December 2000

Dec 1st:
Paul Parry, Hereford's young winger, requires surgury on ankle ligaments which have kept him out for much of the season. The operation could see him missing from the United team for several weeks and Graham Turner is obviously disappointed. "It is a big blow for him," he said. Parry will see a specialist next week.

United boss Graham Turner is ready for tomorrow's trip to Morecambe, and will be boosted by the return of Gavin Williams who resumed training yesterday. Ian Rodgerson's ankle injury should also recover in time for kick off. Meanwhile Tony James should return for James Wall.

Morecambe, managed by Jimmy Harvey, will be a tough test. Graham Turner said: "They are a decent side. It will be a different kettle of fish to last week -- they do try and play, get the ball down and pass it. But we know we can go there and compete and we expect to come away with the points.

"Although they beat us last year and played very well I'm looking forward to it. They are a good side to play against - they pass the ball well and play very attractive football."

The Boston game was hard work said Turner: "It was a hard battle but I was disappointed with the way we played, although we had enough chances to have won it, even in the last 10 minutes. We competed better than we would have done 12 months ago. The more physical sides used to steamroller us but we can hold our own now."

Meanwhile Jimmy Harvey, the former United favourite and current Shrimps boss said: "It'll be a tough game. Hereford have one of the best away forms in the league so far. But we're fairly confident and our home form is fine so we're looking forward to the game."

Dec 2nd:
MORECAMBE 1- 1 HEREFORD UNITED

Hereford United travelled on the long trip north to Morecambe knowing that the home side had not been having the best of seasons, and were lying in fifteenth place in the Conference. The home side were also eliminated from the LDV Trophy against Lincoln this week and so would be looking to respond in a positive manner. Hereford were unbeaten in the league since losing 1-0 to Rushden back in mid-October.

United missed Paul Parry, John Shirley and Ian Rodgerson, but Gavin Williams made the starting line-up after an ankle injury, as did Tony James who missed out on last week's match against Boston. Morecambe, on the other hand, had a fit squad.

The Shrimps are managed by former Hereford player Jimmy Harvey so knew what to expect, and United weren't over confident knowing that they lost 3-2 at Christie Park last season.

The game started brightly with Hereford conceding a penalty after just three minutes as alledgedly Matt Clarke pushed Ryan-Zico Black in the area. With the exception of that incident, Clarke was Hereford's best player on the afternoon along with Scott Cooksey. It was Cooksey who had the delight of watching Morecambe midfielder hit the penalty wide of the post!

Drummond was guilty of missing several chances and fluffed up in front of goal just three minutes later, hitting wide from ten yards. Hereford came into the game soon after but not before Tony James was carried off with a recurrence of his hamstring injury that kept him out of last week's 1-1 draw with Boston United. His replacement was Matt Gardiner.

Fellow centre-back Ian Wright should have opened the scoring but his first touch wasn't good enough in front of the away fans.

With seven minutes of the half remaining, Shrimps striker John Norman volleyed a weak ball wide after a period of Morecambe play. Then in added time at the end of half, Drummond had a superb shot saved by the impressive Cooksey from six yards out, who effectively kept the scores down in dramatic fashion with several good saves.

In the second half, Morecambe made a couple of substitutions to spring extra life into the game. Robin Elmes came close for United and Ian Wright headed a Williams free-kick just over after two minutes.

Morecambe almost were handed the lead by United right-back Chris Lane who hit the ball towards the United goal before quickly backtracking and clearing with a split second to spare!

On seventy four minutes, Steve Piearce, who had entered the fray for Gavin Williams just three minutes previously, latched onto a loose ball and hit a superb chip over Smith from outside the box, much to the delight of the travelling fans.

Four minutes later, Morecambe equalised through another substitute, Mark Quayle. A Knowles cross was headed past the helpless Cooksey and Quayle netted his first goal for the club.

Both teams then attacked to find the goal which would secure three points, but Drummond was again guilty of missing a good chance when he headed over from close range, and then Steve Walters hit inches wide of Cooksey's post.

In the final minute, John Snape hit a volley from twenty yards just wide of the post.

Referee Mr. A. McGee of Liverpool booked three of the United back four, with Tony James being cautioned for dissent and then Paul Sturgess and Matt Clarke for fouls in the second half. A crowd of 1,125, including around a hundred from Herefordshire, must be pleased that the sides have drawn, as neither deserved victory. United were outplayed for long periods by Jimmy Harvey's side but with sides around them also dropping points, the result means United stay fourth.

The shock result came at Dover where they beat Rushden & Diamonds 4-1, and Southport were without a game. However, table-topping Yeovil Town won 2-0 at home to Telford, to extend their lead to seven points.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Wright, James, Clarke, Robinson, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams
Substitutions - Piearce and Gardiner.

Man of the Match - Matt Clarke

Dec 3rd:
Steve Bull has used contacts at clubs such as Wolves, Coventry, Newcastle, Leeds, Southampton to secure memrobilia for the HUFC auction, due to be held at the Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford, on Sunday 10th December. Other items include a Michael Owen England shirt and a Manchester United shirt worn when they won the Champions League in 1999.

Hereford United are top of the league - admittedly not the Conference but they are leading the Conference Fair Play League. The Bulls finished second last season, behind Morecambe, and now the Shrimps are second.

Graham Turner said: "I think that is an indication that both sides are not over-physical."

Only two players have been sent off for United this season, Gavin Williams and Matt Clarke, and both only received one match suspensions.

Turner added: "In this day and age, that is a thing of the past. There is a fine dividing line between being competitive and being dirty."

Leading the table is impressing Turner: "It is something I am encouraged by. I don't think there is any merit in giving lots of free kicks away. You have to discipline in your side, and as a result we are a more disciplined side and better one because of it."

Dec 4th:
Hereford United have been drawn at home to fellow Conference side Dover Athletic in the second round of the FA Umbro Trophy. Ties to be played Saturday 13 January 2001.

