NEXT HOME GAME - TBC
NEXT AWAY GAME - SUPPORTERS XI ARE PLAYING WORCESTER AT MALVERN ON SUNDAY AUGUST 3rd AT 3.00pm

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Conference Goes Eco With New Sponsor


The Conference is set to sign a new title sponsorship deal with green energy firm Ecotricity.

Forest Green owner Dale Vince is reported to be in advanced talks with the Conference board to take over as the title sponsors of the competition with Blue Square pulling out in the summer.

Sources at Conference HQ have leaked details of the new three year sponsorship and, while there is only a minimal change to the money that will be due to clubs, a number of changes will be implemented over the summer to meet Ecotricity's green values and benefit clubs financially.

The company plans to replace floodlight pylons at grounds with a combined pylon and wind turbine, providing free electricty to run the floodlights and ground power needs, with council planning rules circumvented due to new Government legislation on green power sources coming in this month. The pylons would stand at least 30 metres above the existing stands and would be free of charge to clubs, acting as a advertisement for the company as it plans rapid expansion.

The Stroud based firm will also supply robotic mowers, already being used at Forest Green, to each club to cut the grass. Unfortunately, for most, the Ecotricity rebrand will also require all 68 Conference clubs to go meat-free. 

The policy was implemented at Forest Green last summer to much complaint from fans with a Fish and Chips option in their Green Man social club the only meat still available at the ground.

(This is, of course, rubbish. Probably...)


Bulls 15/16 To Defeat Lambs


Hereford United are 15/16 to defeat Tamworth tomorrow afternoon at Edgar Street. That price is available with Pinnacle.

Best price for a draw is 27/10 with BetVictor.

Lastest odds from BlueSq:

Hereford 4/5  Draw 12/5  Tamworth 3/1

Prices from oddschecker.com and are subject to change.


Club Historian & "The Bull" Win Award


The Bulls matchday programme "The Bull" has won the award for best feature in the Conference for Ron's World Of History.

The feature, compiled by club historian Ron Parrott, was handed the title by Programme Monthly, for 30 years the centre of the match programme community.

"The Bull" will be available as usual at tomorrow's game but is also available to download for iPad, iPhone, and iPod through the Matchday Digital app in the iTunes store here.


Tamworth's Perry Thanks Foyle


Tamworth loanee Kyle Perry has expressed his thanks to Bulls boss Martin Foyle for getting him out of a footballing rut at Nuneaton.

Perry, now back with the Lambs on loan after netting 17 times for them in the 10/11 season, told the Tamworth Herald that he had been struggling until his Edgar Street spell:

"Hereford were good for me. I had been through a difficult time football wise and Martin Foyle and Andy Porter asked me to go there on loan. I knew them both of them from my Port Vale days.

"I think they wanted people around them that they knew.

"They wanted to mix things up a bit when they were looking to build a dressing room. I didn't score while there but enjoyed my spell. I was stuck in a bit of a rut until then and it gave me a bit of love back for the game again.

"While they are another former club, it's all about Tamworth now. We are trying to make it past 50 points and that would be a record for the club. That would be quite some accomplishment.

"It would be great for us to achieve that. Dale (Belford) and Scott (Lindsey) deserve it as well because they have been fantastic coaches to work with."

Perry has started only three of his ten appearances for the Lambs since returning. Manager Belford, who remains in Caretaker charge after the dismissal of Marcus Law in January, initially took the side on a six match unbeaten run to take them away from danger. However recent results have not been kind, winning one of their last seven, and they lost 1-0 to title favourites Mansfield on Saturday.

As well as Perry, they have former Bulls defender Sam Oji in their squad. The 27 year old made four appearances for the Bulls at the start of the 09/10 season but left the club shortly after and ended up playing in Sweden before signing for the Lambs 13 months ago.


HUISA TRAVEL – Macclesfield and Forest Green


The HUISA coach to Macclesfield on Saturday 6th April will depart from Radford’s at 10.00am with a fare of £16 (non-members £18).

