September 1999

September 2nd:

HEREFORD United's captain Ian Wright will return from injury to boost a weak defence for the home match against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday. Doncaster are also in the bottom half after a poor start to the season.Ian Rodgerson will also play against Doncaster after being sidelined through injury.

MATT Clarke's sending off has resulted in him being banned for United's match with Yeovil Town next Tuesday.

ANDY Mutch, the Telford United assistant manager, complained about the grass being too long for their match against United at Edgar Street on Monday. The referee allowed the match to go ahead and Graham Turner has said that the grass had a good cut on the Friday.

JOHN Shirley, Matt Beale and Richard Leonard scored for United but they bowed out of the Youth Cup with a 6-3 away defeat to Weston-Super-Mare.

Sept 4th:

HEREFORD United 5 - 3 Doncaster Rovers

In the short time that I've followed Hereford United, I cannot recall a time that I've seen them score as many as five goals. I've seen them let in seven (Middlesbrough), but eight goals in one game is a brilliant result, especially if you win.

This game saw everything : Goals, A Penalty, An Own Goal, An Injury, Seven Yellow cards and a Red Card.

In the first minute (52 seconds to be precise), Elmes scored his first to put United 1-0 up. The header put past former York City goalie Andy Warrington, after a cross by Piearce. But it took Doncaster four minutes to equalise through McIntyre. His corner somehow went straight into the net after Quy messed up (again!). The half time score was 2-1 to Doncaster after a Mike Newell (remember him!?!) goal on the half hour. Yes! Mike Newell formerly of Everton, Aberdeen and Blackburn when they won the Premiership just over four years ago! His header slotted past Quy from a Minnett cross from the right.

At half time, Andy Quy went off with a knee injury, and was replaced by Mark Jones.

James Wall equalised on fourty-nine, with a close range shot. McIntyre was sent off on 55 minutes for a second bookable offence, and a Gavin Williams penalty on fifty seven minutes made the score 3-2 to the Bulls. The penalty a result of Rodgerson being tripped in the box. A low attendance of 1690 watched the most entertaining match seen at Edgar Street for years. Elmes scored again on 82, to put the goal tally up to four for United. The cross from Williams met by Elmes' head again. Hanson then scored one minute from the end from the end to put the score beond doubt after Ian Wright's header had hit the post. Despite a Paul Sturgess own-goal on 79 minutes. The header turned past Jones.

Attendance = 1,690

Man of the match - Robin Elmes

Hereford - Quy, Clarke, Wall, Wright, Sturgess, Hanson, Taylor, Rodgerson, Elmes, Williams, Piearce

Sub(s) who came on - Jones

GRAHAM Turner commented: " We look dangerous going forward this season and today the quality of the crosses was excellent."

AND Steve Piearce, who has played for Doncaster, said: "I played 16 times alongside Rob Elmes in attack at Halesowen and we have a good understanding. I would have liked to have scored today but the fact that we won was what mattered."

Sept 5th:

HEREFORD United have scored more goals than any other side in the Football Conference this season. Their current tally is 16. Why then are United only eleventh in the game? This is because that have conceded fifteen, a record only beaten by Welling United, who have conceded 16.

JOHN Charles, the former Hereford, Wales, Leeds and Juventus star had been diagnosed as having bladder cancer. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Sept 7th:

YEOVIL Town 1 - 0 Hereford United

Yeovil Town beat Hereford again, and continued Hereford's dismal away run. More important was the injury to captain Ian Wright in the fourteenth minute, which will rule him out of the Southport match. He received a head injury when challenging for the ball from a corner. He was later taken to hospital after treatment in the ground.

Wright was missed from then on, and Yeovil took the lead on twenty-six minutes.

Steve Stott crossed into the box, and James Eaton went up with Mark Jones. The ball fell to David Piper, who scored from 12 yards. On 36 minutes, Ian Rodgerson shot from the edge of the area to test former United 'keeper Tony Pennock. He saved well.

In the second half, Gavin Williams played well down the right, but the pressure couldn't result in goals. Pennock was outstanding to keep his team ahead.

Paul Sturgess had the closest shot of the second half, as his 25 yard free kick flew inches over the Yeovil crossbar.

