Sept 1998

Sept 5th:

HEREFORD 0 Hayes 1 (Report by Peter Povall)

Hereford completed what was possibly their worst performance so far this season. The game had started well enough with Gavin Mahon having an early shot denied when it struck the back of Mark Druce, deflecting it to a Hayes defender to clear with the first 10 minutes.

Hayes replied and gained a suspect free-kick just outside United's area, but the shot was poor and fired well over the bar.

Again Hereford pushed forward and an excellent cross gave Richard Leadbeater a chance with his powerful header just clearing the bar.

United game started to fall apart in the 22nd minute when they gained a penalty. Mark Taylor strode forward to take it. His shot was low to the left, but appeared to be painfully weak and the keeper made a fairly easy save.

This gave Hayes heart and took the wind out of United's sails as Hayes flew down the pitch towards the United goal. They were eventually stopped when a free-kick allowed United to clear. Seconds later and the ball was back in United's half. This time it fell to Martin Randall who hit a vicious shot against the bar, with another forwarded following to take the header, but Gavin Mahon stepped in to clear the ball to the halfway line.

United had a further chance on the Hayes goal but again fired over the bar.

Moments before the break, Andy Quy showed signs of weakness when he came out to collect a cross and failed miserably (Andy DeBont style). Thankfully the ball was cleared before any real damage was done.

The second half was much the same only worse. United made some attempts on goal with Boden, Fewings and Leadbeater all coming close but never actually getting the job done.

The clincher came in the 61st minute when United gained a second penalty with the chance to take the lead before them. Mark Druce collected the ball for the spot kick as Taylor was down injured. Leadbeater came and took the ball from him and placed it on the spot. The shot was almost a mirror image of Taylor's penalty. Low, right and weak. The keeper was laughing... 2 penalties saved.

This destroyed United's resolve and the players heads could be seen to lower in the knowledge that this game was slipping away quicker than they could deal with it.

The final blow came just 2 minutes from the end. Hayes played the ball into United's area and Gavin Mahon was faced with marking Caitlin. Mahon committed himself and Caitlin found space around him. The ball was struck well and the goal was well deserved.

United fans, myself included, should consider the fact that we will not be getting out of the Conference this season. It looks like Rushden & Donkey will have the thing sewn up by Christmas and we simply can't string the results together.

HEREFORD: Quy; Lane, Boden, Mahon, Wright, Walker, Williams, Taylor, Leadbeater, Druce, Fewings. Subs: James, Cook, Downing.

Sept 12th:

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner has declared his interest in bringing his former Wolves stalwart Robbie Dennison to Edgar Street.

Hednesford Town have put the former Northern Ireland international on the transfer list after he has been out of the first team picture this season, though he was included in the squad for today's match with Dover Athletic.

Dennison wants regular first team football and Turner, who shared eight years with Dennison at Wolves after signing him from Albion in 1986-7 season, has already had a bid to sign the midfielder on loan turned down.

Pitmen boss John Baldwin, who signed the player last summer when he was freed by Wolves, has made Dennison available for a permanent or short-term deal, though he stresses he could still have a part to play at Keys Park.

Hereford, though, are watching the situation with interest. But with Dennison yet to start a game this season, Turner would want to have a look at his form and fitness in their ranks before considering a permanent deal.

"I would like to take Robbie on loan," said Turner. "John knows our interest but the matter is now in his hands.

"We need to freshen things up a little bit and Robbie might just do that."

BARROW 0 Hereford 1 (report by Peter Povall)

Considering this was the first ever meeting of the clubs, the speculation on the coach, travelling to Holker Street was interesting to say the least. Barrow fans still hold a grudge against United for the incident some 25 years ago... even though it wasn't our fault.

The coach arrived at what was a pleasant ground, and we all adjourned to the supporters bar. Even though we were supposed to be at each others throats we all settled into the loquacious atmosphere.

Anyway, after a few beers and during a break in the rain we all moved down to the pitch and made camp in one end behind the Barrow goal.

The game started with United controlling the majority of play. A quick succession of attackes by United left the Barrow defence in tatters. Obviously weak at the back United pushed forward.