The official website have said that the surgery for Paul Parry's niggling injury has not yet been confirmed, and he will see a specialist to see if the injury can be rectified without need for an operation.

Meanwhile, Yeovil Town are at Edgar Street tomorrow night in the LDV Vans Trophy First Round. United boss Graham Turner is looking forward to the game.

Turner told the Evening News: "Many clubs are slashing their prices for this round, which perhaps shows what lack of interest there is at League level for the first couple of rounds. Drawing Yeovil, however, almost guarantees a lot of interest because of our positions, and we expect a decent gate."

Club secretary Joan Fennessy told the BBC: "It will be a big game for us."

Meanwhile, former Bulls boss Colin Addison is now in charge of Yeovil and is angry that the game is being played this week! "Because we have that game, I can't take the lads to Plymouth for a break before the FA Cup tie at Blackpool next weekend." Apparently, a trip to Plymouth spurred the Somerset side to victory in round one.

The match means there will be a Conference side in the next round, and it is the only all-Conference game of the competition.

Dec 5th:
Tonight's LDV Trophy match at home against Yeovil Town has been postponed, it has been announced. The reason given was a waterlogged pitch. The game has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, 12th December.

Dec 7th:
Hereford United's match against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday may be postponed due to flooding.

United boss Graham Turner told the Hereford Times: "There was just no possible way we could have played. By the time that the referee got here the pitch was totally flooded.

"It will depend on the next day or two. The biggest problem is that the Merton Meadow car park is flooded."

Should the game be played, United must make sure they close the gap on both Southport and Yeovil, who are in FA Cup action. Turner said: "We need to be closing the gap but Doncaster are always a very competitive side."

On United's home draw against Dover in the FA Trophy, Graham Turner said: "I think it's a tough draw, Dover at home. They are capable of anything - they beat Rushden 4-1 on Saturday. But, it's a home draw and I think that is the best you can hope for in cup competitions."

Meanwhile, there will be an auction of football and celebrity memorabilia at Hereford's Green Dragon Hotel on Sunday. All the action starts at 2.30pm, with about a hundred items are for sale, including a signed Manchester Untied shirt worn in the European Cup final, and a signed Michael Owen England shirt.

According to both online bookmaker firststake.com, and William Hill, United are fourth favourites for the Conference title behind Southport, Yeovil and Rushden.

Here are the odds (FirstStake.com) :

Yeovil Town 4/11
Rushden and Diamonds 10/3
Southport 5/1
Hereford United 18/1

Dec 8th:
The club have announced that tomorrow's game between Hereford United and Doncaster Rovers at Edgar Street will definetely go ahead. Kick off remains at 3pm.

Graham Turner told the BBC: "It is a very important game. I do feel that we have seven games in the next month which are absolutely crucial to us. Yeovil have had an outstanding season but they are going to slip up sooner or later so we have to make sure we stay in touch."

Steve Wignall, Doncater boss said : "Hereford is a very difficult place to go. They are five points and a place above us so it's important to win and make sure we catch up. The other night (Rochdale) was a great confidence-booster and the game before that we beat Rushden 3-2, so we just need to do it away. We are hard to beat so it will be a very close game."

Dec 9th:
Blackburn Rovers defender Darren Peacock has retired from football whilst on-loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Peacock was the record sale for Hereford United when first division Queens Park Rangers bought him in 1990. In the Worthington Cup match at Fulham, which Wolves lost 3-2, Peacock suffered a neck injury and has quit as the medical risk to continue is too high. He was knocked unconcious in the challenge which the injury occured.

Peacock joined Hereford in March 1989 when Newport County went bust, and had a successful spell at Edgar Street before moving for £440,000 to QPR at Christmas 1990. He moved on from Loftus Road to Kevin Keegan's Newcastle for £2,700,000. He played for Blackburn, and on-loan at West Ham and Wolves before retiring.

"It is very disappointing to say the very least. It hasn't really sunk in yet and is certainly not how I planned to end my playing career," said Darren. "But the medical people left me in no doubt, saying it would be far too risky for me to consider playing again."

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness said: "We all feel for Darren, a great professional who has given sterling service during his career. On behalf of the players and management staff I would like to wish him every success in the future."

Meanwhile, John Williams, the Blackburn chief executive, added: "It is always sad when a footballer has to retire through injury and Darren's situation is very unfortunate. However, the long term health and well-being of any player must prevail at all times. I feel sure that all supporters will join with me and everyone at Ewood Park in offering Darren sincere best wishes."

The club have announced that there will be a special 'one-off' for the Blackfriars End and Block G of the Len Weston Stand. One adult and one child will be admitted for £8, with an adult and two children just £10. However, tickets must be purchased from the Main Office before entry to the ground. This offer will not be available on the gate.

Meanwhile, Paul Parry has had a scan on his ankle, and the club are awaiting the report. Phil Robinson may have a broken bone in his hand which may keep him out if a plaster cast is required, but the results are not yet known. Steve Piearce should return for the Yeovil match on Tuesday night, and Tony James could be out for up to six weeks with his hamstring injury.

The club shop will be open from 9am-4pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the week running up to Christmas. In the new year period, the shop will be open on Wednesday 27th, Thursday 28th and Friday 29th December from 9am-4pm, and also on New Years Day at the Chester match. Also merchandise can be bought online from http://www.bulls-shop.com.

Tomorrow's Christmas Auction at the Green Dragon in Borad Street is sure to be a great affair. Viewing of the football memrobilia starts at 12pm, with the auction commencing at 2.30pm. Tickets to Aston Villa vs Manchester United, signed Premiership shirts, David Beckham signed items, a Michael Owen signed England shirt and theatre tickets are all up for grabs.