Attendance = 2,632

Man of the match - Tony Pennock (Yeovil)

Hereford - Jones, Sturgess, Lane, Hanson, Wright, Wall, Williams, Taylor, Piearce, Elmes, Rodgerson

Sub(s) who came on - Snape, James, Cotterick

Sept 10th:

HEREFORD travel to Haig Avenue for the away match at Southport on Saturday. Next Tuesday, they face Forest Green at home, a fixture which they won 4-0 last season.

Sept 11th:

HEREFORD United boss Graham Turner is expecting his players to get their first away win of the season when they travel to Southport.

However, the Bulls are without skipper Ian Wright and goalkeeper Andy Quy.

Wright suffered a head injury in the defeat at Yeovil and Quy is still receiving treatment for a knee problem.

Tony James, who took over from Wright, is expected to keep his place and Mark Jones will continue in goal.

SOUTHPORT 0 - 1 Hereford United

Substitute Paul Fewings scored six minutes from time to give United all three points at Haig Avenue, despite a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town on the previous Tuesday. Both Quy and Wright didn't play due to injuries, and Clarke was still serving a two match ban. The first half created few chances, but Ellison missed a few chances for Southport, who should have been leading by half-time.

Steve Dickinson had an average first half in the Southport goal, with one mistake when he dropped the ball, but the defence cleared before Elmes could make the chance count. Lane and Williams had good halves down the flanks, both causing problems for the Southport defence.

The second half brought more opportunities. Wall knocked wide from a Taylor corner, and soon after Ellison should have scored against the run of play. The tall striker rushed into the Hereford box, but Mark Jones pulled off a spectacular save to keep the scores level. Later Rodgerson and Snape failed to stretch Dickinson, who had a quiet second half.

On 73 minutes, Piearce was taken off, replaced by Paul Fewings. Within eleven minutes, he had scored his first goal of the season. Snape crossed the ball, Elmes knocked it down and it fell to Fewings. The former Hull striker found space and his right footed shot took a deflection from Clark and was sent past the unlucky Dickinson. The Southport 'keeper had had a good game in goals, but was robbed of his clean sheet.

Almost three hundred United fans travelled to the match to see Fewings score after all of his injury problems, and it was great to see. The result also sealed United their first away win and their first clean sheet of the season. It was also Southport's first home defat of the season.

In the last minute, Andy Gouck hit a left footed shot from the edge of the area which almost beat Jones. Instead, the former Telford goal made a giant leap to his right, and tipped the ball over. Hereford could have scored three goals, and so could Southport, but luck more than skill won United this match. Tony James was awarded our man-of-the-match award after a superb match in defence.

Attendance = 1,287

Man of the match - Tony James

Hereford - Jones, Lane, Sturgess, Snape, James, Wall, Rodgerson, Williams, Taylor, Elmes, Piearce

Sub(s) who came on - Fewings

Sept 14th:

HEREFORD United 1 - 0 Forest Green Rovers

Paul Fewings has done it again! Coming on as a substitute, he scored the winner in the dying minutes. A replica of last Saturday's game at Southport

At 90th minute goal sealed the three points for United, and lifted them to seventh place in the Nationwide Conference. Another substitute, Paul Parry, set up the goal. He sent in a good cross from the left allowed Fewings to dive between two players and beat the unlucky goalkeeper Steve Perrin.

Fewings came on on sixty-four minutes, replacing former Halesowen striker Steve Piearce. Paul told us that he was pleased with the goal, but would have rather started the game.

The Hereford win has set them up for the home match against high-flyers Stevenage Borough on Saturday.

This match was not completely free from injuries, however. Ian Wright, the captain, was replaced at half-time with an injury to the nose. As Forest Green were searching for an equaliser in INJURY time (ironic!), Adie Ming, playing up front, gashed Mark Jones' leg.

Steve Perrin, who is a cricketer for Wiltshire CCC, stopped a Gavin Williams penalty on seventy six minutes. The penalty a result of a Billy Clarke hand-ball in the area.

Perrin played well, and saved from both Wall and Piearce in the first half, and Dennis Bailey almost broke the deadlock for Forest Green on eighty-six minutes, after his header rebounded from off the crossbar.

Attendance = 1795

Man of the match - Steve Perrin (Forest Green)

Hereford - Jones, Clarke, Wall, Wright, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Taylor, Snape, Elmes, Piearce, Williams

Sub(s) who came on - Parry, Fewings, James

Sept 16th:

COUNCILLOR Terry James has asked Chelverton Properties and BS Group to help him in his bid to keep Hereford United at Edgar Street. Both groups have yet to comment on the first report, issued on the site last week. He is hoping to arrange a meeting with the groups in the next few weeks.

