Sept 2000

Sept 2nd:
According to the Birmingham Post Hereford United manager Graham Turner has branded the EU ruling on transfers as 'completely crazy'.

The Bulls boss admitted: 'The decision to abolish transfer fees is causing this club a great deal of concern.

'We've recently raised between £350,000 to £400,000 in transfer fees and it's that sort of money which keeps this club in business.

'It would be almost impossible to cut back on that sort of money, especially when everything is down to the bone already.

'On top of that, it takes away any incentive to work with young players.

'And when you consider that nine of the current first team squad are under-21 years and that's out of a squad of 16 full time players.'

However that hasn't prevented Hereford from making a solid start to the season.

They have yet to concede a goal, but Turner is more concerned about the lack of goals, especially at home where they have yet to score.

Turner admitted: 'The defence is playing very well at the moment, I just wish we could score a few more goals'.

That problem hasn't been helped by another injury to prolific striker Steve Pearce, who has now picked up a thigh strain.

Paul Sturgess is currently recovering from a cartilage operation while youngster John Shirley has tendonitus and will miss the next two weeks.

Hereford will be hoping for a bumper crowd on Tuesday night when they take on Telford United at Edgar Street.

Both sides are currently hard on the heels of early leaders Rushden


Sept 2nd:

Strikers win games but defences win titles, so the old adage goes.

And after 360 minutes of impenetrable defending, Ian Wright, fully paid-up member of the centre-half's union for the past decade, is optimistic Hereford United are laying down the foundations to challenge for the Nationwide Conference crown.

'Hard to beat' is the mantra of would-be title-winners and a record of no goals conceded in their first four matches has helped the Bulls to their best start to a season since they were relegated from Division Three in 1997.

Not that the 28-year-old Hereford captain is taken anything for granted. There is no secret to the meanest defence in the Conference, only two types of work. Hard work and team work.

'We are looking pretty solid, to say the least,' said Wright, who joined Hereford two years ago from Hull City. 'I don't want to tempt fate, but we haven't looked like conceding either.

'We've been steady and to be honest, we could have had maximum points. We've drawn both our home games when we might have expected better.

'But if we can build on this start, I really believe we can be up there at the top of the table.'

But there has been no short-cut to prepare a route back to League football. Wright, Tony James and Chris Lane have been together for the past two seasons, Matt Clarke joined last summer while goalkeeper Scott Cooksey linked up last January on loan and then signed permanently from Shrewsbury.

Paul Sturgess, currently recovering from a knee operation and Matt Gardiner, a summer signing from Halesowen Town, will ensure no-one can rest on their laurels.

'We've played alongside each other for a few games and I think that gives you confidence and consistency,' added Wright. 'There's a lot of strength in depth, but we've got that through the squad.

'We've got a lot of younger players, but they will keep improving.'

WOKING 0 - 3 HEREFORD UNITED

Hereford United came to Kingfield having won their last two away games and not having conceded in 360 minutes of Nationwide Conference football. The unbeaten run had propelled them to fifth in the table but failure to win at home saw them four points behind leaders Rushden & Diamonds at the start of play. Woking, on the other hand, were sitting in 17th place having won one and drawn one of their four matches.

One change was made by Bulls boss Graham Turner prior to the match as striker Robin Elmes was dropped to the substitutes bench and replaced by new signing Kerry Giddings from Stourport. Woking were unchanged from the side that beat Doncaster 1-0 last Monday, the winner through Scott Steele from the penalty spot.

The Bulls entered the arena in a new kit! No, there hasn't been a change in away colours but as both the red away shirts and white home tops clash with Woking's red and white halved-shirts, United wore a sea green colour, not disimilar to the Manchester City home shirt. They were obviously borrowed as they didn't have the club logo, kit maker or main sponsor on the front but many fans have said that they should ask to keep them after their emphatic victory.

Kingfield stadium appeared fairly new. The huge stand behind the goal to the away end's left was impressive, but looked out of place against the rest of the stadium. At the other end, there is a terracing section and the away side is also terracing but not undercover. So, when the heavens opened umbrellas were of limited supply! On the far side, a mixture of terracing and seating areas made the arena look as if it had been botched together!

Hereford made the early attacks and could easily have been 4-0 up by half-time. The first effort came as early as four minutes when Ian Wright headed just over from McIndoe, and further pressure resulted in the away side camping out inside the Woking half! The opening goal came on fifteen minutes an Ian Rodgerson cross was chested away by Woking 'keeper Mark Ormerod. However, the ball fell to the feet of Gavin Williams who couldn't fail to score from ten yards.

Further efforts were created by Hereford with McIndoe and Williams linking well in attacking positions. Woking eventually built up enough confidence to venture forward and, on the half hour, had their first on-target effort of the match. The ball, from Rob Hollingdale, caused Scott Cooksey no problems as the ball was saved. Soon after, Ian Wright disposessed Jae Martin as he approached goal. Calls were heard for a penalty, but the referee waived the decision as the tackle by the Hereford United captain was timed to perfection.

A corner on thirty nine minutes was the result of another Ian Wright tackle, and from the set piece, Steve West managed an overhead kick. The effort went just wide of the far post. Another corner, just three minutes later, saw Woking net a goal. However, it appeared that the ball had been headed out of Scott Cooksey's hands and the goal was disallowed as the ball had gone out of play prior to reaching Cooksey.

Hereford came out in the second half as they had left the first; having the majority of possession and creating the openings. The inevitable second goal came on the hour mark, as an Ian Rodgerson ball met Gavin Williams. However, the man from Merthyr had both of his legs taken from beneath him by Dante Alighieri, who was booked just nine minutes prior to the incident. The referee, Mr Michael Cairns from Basingstoke, warned Alighieri about his future conduct and pointed to the penalty spot. With Williams running off an injury which occured in the challenge, Chris Lane stepped up to take the penalty. Lane's low drive to the right beat Ormerod and the right-back has now scored two goals this season after failing to net in either of the previous two campaigns.

Just six minutes after the penalty, Ian Rodgerson made the outcome beyond doubt with a third goal for Hereford United. Gavin Williams got hold of the ball on the left, passed Alighieri and shot towards Ormerod. Ian Rodgerson picked up the resultant loose ball and scored from nine yards.

Woking continued to press for a goal but Scott Cooksey showed why he's kept five consecutive clean sheets by saving every shot. Ian Rodgerson almost made it 4-0 with a long shot which went just wide and, despite looking tired, he is still an influential player in the Hereford side.

Woking didn't look as if they were ever likely to match Hereford and the win was completely deserved by Graham Turner's team, their third away from home this season. Cooksey was magnificent, Lane, James and Clarke reliable but Ian Wright looked a bit off-par, missing a few challenges due to a lack of concentration. Ian Rodgerson played well, as did McIndoe down the left. John Snape and Phil Robinson were their usual busy selves, and Kerry Giddings was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Matt Gardiner showed potential when he entered the fray, but Paul Parry couldn't get into the game in the nine minutes he was part of it. Robin Elmes, who came on for Giddings, again didn't look 100% fit. However, the man-of-the-match award has to go to Gavin Williams, who chased everything all afternoon and was easily the best player on the park.

The stangest event of the afternoon came towards the end of the match as the stadium announcer told of the sponsor's man-of-the-match. Jamie Pitman, the former Hereford player whose challenges almost warranted a red-card, was the player who was given the award, much to the disgust of the Hereford fans. However, they responded by chanting 'Pitman, Pitman, what's the score', a fitting end to an eventful day for the former Yeovil and Bulls midfielder.

