newcomers'! They also beat Yeovil and Kingstonian. If only the first team could!

HEREFORD United 1 - 0 Coventry City (PSF)

Hereford United looked vastly improved as they defeated Coventry City by just one goal. Craig Hanson scored the winner, and it was a cracker!

Coventry fielded an expensive side containing a number of players with Premiership experience, including Marcus Hall, Barry Quinn, Gavin Strachan and the Bosnian skipper, Mo Konjic, a two million pound buy from Monaco earlier this year. Also playing was Martin Hyldgaard, the Danish 6ft 6 keeper. Not bad for a friendly match against a team four divisions below you!

In the first half, both teams attempted to play a passing game and there were several good scoring opportunities created at both ends. After six minutes, The Bulls gained the first corner, after Taylor swept a ball out of the defence to Fewings in on the left. The former Hull player was tackled, but United gained a corner kick. It was badly wasted by the home side. At the back, Matt Clarke, on the right, was a solid rock as he stopped some strong, clean breaks from an good, clean Coventry side. After a quarter on an hour, a cross from the right fell to Williams, who was unmarked in the box, but his resulting shot was blocked.

The only goal was scored on 37 minutes, when United broke after a mixup between the Coventry strikers. The ball fell to Craig Hanson on the half way line, who passed to Fewings on the left. He provided an early cross, which fell to Hanson. A bicycle kick beat the keeper, from ten yards out. Three minutes later United had a goal disallowed, scored by May, who was offside. The Bulls ended the half strongly, with more attacking play.

In the second half, Williams had the best chance, but it went just over the bar, as did a header from Wright. Coventry started to attack in the final twenty minutes, but Jones made some fine saves to save United. A good performance at a vital time. At left back, United played Paul Sturgess, a triallist who played for a certain southern coast club last season. Anton Rogan, who played against Newport, looked far better.

Attendance = 1,285

Man of the Match = Paul Fewings

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Wright, James, Williams, Taylor, May, Hanson, Fewings.

Sub who came on - Jones, Wall, Snape, Cotterill, Dumfling, Piearce

August 5th:

FORMER soccer star Garry Spink told last night how he was "devastated" at being banned for life from Newport County Football Club.

The ex-Newport player said he was "made the scape-goat" after 12 County fans brawled with home supporters at Hereford.

A Newport spokesman said: "We have banned him because we don't tolerate people who cause trouble."

Albion Rovers coach Spink said: "I did throw a punch which connected but it was self defence. I wasn't the ringleader."

NEWPORT County have banned 12 supporters from their matches after trouble at Edgar Street in the HFA Senior Cup Final. They got into the Meadow End, and sparked fighting between themselves and the United fans. The stewarding at the club was slammed by the Bulls fans, who said they were inaffective during the incident.

OVER 60 people came to help paint the stadium last weekend. It has saved the club over £3000 in labour costs, and HUISA Chairman Richard Tomkins was very pleased by their efforts.

WINGER Paul Parry has resumed training, and is hoped to be fit by the start of the season. He could figure in the friendly against Worcester City on Saturday. Chris Lane could also be back, against a Worcester City side with a team full of Conference experience, and a manager who is well known in non-league circles. Graham Allner formerly managed Kidderminster Harriers.

SIX YTS players could participate in tonight's match against Westfields at Rotherwas. They will grab their chance to impress manager Graham Turner, as they bid for first team places next season.

THE open day is Sunday, 8th August, at Edgar Street. Fans will meet the players, test their footballing skills, take part in penalty shoot-outs and have photographs with their favourite players. The new away kit is launched at 11.15am.

August 6th:

NOW at Yeovil, David Norton had to leave Cheltenham because a reported condition of the insurance pay-out he received when he was injured while playing for Hereford is that some of the money would be repayable if he played in the League again.

Norton, a regular in Cheltenham's midfield last term, is a superb acquisition by Yeovil manager Colin Lippiatt

August 7th:

HEREFORD United face opposition from Gillingham and Colchester in their bid to sign Paul Sturgess.

