November 1999

Nov 2nd:

THE FA Cup tie between Hartlepool and Hereford will be televised live on Sky Sports 2/3 at 1pm on Sunday 21st November.

Nov 4th:

HEREFORD United will visit newly-promoted Altrincham on Saturday. Paul Fewings could return, but Robin Elmes is most certainly absent after his hernia operation. Stephen Piearce broke down in training with a bad back, and will have a scan.

TERRY James, the Herefordshire Council Leader, will meet Chelverton Properties to discuss the future of Hereford United, and the relocation of the club. The meeting will take place in the next ten days.

THE visit of the LIVE Sky cameras awaits, United will receive around £75,000 from the coverage.

BULMERS the Hereford producers of Strongbow Cider, are yet to pay United £400 for their advertising of the club, despite shelling out £5,000,000 to sponsor Premier League side Leeds United. Graham Turner is very disappointed that Bulmers are the last advertiser to pay up.

Nov 4th:

THE Visit of Sky - written by Terry Goodwin.

Only once have Hereford United been shown LIVE on Sky Sports. When Hereford played Bath City in the FA Cup second round in 1994, they lost 2-1. It's time for Hereford to grab their first win in front of the Sky LIVE cameras, in the second round of the FA Cup. This time they play Hartlepool.

By quarter to six on Saturday, 30th October, United discovered that they had secured a home tie against Hartlepool United. Graham Turner was delighted with a home draw against league opposition, and hoped his side could win again as the underdogs.

On Monday, Sky Sports contacted the club. Excitement filled the United faithful, as the rumours were heard around the city. Next to satisfy - the police. Luckily, the West Mercia Constabulary were helpful and allowed the match to be switched to the Sunday for LIVE coverage.

Tuesday came, and so did the Sky Sports officials. They inspected the ground for the first time, and found it was satisfactory. Officials from the club and Sky Sports agreed a £75,000 fee to cover the match, which is a welcome boost to the club who have a very tight cashflow for years.

Graham Turner said it also adds to the cup atmosphere, and will be good to get some decent coverage of the club. In previous seasons, only brief highlights have been shown on TV, except for the first round in 1997, when Match Of The Day showed a good set of highlights when Hereford United played Brighton and Hove Albion.

Sky Sports 2 broadcast the game LIVE in their normal fashion from 12-3pm. Former United boss Greg Downs and Peterborough manager Barry Fry were summarisers on the match, with Marcus Buckland presenting the game. The match also brought Hereford their first win LIVE on Sky Sports, as they overcame Hartlepool 1-0 thanks to Robin Elmes on 54 minutes.

Nov 6th:

THE cider-maker Bulmer has upset the applecart reports the Guardian. Although it is Hereford's second biggest employer, it refuses to sponsor the hard-up local team but has just agreed to pour £5m into wealthy Leeds United for a shirt-advertising deal to promote Strongbow from next season.

"We invited them round but they said if it was about money or sponsorship they were not interested," says Graham Turner, the Conference club's chairman and director of football.

Worse still, Bulmer has only this week paid a bill for a measly £400 owed to Hereford United for advertising on the perimeter hoardings at Edgar Street last season. It said the invoice had been mislaid. So too, it seems, has the company's sense of community.

ALTRINCHAM 2 - 1 Hereford United

Back to league action, and an unchanged side travelled to Moss Road for the league match against newly promoted Altrincham. Leroy May, hero of the FA Cup match against York last weekend, scored the opener on seventeen minutes. He really is on a roll at the moment, and is adored by the fans after an awkward start to his United career. Paul Parry split the defence, and he slotted to Leroy May who knocked it passed the helpless keeper Greygoose.

Altrincham had the first chance, when former Coventry midfielder Ally Pickering's free kick was well caught by Mark Jones, in the Hereford goal. Soon after, Gavin Williams rounded the keeper, but messed up his shot and Greygoose recovered to prevent Rodgerson from giving Hereford the lead.

Six minutes into the second half, Ritchie Landon equalised for Altrincham, who vitally require points to aid their Conference survival. He recieved Ellender's pass, and fired low under Jones. They secured the winner in the final ten minutes, when Kevin Ellison scored five minutes from time to grab all the points for Altrincham. His twenty yard volley ;eft Jones helpless.

Before the goal, both sides looked for the winner, but it was Altrincham who found it, and United fans left Cheshire very disappointed. After the 1-0 win over York City last week, a win was expected, but it was not to be.

Attendance = 1,006

Man of the match - Kevin Ellison (Altrincham)

Hereford - Jones, Clarke, Sturgess, Wright, James, Williams, Rodgerson, Taylor, Snape, May, Parry.