There were four bookings, three for Woking and one for Hereford. Watson was booked early on for unsporting behaviour, and then Pitman for a foul two minutes before the break and Alighieri, for the same offence, just after it. Matt Clarke was cautioned for unsporting behaviour on sixty two minutes.

Woking manager Colin Lippiatt must be disappointed that his side couldn't put up more of a challenge after some recent results which pumped optimism into the Surrey side's camp. Graham Turner, on the other hand, will be delighted that this result has seen Hereford move up to third in the table.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Elmes, Gardiner, Parry.

Man of the Match - Gavin Williams (Hereford)

Sept 4th:
Steve Bull, Hereford's part-time coach and Wolves striking legend, as revealed that he is ready to step into a management role, should the opportunity come along. However, Bull is still on the payroll at Wolves in a PR role so can only see Hereford if Wolves are not in action.

He said: "A few years ago I thought that when I was 35 I would like to have enough money and just enjoy life. Now that I am 35 I am enjoying life but I want to stay in the game and help the young players. If a management job should come up next week or whenever I'll put my name down for it".

Since Hereford are in third place, prices will rise by £1 for the match against Telford United tomorrow night. The rise is payable by all supporters with the exception of season ticket holders. The original decision was agreed at a fans forum as if the team was in the top three, the price would rise by £1 with the exception of the opening five league matches. The Telford match will now be sixth match but very few fans will be annoyed at the rise as it is the best Hereford start to a league campaign for many years.

Prices will be increased by £1 for all areas of the ground, now £8.50 for terrace, £11 for stands. Concession prices are also increased by £1, including Junior Bulls. However, Graham Turner and the team deserve the extra income as it is their hard work which has propelled United to third place.

Sept 5th:
HEREFORD UNITED 2 - 0 TELFORD UNITED

After five consecutive clean sheets, Hereford United aimed to maintain their best start ever to the Conference season with yet another win against high-flying local rivals Telford United. Life hasn't been easy at the Shropshire club over the summer as the club has changed to a full-time basis and, despite having a refurbished ground at Bucks Head, it is not yet finished so early home matches have had to play at St. George's Road.

Hereford fielded yet another unchanged side with Robin Elmes remaining on the bench with Kerry Giddings starting up-front. Telford were also expected to field the same side that narrowly lose 2-1 to Rushden on Saturday, but, after a late illness, Brian Gayle was forced to pull-out of the side and was replaced by Roger Priest.

Jake King's side aimed to gain three points, and that was evident from the start. Early play from Gez Murphy made the Hereford defence sit up and notice, particularly when he passed the backline and shot, but Lane headed away for a corner. Hereford looked fresh and were able to attack with confidence for much of the game as well as defend without too many problems, something that looks well for the upcoming encounters.

It didn't take long for the home side to place their mark on the match. Phil Robinson had Hereford's first shot from the edge of the area in what ended up to be an eventful night for the former Stoke and Notts County midfielder. In fact, former Macclesfield goalkeeper Ryan Price had to be on top form for Telford and managed to prevent a Matt Clarke cross going under the crossbar. Seven minutes in, Gavin Williams broke through the Telford defence and had a shot, which Price saved after some difficulty.

Four minutes later, Price stopped two superb shots from Robinson and Ian Rodgerson. The first, from Robinson, was hit from just inside the box but was pushed behind for a corner. The set piece was met by Rodgerson, who hit a good volley with his left foot which was tipped just over.

Telford finally broke out of their own half and almost created a good opening, but Steve Palmer hit wide of Soctt Cooksey's post. Just after, Gary Martindale hit wide from the edge of the box. However, United soon came forward once again and a header from a Lane free-kick by James was saved by the goalkeeper, and McIndoe has a shot well saved just five minutes later.

Gavin Williams had another shot created by the inspirational Robinson, and, on thirty four minutes, Williams should have passed through to the unmarked Kerry Giddings but instead went for goal. The shot was saved well by Price.

Hereford finally broke the deadlock in injury time at the end of the first half. After some good play, Phil Robinson broke into the penalty area and beat Price. Before the whistle, United could have doubled their lead with McIndoe, but his shot went just wide.

With United coming out just after having scored, could they build on their advantage? The answer was yes, and it took just two minutes to break down the Telford defence. John Snape got hold of the ball twenty yards out and hit a low shot past Price, after a good cross from new signing Kerry Giddings was missed by Wright and the ball fell to Snape.

Towards the end, the affair started to get a bit heated and several scuffles broke out. Telford, obviously frustated at not being able to break down the Hereford defence, were the culprits for many of the incidents but the referee, Mr Probert from Somerset, couldn't keep up with the pace of the game for much of the time.

Further efforts came through Snape, Lane, Elmes who had come on as a substitute, and Snape.

Scott Cooksey finally made a save just four minutes from the end when he picked up a weak shot but otherwise, had nothing to do on an uneventful night for the former Shrewsbury 'keeper, Telford United's arch rivals.

An increase in the price may have seen a potentially reduced attendance for the match, but the club have not lost out as the 2,431 watching is about average for the season, and each has had to pay an extra pound! Gavin Williams was booked for unsporting behaviour in the second half, somewhat unfairly, but his overall performance was almost worthy of the website man-of-the-match award. Two Telford players were booked, former Hereford midfielder Brian McGorry and defender Roger Preece. McGorry's caution was for a bad challenge on Gavin Williams and the McGorry was in the thick of the action all night with John Snape.

With the final on-target shot count of twelve to one, it is clear to see why Hereford picked up their fourth win of the season. Chris Lane played well yet again, coming forward and having his usual long shot. Matt Clarke, Ian Wright and Tony James were again effective without being largely noticed at the back, and McIndoe and Rodgerson played well on the wings. Phil Robinson had a superb match and deserved his man-of-the-match award from the site, and John Snape was strong, as usual. Up-front, Elmes was not the player he was last season but Kerry Giddings looks to have a promising future and Gavin Williams was superb, again!

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Elmes (67)

Man of the Match - Phil Robinson

Sept 6th:
The club have announced that the cheerleaders training sessions. Sessions start on Friday 15th September - with 10-14 year olds from 5pm-7pm on Fridays and 6-9 year olds from 4pm-5pm on Wednesday.

Half time penalty shootouts will resume on Saturday 23rd September. Book now by calling Jane Griffiths on 01432 276666.

Sept 7th:
AXA, Sponsors of the FA Cup, have revealed that Hereford United have won the FA Cup award for best non-league side. After beating Sussex side Burgess Hill Town, United eliminated two Division Three clubs - York City and Hartlepool United - before holding resiliant Premiership side Leicester City to a replay, eventually losing out in extra-time. Graham Turner and the boys will pick up their award in a ceremony in London on Thursday, September 28th.

Sept 8th:
Hereford will play the winners of the first round tie between Forest Green Rovers and Kettering Town in the second round of the Nationwide Variety Trophy. The Bulls recieve a bye to the second round. The proposed date for the match is Tuesday, 10th October.

Hereford boss Graham Turner is confident that United will overcome Hednesford tomorrow - with their clean sheets record in tact.

He told the Evening News: "We played ever so well against Telford, and obviously we want to keep that quality of performance going. There is a good feeling about the team at the moment. They are working hard for each other, and the feeling is bring on the next opponents and quickly."

"A lot of it is purely down to hard work", Turner said of recent performances. "We are holding the ball up quite well up front and the opposition are not able to get to our back lads too often and we are defending very well as a team."

United can go top of the league tomorrow if Rushden lose at Forest Green, Yeovil drop points and United win. However, Turner is not playing-up his sides chances. "It is a long, hard season and experience last season will tell you there were a number of different leaders early on. But it is nice to have got off to a good start. We worked hard during the close-season with that in mind, and 14 points from six games is a good return."