I should say at this point that today's referee was, you guessed it, dreadful. He was as much use as an ejector seat in a helicopter. The Barrow squad were the one's who committed the worst fouls and the United squad were the one's that took the bookings. He also refused to let the game flow at times, preferring to blow-up rather than play the advantage...

Anyway, enough moaning...

Barrow were to surprise United about midway through the first half when a clearance released the Barrow forwards onto a broken United back-four. The resulting attack gave them a screaming goal. The Barrow fans cheered with the goal and then the United fans joined them as the goal was disallowed.

Within a minute Andy Quy had thrown the ball out, it had been passed up the field and eventually reached Garry Cook who moved to the each of the box and lobbed the keeper. The ball slipped between the outstretched finger of the keeper and the bar for the only goal of the match. The United fans went mental and the Barrow fans were silenced in a second... great days...

The game got better from there on. Both United and Barrow increased pressure on the opposite goals and some excellent changes were inched past the posts. United were a little less wild than the Barrow strikers who had a dig at almost anything.

Barrow's best opportunity came just seconds before the break when a midfield scramble fell free and was hammered at the United goal. Andy Quy moved across his goal to collect the shot but it struck another Barrow player sending it towards the other side of the goal. Quy made a stunning fingertip save to force the ball out for a corner.

The second half started as a scrappy affair. Neither team used their midfield as the defenders hoofed the ball to the forwards and the opposition defenders hoofed it back.

It wasn't until Barrow came very close with a header that should have been a goal, that United realised they were running the risk of giving the points away again. The finally started playing the ball to feet again and quickly got the better of Barrow again.

Plenty of pressure from United stopped Barrow from any further real chances. We can only hope that they play well on Tuesday night and claim three more points from that match against Telford...

Sept 15th:

TELFORD Utd 0 Hereford Utd 1 (report by Peter Povall)

Hereford started very positively with Gavin Williams having a great strike at goal within the first few minutes. The Bulls also defended with a deep strength when necessary and Telford were reduced to long, speculative shots from the edges of the area and beyond.

Telford were robbed of their spirit when their goal in the 13th (unlucky for some) minute was disallowed as offside. It was the scoring player that had faultered though, as his lobbed shot was perfect, but another member of his team somewhere between him and Andy Quy.

Hereford came back strong, as they had done at Barrow just days earlier. A quick push from the front and Mark Druce was allowed to run onto the ball, sending it straight at the keeper. A poor clearance and Hereford are back in attack, a dodgy tackle rewards them with a free-kick just outside the area, which is cleared to midfield. Garry Cook has other ideas though, he runs through the defence beating four men and sends a perfect square cross to Druce to powers the ball just wide of the target.

Hereford stayed firmly in control for the next fifteen minutes, fishing for gaps in the weakening defence. Quick rushes forward produced the best results but Telford where defending with five men and hitting crosses was becoming difficult.

The goal came in the 31st minute when Hereford gained a corner which was cleared to midfield. The ball was played to the right wing and then through to Taylor. He sent a quick square ball to Ian Wright who hit it on the half-volley. The shot never lifted more than a couple of feet in the air as it arched its way towards the far post. The Telford keeper dived and just tipped the ball with his outstretched fingers, but the curl continued as the shot screamed into the right side of the side-netting.

Telford regained their composure and fought back hard. They gained a corner which was cleared and quickly returned. A free-kick was gained just outside the area, directly in front of the goal. The kick was taken quickly and sent flying halfway into the stand. One of the few Telford fans in attendance returning it. (Hereford fans out-numbered Telford fans again).

The final few minutes of the first half were real end-to-end stuff. A Hereford cross was cleared with a diving header by a Telford defender. He was lucky he cleared it as it struck the bar and came down on top of the net. Moments later and Andy Quy was forced to save a Telford Corner. Again Hereford replied. The conbination of Mark Druce to John Snape followed by a cross to Gavin Mahon opened the Telford defence wide. His shot was poor though and was lucky to stay in the ground.

The second half of the match was much the same with Hereford applying most of the pressure and Telford defending deep in their own half. Telford were not beaten just yet though. They continued to try quick runs onto long balls sent over the Hereford defence. Hereford looked like losing the match as they continued to press forward without looking after their own defence at the same time.

The gods prevailed though as each attempted was thwarted...