The former Charlton and Brighton defender lined up for the Bulls in their midweek win over Coventry City.

Manager Graham Turner, who has also invited Sturgess to play in today's match at Worcester, has opened talks over a possible permanent move.

But Sturgess, 24 earlier this week, has also been linked with Gillingham and Colchester.

Turner said: "Paul lives down near Gillingham and he has been training with them as well as having a week with Colchester so maybe he is leaving his options open."

Meanwhile, the Bulls boss is keeping his fingers crossed that Steve Piearce can overcome his fitness worries to figure in next week's season-opener at Conference newboys Sutton United.

Piearce, the hot-shot signed from Halesowen Town, has played just 45 minutes against Evesham and 65 minutes against Wolves in the pre-season games because of a thigh strain.

Having missed two weeks of training, Piearce must prove his fitness and his last opportunity will be Monday's match at Oldbury.

August 10th:

LAST night's friendly match at Oldbury was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

THE Hereford United Open Day was deemed a great success by all. Overall, the club raised £40,000 and the first shipment of the new away shirts were sold out in an hour.

UNITED may stay at Edgar Street says Terry James, the Herefordshire Council Leader. The BS Group, who owns the lease on the ground, have yet to respond to the news. Mr James has pledged his full support for Hereford United to retain their current home. His report states that relocation to the outskirts of the of the city is "ill-conceived."

The stadium will not just be used for Conference League football. Rugby and smaller football clubs could also relocate, with Hereford Rugby Club and Westfields Football Club the favourites.

One pitch would NOT be enough, though. There is enough room on the council owned property for a second pitch, and the Essex Arms ground could also provide a training area and another pitch. The Essex Arms ground is currently owned by the West Mercia Police.

On the other side of Edgar Street lies the HFA County Ground, and the adjacent playing fields belonging to the Education Authorities. Also Widemarsh Common could be used, to make a large sports complex. Planning permission shouldn't be a problem, as these are existing playing fields.

The crucial question is how would the plan be financed?

Mr James has announced that a trust should be set up, hopefully with developers on board and attracting grants from the lottery and other sources. The coucil would also have to chip in, but how much money would they be prepared to spend?

If the plan falls through, and the loans are called in, who will pay of the money, which amounts to around a million pounds. United are struggling on a weekly basis to pay wages, and no-one would join their board of directors due to their financial position. Otherwise, United could go under.

The stadium could also hold other events, but these have not been mentioned by Councillor James.

Various people have reacted to the news

GEORGE HYDE (Chairman of Herefordshire Council and a club director) : "As a director of the club, I cannot discuss or vote on anything concerning the Edgar Street ground in Council.

"As a councillor I agree with Terry's statemant which is a positive one and I will be looking forward to seeing whether any money for the possible redevelopment of the stadium in the next budget."

"In my role as a United director, however, I have to say the previous board of directors entered into a legally-binding agreement with the property companies to pursue the commercial development of Edgar Street and the eventual relocation of the football club. And, as things are, that is the course we are obliged to follow."

GRAHAM TURNER (Chariman of Hereford United, and Director of Football) : "In principle, it would be fine to stay at Edgar Street. To rebuild the Len Weston stand and the Blackfriars and Merton Ends would probably cost around four million pounds, however.

"To obtain funding from European Union sources any scheme would need to entail work creation. We require a stadium with sufficient commercial and community potential to be operational throughout the week and not just of matchdays.

"We would need to know a lot more detail of Terry James' plan would be funded. Perhaps they would look at how Morecambe received council aid to redevelop their ground."

RICHARD TOMKINS (Chariman of Hereford United Independent Supporters Association) : "We note the Council leader's statement with great interest and await further development."

PETER GREENOW (Club Secretary of Hereford Rugby Club) : "It's common knowledge that we would like to sell our Wyeside ground as flooding often upsets our fixtures. We are willing to co-operate with United or other clubs. But you have to bear in mind rugby for our juniors is just as important as it is for our seniors. Ideally, we are looking for an area in which we can have four pitches."