Sept 9th:
Nationwide, sponsors of the Football Conference, are set to support the introduction of youth academies at Conference clubs as part of their sponsorship deal. The programme for academic and sporting excellence (PASE) will help to produce more youngsters. Already, players such as Malcolm Christie and Les Ferdinand have come from the Conference and there could be many more to follow. The scheme could involve around seven hundred youngsters aged sixteen or seventeen, representing twenty one teams in the Nationwide PASE Youth Conference. A representative side from the PASE Youth Conference will take on the England under-16 team as a highlight of the season.

It appears that the new league will be split into three sections - with Hereford United in the northern section.

The plan has gained support from Sports Minister Kate Hoey. She told the BBC: "The Nationwide Conference has always had a strong community foundation. Schemes like this will help them to develop local players both on the field and off it. I wish it every success".

Further details are expected soon.

HEREFORD UNITED 1 - 1 HEDNESFORD TOWN

After six hundred and seventeen minutes stretching back to the Sutton United last May, Scott Cooksey finally conceded a goal in a competitive match, but it didn't prevent his side from grabbing a vital point against mid-table Hednesford Town. Due to this run, United have not yet been beaten this season and Hednesford, who started the season badly, picked up last weekend and beat Northwich 7-1.

Both teams were unchanged from the sides which gained good results on Tuesday night - Hereford beat Telford 2-0 and Leigh RMI drew 2-2 with Hednesford, a good result in a good run by John Baldwin's side.

Both sides started brightly and, as with the Telford match, the pace was fast and obviously physically demanding for the players. Hereford made the first attempt on goal when Kerry Giddings passed to Gavin Williams, but the Welshman's shot went just wide of the right post. Hednesford then reacted with a run through Paul Bagshaw, as he beat Matthew Clarke before his attempt whithered away.

Hereford knew the goalkeeper of Hednesford quite well; Mark Gayle spend a few months on loan at Edgar Street in a couple of years ago, and he was forced into action on several occasions throughout the afternoon. Firstly, Phil Robinson hit a good ball through the middle of the park and to Gavin Williams but Gayle came out to meet it. Efforts were saved and cleared all afternoon, and Russell Bradley made a good clearance from McIndoe.

Mark Gayle continued to be in top form as he saved a good ball from Phil Robinson. The former Stoke man hit a low ball from ten yards out which went goalwards, but a good dive from Gayle prevented him from scoring his second goal in five days.

To say that it was completely one way traffic, however, would be a lie. Hednesford matched the Bulls over the ninety minutes and were worthy of their point. Mike Norbury had a good chance midway through the half from an overhead kick, but it went wide.

Hereford continued with possession and with ten minutes of the half remaining, John Snape cleared the crossbar with a long range effort. The home side were left looking lacklustre at the back just two minutes later when Mark Haran met a corner from Mark Cooper, but the effort went wide. Two further corners came and, with three minutes of the half left, Davis tested Cooksey with a header which was easily saved by the former Hednesford stopper.

After the break, the goals were inevitably going to come after an open fourty five minutes. The goal came five minutes after the break when, after a cross, Neil Davis found himself one-on-one with Cooksey and had no problems in beating the goalkeeper. Paul Bagshaw supplied the cross from the right which went over Chris Lane to Davis, and the former Aston Villa striker hit the ball into the left hand corner of the goal. Hednesford came out looking the brighter team and, at the time, probably deserved the goal.

Graham Turner reacted just four minutes later by pulling off both Ian Rodgerson and Kerry Giddings and bringing on Robin Elmes and promising winger Paul Parry. After three minutes, United almost made Hednesford pay for some sloppy defending from a McIndoe corner, but Ian Wright hit just wide.

United's pressure finally paid off with twenty minutes remaining as Ian Wright headed home a free kick to secure a point for Hereford. Michael McIndoe's free-kick from the left met the head of Wright, who jumped above the Hednesford defence to beat Mark Gayle from close range.

Ian Wright was injured earlier in the match in what looked to be a bad challenge as he was sandwiched between a Hednesford player and Scott Cooksey. After several minutes of treatment, he was fit to continue but it could so nearly have been a completely different story for Hereford United.

The referee, Mr S Habgood of Chippenham, Wiltshire, didn't look in complete control and made some baffling decisions! It looked as if Hednesford would finish the half with one man down when Stuart Lake was booked for a bad foul on twenty three minutes, and his future conduct could well have resulted in his dismissal. Eight minutes later, Kerry Giddings was cautioned for another challenge but it was Hednesford who had three players booked in the second half; Norbury on fifty eight minutes for dissent, Bagshaw with seventeen minutes remaining for a foul and Haran in the last minute, again for dissent.

The performance was an average one for Hereford United - Robin Elmes looked particularly safe after some dodgy games recently. Hednesford matched the Bulls in most areas and deserved their point.

Inside Edgar Street, there looked to be around 2,900 fans but the official attendance was just 2,557. As at the Telford match, the actual attendance was lower than the amount actually in the ground! However, the ones that did attend will be pleased that United gained one point but disappointed that they didn't win all three. Wins at Nuneaton and Doncaster should guarantee another impressive turnout against Stevenage in two weeks time.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Elmes (55), Parry (55), Gardiner (81).

Man of the Match - Ian Wright

Sept 11th:
The recent website poll saw you vote star striker Gavin Williams as player-of-the-month for August.

The promising Welsh youngster won with a huge total of 56%, a clear 40% ahead of 2nd placed Chris Lane. Goalkeeper Scott Cooksey gained third place with just 12% of the vote. A new poll has been added asking for your view on whether Hereford will win the Conference title this season. Go to the home page to register your vote.

New Hereford United midfielder Michael McIndoe has revealed that he is learning quickly about the Conference. When he joined, he said he didn't know much about the league.

"There are a lot of clubs in this league I have never even heard of. I knew a little bit about the likes of Doncaster and Rushden, but I am sure I will learn more as the season goes on", said McIndoe.

Signed from Luton Town, he said it was a great start to his career. "It was quite a young squad at Luton but they always got encouraged to play the young kids quite early, which was a big help."

After leaving Luton, there was one major pulling factor in why he signed for Hereford. "I met with Graham Turner and he said I was guaranteed to play first-team football. We have a good bunch of boys here and a reasonable squad. We have to look for the ultimate, which is to get promoted and back into the League. It will be a different type of challenge here, but we have a young squad similar to Luton."

There is one thing McIndoe wants to be involved in this season, and that's a cup run! "I was quite impressed that they got so far and did so well. It would be great to have another good Cup run, but the league comes first."

Meanwhile Hereford United manager Graham Turner has told fans that caused trouble against Woking and Hayes that they must curb their bad behaviour - or risk wrecking Hereford's season.

"I am informed that a small group of our supporters went into the stand and were generally the worse for drink", Turner wrote in his notes in Bullseye, the match programme.

"Stewards and Hayes supporters were repeatedly sworn at, the general behaviour intimidating and the language disgraceful. The fear was such that police were called, fortunately there was no violence but this sort of behaviour we can do without."

"The second incident I thought was very minor but nonetheless the match referee was going to report it. After our third goal was scored at Woking we had about six supporters jump over the perimeter wall onto the pitch in the exuberance to celebrate the goal. I would respectively ask that we do not have any further incidents of this nature no matter how harmless they appear. As a club we could find ourselves before the FA to consider charges of failing to control our supporters."