Hereford looked much the better side as they combined more and more impressive movements to reach their objective. Gavin Williams being one of the more prominent players in Hereford's side. He played out of his skin tonight and looks set for greater things.

One of his more memorable moments came towards the end of the match when he single-handedly ran down a defender, taking the ball cleanly from behind. He then moved easily through the Telford defence to the each of the area and had a dig. The shot turned a little to late at it passed just wide of the post and into the Hereford fans.

Garry Cook also missed a excellent chance in the dying seconds when he fired his shot well over the bar.

Altogether, a very enjoyable match. It would appear that the team are starting to get to know each others movements and habits at last. They look as though they may be capable of bigger and better things in the very near future. Lets hope so, we face Rushden & Donkey (Diamonds) within a fortnight.

Sept 19th:

HEREFORD United youngsters Gavin Mahon and Gavin Williams could be heading into the Football League - with or without the Bulls.

The duo's impressive form has been attracting covetous glances from watching scouts and Bulls director of football Graham Turner confirmed a couple of League clubs had inquired informally.

"Clubs have contacted me and they are monitoring the situation," said Turner, who stressed they had yet to receive any bids for either player.

"I think they are both outstanding prospects. Gavin Mahon is a little bit more advanced in his development than Gavin Williams. I think he can comfortably play in Division One.

"Gavin Williams has only just come out of the YTS ranks and he is improving all the time."

Midfielder Mahon, who joined the Bulls from Wolves, was the Bulls leading appearance maker last term while striker Williams also made the breakthrough before making his name with a two goal burst to sink Dover last month.

While Turner naturally wants to keep his better players, he is also aware that selling on young talent is the lifeline for all teams, especially for a cash-restricted club like Hereford.

"We don't want to break up the side at this stage but everybody knows our financial situation and if the right offer comes along we will have to consider it," added Turner.

Meanwhile, the Bulls will be relishing the chance to put their own Championship credentials when they tackle leaders Rushden & Diamonds next Saturday in the Conference match of the day.

Back to back away wins have revitalised the Edgar Street side, while Diamonds' club record start in non-League's top tier came to a halt with a draw and defeat.

"After seven games everyone was accepting Rushden were going to get promotion but those two set-backs - one draw and one defeat - have pulled them back," said Turner. "Everyone is now believing that the title race is wide open."

HEREFORD 2 Morecambe 0 (report by Peter Povall)

This fixture started with a minutes silence in memory of Pete Boulton, the club physiotherapist who died recently. The silence was preserved perfectly and everyone appreciated the moment.

On the playing front, United were riding the back of two away victories, following Barrow and Telford in the last week.

United started well and dominated the majority of play. An early chance by Gavin Williams was saved within the first 5 minutes. Gavin Mahon played a more attacking role from midfield and the combination seemed to be working well. Mark Druce was also in the running for man of the match early on, alas he dropped out after just 12 minutes to be replaced by Fewings.

Morecambe didn't gave Hereford any real cause for concern until the 27th minute when a defensive error allowed a Morecambe forward to run onto a free ball. Thankfully, he blew his chance and hammered the ball wide from about 12 yards out.

Morecambe continued to test the United defence, but this was only on the odd occassion in which they managed to clear their own half. One possible cross/shot had Andy Quy thanking the gods of football as the ball sailed in from the wing and just clipped the top corner of the goal before flying out for a goal kick.

Moments later and Morecambe missed their best chance of the match. A ball over the United defence was chased down by Richard Walker. Unbeknown to him, Andy Quy also came for the ball and between them it fell in front of an open goal. Morecambes striker fell upon the chance and promptly hit it wide... did I laugh or what...

Morecambe tried again. This time from a free-kick but the finishing header was poor and easily dealt with.

The second half was a different story. United came out fighting and took the match by the throat. Just 2 minutes into the half, Morecambe came close to an own-goal as a defender cleared the ball against his own bar.

Walker had an effort denied as he fired just over the bar from about 20 yards out. United continued their relentless assault and were rewarded with a free-kick on the edge of the area. Gavin Mahon played a neat one-two and then hammered a curling shot through the wall. Morecambes keeper going to full stretch to push to ball past the post for a corner. The corner from Mark Taylor was easily collected by the keeper.