He has also confirmed that pop concerts and social events could be held at the new stadium.

Graham Turner has said "It is a critical time in the club's history. Every group must be pulling in the same direction. If it is really feasible for us to stay at Edgar Street and satisfy the developers, I'm sure we would be delighted to hear how it can be achieved."

HEREFORD United will play Stevenage Borough in the next Conference match on Saturday at Edgar Street. Ian Wright and Mark Jones may be ruled out with injuries picked up during the win over Forest Green on Tuesday.

THE youth team have gone out of the Midland FA Youth Cup after a 3-1 first round defeat to Lincoln City on Monday. Matt Morris scored for United.

Sept 17th:

PAUL Sturgess, Hereford's left sided defender, has signed a full time contract after a successful trial period at the club. He will be available for the Bulls home match against high-flyers Stevenage Borough tomorrow.

Sept 18th:

PAUL Sturgess has ended Hereford United's year-long hunt for a left-back after committing himself to a two-year deal with the Bulls reports the Sports Argus.

Manager Graham Turner admitted adequately filling the No 3 jersey has been a problem area but it's been a sign of Sturgess' influence that the defence has recorded their first clean sheets of the season in their last two matches.

The 24-year-old, who had come through Charlton Athletic's youth team before spells with Millwall and then Brighton last season, still harbours ambitions to get back into the League.

The Bulls' full-time training proved an irresistible attraction towards that dream and Turner hopes he can achieve his goal and help restore League football at Edgar Street at the same time.

Sturgess had initially joined for a month's trial for both sides to assess their compatibility and Turner has been delighted with the way Sturgess has settled in.

"We've not had a proper left-back for 12 months. We had Mark Taylor there to start off with and Matt Clarke, Ian Rodgerson, and Tony James all played there," said Turner.

"But Paul has done well in his month with us. He has got a great left peg and he is a strong defender."

It's the typically perversity of football that the Bulls' improved goals against record has coincided with the goals drying up at the other end. Injuries to Leroy May (ankle) and now Steve Piearce (hamstring) have not helped but comeback striker Paul Fewings has bagged the single goals as a substitute to defeat Forest Green and Southport.

But being hard to beat and snatching points are the keystones to being a successful side and Turner suggests Hereford are far from out of the running in the title battle.

"I wouldn't write off our chances just yet," he added.

"I haven't seen all the sides in the league yet so I can't comment on who might be the favourites. But Yeovil are top at the moment and when we played them we felt we were their equals. We've seen nothing to fear.

HEREFORD United 1 - 2 Stevenage Borough

United lost their first match in six, after high flyers Stevenage Borough scored two goals in the second half to grab all three points. The results moves them back to the top of the table. Hereford dropped from seventh to tenth place.

Hereford started well, and Paul Fewings caused Chris Taylor problems in the Stevenage goal, as he tipped a shot over. On the sixteenth minute, Rob Elmes headed against the bar and the ball dropped to Fewings who obliged with a quick touch, making the score 1-0 to the Bulls.

United continued to ush in the first half, but no further goals were forhcoming, despite good chances from Gavin Williams, but the shot blocked by Taylor. He had also saved from Elmes and Fewings by the half hour mark. The tide changed on thirty five, when Boro scored from a corner. Sam McMahon's effort was disallowed and he was booked for dissent.

In the second half, former United striker Richard Leadbeater shot at Jones, who rebounded the ball against the post and out to safety. Three minutes later, Stevenage got their goal. Tony James failed to close down Carl Alford, who crossed to find Jimmy Strouts. His shot was unstoppable by Jones from ten yards out.

After twenty minutes of the second half, Fewings should have put United 2-1 up. He rounded Taylor, but shot wide of the open goal. Two minutes later, Carl Alford picked up a Leadbeater flik to put Stevenage ahead. Jones, again, stood no chance due to abysmal defending. But United should have drawn level, but chances were squandered by Williams, one of which hit the crossbar after he had beaten the goalkeeper.

Matt Clarke returned after a two match, but was booked after a scuffle with Lee Harvey early in the second half.