Sub(s) who came on - Lane

Nov 9th:

YEOVIL Town 3 - 0 Hereford United (Nationwide McMillan Cup Second Round Match)

After the disappointment of home defeat in the league match against Altrincham on Saturday, the Hereford United team should have been ready for a hard tie at Huish Park - but they were most certainly not!

They were soundly beaten by an organised and positively charged Yeovil side. It was easily United's worst display of the season so far, and if they play like that in the league this season, they will be relegated.

All three goals were scored in the first half, with Pole scoring first on twenty minutes. Patmore finished off United with two goals in five minutes, on 31 and 36 minutes. However, Hereford United were lucky that they were in this stage of the competition. Their 2-0 extra time win over Sutton United in round one was less than convincing, and it could so easily have been Sutton in this round.

The second half was a complete mirror of the first, with Yeovil creating no shots on target. Hereford United were consigned to long range efforts, which caused no problems for the goalkeeper.

A very low attendance watched a very poor game - only a pocketful of United fans were there. The supporters that didn't attend missed nothing.

Attendance = 823

Man of the match - Owen Pickard (Yeovil Town)

Hereford - Jones, Wall, Lane, Snape, Wright, James, Parry, Taylor, Hanson, Williams, Rodgerson.

Sub(s) who came on - Clarke, Cotterill, Shirley.

Nov 10th:

IF Hereford United lose their second round match against Hartlepool, they could still reach the third round. This is to accommodate the resignation of Manchester United from the competition.

Fans Forum Report - Over two hours of questions were asked and no real answers were given by the councillor present, Terry James. He did tell the forum that the Council cannot financially help the club, and they are a private company. The next forum will be very interesting, and we will follow the meeting in due course.

Nov 11th:

BRENTFORD have paid £40,000 to cancel the sell-on fee in Gavin Mahon's contract. Hereford have now received £130,000 from the London club for the midfielder. The player is out of contract in the summer, and could leave on the Bosman ruling for free.

SEASON ticket holders must claim their seats before next Wednesday (17th) for the match against Hartlepool.

HEREFORD vitally require points after their disappointment against Altrincham when they take on Northwich Victoria at Edgar Street. The game will kick off at 3pm, on Sunday 14th.

A potentially heated meeting will take place early next year between various former shareholders in a effort to create a shareholders association. People expected to be present include Mike Hancocks and Roger Townley.

Nov 14th:

HEREFORD United 3 - 0 Northwich Victoria

Hereford United did the business and gained three points in this afternoon's Nationwide Conference Match at Edgar Street. The result sets them up very nicely for their FA Cup match next Sunday, against Hartlepool, LIVE on Sky Sports 2. The result was pretty convincing after their previous two matches had resulted in defeat.

Rob Elmes and Paul Fewings returned, bringing with them sixteen league goals already this season. The goals in this match, however, came from other sources. Highly rated youngsters Paul Parry and Gavin Williams scored one each, and veteran midfielder Mark Taylor sealed the match with six minutes to go.

Parry's goal came in the second minute. Right back Chris Lane's long throw in was knocked on by Elmes and Parry headed the ball past former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Lance Key. How ironic that his previous side are struggling in the Premier League at the moment.

Minutes later, Lee Poland almost levelled for Northwich. Luckily, Mark Jones smothered the cross before Ian Cooke could reach it. Then a Scott Thomas corner was headed just wide by Val Owen, who was unlucky not to get his effort on target.

On fifteen minutes Gavin Williams' twenty five yard shot went just wide of the goal. Key was sprawled over the ground. Ten minutes later, Jones saved United again to grasp the ball at the feet of Poland. Parry should have doubled the lead on 33 minutes, but Key's foot stopped the effort from a corner.

Paul Fewings had a good chance before half-time, and Ian Cooke missed a close-range shot which would have resulted in an equaliser.

The second half brought more wasted chances - Elmes, Williams and Steve Walters (twice) should have all scored for their respective sides. Scott Thomas also cleared a shot off the line from Elmes. Jones then saved superbly from Cooke to keep the score at a narrow 1-0 lead. Walters headed close to goal, but it was tipped over by Jones.

Hereford United scored their second when Paul Parry was tripped in the area thirteen minutes from time. Gavin Williams converted duly.

A third goal rounded of a great day from a United point of view. Mark Taylor, who's hard working performance along side Paul Parry in the midfield could have earned him the Man Of The Match award, capped his day with a twenty yard effort which beat Lance Key.