MARTIN WATSON (Secretary of United Vice-Presidents Club) : "Are the Council prepared to give any plan to stay at Edgar Street therequired funding? Otherwise, what Terry James is saying knocks on the head any hopes of relocation."

ANDY MORRIS (Chief Executive of Westfields FC) : "A site to accommodate soccer, rugby, cricket etc, would make alot of sense. But the Hereford Rugby Club, Pegasus and ourselves all play at a high standard at regional level and I would imagine would still wish to retain their own identity and facilities.

"The site would need a number of floodlit pitches and car parking. It is a good idea. But, whether it would work out in practice is another matter. It is becoming increasingly difficult to loacte an ideal site."

PETER HILL (Former Chairman of Hereford United) : "The advice my board received was that to obtain grants and to use the latest technology we would have to relocate. Sentimentally, we would all like to see football stay at Edgar Street. I hope, whatever the outcome, Hereford get the best stadium.

KEVIN BISHOP (Pegasus' Juniors Chief Executive) : "We are trying to buy the Essex Arms ground which we lease from the West Mercia Police. What about the Council using their endeavours to incorporate that in Terry James' plan?"

Action must be taken, and must be taken NOW for the future of both football and rugby in Hereford.

August 11th:

THE Hereford Journal has printed a story which announced that Mike Hancocks, a club director, has sold his shares 'to achieve some democracy in a one man controlled operation'. Graham Turner said he was 'amazed' by Mr Hancocks.

A HUISA enquiry revealed that the shares were offered to another club director at a hugely inflated price. Neither the unnamed director or Turner would pay Hancocks the price he requested.

August 14th:

RICHARD Tomkins, the HUISA chairman, has bought 2,276 shares in the club from former Mike Hancocks. Hancocks has kept 500 shares in case he may wish to return to the board at any time. Tomkins was pleased with his purchase. "We believe the club should be community based and that its shares should not just be in the hands of a few directors. One does not know what will happen in the future - Graham Turner will not be here forever - and we feel our move will help towards the stability of the club."

CHRIS MacKenzie, the former Hereford United goalkeeper, has signed for Nuneaton Borough from Leyton Orient. The Bulls face Borough at Edgar Street on Tuesday night.

PAUL Parry is having tests to identify a viral illness, which is currently keeping him out of action.

August 14th:

LEROY May admits his first spell with Hereford United was simply a nightmare on Edgar Street reports the Sports Argus.

But five years down the line, and a wiser and more relaxed individual, the former England semi-pro striker is relishing life the second time around with the Bulls after his summer move from Kidderminster Harriers.

Not that it's been an easy return. The big enticement to joining Hereford has been training full-time and the former Walsall forward admits it's been his toughest ever pre-season.

But the aches and pains of hours on the training pitch have left him hungry for the start of the season.

"I can't wait to get started," he told the Sports Argus. "It's gone brilliantly.

"I spoke to a few clubs when I left Kidderminster, but I'm glad I made the decision to come to Hereford.

"Full-time training makes all the difference. It's been hard, very hard but very enjoyable.

"Graham (Turner) is a brilliant manager. Every day is different so you look forward to training.

"When I was there before it was hell. This time it's heaven."

May - 30 on Thursday - marked his birthday with an early birthday present, his first goal back with Hereford in last week's 3-2 win at Worcester, managed by his old Harriers manager Graham Allner.

But his new boss Turner has quickly won May's respect. Turner accepts that their lack of goalscoring prowess scuppered any bid for a promotion assault last season but the arrival of May, plus fellow new boys Steve Piearce (from Halesowen Town) and Craig Hanson (from Derby County), should provide a razor-sharp cutting edge. Hereford are generous 25-1 outsiders for the title but May would love to prove the bookies wrong.

"I would like to think we will be there to challenge, but it's very early days," said May. "But there is a buzz around the place and it's great to be involved."

SUTTON United 1 - 1 Hereford United

Hereford United got a point for the first time in the Conference League's first match of the season, as they drew with newly promoted Sutton United. The Bulls play was pretty dull, with few attacks and little creativity in the midfield. Ian Wright, the Hereford United captain, was injured in the first half, and re-appeared in the second with a bandaged arm.