For the Forest Green match on Tuesday 9th April, departure is set for 5.30pm with a fare of £10 (non-members £12).

Seats for both trips can be booked in Radford’s before tomorrow’s match against Tamworth or through The Club office (08442 761939).


Man Of The Match Scores Own Goal


Brett Johnson And Stefan Stam Go Head To Head
Seldom does a player score an own goal and then receives the man of the match award but that's what happened to Woking's Brett Johnson yesterday.

"Very pleased with the award," Johnson told the Woking OS.

"It's probably the only one you'll get when you score an own goal.

"It was an adnormally long throw (from Chris Bush) and we had to drop a little bit deeper.

"We were caught on our heals.

"Unfortunately I was the one to get the final flip, it's just one of those things.

Marlon Jackson Being Held By Johnson
"The response was great to get a draw.

"I don't think we deserved to be 1-0 down at half-time, we had our chances.

Ryan Bowman Fending Off Johnson
"Then second-half it was more of a case of being patient. And it was an easy tap-in. Then we saw the game out."

Images From Woking


A few images from yesterday's 1-1 draw at Woking.

Knott Takes A Free Kick
Former Bull Gavin McCallum Watching Joe Heath
Woking Clear a Hereford Half-Chance
Marlon Jackson
Parkinson And Chris Sharp Go For The Ball
One Of Several Good Runs From Marley Watkins
Kingsley James Comes To A Halt
 

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Bulls stutter to draw at Woking



Two poor sides played out a 1-1 draw at Kingfield this afternoon with a first half own-goal from Woking’s Brett Johnson was cancelled out by Kevin Betsey just after the break.

Martin Foyle gave a debut to Chris Bush at left back in an otherwise unchanged side that saw Marlon Jackson make a remarkable recovery from his reported injury on Tuesday to start behind Chris Sharp in what appeared to be a 4-4-1-1 formation.  Former Bull Gavin McCallum started for The Cards.

The hosts hoisted a long ball into Bull’s territory but Luke Graham launched a counter attack down the right.  Marley Watkins played a line ball for Chris Sharp but his cross went beyond Sam Clucas who was the only attacking player in the box.  Billy Knott forced a corner off Graham but Stam cleared without danger on Bittner’s goal.

Marley Watkins Kept At Arm's Length
The impressive Kevin Betsey got in a low cross and Mike Cestor’s speculative effort was blocked away by the well-positioned Joe Heath.  Another Betsey run finished with a pull back from the byeline which Kingsley James hoiked upfield.  Chris Sharp got a shot on target but keeper Seb Brown got down to save.

Betsey was allowed to run on the right and got in a dangerous cross which Heath turned away at the back post then Marley Watkins made a charging break from midfield going past three players before a final touch was heavy and the ball ran through to Brown.

Bittner Towers Above Everyone Else
Bush sent a crossfield ball to release Watkins on the right and when his cross found Chris Sharp the former Telford player saw his shot blocked on the line.  Joe Heath whipped a cross in from which Clucas’ back post header drew another save from Brown before a Watkins/Heath combination produced a driven cross that Sharp was inches away from converting.

Bradley Butt got between Graham and Stam but dragged his shot wide of the mark then Sam Clucas was blatantly body checked as he broke from centre-field.  Kingsley James freekick was overhit and O’Keefe’s snap shot was well wide.  Betsey threatened again on the right before The Bulls took a somewhat fortunate lead on 43 minutes.

In The Back Of The Net
Clucas earned a throw on the left and Chris Bush launched a monster chuck into the box, which finished in the net off the head of defender Brett Johnson.

Chris Bush's Throw In Led To The Goal
HT Woking 0 Bulls 1

The Bulls were first on the attack after the break with James and Clucas setting up Bush but the debutant’s effort was wild and wide.  Then, just five minutes into the second period, the hosts got a well-worked equaliser.  Bradley Bubb pulled wide right onto a ball from midfield and when his cross came in Betsey steered in from the edge of the six-yard box.