HEREFORD UNITED 0 - 1 DONCASTER ROVERS

Doncaster Rovers had already beaten United once this season, 2-1 at Belle Vue in September, but this game was a bigger one than the away tie. With Hereford in fourth place, and Doncaster in fifth, the game had added spark of keeping up with the leaders. The Merton Meadow car park was flooded and so many people found it hard to park, perhaps the reason why the attendance was just 1,755.

United missed Tony James who had a hamstring injury, and Steve Piearce didn't feature. Paul Parry was facing an ankle operation so was unable to play. Doncaster's goalkeeper Barry Richardson overcame an arm injury to start, but Simon Marples' ankle strain kept him out.

It was Doncaster who secured their first double of the season and inflicted Hereford's first home league defeat since April.

Both sides started well, with Doncaster creating the first chance in the opening minute as Simon Shaw almost beat Cooksey with a high ball. Soon after, Chris Lane testeed Doncaster goalkeeper Barry Richardson with a high ball.

Hereford made their first real effort on ten minutes. Paul Sturgess, who had surged forward from defence, swung in a sublime cross from the left hand side but Gavin Williams headed wide of the crossbar when one-on-one with Richardson.

Doncaster took the game to their hosts, and inflicted pressure on the Hereford defence almost constantly. The away side had the best of the possession as Hereford were made to look second best. Kelly hit the crossbar on the eighteenth minute before bouncing away, underlining the Doncaster attacking force

In the second period, United fought back and almost took the lead on several occasions. Phil Robinson made Richardson save well, and soon after, Matt Clarke rounded Doncaster defender Simon Shaw before hitting his effort wide. Then Robin Elmes headed a ball goalwards which was promptly cleared by the Rovers defensive line.

Gavin Williams hit wide on fifty minutes, and then McIndoe headed a Clarke cross wide of the target just two minutes later.

On seventy one minutes, Phil Robinson became the latest United player to miss a penalty when he was brought down in the box by Barry Millar after a superb run from the halfway line and passing three players. Robinson missed his first penalty for United, and the fifth in succession for the Bulls, as he hit the ball miles wide of Barry Richardson's goal. Something is wrong when players hit a penalty closer to the corner flag than the target . Who will take next penalty is anyone's guess - how about Scott Cooksey!

The only goal of the match was scored by a man called Turner. No, Graham had not signed up for Doncaster, but Michael Turner, who smashed home a free-kick from Jimmy Kelly, with the Hereford defence left stranded. Turner was unmarked in the defence, which I suspect will have angered another Mr. Turner!

United didn't give up, and searched for an equaliser. Scott Cooksey joined the attack for two corners, but to no avail.

Two minutes from time, Doncaster should have made the result beyond doubt but Matt Cauldwell missed from three yards out.

The referee, Ian Williamson of Reading, didn't have the best game of his life but was about average, and compared to some seen at Edgar Street in recent years, the officials were superb! He made two bookings, both for fouls. Hereford's battlers, Ian Wright and John Snape, received yellow cards for their actions.

With the only other team at the top, Rushden, winning at Hayes, the gap between Hereford in fourth and Southport in third is now at three points, but both Southport and table topping Yeovil Town have two games in hand. Doncaster are a further two points behind the Bulls in fifth, having also played twenty one matches.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Wright, Gardiner, Robinson, Sturgess, Clarke, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams
Substitutions - none

Man of the Match - Scott Cooksey

Dec 10th:
After yesterday's defeat to Doncaster, United defender Paul Sturgess was obviously disappointed, especially after the team missed another penalty - their fifth in succession.

Sturgess said: "For whatever reason we cannot stick the ball into the back of the net. When we practise them in training everything goes to plan. But for whatever reason when we play on a Saturday or a Tuesday there is a mind block there."

On returning to the team, Sturgess told of his disappointment and frustration to be out. "I am not a great watcher and it was disappointing to be out of the side while the team have been doing well", said Sturgess. "I am just glad to be back now and there is still a lot to play for. We are still highly placed in the Conference and I am hoping that we will have a good run in the FA Trophy and the LDV Vans Trophy."

United boss Graham Turner who has been manager at Villa, Wolves and Shrewsbury, is gobsmacked by the penalty run. He said: "I have never been at a club where they have missed five consecutive penalties before."

On the subject of the game, Turner commented: "I didn't think we played badly in the conditions and if we had scored the penalty I think we would have gone on to win."

Meanwhile Doncaster scorer Michael Turner said: "It was a very important victory for us today."

Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan was delighted with the 1-0 win. "It was a great result for us", said Ryan. "I am very happy the way it is going, we are fifth in the Conference and still in with a chance of the championship. I have seen teams blow up before and that is what I think will happen to Yeovil Town. I believe someone will come through from the pack and that could be us."

Dec 11th:
According to the club, tomorrow's LDV Vans Trophy match at home to Yeovil Town will take place as scheduled. However, recent downpours may make the club review the situation tomorrow. A spokeman told BBC Ceefax: "We've never beaten them so now would be a good time to win. The lads are all geared up and we've worked hard to get the ground ready."

Former United boss Colin Addison, who is now in charge of Yeovil, is ready for the game. "It is an important game, we want to do well in every match," he said.

The club have announced that over £7,000 were raised from the auction at the Green Dragon Hotal yesterday. There was a good turnout and the club are delighted at the success of the event.

Meanwhile, everyone associated with this website and football in general would like to express their sincerest condolences to the families of the three Nuneaton Borough fans who passed away after their minibus crashed travelling back from the FA Cup tie at Bournemouth. Times like this put football into perspective, and we would also like to wish a speedy recovery to the other victims in the accident.

Dec 12th:
When the LDV Vans Trophy match against Yeovil is eventually played, Graham Turner hopes the match doesn't go to penalties, especially after Phil Robinson missed United's fifth consecutive spotkick on Saturday.

The game will be decided in golden goal extra time but should the score still be level, penalties will be used to seperate the sides. Turner said: "What we will dread is if it comes to penalties. We have to make sure it doesn't go that far."