Hereford United are the last team to concede a goal this season, beating not only the whole of the Conference but also the Football League and the Premiership. When Leicester conceded last week, United became the defensive champions before letting Hednesford gain a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Scott Cooksey went 618 minutes unbeaten before Neil Davis scored at Edgar Street. Hereford coach Phil Robinson told Teletext: "We are all disappointed to lose our run of clean sheets."

Finally Chris Lane, scorer of Hereford's penalty against Woking, has been given the role as penalty taker for United. A right-sided defender, Lane was commended by club captain Ian Wright on his set pieces.

"Last season we had problems converting penalties so Chris was given the task of taking our first spot-kick of the campaign", said Wright. "In training he has always been a good striker of the ball and has now got the confidence to have a shot at goal and he efficiently put the penalty away against Woking."

Top non-league website http://www.confguide.com have released the full draw for the Nationwide Variety Trophy for the 2000/2001 season.

The competition formerly known as the Bob Lord Trophy, was run last season as the Nationwide Macmillan Trophy but now has new charity sponsors - The Variety Club Children's Charity. The Variety Club helps sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and receive a sponsorship gift from the Nationwide Building Society.

Last season, the Macmillan Cancer Relief fund benefitted similarly and Nationwide are keen to continue their kindness in the coming seasons. The building society will continue to finance the sponsorship and will support the competition with marketing back-up, while the Variety Club will be able to use the sponsorship to generate publicity and funds to support its activities.

Hereford have been drawn at home to the winner of the Kettering Town vs Forest Green Rovers tie, a match which is likely to be played on Tuesday, 10th October. If United reach the quarter-final stage, they will be away to either Yeovil Town, Hayes or Woking, and in the semi finals United may play Dover Athletic, Kingstonian, Rushden & Diamonds, Dagenham & Redbridge or Stevenage Borough, the game at Edgar Street. A few if's and but's there, nevertheless, here is the draw!

First Round (To be played week commencing 18th September)

i. Boston United v Nuneaton Borough
ii. Northwich Victoria v Leigh RMI
iii. Hednesford Town v Telford United
iv. Kettering Town v Forest Green Rovers
v. Hayes v Woking
vi. Dagenham & Redbridge v Stevenage Borough

Second Round (To be played week commencing 9th October)

A. Chester City v Winner match (iii)
B. Morecambe v Winner match (ii)
C. Winner match (i) v Scarborough
D. Southport v Doncaster Rovers
E. Winner match (v) v Yeovil Town
F. Hereford United v Winner match (iv)
G. Dover Athletic v Kingstonian
H. Rushden & Diamonds v Winner match (vi)

Quarter Finals (To be played week commencing 4th December)

1. Winner match (C) v Winner match (B)
2. Winner match (D) v Winner match (A)
3. Winner match (E) v Winner match (F)
4. Winner match (G) v Winner match (H)

Semi Finals (To be played week commencing 18th February)

Winner match (3) v Winner match (4)
Winner match (2) v Winner match (1)

Sept 12th:
The fuel crisis has not prevented tonight's match between Nuneaton Borough and Hereford United taking place, kick off 7.45pm at Manor Park. However, there is likely to be a reduced attendance and already one match in the Football League has been postponed. The Division Two tie between Bristol City and Brentford has been postposed as the home side cannot guarantee that the game will have enough stewards, and Manchester United don't expect a full house for tomorrow night's match at Old Trafford against Anderlecht in the Champions League.

It is understood that there is no fuel left in Hereford so the away following at Nuneaton is likely to be dramatically smaller than that which travelled to Woking ten days ago.

NUNEATON BOROUGH 0 - 2 HEREFORD UNITED

In seventy six years of football, Hereford United had never won four consecutive away matches - until now! After 2-0 wins at Kettering and Hayes, a 3-0 victory over Woking and then tonight's victory at Nuneaton Borough, Hereford can finally say that they are having their best away run ever!

The seven match unbeaten run has also been extended to eight matches after tonight's win, something which will please manager Graham Turner immensely. Prior to the match, Turner said: "We were slightly disappointed with the level of performance on Saturday but it was a good point for us, all things considered. But we are still in good nick and this is a good opportunity for us to bounce back", and so it was! Former Hereford 'keeper Chris MacKenzie appeared in goal for the home side, making the victory even sweeter for the travelling Herefordians.

United were unchanged from the side which drew with Hednesford on Saturday, and Nuneaton made two changes from the side that drew at Dagenham on Saturday. Thackeray was replaced by Williams and Mark Taylor for Brennan.

The match started brightly with early shots coming from Delton Francis on ten minutes, which went narrowly over Cooksey's bar, and the main of the attacking play came from United. Firstly, with their first major attempt on goal, Hereford took the lead as a Matt Clarke cross from the left was hit low past MacKenzie to give United a vital early cushion.

An even game where both sides probably deserved something, the match was not as one way as it may appear. However, the Unitec advantage was doubled just five minutes later as John Snape knocked a ball through to Kerry Giddings, just outside the penalty area. The striker then hit a superb effort which beat MacKenzie for the second time in the match. Retaining possession for the majority of the half, United had the chance to extend their lead and eventually did so on twenty four minutes. With Phil Robinson on the scoring trail, the former Stoke captain hit a cracking shot which MacKenzie saved but Nuneaton broke and Terry Angus' header was only just cleared off the line by United stalwart Ian Rodgerson.

Nuneaton should have clawed back a goal prior to half-time, but Lee Charles messed up one chance and then Barry Williams hit two headers goalwards - both were cleared off the line by Ian Wright and Chris Lane. Meanwhile, Giddings had a chance cleared by Brennan and then Wright's header met Gavin Williams, but the Welsh striker headed wide of the target.

After the break, Nuneaton came out in a better frame of mind and only took two minutes to break down the Hereford defence. Scott Cooksey conceded his second goal of the season from new Nuneaton striker Marc MacGregor, signed from Forest Green Rovers for £35,000 in the summer. A cross from Mike Love on the left was headed in from ten yards by MacGregor.

Scott Cooksey was kept under pressure for much of the remainder as Nuneaton attacked the Hereford goal. However, Cooksey and Nuneaton striker Francis clashed and treatment for Scott took several minutes. The former Shrewsbury man made a save from Sykes, and soon after James cleared a vital ball from Love.

Scorer Kerry Giddings was replaced by Robin Elmes with fourteen minutes left, but yet again the former Halesowen striker made little impact on the game. John Snape should have put the game beyond doubt in the dying minutes when Robin Elmes missed the ball and Snape caught on, hitting a low drive but it was cleared by a defender.

The referee, Mr D Naylor from Sutton-in-Ashfield, had a very uneventful night as only made one booking in the ninety minutes, a sign that both sides played the game in a good spirit. However, this record was wrecked in the final minute when, after Kotylo had been boked late on for a foul, both Simpson and Williams were cautioned for unsporting behaviour.

Just 1,362 watched the match at Manor Park, maybe due to recent poor results for the home side, more likely due to the fuel shortage at the moment! Whatever, the away support was dramatically reduced through a shortage of petrol in Hereford - I understand nearly every garage is out. Nevertheless, the two hundred fans that did make the trip to deepest Warwickshire will come home pleased with the three points.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Parry (35), Elmes (76).

Man of the Match - Scott Cooksey

Sept 14th:
A letter printed on page thirty six today's Hereford Times slammed the price rises at Edgar Street. A supporter wrote to the newspaper to comment on the prices which, he/she though, are much too high.

The letter, titled 'United cost', reads:

"THE cost of a seat for a child at Manchester United is £9.50, West Brom £1, England vs West Indies Oval fifth day free, Hereford United £7. Add to this the notice at Edgar Street on Saturday 'Admission £1 extra as we are third in the league'. What a way to treat supporters?
Presumably the person responsible for marketing Hereford United trained at the Millennium Dome.
A successful business looks to the future. Without a radical change in thinking HUFC will continue to move towards extinction.