The Hereford goal was created by Taylor, as he swung in the corner. Wright flicked it on to Wall. He found James, who headed home from close range. Sutton scored just before the hour when Hereford failed to clear a corner, and Paul Harford, who is tipped for big things, knocked it past Quy. Harford is son of the former West Brom and Blackburn manager Ray Harford. Neither goalie had had very little to do until that point. Elmes should have equalised on 77 minutes, but his shot went well over the crossbar. Both Matt Clarke and Ian Wright were booked.

"We battled away and got a point," said Wright. This time last year we wouldn't have done that." 

Attendance = 1,386

Man of the match - Stephen Piearce

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Wall, Snape, Wright, James, Williams, Taylor, May, Piearce, Rodgerson.

Sub who came on - Fewings, Elmes, Hanson

August 17th:

HEREFORD United 1 - 1 Nuneaton Borough

For the second time in four days, United drew with a newly promoted side. Stephen Piearce, who scored 30 goals in the Dr. Martens League last season, grabbed his first of the season to equalise against Nuneaton Borough on the stroke of half time.

Joe O'Connor put the West Midlanders 1-0 up on 33 minutes, but Piearce's clean finish was too good for former United 'keeper Chris MacKenzie. Piearce rounded Wayne Simpson, and placed a low shot passed the helpless 'keeper. Graham Turner was disappointed by the Nuneaton goal, and the United defending. Tony James was tackled by Andrew Ducros, who shot the the top right, beating United goalie Andrew Quy. The ball rebounded off the crossbar, and bounced across the goal. Ducros regained possesion to pass to O'Connor, who slipped it in. James redeemed himself, by tackling O'Connor later, as he seemed sure to score. Paul Sturgess, playing his first Conference match, was impressive.

MacKenzie saved well from a Williams free kick in the second half, and Quy tipped over an Angus header. With three minutes left, Mark Blake missed an open goal.

Attendance = 2,551

Man of the match - Joe O'Connor

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Wright, James, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Taylor, Williams, May, Piearce, Fewings.

Sub who came on - Snape, Elmes, Hanson.

Steve Piearce was pleased with his goal.

"I was pleased from a personal point of view to get off the mark. It was fast and furious out there and I just wish we had come away with the three points.

"Nuneaton had a good victory against Hayes last Saturday and have experience in all areas of their team. But we are still unbeaten going into our third game - a win on Saturday against Kettering will mean five points out of nine and a good start."

And manager Graham Turner also commented on the game.

"They were always a threat in attack and Terry Angus marshalled their defence well. I thought it was a good, entertaining Conference game."

August 18th:

ANGRY scenes erupted after young Nuneaton Borough fans who made a 162-mile round trip to the first away game of the season were "overcharged" at the turnstiles reports the Coventry Telegraph.

Hereford United operates a system of reductions in both the seating and standing areas of their ground.

But when the youngsters arrived at Edgar Street last night, they found the concessions would not be in operation.

Last week, the Bulls confirmed child ticket prices of £4 to stand and £6 for a seat, instead of the £7 and £9 charged for adults.

At the clash yesterday, though, all youngsters were made to pay the full rate.

This led to angry scenes outside the ground as families who had made the two-hour journey found themselves short of the admission price demanded.

One woman who had made the trip with three children was unable to get inside because she didn't have enough money.

About 50 or 60 Boro fans besieged the Hereford United office before the game, demanding to know what was going on.

Phil Clayton, Nuneaton Borough chairman, said: "If clubs are going to remove their concessions, they should let the visiting team know about it, but as yet we have had no official complaints."

A spokesman for Hereford United said today: "Last year, when we were offering cheaper rates to everyone, people were taking advantage.

"Now, to be eligible for concessions, you have to pay to become a member of the club."

Pensioner Les Hancock, who was with his 10-year-old grandson, was horrified when he approached the turnstiles to be told he would need to pay £14 for them both to get in.

Mr Hancock, aged 73, of Willington Road, Nuneaton, said: "We got to the front and the man said, 'that'll be £14 please.'