Attendance = 1,812

Man of the match - Paul Parry

Hereford - Jones, Lane, Sturgess, Snape, Wright, James, Parry, Taylor, Elmes, Williams, Fewings.

Sub(s) who came on - Cotterill

Nov 17th:

TELEGRAPH feature : Leroy - Leroy May has been the main subject of a report on his rise to fame after his goal against York City in the FA Cup. If you can get hold of it, read it! (BN have failed to find this report)

Nov 18th:

HARTLEPOOL's strikers are the most likely target for big problems when Hereford United play them in this Sunday's FA Cup second round match, Live on Sky Sports. The match is sponsored by Bulmers, and Graham Turner has announced he would like an attendance of around 4,000.

Hereford have the edge - In previous league matches between HUFC and HUFC at Edgar Street, Hereford have won 12, draw 3 and lost 2. Both sides could reach the 3rd round of the Cup, as a loser from the second round takes Manchester United's place.

Odds - Hereford 11-8, Draw 9-4, Hartlepool 6-4.

3rd round draw on TV - ITV and Sky will cover the 3rd round draw of the FA Cup at 5.30pm on Sunday. Lets hope Hereford United will be in the draw, and get home advantage.

THERE's plenty of entertainment at this Sunday's Family Day before the FA Cup tie. Acts include - a clown, stunts by HUFC Bullitz, jugglers, face painting and a band. The swede will be blessed and then knocked into the goal (or will it!), and Rembrandt the Bull will be paraded. If you can get along, its a day not to be missed!

Nov 19th:

CONFERENCE Facts - Hereford United compared in the Conference

Average time to score a league goal (home) : 1st - 36 minutes

Average time to score an league goal (away) : 15th - 90 minutes

Average time to score a league goal : 2nd - 49 minutes

Average time to concede a league goal (home) : 4th - 56 minutes

Average time to concede a league goal (away) : =15th - 60 minutes

Average time to concede a league goal : =5th - 58 minutes

Top goalscorers in the Conference -

= 6th : Paul Fewings (8 goals), = 8th : Elmes (7 goals)

Nov 21st:

HEREFORD United 1 - 0 Hartlepool United (report by Terry Goodwin)

FA Cup Second Round Match

This game was meant to be a Bulls victory. Hartlepool hadn't reached the third round for six years, and Hereford had the home fans, home ground, and the swede hit the back of the net. It took a bit more than a swede to beat the third division side, however. A desperate defensive performance created some hairy moments, but it finished with Hartlepool failing to break down the Bulls defence.

Upfront, Hereford were strong, and Elmes, Fewings and the midfielders created some good openings, but only one chance beat the Hartlepool goalkeeper Hollund. When the goal eventually came, schoolteacher Robin Elmes knocked the ball above the goalkeeper into the net. A defender on the line could do nothing to stop his attempt.

The first period of the match was all Hereford United. Good chances lead to several openings in the penalty area, and link play gave Hereford the advantage. Star player Tommy Miller was booked for Hartlepool on fifteen minutes for a foul. As the half progressed, Hartlepool came back into the match and Graham Turner was pleased that his team had come out of the first half without conceding. Mark Jones saved well with his leg from former Tranmere striker Gary Jones to prevent the Football League side going 1-0 up.

The second half began, and brought a fresher look to Hereford. The goal came on 54 minutes. Robin Elmes challenged the goalkeeper for a ball, and headed over Hollund. Then Hartlepool desperately tried to equalise, which resulted in a scrappy 35 minutes. Hereford midfielder Mark Taylor was booked for a challenge on the substitute Stephenson.

Gavin Williams hobbled off on 69 minutes after an injury and was replaced with veteran Ian Rodgerson. Seven mintes before, a corner was swung in by Taylor. It was knocked on, but Fewings couldn't quite turn it into the goal at the far post.

During the match, Hartlepool made 3 subs - Vindheim for Stephenson, the former Millwall striker; Mason, on loan from Manchester City for Henderson; and Gary Jones for Ian Clarke. Hereford took Elmes off with five miutes to go for Leroy May, as Graham Turner bowed to the pressure of the fans.

Hereford should have secured the victory on 90 minutes, when Rodgerson's long range shot rattled the outside of the crossbar. Soon after, Leroy May was also booked for playing on after the whistle had been blown by referee A R Leake. Hereford just deserved the win. Mark Jones, Ian Wright and Paul Sturgess were rocks at the back, resulting in the man-of-the-match award for Strugess. Taylor, Parry and Williams played well in midfield, with Elmes creating a few chances upfront. In the battle of the two Turners, experience counted as Graham's Hereford beat Chris' Hartlepool to earn a place in the FA Cup third round.