Name and address supplied, but omitted by permission of the editor."

Many people have commented on the rises but the crowds are up on last season, so people are willing to pay. Any comments? Leave them on the forum.

Sept 15th:
Graham Turner has aired his pleasure that tomorrow's away match at Doncaster will go ahead. There are no problems in transporting both supporters and the team to Belle Vue despite the fuel crisis. His main concern is that a break will interrupt Hereford's unbeaten run, currently at nine games, and a win could take United top - providing Rushden lose to Woking. It would be the first time Hereford have lead the Conference since their demotion in 1997 and also a win would mean an improved club record sequence of five away wins on the trot.

Graham Turner, United boss, said: "That is certainly possible -- we could have done it on Tuesday but Rushden had a good win at Scarborough. All we can do is keep picking points up. There is plenty of enthusiasm and spirit about the place at the moment, and we have to keep it that way. We have played very well so far away from home with some good and battling performances."

"They don't come much tougher than Doncaster at their place", continued Turner. "The crowd get behind them and they are sprinkled with people that will be familiar to Conference followers."

Meanwhile, Turner has been impressed by new striker Kerry Giddings. "He is full of enthusiasm, wants to get in shots on goal and is currently keeping out our leading scorer from last season (Rob Elmes)."

Sept 16th:
After a one month trial period, Hereford's Andrew Moran has returned to Wigan Athletic as Graham Turner decided not to retain him.

Kerry Giddings, Hereford's 24-year-old striker who recently signed from Stourport Swifts, is delighted by his start to life in the Conference after playing his career in local football. However, his chance just happened to be because he was in the right place at the right time.

"Ron Jukes, Hereford's scout, came to watch a game I was playing in, but he was actually looking at another player. I impressed him and here I am", said Giddings, who scored his first Conference goal against Kettering after signing a one-year part-time contract. "That really made it for me, before that I was sat on the bench thinking what am I doing here with all these guys with higher level experience, but that eased me in."

After another goal against Nuneaton and then against Doncaster today, he is fitting it well at Edgar Street. "The fitness is the main thing for me at the moment. I'm training at Oldbury United with Rob Elmes and the other part-timers. I'm trying to do as much as I can without overdoing it.", Giddings said. He is a physical player and Graham Turner, Hereford boss, told him to use it to his advantage; "He's told me to go out there and knock them about and be strong."

Giddings thinks that he can become a regular player in a successful side. "The team is looking for promotion and the start we've made has given us a good chance. From a personal point of view any good striker will aim for twenty-plus goals, and if I can get enough starts I'll be targeting that."

DONCASTER ROVERS 2 - 1 HEREFORD UNITED

Hereford United's unbeaten league run came to an end at Belle Vue this afternoon as an impressive Doncaster side gained a victory by a single goal margin. However, it could all have been so much different if it hadn't been for the woodwork!

Hereford made one change from the side that beat Nuneaton in the week, with the injured Ian Rodgerson being replaced by Paul Parry, who made his first start of the season. Doncaster also made one change, Stephen Halliday dropped to make room for Carl Alford.

As early as the third minute, United made their attacking intentions visible to all with an effort which he somehow missed from eight yards but it didn't take long for the home side to put Cooksey's goal under pressure. On ten minutes, a Doncaster freekick was the result as Tony James was cautioned for a bad challenge.

After much attacking, a goal was inevitable and Doncaster gained the lead on seventeen minutes. Some good build-up play resulted in a Campbell header, which was hit past Cooksey with much precision. United were lucky not to be more than one down as just three minutes later, Neil Campbell was again on target but Scott Cooksey pulled off a superb save to keep United in the match.

Patterson had a shot saved by Cooksey soon after but Hereford started to attack and on twenty six minutes, a Phil Robinson cross was headered behind by Mark Barnard, but the ball almost went into the net. Then just two minutes later, Gavin Williams had a good cross which Parry headed just wide of Andy Warrington's goal.

On thirty three minutes, star striker Carl Alford was replaced by Doncaster for former Hartlepool striker Stephen Halliday. The introduction of a fresh striker created more defensive problems for Scott Cooksey, whose next job was to save a twenty five yard effort from the scorer Campbell. On thirty eight minutes Chris Lane received a yellow card for a bad challenge on Jamie Paterson, the caution dished out by referee Steve Castle from Wolverhampton.

At half time, an inspired first half performance from Doncaster had left Hereford second best, and the away side required more fight if they were to gain anything out of the match. The statistic of seven attempts to one on target in the first half tells its own story.

However, Hereford came out for the second half refreshed and ready for action. Within a minute, Ian Wright had headed straight at Warrington and, after a Cooksey save on fifty minutes, the equaliser came on fifty four minutes. From a corner, the ball met with Kerry Giddings at the back post and his shot came off two defenders before passing over the line. Giddings has proved to be a shrewd find for Graham Turner, and looks to have a successful future in the side.

Two minutes later, Andy Warrington was forced to make a save from Giddings and on sixty two minutes, Ian Wright messed up what should have been a rather simple clearance. The captain, instead of clearing away of out of play, headed the ball against his own crossbar and as the ball rebounded off, it fell to Campbell. The striker scored his second goal of the afternoon to gain the lead back to the Yorkshire side.

Soon after, Gavin Williams and John Snape somehow messed up a chance to equalise and the ball fell into the hands of Warrington, but United continued to attack and a McIndoe cross met with Giddings in the box. The former Stourport striker hit a sweet shot goalwards but it hit the post on sixty nine minutes. Chris Lane then hit a long-range free-kick over the bar.

In an attempt to gain an equaliser, winger McIndoe was replaced by striker Robin Elmes but to no avail. In addition to two Hereford players, Doncaster had Hawkins booked for a foul with eighteen minutes left, and Campbell for unsporting behaviour on eighty minutes.

An attendance of 2,380, the biggest of the day in the Conference, watched the match in which Doncaster deservedly beat Hereford, who looked second best for the majority of the game. Rushden won 4-1 at Woking and remain top of the league, the margin between them and second placed Yeovil Town, who drew at Stevenage, is now at four points. Hereford are a further point behind.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Parry, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Gardiner (53), Elmes (79).

Man of the Match - Kerry Giddings

Sept 18th:
Rushden and Diamonds have confirmed that the Hereford United match at Nene Park will be an all ticket affair. No tickets will be available on the day and tickets must be bought from the club office on 01432 276666. Prices are adults - £8.50, £5 - Child or OAP, £2 Children under 12. The game is scheduled for October 14th, kick off 3pm.

Sept 19th:
Plans have been implemented and will be voted on by the Football League chairman that Conference teams may have a second promotion spot into Division Three. In 1987, one promotion place was allowed and Scarborugh replaced Lincoln City in the old Division Four, and since then Wycombe, Barnet, Macclesfield, Cheltenham, Kidderminster, Lincoln, Darlington, Colchester and Halifax have all gained Football League status. However, the Conference is now becoming more and more like Division Three both on and off the field and it is now time to allow more than one team to go up.

Since the likes of Doncaster, Scarborough and of course, Hereford United, were relegated from Division Three, they have found it hard to get back up due to the competitive nature of the Conference and the fact that only the champions can go up.

Teams such as Rushden have the resources that many second and third division clubs would envy, but the single promotion place has twarted their step up to the Football League four years running. The likes of Hereford, Scarborough and Yeovil could all hold their own in Division Three but haven't yet been given the chance.