On Yeovil, Turner is hoping for victory. "We have not beaten them yet since we started to come up against them in the Conference. They have had a terrific weekend and their players are still on a high. They are the team to beat for us," he said.

Tonight's LDV Vans Trophy First Round Southern Section tie between Hereford United and Yeovil Town at Edgar Street has been postponed due to bad weather. Initially it was thought that the game would go ahead, but further rain has flooded the adjacent car-park, and travelling to the match may be a problem for some fans as many roads are blocked.

The game was postponed last week, and the pitch is playable, but the club have announced that it will be called off. The club have announced that the game will be replayed next Tuesday, 19th December, at 7.45pm. Now the league game at Edgar Street on Saturday against Kettering must be in doubt.

Dec 13th:
United boss Graham Turner was pleased with the £7000 raised at Sunday's memrobilia auction. Michael Owen's England shirt was sold for £620, and other items such as a Liverpool jersey (£500), a signed Manchester United shirt (£290) and a signed England shirt (£260) all made good money.

Turner said: "I think the final figure will be about £7,500. We're delighted with the response - it was a good day. It helps to keep the club ticking along. The gate on Saturday was below the amount we'd budgeted for by about 600 and that's a big drop in the cash flow."

On the subject of lots of money, record sale Darren Peacock has told of his disappointment to be quitting football through injury. The former United, Blackburn and Newcastle defender said: "It is very disappointing to say the very least. It hasn't really sunk in yet and is certainly not how I planned to end my playing career. But the medical people left me in no doubt, saying it would be far too risky for me to consider playing again."

"It was a challenge every centre-half makes but I came off much worse. I've been told I could have been paralysed from the waist down so there is no point feeling sorry for myself. I should be thanking my lucky stars I can still walk," he told Teamtalk. "I could have had an operation but there is no guarantee it would have worked and I then would have faced 18 months rehab."

Hereford's injury problems have continued to bug the club, but there has been some progress in recent days about certain players.

Centre back Tony James has a torn hamstring and will be absent for two weeks, whilst Paul Parry has seen a specialist about his ankle. The club have announced that he will require arthroscopy on it which will start next week in an attempt to resolve the problem.

Ian Wright's ankle x-ray proved all clear, and Steve Piearce could join Wright in the side as the striker is almost fit after a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, last night's game against Yeovil was called off are discussions with Yeovil Town, the police and the Football League. As travelling conditions were very poor and the Merton Meadow car park was flooded, the decision was taken to postpone the match.

Graham Turner said: "Colin Addison came down and, between the two clubs, the Football League and the police, we all felt there was no alternative but to call it off. With more rain forecast - heavy and sustained rain - it was just going to be made that much worse."

The second round draw for the LDV Vans Trophy will be held on Saturday morning, again on Sky Sports.

Dec 14th:
According to both online bookmaker firststake.com, and William Hill, United are fourth favourites for the Conference title behind Southport, Yeovil and Rushden. However, they have been pushed back after last week's loss to Doncaster, especially by William Hill who see United at 26/1.

Here are the odds (FirstStake.com) :

Yeovil Town 4/11
Rushden and Diamonds 10/3
Southport 5/1
Hereford United 18/1
Doncaster Rovers 28/1

Dec 15th:
Hereford United are ready for bottom side Kettering according to Graham Turner, but he is wary of their two new strikers.

He said: "They had a very good Cup run, beating Hull away in a replay and doing very well at Bristol City, have just spent £25,000 on a striker (Darren Collins) and have two new strikers in there. I consider it is going to be a difficult game."

Turner though hasn't given up hope for the title. "You never give up hope. I have seen sides string together runs of victories and we need to do that now."

"We have been working this morning at taking penalties. It is relatively easy taking them in training but it is very different in a match situation. Last week we missed our chances which was the biggest problem -- I don't think we deserved to lose," he said.

Meanwhile, Kettering boss Peter Morris is hoping to get off the bottom of the table. "We were very good against Bristol City who have some quality in their side," he said. "The lads came out of it with a great deal of confidence. If we go there and battle and do as well as we did against Hull and Bristol City, then we'll do alright."

Dec 16th:
If Hereford United beat Yeovil Town in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy, they face a home tie against Reading, nicknamed the Royals, in the second round. The game is due to be played on January 9th, 2001.

Here is the full draw:

Southern Section

Hereford United or Yeovil Town v Reading
Millwall v Swindon Town
Leyton Orient v Wycombe Wanderers
Brighton & Hove Albion v Brentford
Bournemouth v Swansea City
Southend United v Cambridge United
Bristol Rovers v Plymouth Argyle
Peterborough United v Barnet

HEREFORD UNITED 0 - 0 KETTERING TOWN

Hereford United's dismal home record continued against Kettering Town today - but they cannot blame a penalty miss for failure to win! However, the Bulls should have beaten the bottom side convincingly but a great performance in goal by Ian Bowling meant the honours were shared.

With United not having played for a week after last Tuesday's postponed LDV Trophy match against Yeovil, today's game was vital to resume winning ways, especially after last weeks 1-0 defeat against Doncaster. Kettering Town are bottom of the league, and haven't won a league game for two months.

Tony James, Paul Parry and John Shirley were missing from the Hereford squad, so Matt Gardiner partnered Ian Wright in the centre of defence. Steve Piearce made a comeback on the bench, but came on later. Therefore the starting line-up was the same as the team that began the game against Doncaster last weekend. After the Poppies had released Steve Wilkinson and Robert Codner in the week, both had to be replaced in the squad. New strikers Amara Simba and Darren Collins started in attack, and Wayne Duik came back to start in the side, as did Carl Adams.

Early on it was Kettering who made the chances, with both Matt Fisher and Craig Norman heading in from close range. In the tenth minute, United made their first chance of the game when Robin Elmes locked onto a long ball from Paul Sturgess and from six yards out, Elmes' ball was cleared in a goalmouth scramble.