"I said, 'what, for an OAP and a child?' and he said 'yes.'

"I told him we weren't going to pay it and we fought our way back out of the queue.

"After that, we spoke to a senior steward and he said to go to another turnstile and tell them he said we could go in as concessions.

"We managed to do that but I'm very annoyed about the situation because it was a real struggle and we missed 10 minutes of the game.

"I'm sure a lot of other people had the same problem and weren't as lucky as us."

August 19th:

LEDBURY beat Hereford United Ladies 3-2 in a pre-season friendly. Margeret Lewis scored a hatrick for Ledbury. In their second pre-season match, they beat Telford 4-3.Karen Hackley scored the first and fourth goals.

HEREFORD United have reminded fans that children and senior citizens must become members to qualify for concessionary rates at the club. Membership cost £6. Problems aroused at the home match with Nuneaton, when fans were refused admission unless they paid the full admission price. If you wish to enter the ground at concessionary rates, please contact the show to become a member if you have not already.

GRAHAM Turner has backed director George Hyde's suggestion the United should relocate to the racecourse, and has said it is a "super idea". He said there is plenty of space there, and would be ideal for a sports stadium. There could be downfalls to the proposition however, as the racecourse would probably require compensation for relocation, and the county council would have to sell the site first

PAUL Parry has been told he has glandular fever, but could be back in training by next month, but it could be six months before he is playing again

PAUL Fewings has a groin strain, but he is the only doubt for the visit of Kettering Town on Saturday. Kettering were last seasons runners up in the Conference. Their first two matches have been draws, 1-1 with Northwich Victoria and 0-0 with Woking. Kettering won 2-0 in last seasons corresponding fixture United visit Morecambe on Tuesday, who have had two goaless matches so far, with Rushden and Northwich

PAUL Sturgess, the former Charlton, Brighton and Millwall left sided defender has signed for United for a month, in view of a permanent deal. Graham Turner said "We will see how it goes for the next month."

August 21st:

CAN do better' was the verdict of Hereford United boss Graham Turner after week one of their Conference campaign.

The Bulls have earned two draws from their first two games, thanks to Tony James' equaliser at Sutton United last Saturday and Steve Piearce's first goal for the club in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Nuneaton Borough.

It's given the Edgar Street side a foundation to build on but Turner suggested the players faced plenty more toil to construct a successful season.

"We've got two draws but there's plenty of work ahead," he said. "There's room for improvement.

"I wasn't particularly happy with the way we defended. And we can be a lot better when we win the ball. We've got to be able to pass it better because that's the way to get the best out of the players we've got."

One positive, though, from the Nuneaton game was Piearce's opening strike since his summer move from Halesowen Town. The striker, who had been courted by Boro, admitted his goal had been a relief.

"I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders," he said. "Hopefully, I can go on and get a few more."

Meanwhile, the Bulls' interest in Dean Peer has hit a dead end. The former Blues midfielder had initially been available from Northampton Town but has now signed a new deal with Ian Atkins' Third Division side.

August 21st:

HEREFORD United 4 - 2 Kettering Town

United gained their first win of the season, and their points tally was extended to five as the comfortable beat Kettering Town 4-2 on home soil. It was down to a superb display from United, especially in the second half as they scored three goals.

After an Elmes shot was cleared off the line on six minutes, the game was uneventful until the thirteenth. Ian Wright, the captain, scored. Taylor swung in the corner to meet Wright's head, to put United 1-0 up. But the first half went down-hill from there on, as Kettering went in 2-1 up at the break. The equaliser was a sloppy affair, and they scored through Banya on 15 minutes. Quy went to collect the ball, but was beaten to it by the opposition striker. Sixteen minutes later, Kettering stole the lead. They had been second best to United upto that point, but took full advantage of their one goal lead. The scorer - Fisher.