Attendance = 2145

Man of the match - Chris Taylor (Stevenage Borough)

Hereford - Jones, Clarke, Wall, James, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Taylor, Snape, Elmes, Fewings, Williams

Sub(s) who came on - Hanson, Parry

Sept 20th:

HEREFORD United have been awarded a home tie in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round. The match will be played against either Newport County, Bedfont, Burgess Hill Town or Wimborne Town.

The 2nd Qualifying Round results were - Newport County 1 - 1 Bedfont, Burgess Hill Town 2 - 2 Wimborne Town. Last season's opponents, Newport IOW, drew 1 - 1 with Dulwich Hamlet.

Sept 23rd:

AFTER recent qualifying results, Hereford United have been drawn against Burgess Hill Town or Newport County in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

RUSHDEN and Diamonds will play Hereford United in the first round of the Nationwide McMillan Conference Cup. The match, scheduled for October 5th, will be played at the Bulls home ground, Edgar Street.

IAN Wright, the club captain, will play in the away match at Dover on Saturday after an injury. Stephen Piearce and Leroy May are still doubts, however.

GRAHAM Turner has labelled Hereford United the pawn in the war between property developers and the city council over control of Edagr Street. He has said that the clubs best interests are not at the centre of the argument.

Sept 25th:

GRAHAM Turner insisted Hereford United must remain positive despite their defeat to Stevenage last week.

The Bulls had led though Paul Fewings' third goal in as many games but Stevenage hit two second half goals to win and regain the title leadership.

But manager Turner felt his side more than matched one of the championship favourites.

"Although it was a blow to lose the three points I felt we showed we are capable of matching the better sides in this league," added the Edgar Street chief.

More creditably, the performance was achieved without the services of Andy Quy, Paul Parry, Leroy May, and Steve Piearce. Parry, though, was included in today's squad at Dover Athletic after recovering from a virus.

The Bulls, meanwhile, are running the rule over one time Hednesford and Cheltenham utility man Nick Dunphy.

The 21-year-old midfielder or defender, who was last with Sutton Town, has been training with Hereford since the summer and has signed Conference forms as cover.

Sept 25th:

DOVER Athletic 2 - 0 Hereford United

Hereford changed the side that lost 2-1 to Stevenage, bringing in Ian Wright for Tony James. Mark Hynes scored two early goals which did the damage, on 13 and 14 minutes. His first was a header, nodded to Jones' left from about ten yards after a right cross. The second was much worse from United. Hynes cut open the defence, and shot low with a powerful shot, which went in from twelve yards out.

Hynes should have scored a hatrck in the first half, but a missed close range shot. Hereford also had a few good chances. Hyde made his first save on the half hour mark in the Dover Athletic goal, when Wright headed on target from a Mark Taylor cross from the right. Then, seconds later, Wright shot from just inside the box, but the shot flew over the crossbar. Eight minutes before the break, Elmes caught onto the end of a free kick, and Hyde was ready to save the shot. Despite the chances, the first half was a scrappy and poor performance from a side who should be looking to the top five this season.

The second half started well. Just after the restart, long string of passes ended with Paul parry shooting over the crossbar from the edge of the box. On 49 minutes, Parry made a surging run on the left wing, but Elmes couldn't connect and the ball was headed behind for a Bulls corner. Seven minutes later, Paul Fewings was pulled down in the box after receiving a pass from Elmes, but Mark Taylor sealed an awful day for the Welsh Borders side, as his penalty was saved low to the right. Gavin Williams was taken off at half time, so Hereford's regular penalty taker was not available.

Twelve minutes from time, Matthew Beale came on to make his debut for Sanpe, and made some good passes. Two minutes later, Hereford should have scored. Wright headed a throw-in from Paul Sturgess to Elmes, who headed the ball against the crossbar. The game finished with United ahead on goal chances, but they didn't take them. Hereford have the potential of being a superb side, but the defensive organisation and striking in front of goal need working on. But there is one exception. Robin Elmes, a pre-season signing from Halesowen Town, has been inspirational.

Attendance = 840

Man of the match - Hyde (Goalkeeper, Dover Athletic)

Hereford - Jones, Clarke, Sturgess, Snape, Wright, Wall, Williams, Taylor, Elmes, Fewings, Rodgerson

Sub(s) who came on - Beale, James, Parry

Sept 28th:

DUE to the injuries of Andrew Quy and third 'keeper Lee Ruddall, Graham Turner has hinted that he may be signing a new goalkeeper by next Monday.