Then Elmes had a header cleared as Ian Bowling, the Kettering goalkeeper, managed to push the ball away. Bowling is a veteran shotstopper who has had much league experience, notably at Mansfield Town. Bowling watched soon after as Gavin Williams hit wide and then Matt Gardiner hit over the crossbar for the edge of the box.

Kettering had one notable chance as Darren Collins, a recent £25,000 signing from Rushden & Diamonds, made a good run on the right before crossing for Amara Simba to head just wide.

In the second half Hereford were by far the better side as the Poppies camped back in their own half in a damage limitation exercise.

However, Ian Bowling was in top form to keep United at bay. Firstly, Gavin Williams had the ball grabbed from his feet by Bowling, and then a good move almost resulted in a United goal. Matt Clarke, who was outstanding on the right of midfield, hit a superb ball to Robin Elmes. The teacher knocked it to Robinson, who duly missed the target in spectacular fashion.

With six minutes of the half gone, United scored the only goal of the game. Robin Elmes knocked the ball over Bowling, but referee David Naylor of Sutton-in-Ashfield ruled the effort offside.

By fifty six minutes, Kettering had used all of their substitutes. Therefore had any player been injured or sent off, a tactical change would have been very hard for Poppies boss Peter Morris.

Michael McIndoe showed his striking prowess soon after, but a superb dive from Bowling kept United out as the defence scrambled the ball away. However, Elmes hit a superb ball back in before it was saved again after John Snape had provided a pass to Elmes.

Matt Clarke was taken off by Graham Turner and replaced by Steve Piearce, much to the disgust of the Hereford United fans. Clarke had been playing well on the ball until that point so the reason for him being taken off was a mystery to say the least. All the productive play was coming from the right side, and it all evaporated when Clarke was taken off.

With Kettering under pressure, they managed to break with fifteen minutes remaining and Carl Adams hit a superb 30 yard shot catching United completely off-guard which went over.

Just before the final whistle, Niall Inman had a shot tipped away by Cooksey with the defensive line of Hereford United opened by the Kettering player. In injury time, first Piearce and then Williams had efforts saved by Bowling. Referee Naylor booked just two players - Wayne Diuk on 27 and Craig Norman on 81 minutes, both for fouls.

The crowd, of just 1,561, was down on last week probably due to a combination of the bitterly cold weather and the need for last minute Christmas shopping. Apparently, the shops in the city centre were packed as people rushed to buy those final gifts.

As Doncaster beat Chester City 1-0, the Yorkshire side are level on points with Hereford but United remain fourth on goal difference. Southport drew 2-2 at Leigh RMI so not extending the gap over the Bulls, but Rushden were 5-1 winners at home to Hednesford. Yeovil remain top with a 1-0 win at home to Northwich Victoria.

If United cannot start winning at home, and score penalties, they can wave goodbye to any chance of winning the Conference Championship.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams

Substitutions - Piearce (67)

Man of the Match - Ian Bowling

Dec 17th:
Ian Bowling, the Kettering goalkeeper, was naturally delighted at keeping a clean sheet yesterday at Edgar Street. but played down the hype. "I am just doing my job and that is to keep a clean sheet if possible," he said. "Everybody worked hard for the point and we did that today."

Meanwhile Hereford striker Rob Elmes revealed his disappointment with the result. "Your on a hiding to nothing when you play the bottom club and everybody expects you to win." It looks like the United camp were angry that they didn't win the game.

Steve Bayliss, the United director nominated by HUISA, has quit the board as work commitments mean he cannot continue. HUISA have thanked him for the work he has done, but he will remain on the HUISA board as he is too valuable to lose, according to Kevin Wargen, HUISA Chairman.

Meanwhile, £7,515 were raised at last Sunday's auction and only one Premiership club didn't provide a shirt - Chelsea. Ken Bates and the men from Stamford Bridge should hold their heads in shame!

Dec 19th:
Hereford United coach and former Wolves legend Steve Bull has revealed that he is tempted by the vacant managerial post at Molineux. He told the press: "It's a big job and there will be a lot of pressure attached to it.

"But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted by it. Although I've officially retired from playing I know most of the players inside out and if I can't motivate them then who can?"

Bull, aged thirty five, joined Hereford in the summer after retiring from the Wolves playing squad through injury, and has since been gaining experience from Graham Turner as a coach. Colin Lee was sacked as Wolves boss and John Ward has since taken over as temporary manager.

HEREFORD UNITED 4 - 0 YEOVIL TOWN

Since relegation to the Conference, Hereford United had not once beaten Yeovil Town in any competition, but tonight the Bulls showed their obvious skill with a staggering 4-0 victory over the league leaders in the southern section of the LDV Vans Trophy first round. The tie had been postponed twice already but it was well worth the waiting for the 800+ Hereford United fans at Edgar Street. The win also ended Yeovil's seventeen match unbeaten run.

The home side made one change to the team that drew with Kettering on Saturday, as striker Robin Elmes couldn't make the game through work commitments so was replaced in attack by Kerry Giddings. Yeovil, though, made five changes to Saturday's team which beat Northwich 1-0. Former United goalkeeper Tony Pennock was replaced with Chris Weale, and Anthony Tonkin, Darren Way, Andy Lindegaard and Barrington Belgrave were dropped for O'Brien, Poole, on-loan striker Alex Meechan and Gareth Risbridger.

An entertaining first half saw chances for both sides. United played well with a strong defence as they attacked at Yeovil directly, a tactic not seen at Edgar Street for several matches. Chris Weale in the Yeovil goal played well and commanding authority in his area, but did experience a couple of close shaves! However, Weale made several good saves from the United attacks.

Meanwhile, Meechan and Risbridger tested Cooksey but the former England semi-professional goalkeeper was in top form to keep the current Conference leaders, managed by former United boss Colin Addison, at bay.

Five minutes before the break, United opened the scoring. Paul Sturgess provided a good cross after passing both Piper and Risbridger, which was punched away by Weale. However, the ball fell to Phil Robinson, and he flicked on to striker Gavin Williams. The Welshman turned the ball goalwards from ten yards to make it 1-0 to United.