Within the next ten minutes United gained 3 corners and unsuccessfully handled them all. This could have been due to the loss of Ian Wright at half-time, replaced by Stuart Evans.

From here the match moved towards a more inept state of affairs as both teams changed tactics and started hoofing the ball about the field. Why United did this I have no idea, as they had already proved to themselves that they could find gaps in Morecambes defence with a bit of creative passing play.

The crowd thought the opening had come when Taylor released Gavin Williams into the area with one man to beat. That man brought Williams down and the penalty was given. With a great deal of descent towards the referee from the Morecambe squad, McKearney was sent off. Taylor stepped forward for the penalty. The keeper committed himself with a dive to his right and Taylors powerful shot hit the opposite post almost square, before going out for a throw.

The crowd were dejected, a third consecutive penalty missed, they would probably loss now...

Paul Fewings came to the rescue. A scramble in the centre of the area dropped the ball clear for Fewings to drive it into the back of the net.

Just seconds later and he almost scored his second. With a bit of vision, he sent in a long lob over the keeper from all of 35 yards out. The ball scraped over the bar with the retreating keeper beaten.

Just for a chance, United didn't leave it at that and sit back to wait for the final whistle. They continued to push and were rewarded with a late goal from Richard Walker from 10 yards out. His shot left the keeper stood on his line.

A better performance and just what was needed if United are to stand a chance against Rushden & Diamonds next Saturday. That will be a match worth watching...

Sept 21st:

HEREFORD United's dream of a return to League football is slowly but surely beginning to take shape reports the Birmingham Post.

Despite a faltering start, Graham Turner's outfit have hoisted themselves into the Conference top five by recording three wins in the space of a week.

Their latest success, 2-0 against Morecambe at Edgar Street, was a long time coming, but the Bulls will have no complaints on that score after Paul Fewings and Richard Walker pounced in the last 12 minutes to secure three invaluable points.

Sept 25th:

ASTON Villa will play Hereford United in a testimonial match for their former fulack Chris Price at Edgar Street on Tuesday December 15.

Price started his football career at Hereford before moving on to Blackburn Rovers, Villa and Portsmouth.

Sept 26th:

HEREFORD United have ended their search for a goalkeeper by snapping up Mark Jones from Telford United.

Jones, who had been Telford's No 1 for the bulk of last season, had been deemed surplus to requirements at the Bucks Head this term after the arrival of Dean Williams.

Hereford director of football Graham Turner, who had signed Jones' brother and current Welsh international Paul in his time at Wolves, moved in to sign him on non-contract terms.

Having seen Andy De Bont depart in the summer, Turner had been anxious to sign an additional experienced keeper to fight for the No1 shirt with Andy Quy.

"Andy has been doing quite well for us but Mark will give us some cover for that position," added Turner.

"With the FA Cup and FA Trophy coming in we don't want to be caught out by having only one keeper."

Quy, though, has been unbeaten in the last three games as the Bulls have put together a run into the top five.

Meanwhile, Chris Boden has suffered a slight set-back in his bid to regain his fitness from the injury which wrecked his pro career.

The former Villa and Derby midfielder has suffered a recurrence of the knee problem but Turner hopes it might a case of trying to do too much too soon. Boden will have a check-up to make sure there's no major problem.

RUSHDEN 1 Hereford 1 (report by Peter Povall)

The worthwile visit to Nene Park provided the Bulls with another point and gave the players more confidence by continuing their unbeaten run.

Nene Park is the second best ground in the Conference (to Edgar Street of course) in my opinion and they have been building on it again since last season. The majority of it is seated but its now all covered.

Anyway, the match...

It started with United doing the right thing and taking the game to Rushden. Within the first 10 minutes, a fairly weak shot had been saved and a free-kick from outside the area gave Ian Wright the chance to nod over the bar.

Mark Taylor missed an excellent chance when he failed to connect with a long cross to the back post. The keeper was beaten but the ball carried just to high for him to reach.

Seconds later and Adrian Foster was charging through the Bulls midfield with the ball at his feet. He came into the area and had the ball taken cleanly from him. The resulting "dive" did induce a quiet word from the referee but no further action was taken as Hereford had cleared the ball.