HEREFORD United 4 - 0 Rushden and Diamonds

Despite being the form side, and the most financially well off team in the league, Rushden and Diamonds were made to look awful by Hereford United, who had lost 2-0 to Dover in their previous match.

Graham Turner commented after the game that he was delighted for Paul Fewings, who scored another two in the match.

"After all the injury problems he had last season, I'm delighted for him. Overall, although we could have scored more goals, it was a good performance."

The first goal came very early. Mark Taylor's corner was met by the head of Ian Wright. Billy Turley, the former Northampton 'keeper, kept out shots from midfielder John Snape and Paul Fewings in the first half. Hereford were also lucky at the other end. Michael Mison missed an open goal and Paul Underwood's free kick which hit the post and rebounded to safety in the first half hour.

Just after the hour mark, Ian Wright scored his second of the night. Paul Sturgess delivered a free kick, and Wright jumped to head past Diamonds young goalie. On 63 mniutes, Paul Fewings split between Mark Peters and another former Northampton player Ray Warburton, to slot the chance past Turley to make it 3-0 to the Bulls.

With twenty two minutes left, Paul Fewings scored his second and United's fourth of the night. He passed Tim Wooding and chipped the ball over a helpless Turley. Minutes later, Turley prevented a 5-0 scoreline with a diving save from John Snape.

Rushden's main chance of the second half came from Ray Warburton, but a resiliant Paul Sturgess confirmed a clean sheet for the United with a clearance off the line. Sturgess received a booking in the game, as did Matt Clarke. They both have accumilated five yellow cards this season.

Good news - United play Rushden on March 25th at Nene Park, when points might be vital. Another 4-0 result? I hope so!

Attendance = 1,724

Man of the match - Ian Wright

Hereford - Jones, Clarke, Wright, James, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Taylor, Snape, Parry, Elmes, Fewings

Sub(s) who came on - Williams

THE HUISA committee are pleased to confirm that 2,276 shares in Hereford United have been secured in trust for the supporters of the club for future generations. In accordance with our constitution, and following a fully democratic postal ballot of our members held in September 1998, the committee has been actively seeking available HUFC shares in the market to comply with our members’ mandate.

With the resignation of Mike Hancocks from his position as director of HUFC, the first opportunity arose for supporters to obtain a sizeable ownership stake in the football club. The committee unanimously voted to purchase 2,276 of Mike Hancocks’ 2,845 share-holding. Whilst the purchase of 2,276 shares does not fully meet the ongoing aim of acquiring 4,000 shares in HUFC ie. 10% of the total share issue, HUISA is delighted that this holding does represent approximately 10% of the active shares as detailed in the company register. The price paid for these shares was £4,000. Such is the commitment of the HUISA committee that in the event of a ‘club emergency‘, HUISA will always respond in the manner our members have come to expect.

As a result of the changes and pressures currently affecting football clubs Nationwide, HUISA recognise the importance of HUFC in the local community. Supporters have a right to be involved in the major decisions that will have a direct impact on the very future of HUFC. Many obstacles face the club, in both the short and long term, and HUISA feel that the club’s dedicated supporters can now play an even greater role in HUFC as it moves towards the next Millennium.

HUISA has built up a close working relationship with chairman, Graham Turner, and company secretary, Joan Fennessy over the past 2 years, and this share purchase is designed to further strengthen the ties between the club and its supporters. Graham Turner has been quick to recognise the support the club has received from HUISA, both financially and in day-to-day operational terms. HUISA is encouraged that this support has been recognised by the club as it is now the official supporters association of Hereford United. HUISA is also affiliated to the National Federation of Football Supporters Clubs and will use whatever influence it can exert within this body to further promote HUFC and the plight of smaller clubs generally.

The recent speculation concerning a possible relocation of the football club to the Racecourse site further emphasises the need for supporters to play an active part in shaping the future. HUISA will endeavour to foster trust and greater communication between the club’s supporters and the Board of Directors using the regular Liaison Committee meetings as a means of advising the club of the fans’ ideas and concerns. It is envisaged that the purchase of shares in the football club will further safeguard the club for future generations of supporters, giving them both a stakeholding and a voice in the major decision making for the future of Hereford United.