Two minutes later, United were awarded a free-kick which was cleared by Yeovil. John Snape picked up the loose ball and hit a twenty five yard volley into the back of the net to double the cushion. Chris Weale, who didn't have his best game in the Yeovil goal, was left stranded by the ball which passed through a crowd of people before hitting the net. A good half time lead must have pleased Graham Turner.

Just four minutes had been played in the second half when United netted again. This time a Michael McIndoe corner was headed home by impressive midfielder Matt Clarke from close range. Weale got a hand to the effort from ten yards, but to no avail. Clarke, obviously delighted with finding the net, removed his shirt whilst celebrating with the Meadow End faithful and was booked by referee Mark Warren from Walsall for the offence. Warren, on the whole, had a good night and was one of the best referees seen at Edgar Street this season.

United should have added to their lead but both Williams and Snape had efforts saved by Weale. Two Ben Smith efforts kept Cooksey on his toes, but to be fair Yeovil never looked like getting back into the game. The introduction of strikers Barrington Belgrave and James Bent made no difference as United remained on top. Seven minutes previous to the substitutions, Brad Peters was bought on to replace the injured captain Terry Skiverton, and to shore up the defence on fifty seven minutes, but again the change had little success.

However, Bent forced Cooksey to save soon after coming on, as Cooksey pushed the ball away to his left for a corner. United, though, almost made it 4-0 when Williams' shot was cleared off the line by fullback David Piper, and Weale was forced into several other good saves as the half progressed.

Ian Rodgerson entered the action for the superb John Snape on seventy eight minutes, but had little effect, and Jimmy Quiggin came on for Gavin Williams eight minutes later.

The night was topped off by Jimmy Quiggin three minutes from time when he made it a spectacular four. Quiggin had only been on the field for a minute when Ian Wright headed a ball forward for the youngster to knock past Weale with his first touch.

There were four bookings on the night. Referee Warren cautioned United player-coach Phil Robinson for a foul after fiteen minutes, Tom White of Yeovil on forty one minutes, and Crittenden on seventy three, both for fouls. Also, Matt Clarke was booked for unsporting behaviour, as mentioned previously.

A small crowd of 853 turned out to watch the game, and the ones that missed it most definitely missed out on a superb night of entertainment. United now play Reading in the second round, with the match scheduled for January 9th at Edgar Street.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Rodgerson (78), Quiggin (86)

Man of the Match - Matt Gardiner

Dec 20th:
Graham Turner was delighted with yesterday's 4-0 home win over Yeovil in the LDV Vans Trophy, and is looking forward to the next round where United are at home to Reading.

"It's taken us a long time to beat Yeovil but the LDV is a very important trophy," said Turner. "We now have Reading in the second round to look forward to in January. The players have done well and will have done our confidence a lot of good. It means they can now have a very good Christmas."

However, former United boss Colin Addison, who is now in charge at Yeovil, slammed the Huish Park side. "We have no excuses," he said. "Hereford well deserved their victory. They wanted it more than us and gave us a good thrashing."

Graham Turner has got so fed up with Steve Piearce's run of injuries that he has banished him from the club. The story will be reported in tomorrow's Hereford Times but Turner is fed up with his excuses, especially after a striker was required as Turner knew Elmes was to be unavailable last night. In the end, Kerry Giddings took the role.

"He's been banished from the club at the moment," said Turner. "It's been a succession of injuries since he's been with us. On Monday I told the coaches to treat him as if in cotton wool in training because we knew we needed a front man as Robin Elmes was unavailable. At the moment I don't know how the situation will be resolved."

In eighteen matches in a United shirt, including nine starts, Piearce has scored six goals but over two seasons the return is not good enough, according to Turner.

Meanwhile, Gavin Williams has received the Matchman of the Month award from Match Magazine. Under the points system, Williams gained an average rating of 7.66 out of 10, the best in the division from November.

Dec 22nd:
Hereford coach Steve Bull may make the bench for one of the games over the Christmas period, according to Bull's boss Graham Turner.

However, he is unlikely to feature as he is not yet fit. "We have talked about it, but we are aware he has got a serious knee injury and at the moment I don't think he is fit enough to play," Turner said. This comes after news that Steve Piearce has been banished from the club, which annoyed Turner inmmensly. He said: "It is partly frustration on my part. He was pencilled in to start the game (against Yeovil) and once again cried off. I have told him to stay away. It is possible he might need a rest and he may need to get away from the place for a while."

Piearce is under contract until May but he will not be playing over the next few weeks, according to Turner. "He is not in the reckoning for the Christmas and New Year games, although I don't think he would have been fit enough anyway."

Dec 23rd:
Southport, in third place, dropped two points last night when they drew at home with Stevenage Borough, who scored two penalties in the 2-2 draw. The result means Port have 40 points, four ahead of United with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Stevenage are still sixth, four points behind United with a game in hand on thirty two points.

Today, Chester played Hayes at the Deva Stadium. The result was a goalless draw which leaves City six points behind United with two games in hand, but the Bulls have a superior goal difference. However, United play Chester on both Boxing Day and New Years Day so points will be vital in those games. Meanwhile, Hayes have moved about both Northwich and Morecambe.

Meanwhile Wolverhampton Wanderers goal-scoring legend Steve Bull could return to the arena over the Christmas period with Hereford United.

Bull, who was forced to quit the first-class game two seasons ago due to a knee injury, is on the coaching staff at Edgar Street and could sign for the Nationwide Conference club over the holiday.

'I have not ruled out the possibility he may sign for us,' said Turner. 'He may be a target for the gorillas who play in the Conference, but he has been used to that and could be used as a substitute for 20 minutes.'

Hereford will be without experienced midfielder John Snape for their Boxing Day clash at Chester City. Snape will be serving a one-match ban for accumulating five yellow cards, but striker Robin Elmes will return to the squad.