In the second half, United started playing attacking, exciting and confident football. Now that's something we don't see often! Within minutes of the restart, Gavin Williams had continued his dangerous runs on the left wing. Williams scored his first, and United's second, on 56 minutes, when he drove the ball from an acute angle on the left. Nine minutes later, United scored again. Robin Elmes got onto the end of Williams' curling ball. His header beat the 'keeper on the left. On 85 minutes, Elmes scored his second with a deep ball from the left from Williams. Leroy May might have got a touch, but the goal was credited to Elmes. May celebated in a shirt-over-head style, previously seen in the Premiership by a certain Italian striker! Kettering were very poor, United were superb and the points went to the right team.

Attendance = 1,980

Man of the match - Gavin Williams

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Wright, James, Williams, Taylor, Elmes, Hanson, Snape

Sub(s) who came on - May

August 24th:

MORECAMBE 3 - 2 Hereford United

Robin Elmes scored his third in two games, but couln't save United as they lost for the first time this season. Jim Harvey, former Bulls favourite, manages the Morecambe side, and was delighted by his teams performance. Phil Eastwood, recently signed from Burnley, scored three first-half goals. Both were free headers from close range, and Andy Quy was beaten both times. The third was a better affair. The second Morecambe goal poked home the rebound after the Justin Jackson shot had rebounded back off the post.

On 27 minutes, Gavin Williams equalised from the penalty spot after Elmes tumbled in the box, with a bit of help from the Morecambe defender Andy Farrell. Robin Elmes scored the second United goal of the night. Taylor's free-kick was partially cleared and Elmes scored from eight yards.

The second half had no goals, but more hard play from the teams. With twelve minutes left, Takano and Clarke were sent off after a disagreement. Another six players were booked. John Snape played well, but his header hit the post and was hacked away on 54 minutes. Andy Banks, the goalkeeper, was lucky not to have conceded a third.

Snape had another good chance in the fifth minute of injury time. A gap opened up in front of him, but his right footed shot flew just wide of the post with the 'keeper in no-mans-land.

United were unlucky not to secure a point in this evenly matched game. Morecambe played well, but United failure to take their chances resulted in their first defeat this season.

Attendance = 1,768

Man of the match - Philip Eastwood (Morecambe)

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Sturgess, Lane, Wright, Wall, Williams, Taylor, Elmes, Hanson, Snape.

Sub(s) who came on - May

August 26th:

IAN Rodgerson, Steve Piearce, Paul Fewings and Paul Parry are all out for the match against Welling United on Saturday. They are also all doubts for Telford's match against Hereford on Monday night.

TONY James, who missed the match against Morecambe, will return for the game against Welling United. He had a back injury.

RICHARD Tomkins has been elected as chairman of HUISA for another year. Penny Bayliss is the secretary and Micky White appointed treasurer. Also announced was the price of the shares bought by HUISA in HUFC. They cost £4,000.

August 28th:

PAUL Sturgess will have the next month to prove he is the man to solve Hereford United's problem left-back berth reports the Sports Argus.

Manager Graham Turner has been searching for a left-back throughout the summer.

But Sturgess, who made 30 appearances with Brighton last season, has joined the Bulls on a one-month contract and has figured in the last two matches against Kettering and Morecambe.

The Dartford-born player - 24 earlier this month - had progressed through Charlton Athletic's ranks after being a trainee, making around 60 appearances before spending a season with Millwall.

Turner says the initial short-term deal will allow both sides to assess each other. One worry is how Sturgess copes with the travelling to Edgar Street, being based in Gillingham.

"He signed for a month and that will give us both chance to look at each other," Turner told the Sports Argus.

It's been a mixed week for the Bulls, securing their first win of the season by beating Kettering on Saturday but then going down to Morecambe on Tuesday, ending their unbeaten run.

The tally has been six goals scored - Rob Elmes netting three of them - but five conceded.

Last season, the Bulls struggled to score frequently but now Turner admits the defensive aspect of their play needs improving.

"We are looking quite good going forward, we look quite capable when we attack," said Turner.

"But we have defended a little bit sleepily at times and we have paid the penalty.

"We could have and should have got something out of the Morecambe game rather than losing 3-2. We've shown a steady improvement on the ball but the disappointing thing is the number of goals we've conceded. We're working hard to put that right."