However, negotiations between the two associations have been taking place and, after three long years, are about to be implemented. The present one-up, one-down system would be scrapped for a new two-up, two-down system although the Conference would like three promotion places, but this is unlikely to take place due to the lack of television income in the Conference.

Conference Chief Executive told BBC Sport that there have been negotiations and changes will take place. "There have been long on-going negotiations between the Foootball League and the Football Conference about an increase in the number of clubs who are promoted," he said. "No decisions will be voted upon until next June because this would involve rule changes. The plan is for the change to be in place for the 2001/2002 season. "We have called for an increase in promotion and relegation between the two divisions and the discussions about how many clubs will move have gone on for some time, but we have not specified two or three promotion places."

He added that the eight Conference clubs in this season's Auto Windscreens Shield has added to the link-up. "I would say this is a significant step forward and will lead to closer ties between ourselves and the Football League. We are now further forward now than at any time in the last 10 years."

Sept 20th:
After a 3-0 victory over Forest Green Rovers at Rockingham Road (attendance 221) last night, Kettering Town will travel to Edgar Street in the second round of the Nationwide Variety Trophy. The game is scheduled for 10th October.

Later, due to the home Yeovil match on October 8th, and the away match at Rushden on the 14th, the Nationwide Variety Trophy match between Hereford and Kettering has been moved to the 17th, one week later that its original date. The club have announced that a first-team squad will participate because the competition has a place for the winners in the Auto Windscreen Shield.

Sept 21st:
The winners of the Hereford United vs Kettering Town 2nd round Variety Trophy tie will play the winners of Woking vs Yeovil Town away. The winners of that tie will play either Dover Athletic, Kingstonian, Rushden & Diamonds or Stevenage Borough in the semi-finals.

After impressing Graham Turner in his month trial period, goalkeeper Matt Baker has sign for the club until the end of the season. The youngster played a few first team matches whilst at his previous club, Hull City. Meanwhile, former YTS players Matthew Pitt and Matthew Beale have left the club.

Sept 22nd:
HEREFORD United Director of Football Graham Turner is backing his side to bounce back from the end of their unbeaten start to the Nation-wide Conference season.

The Bulls, who entertain Steven-age Borough tomorrow (3pm), went down 2-1 at Doncaster last week for their first defeat in nine attempts.

The result pushed them down to third place, five points behind leaders Rushden and Diamonds, and Turner told the Worcester News: "We didn't play as well as we have been at Doncaster, but we still felt a bit aggrieved that we didn't get a point out of it.

"But there is plenty of room for improvement.

"The reaction to that defeat will be very important. We need to start another good run straight away."

With tomorrow's game being followed by a home clash with Leigh RMI on Tuesday, Turner says two wins will be very handy for his side. "With two home matches coming up we need to take six points, which will keep that gap close."

However, Turner is concerned about his side's home form which has seen them win only one out of four matches.

"The main reason is that we haven't taken our chances, although we could easily have taken four more points from those games. We must start to get our home form right."

Midfielder Ian Rodgerson has a chance of returning to the line-up following a calf strain, but winger Paul Parry missed training yesterday with a back problem, although Turner still expects him to be fit.

Striker Steve Piearce played for the reserves in mid-week but suffered another setback to his continuing injury problems when he suffered a dead leg, ruling him out of tomorrow's clash.

Defender Paul Sturgess and striker Andy Moran remain on the sidelines.

Stevenage are currently in mid-table but have a good record of results at Edgar Street in recent seasons.

Turner added: "We have had them watched and they are not a bad side who have had a couple of good results at our place. We need to put that right."

Hereford (from): Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Gardiner, Robinson, Wright, James, Parry, Snape, Giddings, Williams, McIndoe, Elmes, Hanson, Wall, Baker, Rodgerson.

* Hereford's trip to leaders Rushden on October 14 has been made all-ticket. The Bulls have been allocated 1,000 tickets.

Sept 23rd:
HEREFORD UNITED 1 - 1 STEVENAGE BOROUGH

With Stevenage having drawn five matches, the most in the Conference, and United having drawn three out of their four opening matches at home, this game was always destined to be a draw! However, it was never going to be as straightforward as that.

Hereford started with the same eleven that lost at Doncaster last weekend, but named Craig Hanson on the substitutes bench. Stevenage, under the guidance of Paul Fairclough, named former Hereford midfielder Wayne Dyer on the bench. The Hertfordshire side made two changes in their team - Garry Wraight and Neil Illman replacing Mark Smith and Mark Graham.

Both sides started brightly, but early challenges from the off revealed signs that it was not to be a classic by any means. In fact, the referee, Mr L Jones of Bournemouth, was probably the busiest man on the field!

Armstrong had Stevenage's first effort, but his high cross was no match for Cooksey and the former Shrewsbury 'keeper claimed the ball with authority and confidence. Soon after, it was the Bulls' turn to attack, and Gavin Williams was fouled on the edge of the penalty area by Nathan Bunce. The resulting Michael McIndoe free kick was cleared by Robin Trott. Hereford continued to pressureise the Stevenage goal and Kerry Giddings somehow managed to miss when one on one with the goalkeeper Chris Taylor.

A hard drive from Searle was tipped over from Scott Cooksey on eight minutes, and a further eight minutes later Phil Robinson hit a shot which looked to be going goalwards. However, it hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play, before it was cleared by the defence.

The opening goal came on twenty one minutes when a defensive mix up between Hereford's goalkeeper and defender Tony James allowed Paul Armstrong to round Cooksey and score from eight yards. Teenage Armstrong was playing his seventh ever match in the Conference, and that was his first goal.

Hereford should have hit back soon after but two efforts were wasted by Gavin Williams when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The first was hit over the crossbar and the second was saved easily by Taylor.

A superb run from Matt Clarke from one penalty area to the other was only cancelled out after a challenge, and soon after Gavin Williams was sprinting after a high ball but was pulled back by a defender, preventing him from capitalising on the chance.

With eight minutes of the half remaining, McIndoe hit a shot goalwards but Taylor made a spectacular save to keep his side in the lead. In added time at the end of the half, a long shot from Parry was saved comfortably by the goalkeeper.

At the start of the second half, Robin Elmes replaced John Snape, who had had a below-par performance and also suffered in a clash in the opening fourty five minutes. Also, Scott Cooksey had to run off a leg injury incurred during an incident in the penalty area, and at one stage it was impossible to know whether he would be able to continue.

The first period of the second half was hugely uneventful, but on sixty one minutes Phil Robinson was fouled and a free-kick was awarded in a central position twenty five yards out. However, Illman pushed a Hereford player in the wall, and was promptly booked. The free-kick, taken by Chris Lane, was hit straight at the wall and rebounded to safety.

A Hereford siege came and numerous chances went close. From one corner, the ball was cleared off the line by the Stevenage defence. On seventy six minutes, Craig Hanson came on to replace Paul Parry, who had been hugely ineffective for the main.

The equaliser was inevitable and when Dean Martin fouled Williams in the area, a penalty was given and it was down to Chris Lane to save a point for United. In his normal fashion, he hit a sweet shot to the left of the goalkeeper to level the score.

However, Hereford should have been winning by the end of the match as chance upon chance was wasted in front of the home crowd. In the five added minutes for injuries, both sides had chances to seal the match so a draw was probably a fair result.

The difference in the teams' playing styles was evident by looking at the yellow card rate. No Hereford players were cautioned, but Bunce (27), Wraight (36), Kirby (39), Hay (60) and Taylor (90) were booked for fouls, and Illman on sixty one minutes for unsporting behaviour.