Elmes was unavailable for Hereford's best win of the season, when they knocked table-topping Yeovil Town out of the LDV Vans Trophy on Tuesday.

Matt Gardiner, who has been deputising for the injured Tony James in the centre of the defence, will retain his place after an impressive display against Yeovil.

Following their Boxing Day visit to the Deva Stadium, Hereford travel to third-placed Southport on Boxing Day and will then entertain Chester at Edgar Street on New Year's Day.

Finally today Steve Piearce's future with Hereford United has been thrown into doubt this week according to the Birmingham Post.

Bulls boss Graham Turner has banned Piearce from Edgar Street for the foreseeable future.

Piearce had been selected to play for Hereford in Tuesday night's LDV Vans Trophy tie against conference table-toppers Yeovil Town.

But the striker cried off at the last minute - much to Turner's annoyance.

The 26-year old striker has only managed nine full appearances for Hereford in the past 18 months due to a variety of illnesses and injuries - and now Turner's patience has finally snapped.

Unhappy Turner confirmed: 'Piearce has been banished from the club. On Monday, I told the coaches to treat him as if wrapped in cotton wool for training because Rob Elmes was unavailable.

'But at the moment, I don't know how the situation will be resolved.'

Piearce landed a three year contract when he joined Hereford in the summer of 1999 - but has been plagued by injury ever since.

He made his name at Halesowen Town - ironically alongside Elmes, where he was the Dr Martens Premier Division's leading marksman with 30 goals - and that was after missing the early part of the season through injury.

Dec 24th:
Graham Barrow, Chester City manager, sees the Hereford games as tough tests over the Christmas period, along with a game against Telford United.

He said: "We have got seven days to play all three games so it will be a very busy time over Christmas, but we will still be right up there challenging if we can pick up a few points."

After the 4-0 win last week, Graham Turner is optimistic but cautious about Hereford's chances of victory. "Chester are a tough side and all the reports suggest they won't be far off come the end of the season," he said.

Dec 25th:
STEVE BULL, who has been linked with the managerial vacancy at his former club Wolves, could return to action for Hereford before the festive season is over reports the Telegraph.

Graham Turner, Hereford’s director of football, would not speculate on Bull’s chances of becoming manager at Molineux but admitted that his coach - who has not played since a knee injury ended his League career two seasons ago - could be used for 20 minutes as a substitute. ‘Steve may be a target for the guerrillas who play in the Conference but he’s used to that.’

The top two both have tough away games against hosts giving home debuts to on-loan signings. The leaders Yeovil, aiming to reverse last season’s shock 3-0 defeat at Forest Green, face Leon Cort, from Millwall, while Jason Peake, of Plymouth, could line up for Nuneaton who receive Rushden & Diamonds. Defender Simon Betts has joined from Scarborough for £10,000 and will make his Yeovil debut today.


Dec 26th:
CHESTER CITY 2 - 1 HEREFORD UNITED

Hereford United made the boxing day trip to the Deva Stadium in the knowledge that it was a tough start to a challenging holiday period. Having beaten Yeovil 4-0 in the LDV Vans Trophy last week, confidence was obviously upbeat in the United camp, and Chester had drawn 0-0 with lowly Hayes on the previous Saturday so were eager to bounce back.

Tony James, Paul Parry and John Shirley were all ruled out, as was Steve Piearce after Graham Turner ruled him out. Meanwhile, John Snape started his three match suspension, so was replaced by Ian Rodgerson in the centre of midfield. Rob Elmes was hoping to return up-front, but Kerry Giddings kept him out as he partnered Gavin Williams in attack. Meanwhile, Chester boss Graham Barrow had a full squad to pick from.

Hereford were second best in the first half, and it was one of the most dreadful United performances seen for the opening fourty five minutes. The fact that Chester had the half time lead was not down to them being anything special, but due to a lacklustre performance by the Bulls.

In fact, Chester should have been several goals ahead at the break, and how they hadn't improved on their goal lead was anyones guess.

On thirteen minutes, Mark Beesley set up a long range effort which Paul Beesley sent wide after Whitehall had had a shot blocked, and then Whitehall should have opened the scoring seven minutes later. Good play on the Chester right meant the United defence were committed to removing the pressure, but when a ball was slipped through to Whitehall, how he managed to miss from eight yards out when the goal was unguarded was amazing. His effort was hit high over the crossbar and into the sea of travelling Hereford fans, much to their delight.

Scott Ruscoe hit a ball just wide soon after, and the inevitable goal came soon after. United always looked weak at the back and the weakest link was broken as City's Whitehall knocked through to Mark Beesley for the opening goal. Whitehall hit a clever backflick through for the Chester striker to knock past Cooksey from an acute angle, and to net his sixth league goal of the campaign.

Hereford had only once attacked the City goal with any danger, and that resulted in a miss by Phil Robinson, but Michael McIndoe almost equalised on the half hour. His header was knocked just wide of the post.

Half time came and Graham Turner made two changes - one which was expected and one that was slightly harder to understand. Firstly, striker Kerry Giddings, who had had little impact, was replaced for Robin Elmes, and secondly club captain Ian Wright was replaced by James Wall. Why Wright was taken off is not really known, but it seemed a bit strange at he time to say the least.

United looked alert after the break, and Michael McIndoe headed straight at Chester 'keeper Wayne Brown before being booked four minutes later for arguing with the referee about an earlier decision. McIndoe was the only United player booked on the day according to the Press Association, but can anyone confirm whether Ian Wright and Matt Gardiner were booked in the first half, as I thought they were! Email me at terrygoodwin@hu-fc.co.uk.

On sixty two minutes, United should have equalised. A goalmouth scramble saw a shot from Robin Elmes cleared off the line by Steve Whitehall, who had got back to clear the danger. After an eventful second half, United probably deserved an equaliser when Gavin Williams was bought down in the area by Wayne Brown. On seventy seven minutes, the referee awarded a Hereford United penalty...!