Attendance = 4,914

Man of the match - Paul Sturgess

Hereford - Jones, Lane, Sturgess, Snape, Wright, James, Parry, Taylor, Elmes, Williams, Fewings.

Sub(s) who came on - Rodgerson, May

Nov 21st:

HEREFORD United are the only non-league side to be guaranteed of a place in the FA Cup 3rd round, and they have drawn LEICESTER CITY at HOME!!!! Roll on December 11th.

Nov 22nd:

HEREFORD United manager Graham Turner is delighted with the FA Cup 3rd round draw.

HEREFORD United, who yesterday revived a little of their glorious past in the FA Cup by knocking out Hartlepool, have been given a home tie against Leicester City, which is attractive enough from a footballing point of view but hardly the same sort of earner as going to Villa Park. Not that Hereford and their followers will be complaining. They will be more concerned about weighing their chances of another Cup run than counting the cash.

ONE non-League club who definitely can look forward to Premiership opposition in the next round are Hereford, best known for their Ronnie Radford-inspired defeat of Newcastle in 1972 says the Independent.

Graham Turner's side, 1-0 winners against Third Division Hartlepool, will meet Leicester in the third round, and their manager said: "It brought back memories for me. When I was manager at Shrewsbury we played Leicester in the quarter-finals. We led at one stage but they went on to win 4-2. It will be another money-spinner for the club and could attract Sky television again."

Another TV payday could allay the troubles of the Conference club, who hold an emergency board meeting today to discuss bank demands

Nov 24th:

HEREFORD United have announced the prices for the Leicester City FA Cup tie.

Stands :- £13 (£6 OAP/Juniors)

Terrace :- £10 (£5 OAP/Juniors)

Full details can be obtained at this weekends FA Trophy match against Barton. The game will now kick-off at 1pm, but arrive early so that queues are eased. Some people arrived late to the Hartlepool match, and this shouldn't happen again. Vouchers will be available at the Southport match, but full details will be released on Saturday. Leicester will have 2000 tickets, and a pitch invasion should be prevented by a police presence.

Nov 25th:

SEASON ticket holders and members of the club will be given preference in the distribution of tickets for the Leicester City.

BARTON have never won in the Umbro Trophy, so Hereford United must win on Saturday.

THE increase in prices for the FA Cup ties are due to additional policing required at the match.

Nov 27th:

HEREFORD United 1 - 0 Barton Rovers

FA Umbro Trophy Second Round Match

Barton Rovers, from Bedfordshire, almost won this hard fought encounter at Edgar Street. They started better than Hereford, and the statistics showed that. At half time the corner count was 11-2 to Barton. It took just two minutes for Mark Jones to be forced into a save, as he palmed away a Carl Drew corner kick.

Bad news in the 17th minute as Ian Wright was taken off with a leg injury, but James Wall replaced. Five minutes later Jones saved United again, as Gordon Guile's shot almost made the score 1-0 to Barton. Hereford were disappointing, with Paul Parry forcing Brad Gillham to make his only save of the half. His shot was tipped over the crossbar.

The last few minutes were pretty hairy to say the least. Jones kept out shots from Guile and Drew, and is in top form at the moment.

The half time interval meant a substitution, with Paul Fewings coming off to be replaced by Ian Rodgerson. He took Gavin Williams' position, who moved up-front to take up the gap left by Fewings.

The winner came on 59 minutes, when Mark Taylor's cross was not properly cleared by the Barton defence. Rodgerson hit a volley from 20 yards, which crept past the 'keeper.

Various chances from both Hereford and Barton were taken well, but no more goals were apparent, and Turner was pleased to get out with a win Paul Sturgess was booked.

Attendance = 1,501

Man of the match - Gordon Giule (Barton)

Hereford - Jones, Lane, Wright, James, Sturgess, Williams, Snape, Taylor, Parry, Elmes, Fewings,

Sub(s) who came on - Rodgerson, Wall

GRAHAM Turner commented: "We planned to play in the same manner as we did against Hartlepool, but too many players decided to do their own thing and we were pathetic in the first half.

"If we had gone out it would have been our own fault. The only consolation is that 12 months ago we would have lost the game, but we have more about us now."

Nov 28th:

MARTIN O'Neill, manager of Premiership side Leicester, may resign if the struggle for control of the club is not ended soon. This may mean a managerless Premier League side to play Hereford in thirteen days time.

Nov 29th:

ANY members which require tickets to the Leicester City match must claim them by Friday (4pm), or risk losing them to non-members.

BILLERICAY have drawn Hereford United in the FA Trophy third round. United have been drawn away.