Stevenage look an average side, and United fans saw the return of Wayne Dyer to Edgar Street, albeit for nine minutes at the end. The attendance of 2,251 is the lowest this season at Edgar Street, and the count of thirty seven fouls tells its own story.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Parry, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Elmes (45), Hanson (76).

Man of the Match - Chris Lane

Sept 25th:
Matt Gardiner said the amount of former Halesowen players at Edgar Street made him sign for Hereford. The 25-year-old defender joined up with Matt Clarke, midfielder John Snape and strikers Rob Elmes and Steve Piearce, all formerly of Halesowen, at Edgar Street. He also trains during the week with John Snape at Oldbury.

He said: "It definitely helps you settle down when you're familiar with so many people. I heard good reports about the lads from last season. I got on really well with them at Halesowen and that made the decision to come here a lot easier."

Gardiner started at Torquay and hopes to return to the league with United, but will bide his time as the first team is currently in good form. "When you get a chance to come to a club like Hereford, it is a chance to step back up again and if it comes, you have to take it", he said. "I have a chance to play and as long as I do my best, you can't do any more than that. It is up to me to impress the gaffer."

The league title must be the target and Gardiner is optimistic. "They had a good cup run last year and didn't do too badly in the league, and there are some good young players coming through. There is no reason why we can't challenge again."

Paul Sturgess has returned to training following an operation on a knee problem last month. He has yet to play this season but will hopefully be back in first-team action soon. However, Steve Piearce has a dead leg after scoring in a reserve match at Nuneaton.

Sept 26th:
Chris Lane, Hereford's Liverpudlian full-back, is delighted with his new role as club penalty taker. "Graham Turner has appointed me to take the penalties," he said, "But I feel confident enough to score from them."

"Goalscoring is something I have had to put in my game and I have now got three before the end of September after not scoring in my first two years at the club."

Lane is now also in-charge of taking some long-range free-kicks.

HEREFORD UNITED 1 - 1 LEIGH RMI

Hereford United entered the Tuesday night match against Leigh RMI with several injury worried after their 1-1 draw with Stevenage Borough on Saturday. Full back Paul Sturgess, striker Steve Piearce and midfielder Ian Rodgerson again missed out, as did young winger Paul Parry who picked up a knock in the weekend match. Hereford replaced Parry with Craig Hanson, and the former Derby attacker made his first start of the season for the Bulls. John Snape passed a late fitness test and was thought to be a doubt for United.

Meanwhile, Conference newcomers Leigh RMI fielded a varied side consisting of former league players such as Dave Ridings, Neil Matthews and Ged Kielty, and also some non-league players. Youngster Craig Dootson started in goal, but was later replaced by veteran Dave Felgate who has played for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Lincoln City and Wales in a distinguished career.

Yet again in a match at Edgar Street, the start was energetic with both the home side and the away side showing their attacking capabilities in front of the lowest home crowd of the season. Just 1,918 came through the turnstiles, including twenty five committed supporters from the North West.

Hereford had the best of the possession and it paid off as early as the fourth minute. As Hereford played towards the Blackfriars End, Kerry Giddings picked up the ball on the edge of the area closest to the Grandstand and proceeded in taking the ball across the penalty area before slotting through to find Craig Hanson. The striker, playing out of position in a right midfield role, picked up perfectly before slotting the ball past a helpless goalkeeper.

At that point, Hereford optimism was at a high with an early lead. However, a night of frustration would follow as Leigh packed their defensive third to stub out any Hereford attacks. A pacy striker, Neil Matthews, looked impressive for Leigh RMI and got an equaliser with only their second attempt of the game on eleven minutes. After good constructive play which included a run down the left and into the box, Matthews received a through ball across goal which he couldn't really miss. Cooksey was left annoyed that he had moved out to the original player with possession, and that no defender had picked up Matthews' run into the box.

The mistake on the right side which led to the goal was the result of a Leigh break. Chris Lane was still in an attacking position and had failed to track back in time to prevent the counter attack. Lane failed to retreat quickly enough several times in the match, but his effort was again superb. Meanwhile on the left, Matt Clarke and Michael McIndoe overlapped well to allow both players to attack. The tactic worked particularly well when Clarke, the more defensive of the two players, made a committed run from the Hereford area to the Leigh box very late in the match.

Hereford looked the more likely side to score for the remainder of the half and on twenty two minutes, they should have regained the lead. An intercepted pass allowed McIndoe to cross to Giddings, but the striker missed badly as he sliced the ball wide. Giddings was not on top form for the match but it is evident from previous showings that he has the undoubted talent to have made the step up from local football to Conference level.

Leigh RMI worked their tactic well in which they would pack out the defence and catch Hereford on the break. From the opening ten minutes, it was obvious that they were playing for a draw by preventing Hereford attacking but rarely venturing outside of their own half. However, there were one or two hairy moments in the Leigh area, the first of which came on the half hour when Dootson came for a corner but failed to make clean contact with the ball when punching away. The attacking nature of Hereford's play was underlined when they gained three corners in little more than a minute!

With seven minutes remaining, Matt Clarke was cautioned for a foul, and from the resulting Leigh free kick a header came in which went just over Cooksey's crossbar. The yellow card was not deserved by Clarke, as worse challenges came in later in the match which were not penalised by the referee, Mr G Chapman from Gloucestershire who otherwise had a fairly reasonable match.

A low shot from the edge of the area tested Cooksey with five minutes left, and then Gavin Williams was released by a long ball just two minutes later. However, the goalkeeper got to the ball first and cleared before Williams could make any contact.

The second half started well with both sides looking to increase on their lead. On fifty minutes, Craig Hanson had a superb run and passed to Giddings in the area. However, Giddings somehow missed again. Leigh then sat back, hoping to maintain the deadlock and go home with a point as they could see that United were likely to score again if they ventured too far forward.

Robin Elmes replaced Kerry Giddings soon after, and the pressure on the away goal increased. Gavin Williams went close from a Elmes knock on, and John Snape hit a thirty yarder just wide of the goal. With around twenty minutes remaining, Craig Dootson suffered an injury in a clash with McIndoe whilst jumping for the ball. After four minutes of stoppage, it was decided that he was unable to continue and he left the pitch limping. Dootson was replaced by Dave Felgate, who has evidently put on some weight since his league days but was more than equal to what Hereford could throw at him. His first real save came from another John Snape shot from thirty yards!

Hanson, who played well on the night, was replaced by Andrew Moran. Moran was previously reported by the league to have left the club and gone back to Wigan, even though he had joined from Tranmere! However, that is not the case and he is here to stay for a while.

Five minutes added time where played at the death, due to the injury to Dootson. Only tow things of significance happened - Ged Kielty was booked for a foul on Chris Lane, and Gavin Williams hit a shot wide of the post after he had turned well for the opening.

Many players performed well for Hereford United tonight but Michael McIndoe showed skill on the ball and composure off it; he has been a great find by Graham Turner and has proved to be an asset to the club.

Hereford will be disappointed that they didn't gain their second home win of the season and fall further behind both Yeovil and Rushden, who both won. However, they remain in third place but face a daunting task on Saturday when they travel to Dagenham and Redbridge, yet another new face in this season's Conference. A second trip to London follows when they play Kingstonian, and three points from both games is vital if they are to keep in touch with the leaders.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Hanson, Snape, McIndoe, Giddings, Williams
Substitutions - Elmes, Moran.

Man of the Match - Michael McIndoe

Sept 27th:
You may have heard that the club require gatemen and stewards on matchdays. If you are interested, please contact the club on 01432 276666 and mention HU-FC.co.uk when applying.