After five successive misses, many fans looked away as Chris Lane stepped up and hit a firm shot down the centre and past Brown, levelling the scores at 1-1. Two minutes later, Matt Clarke headed just wide in what would have given the lead to the Bulls in front of their own fans.

However, the win wasn't to be, and Chester secured all three points. The winner came from veteran striker Steve Whitehall, formerly of Rochdale, as he picked up the ball on the edge of the Hereford area before advancing to chip over Scott Cooksey with five minutes remaining. Cooksey was coming for the ball, so was helpless to stop the effort.

In added time, Michael McIndoe had the chance to equalise once again, but a good save from Brown secured all three points for the home side.

Referee, Mr P. Broadhurst of West Kirby, booked three Chester players as well as McIndoe for Hereford. Ruffer was cautioned on 53 minutes for a foul, and Doughty for the same offence on the hour mark. Fisher was booked with eighteen minutes remaining for dissent.

An attendance of 2,224 watched the match, including a good travelling support of around 400 from Herefordshire and the borders. Chester boss Graham Barrow praised his team for a disciplined performance after the match, and felt his goalkeeper had made several good saves near the end to keep Hereford at bay. Graham Turner would have been angry that his side dropped all three points in a game that they really needed to win.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Sturgess, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Elmes (46), Wall (46)

Man of the Match - Chris Lane

Dec 27th:
A flu bug has swept through the squad of Saturday's opponents Southport in the Conference match due to be held at Haig Avenue. Hereford will be hoping that it will mean a loss of several players, by the club have announced it should have cleared up by Saturday.

However, both midfielder Andy Gouck and defender Phil Bolland are suspended from the match, but Matthew Jones, a young midfielder on loan from Shrewsbury, may play.

Dec 28th:
Former Wolves legend Steve Bull could make his Hereford United playing debut next week in the New Year's Day game at home to Chester City. Bull is a coach at the club but may play as a substitute against Chester.

United boss Graham Turner told the Hereford Times: "It's up to Steve. I would not rule out Steve being on the bench for New Year's Day."

Meanwhile, Hereford MP Paul Keetch is calling on the Queen to honour the legendary footballer John Charles, who was player/manager at Edgar Street in the late 1960's.

Keetch said: "John Charles was probably the best known footballer ever to play for Hereford United. For anyone like me who grew up in Hereford in the 1960s, John Charles was the hero of Edgar Street. Although he is probably best known nationally for his time at Leeds United and internationally for playing for Wales and Juventus, John still has a special place in Hereford United's history."

Charles also played for Roma and Cardiff, and gained 38 international caps for Wales.

Dec 29th:
Crocked Bulls striker Steve Piearce has been loaned out to Dr. Martens Premier League side Tamworth for a month. Graham Turner thought he was not fit, and banished him from the club after a niggling injury kept him out of a recent match.

Turner said: "It will be nice to see whether he can get a few games under his belt."

Prior to the postponement of tomorrows match, Turner said: "It is looking very doubtful. I spoke to Southport yesterday and they said they have had snow on the pitch and it was frozen underneath."

On the defeat at Chester, Turner felt that United should have gained at least a draw. "We had a fighting second half where I felt we should have got something out of the game and we certainly deserved to. We had one or two chances and it took an outstanding goal to kill the game off for us," he said.

Southport will be a hard test when the game is eventually played, according to Graham Turner. "By all accounts they are a good side and are currently right up there in contention. They have just slipped a little in their last two home matches."

Dec 29th:
Ceefax have announced that tomorrow's Conference game at Southport has been called off due to adverse weather conditions. It is not the only game that is off, and it is possible that the whole Conference programme could be wiped out.

Some people have questioned whether Monday's match at home to Chester City will take place as thge cold spell is due to continue over the next few days.

When the Southport match will be rescheduled is not yet known.

Dec 30th:
Statistics from 'Supergoals'.

Make what you will of them, but it looks as it were good at shots on target, but not so good at preventing corners at home!

Shots on target : Home : 76 - League best: Chester 94, worst: Northwich 43.
Shots on target : Away : 65 - League best: Boston 68, worst: Kettering 32.
Shots on target : Total : 141 - League best: Hereford 141, worst: Northwich 81.

Corners taken : Home : 77 - League best: Chester 105, worst: Telford 38.
Corners taken : Away : 65 - League best: Boston 76, worst: Kingstonian/Hednesford 37.
Corners taken : Total : 142 - League best: Chester 158, worst: Morecambe 89.

Corners conceded : Home : 70 - League best: Boston 35, worst: Hereford 70.
Corners conceded : Away : 64 - League best: Dagenham/Chester 46, worst: Leigh RMI 89.
Corners conceded : Total : 134 - League best: Morecambe 97, worst: Doncaster 149.

Fouls : 308 - League best: Telford 221, worst: Doncaster 346.

Caught offside - 94 - League best: Morecambe 56, worst: Dagenham 129.

William Hill have extended the odds for Hereford to win the Conference title to 50/1, fifth favourites. Yeovil are still favourites at 2/7, according to firststake.com and Rushden are at 11/4. Both Southport and Doncaster are quoted ahead of the Bulls by William Hill, but firststake.com quote both United and Doncaster at 50/1. Stevenage are next at 80/1, with Chester and Dagenham at 100/1.

Dec 31st:
Recent signing Dave Castro-Pearson has apparently joined the Dr. Martens Eastern Division side Banbury, reported today's Non-League Paper. However, this site has been unable to gain confirmation of these reports, and knowing how reliable the paper can be, we have not changed any details on the site as yet.

Also apparently in doubt is Steve Piearce's loan move to Tamworth after the Lambs boss Paul Hendrie was sacked this week. It had been rumoured that Graham Turner said that four other clubs were interested and that he would join immediately, paying 50% of his wages. Again, no confirmation.