Foster then played a prominent part in the next few minutes as he failed to capitalise or assist with not one but three Rushden attacks. The first was ended by a blatant hand-ball, the next he actually tackled his own team-mate in the box, giving the ball away and the third was when he headed what should have been a simple chance, well wide of the goal.

This inept performance could have been caused by the fact that the visiting 560 Bulls fans had been hurling abuse, etc. at him, no stop, since before the start of the match. It took it's toll.

The match got really interesting in the 22nd minute after Tony James was felled in the area by a stray high foot from the Rushden no. 11. His high tackle provoked a response from the United players nearby. Adrian Foster got involved and went in to join the scuffle but was exited from it the first time by Andy Quy in no uncertain terms. He was then pulled away by his team-mates.

Passions were now running very high as the Bulls fans hurled more abuse and Foster continued to play well off his game. United maintained their pressure of the Rushden goal and were eventually rewarded with a penalty when the Rushden keeper came to the edge of his area and felled a United player with a very dodgy sliding save.

The penalty given, the United fans waited for Taylor to step up but were greeted by Gavin Mahon collecting the ball and placing it on the spot. The silence in the visiting end was golden. The Rushden keeper started to commit to his left then changed and dived right. It was no use though. Gavin Mahon hit a screamer which curled into the side netting as the crowd exploded...

The question which followed was, "Why wasn't the keeper sent off?". Surely, any tackle made by the keeper which results in a penalty should be met with the red card and an early bath.

The response from Rushden was to be expected. They came at the United goal with everything in their arsenal. Andy Quy denied the first cross that came in at the back post with an excellent high catch. Rushden pushed on with Collins heading just wide of goal then attacking again in the same spot just a minute later. The second attack was perfect. He received a fast cross which took Quy out of position and header the ball back across the goal to equalise.

United were not to be beaten yet. They pressed forward again and were robbed of a second goal when Gavin Williams hit a powerful shot low to the goal. The keeper committed himself the wrong way but was lucky enough to have his feet in the right place at the right time, saving the shot.

The closing seconds of the first half saw Foster blast another shot wide to the delight of the fans.

The second period started with United fighting for a win. They were unlucky in the opening minutes as Mark Taylor crossed the ball to Gavin Mahon on the edge of the area. Mahon controlled the ball when he should have hit it first time. The control gave the Rushden defence the split-second they needed to get into position and clear the ball.

Chris Lane came close a minute later when he came down the wing then turned inside and, finding he had outrun his support, had a dig himself. The ball rising just over the bar.

The next 10 minutes were real end-to-end stuff. Foster had a low shot saved. Ian Wright headed over from another Hereford free-kick and both teams spent a good deal of time defending.

Rushden then had possibly the best chance to finish the game. They gained a succession of corners from United but failed to finish any of them.

Paul Fewings, who had been fairly quiet from the start, suddenly started to play. He collected the ball way back in midfield and then run straight through four Rushden players before losing the ball as he entered the Rushden area.

The match was just getting interesting again when the referee, with the help of a blind linesman, lost control of the game. United gained an obvious corner, there was no element of doubt. The Rushden player who sent the ball out of play was not involved in a tackle with United at the time.

The referee rightly awarded a penalty and then reserved his decision when the linesman signaled it should be a throw-in. Gavin Williams contested the linesmans opinion but gave up to take the throw. The linesman then awarded Rushden with a throw stating that Williams had taken a foul throw. During all of this, an off the ball incident between a Rushden and a Hereford player made the referee cross the pitch to the other linesman for assistance. No cards were issued.

United pushed again with Wright heading yet another chance wide of the goal from an excellent free-kick. Paul Fewings managed to get himself booked when he ran into the Rushden area and beat a defender who promptly took a beautiful ten-point dive to be awarded with a free-kick.

Back to the end-to-end stuff then as both teams committed themselves fully towards three points. The increased forces in attack opened up gaps in the defence of both teams. Gavin Mahon provided a great cross to Chris Lane which should have been buried but was headed straight at the waiting keeper. Collins fired over the Hereford bar from close range. Andy Quy was called upon to punch the ball clear from the edge of the box and Rushden hit another shot over.