In addition to this, the club also need people to sell tickets for the 50-50 half time draw and agents are required for the Wyevern Pool. If you would like to help the club and earn yourself some extra money then a Wyevern Pool agent may just be for you!

You can get 12.5% Commission, 10% bonus on big winners, an entry into the £25 weekly draw and also a free matchday ticket to home games. You could either establish your own agency or collect door-to-door. For more details on any of the above, please contact Hereford United on 01432 276666.

Joining Wyevern Pool is a great way of helping Hereford United. For just 50p a week, you can get five numbers and there are four major prizes - £1000, £250, £50 and £25. If you would like to join up, please call the club on 01432 276666 or print out the form below, fill in and cut out. Then send it to Wyevern Pool, Hereford United FC, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JU.

I would like to join Hereford United's Wyvern Pool :
Name - ................................................ Telephone - ..................................
Address - .....................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
Postcode - ...................................................................................................
Referred by HU-FC.co.uk - Unofficial Hereford United online.

Previously reported on another site was that Andrew Moran had gone back up north to Wigan Athletic, even though he joined Hereford from Tranmere Rovers. As he played last night, I can assure you that he is still at Edgar Street, and not with any other club!

Sept 28th:
Hereford United player-coach Phil Robinson told BBC Hereford & Worcester that Hereford have the team to challenge Rushden - and it is only a matter of time before it happens. After the Stevenage match, he told BBC local radio that there were promising signs, despite drawing 1-1.

"If we continue to create that many chances, the victories are going to start to come and the fans certainly deserve it," he said.

It was announced in today's Hereford Times that Jimmy Quiggin, a 21-year old striker from Bolmere St Michael's, has signed for the club on a non-contract basis. Meanwhile, an interview on the Hereford United Official Website with Steve Bull is very interesting, and includes Bully not ruling out the possibility of playing for United in the future.

Sept 29th:
Graham Turner says the next four games will tell whether they have the right credentials to win the Conference. United play fourth placed Dagenham tomorrow, and then after a match against Kingstonian, they play second placed Yeovil on October 8th before travelling to Rushden six days later.

Turner said: "It is a testing time for us. It is a period that will tell us a bit more about what we are about and test our credentials to be champions. We have done well so far but it could have been a lot better. Our home results have let us down. In the second half against Leigh in midweek we absolutely battered them but couldn't score."

"I don't know whether we get a little bit more freedom away from home, but we have done well and need to continue that good form."

Turner also commented on Dagenham, tomorrow's opponents. "They are going quite well and by all accounts, did well at Rushden the other night. They bombarded them late on but couldn't score an equaliser.", he said.

Meanwhile, Dagenham boss Garry Hill has told the BBC that Hereford will be a huge challenge for his side. "This will certainly be another tough game. We've been playing well but we need to keep picking up points because in this league with two or three defeats we could slip well down."

Finally Hereford United have signed Luton Town midfielder David Castro-Pearson from Luton Town. The 20-year old Coventry City youngster joins up with former Luton player Michael McIndoe at United on non-contract terms.

Sept 30th:

Hereford United are hoping to have their influential midfielder Ian Rodgerson available for today's clash at Dagenham and Redbridge.

Rodgerson, who faces a fitness check, has missed Hereford's last three games due to a calf injury but returned to light training this week.

Since Rodgerson sustained the injury at Nuneaton, the Bulls have lost at Doncaster Rovers and managed only draws against Stevenage and Leigh RMI at Edgar Street.

Director of football Graham Turner will also check out the fitness of Craig Hanson and Kerry Giddings before naming his team. 

 DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 2 - 1 HEREFORD UNITED

Hereford United travelled to East London for the first time in many, many years - and to Victoria Park for the first time in league football, so really no one knew what to expect. Dagenham were promoted as Ryman League Champions last year and have started well, lying a place behind Hereford in fourth. A win for Dagenham would take them above United, but a United win would increase the pressure on both Rushden and Yeovil at the top. However, Hereford had not won in their last three and lost their last away match at Doncaster Rovers.

Ian Rodgerson returned to the side in place of Craig Hanson and after Kerry Giddings picked up a flu bug in the week, Robin Elmes partnered Gavin Williams in the Hereford attack.

In the opening ten minutes, Hereford were all over Dagenham and should have wrapped up the match very early on. Whilst having all of the possession, they were unable to break the deadlock, but really should have been two up after ten minutes. From the kick off, Gavin Williams made a run and hit a thirty yard shot which goalkeeper Roberts saved, and further efforts soon came.

After all the pressure, the opening goal went Hereford's way. Superb play from Michael McIndoe on the left allowed him to slip a low ball through to Gavin Williams, who scored easily from outside the area. The shot was a scorcher and the goalkeeper stood no chance as it nested in his right hand corner.

Scott Cooksey made his first save on nineteen minutes from Brennan and then four minutes later, Drewe Broughton released Jones on the left who came in and hit a right footed effort goalwards. The effort was tipped away by Cooksey. Then on the half hour, controversy surrounded the referee as Dagenham though Elmes had tipped was a corner with his hand. No action was taken against Elmes, and three minutes later Hereford had problems in defence before eventually scrambling away a McDougald effort after good play by Simon Heffer.

With six minutes of the half remaining, Michael McIndoe hit another good cross but the unmarked Robin Elmes headed over the crossbar. On the stroke of half time, Paul Terry equalised for Dagenham. His first shot was blocked by Scott Cooksey but the rebound was knocked in by Terry. The goalkeeping was not of a high enough standard and Cooksey must take full blame for the goal. In added time, the same thing almost happened again, but the rebound from Terry went wide, much to the relief of the former Hednesford 'keeper.

The second half was a superb advertisment for Conference football, with both sides showing attacking potential.

Seven minutes after the break, a thirty yarder from Chris Lane tested the goalkeeper, and then Gavin Williams hit an overhead kick from a McIndoe header just wide of the target. However, Dagenham soon fought back and Terry hit a twenty five yard effort just over the corssbar and three minutes later, on sixty nine minutes, Tim Cole headed a Brennan corner just over.

On seventy three minutes, a Mark Brennan corner was headed in by Tim Cole to give the lead to Dagenham & Redbridge. The effort from the far post hit the net with much power, giving Cooksey no chance. Despite gaining the advantage, which was deserved on the run of play, Dagenham still pushed to increase their lead and almost did so on seventy nine minutes. A free kick from Brennan was tipped over by Cooksey and then on eighty seven minutes Terry made a superb run on the right. He hit a low ball which reached Paul Cobb who hit a shot straight at Cooksey.

An attendance of 1,410 watched the match, and the late rally from Hereford came to nothing as Dagenham deservedly gained three points.

The referee, Mr A Wilkins from Longfield, made three bookings. Dagenham's Mark Brennan for a foul on eight minutes, Matt Clarke for the same offece twelve minutes from time, and then in the last minute Robin Elmes was cautioned for dissent.

The three matches after today are vital for Hereford, and could make-or-break the season. On Tuesday the Bulls are away against Kingstonian, who are never an easy side to beat despite their lowly league position. Then United are at home to party-poopers Yeovil Town next Sunday, a game moved due to the England vs Germany match next Saturday, and in two weeks time, Rushden host Hereford in the all ticket tie. Two wins are required to keep up with the leading pack. Yeovil's manager Dave Webb has left the club however, and is rumoured to be taking over at third division side Southend United.

Hereford's performance today was not of a high enough standard if they are to be contenders for the Conference championship. Robin Elmes still isn't up to the required standard, despite his commitment, but all in all the recent performances are lacking in attacking positions.

Hereford - Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, McIndoe, Elmes, Williams
Substitutions - Hanson, Piearce.

Man of the Match - Gavin Williams