August 28th:

WELLING United 3 - 1 Hereford United

Again, United lost a match they should have won, despite a committed and strong performance from Welling United at Park View Road.

United have now conceded six goals in four days, and a great hatrick from Hanson. One of the goals was a real mistake from the Hereford defence, the others were just pure skill. The Bulls deserved nothing more than a defeat due to poor defending and inconsistancy. That was the problem last season, and it looks as though the weak points have not been mended in the summer.

United have played Welling five times, and have never won. But, on paper, Hereford should have been the winners. Welling had no points, and United had started well, despite a narrow defeat in a great match against Morecambe. This was United's worst performance of the season so far. They should have won.

Stephen Piearce and Tony James returned for the club after injury, and the team was pretty-much full strength. Hereford started well, and Lane had a chance which he squandered. Piearce headed in on twenty-one minutes, but it was deemed offside by the referee. Good play from Snape resulted in his header travelling into Piearce's path.

The first half was awful, and only Piearce had another chance, when he headed over on fourty-one minutes. Welling had no chances, which meaned the United defence was not tested.

The second half began and Welling brought on two substitutes. This resulted in Hanlon moving upfront, which made Welling stronger and quicker, and creating more chances. It took an hour until the first goal. Then we had three-in three minutes. Welling scored first when Hanlon shot from close range past Quy. 1-0. In the next minute, Hanlon lost the Hereford defence, and turned Quy. 2-0. One minute later and Wright's header from a Mark Taylor corner made the score 2-1. Then three minutes later, Williams was tripped in the box, but the referee gave a free-kick to Welling United! On 74 minutes, Piearce couldn't get to a Snape pass in time to knock it in, and Welling remained 2-1 up.

The third Welling goal was a result of abysmal defending from Hereford. Paul Sturgess' free kick from the touch line was intercepted by Hanlon, lurking inside the centre of the half. He took the ball forward, and his low shot beat the United 'keeper easily.

A poor game by United left them with exactly what they deserved - NOTHING.

Attendance = 743

Man of the match - Ritchie Hanlon (Welling)

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Sturgess, Lane, Wright, James, Williams, Taylor, Piearce, Elmes, Snape

Sub(s) who came on - Hanson, Wall

August 30th:

HEREFORD United 2 - 2 Telford United

Despite leading 2-0 with twenty five minutes left, Hereford United could only grab a point from their home encounter with Telford due to some abysmal defending.

Piearce and Elmes scored the goals which must have meant victory, but in true Bulls fashion, United somehow let Telford get a share of the points. Last season United couldn't score. Thier strikers couldn't hit a donkey's backside with a frying pan. This season they can't defence. Before this game they had already let in ten goals in five league games.

Telford could, and should, have taken all the points. At 2-2, Andy Quy, playing in goals for Hereford, produced a fine save to keep out Steve Palmer's shot with two minutes left. Tony James' header was passed back in the next minute, but Jim Bentley intercepted. Luckily for Hereford, he wasted the chance as he shot wide. Quy had also stopped Telford twice in the first half. Scott Huckerby and Jim Bentley both had chances which they knocked wide.

Hereford took the lead after thirty minutes. Gavin Williams swivelled and swirved between two defenders and crossed to Stephen Piearce to finish from close range. In the sixty sixth minute, Elmes passed Bentley to head the ball home from a cross supplied from the right by Matt Clarke. 2-0 to the Bulls.

Substitute Martin Naylor worked wonders for Telford after that point. A trainee released by Hereford, he delivered a cross to Murphy who was unmarked in the box. The ball was rammed past Quy to bring the difference back to one goal. With fourteen minutes left, Tony James missed a through ball, which allowed Murphy to score his second and equalise for the Shropshire side.

Graham Turner, the Hereford coach, was pleased with his strikers but said his strikers failed to do the job required by them. "The through ball should have been bread and butter for a central defender, but it wasn't."

Attendance = 1,910

Man of the match - Gavin Williams

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Wall, James, Sturgess, Hanson, Taylor, Snape, Piearce, Williams, Elmes.

Sub(s) who came on - May.