Extra-time produced a couple of further chances for United as they gained a free-kick about 6 yards outside the area. Gavin Mahon played the one-two move before driving a curling shot over the bar.

Paul Fewings also had a late chance but hit the shot over again.

Altogether this was a good match and I was pleased with the point gained. But to top the day off, the bus broke down on the way home. The windscreen wipers packed up and it was chucking it down. Giving the bus driver credit, he stopped at a pub for the supporters to adjourn and waited for the mechanic. Upon returning to the bus, we found that once we had taken our places, a religious nutter (nothing against religion here, he was mad) got on the bus and gave us a quick lecture on how he could make the blind see and predicted that World War 3 was going to happen during 1999.

Ahhhh... the end to a perfect day...

Sept 29th:

HEREFORD 2 Northwich 2 (report by Peter Povall)

United reverted back to their old tricks tonight by gifting Northwich Victoria with a point and almost with all three of them.

United dominated the first half but Northwich were still the first team to get a shot on target when they drove the ball into the side netting following an inadequate clearance.

Northwich also claimed another couple of chances within the first 15 minutes as Quy was forced to punch the ball clear from an excellent corner.

The break came though when Mark Taylor was released onto a through ball down the left wing. He dummied and beat two defenders and then attempted to cross the ball but it struck a defender and was judged to have been a hand ball.

The new penalty taker, Gavin Mahon, stepped forward and took the shot. He drove the ball straight into the back of the net after sending the keeper the wrong way.

Seconds later and Paul Fewings was bearing down on the Northwich defence. His shot from a good 18 yards out was high over the bar.

Fewings later missed a sitter when an excellent combination between Gavin Williams' cross to Mahon at the back post allowed Mahon to head the ball down to Fewings, who fired just inches over the bar from about 8 yards out.

Ian Wright was next into attack as he received a cross at the back post and somehow managed to head it just wide when it would have been easier to score.

It didn't matter though. Chris Lane made a sterling run down the right wing before crossing the ball square for Paul Fewings to hammer into the back of the net.

United when into the break with a two goal advantage.

Upon their return to the field, it was obvious that attitudes had changed. They believed they had the game won and eased off the pace.

Not only did Northwich see their chance but they grabbed it by the throat and took it.

Even with Northwich now realising they were still in with a chance, United were allowed fairly regular access to the Northwich area. Nothing came of the efforts as Taylor, Leadbeater and Lane all had chances denied.

Northwich recovered well though and picked up the pace. They began spreading the ball wide at every opportunity and moving past the United midfield by using long wing balls. This allowed Williams through to the ball on the edge of the United box. His powerful shot slipped under the diving Andy Quy and into the back of the net to bring one back.

Confidence boosted, Northwich took to the guns and started to make fun at United. They ran the game completely for at least the next 15 minutes but collected the equaliser just 11 minutes after their first.

A stunning strike from Illman saw the ball collected outside the area and hit with the second touch. It curled around the fingertips of Quy and slotted into the side netting.

With just moments left of the watch, United attempted to recover but it was too little too late. Chris Lane had a chance as a through ball was floated past him but he missed the volley allowing Norwthwich to a goal kick.

United also managed to gain 4 consecutive corners into the last minutes of injury time but none of the crosses sent in by Taylor were even close to being converted.

I have to admit that after Paul Fewings was stretchered off to be replaced by Richard Leadbeater, the rest of the team seemed to dull. Fewings may not be the greatest of strikers but he works his heart out and reaps the rewards every now and then.

My prediction for the weekend is that Yeovil will give us one hell of a hard game and we could well take a hiding...

Sept 30th:

HEREFORD United full-back Chris Boden has been advised to give up the game due to a recurring knee injury.

A specialist's advice is a shattering blow for the former Aston Villa, Derby County and Shrewsbury Town defender who had fought his was into the Hereford first team having been forced to quit the Nationwide League.

Boden, aged 24, who was transferred from Villa to Derby for a fee in the region of £100,000, broke down at the end of last week after making four appearances for the football Conference club.

Hereford boss Graham Turner said: "It's a blow to us but it's a bigger blow to him. He has to find an alternative career.

"He saw the specialist after the trouble flared up again and was advised to quit."