McNearey glanced a header over Bittner’s crossbar and Sam Clucas pinged a 25-yarder just over at the other end before McNearey hauled Jackson to the ground for an uneventful free kick. 

Woking made a couple of subs and Foyle responded by swapping Bowman for Sharp.

The change seemed to revitalise The Bulls up top but Woking were slightly unlucky when McCallum’s shot came back off the foot the post.  Watkins capitalised on a poor back pass to square back to James but the midfielder’s shot deflected just wide and from the corner, Stefan Stam head inches over.

Bowman showed strength and determination to win a corner from an apparent lost cause and was desperately unlucky not to get on the end of Sam Clucas’ delightful through ball when McNearey just got a toe in to poke the ball back for Brown to clear.

Woking substitute Stockley missed a glorious chance to settle the match when through on goal but was more intent on going down to try for a penalty when a clean finish was the better option.

James Creates An Opening
Clucas and Watkins created a half chance for James that was blocked and Betsey tested Bittner from distance before referee Ford brought proceedings to a close in front of a very respectable 2303 included approximately 180 Bulls.

FT Woking 1 Bulls 1

Hereford:- Bittner, Heath, Graham, Stam, Bush (McDonald 75), Watkins, James, O’Keefe, Clucas, Jackson, Sharp (Bowman 66).  Unused: - Smikle, Connor, Jones.

Woking:- Brown, Newton, Cestor (Sawyer 60), McNerney, Parkinson (Ricketts 79), Johnson, Nutter, Betsey, McCallum, Knott, Bubb (Stockley 66).  Unused:- Putnins, Frith.

Whilst not suggesting for one moment that this was anything other than a drab mid-table Conference fixture, the BBC statistics do fail to acknowledge at least three on target efforts from The Bulls.  Sharp was twice denied in the first half and James and Clucas both saw efforts deflected wide after the break.

Chris Bush will be grateful that his throw produced a goal but the rest of his game showed some rustiness although he’s certainly a substantial unit.  Messrs Graham and Stam put in another impressive shift but without some creation in midfield the choice of Chris Sharp as a lone striker with Marlon Jackson playing deep failed to produce any concerted threat.  The system looked far more likely with the introduction of Bowman but a proper midfielder must still be a requirement.

Captain Stam Applauding The Hereford Support
I have a lovely heading ready if we defeat The Lambs of Tamworth on Monday.

See you at The Street.



Fair Result Said Keyte


Hereford United chairman David Keyte felt this afternoon's draw at Woking was a 'fair result'.

"I think it was probably a fair result on the play," Keyte told BN.

"Bit frustrating when you're hoping for several wins.

"1-0 up at half-time but we didn't quite make it.

"We looked as tired as them I thought and they played Thursday night.

"We were not quite decisive enough and precise in passing and so on to take the game."

Asked if he would have taken a point beforehand:

"I guess so, they've got a very good home record.

"But if we could have just got on that run we've been looking for all season, there was half a shout. But there we are."


Good Hard-Working Point Said Foyle


Martin Foyle
Martin Foyle appeared pleased to take a point from Woking this afternoon. Here's part of his post-match interview with BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"As you can see from the pitch it was very very lively," said the Hereford United manager.

"Very hard to get the ball down and play for both sides.

"I think there was more work ethic.

"A point was probably a fair result. They probably had the first twenty minutes, then we had chances before half-time and part of the second half.

Chris Bush
Foyle gave a debut to Chris Bush.

"He's lacking a little bit of fitness but he's got a long throw and a lovely left foot.

"I've got to keep looking at players until the end of the season."

A long throw from Bush led to Hereford's goal which was put in the net by Woking's Johnson.

"It was a good time to score a goal.

"But then we got caught a bit. Bush went in too tight, worried about Betsy and got down the side and it's a good ball in.

"Then they started to push us a bit and then last ten minutes we came strong again.

"We couldn't get that last pass, that last cross because of a lively pitch.

"Woking have been fantastic at home, we knew this was a tricky place to come.

"They are a good side."

Ryan Bowman
Ryan Bowman replaced Chris Sharp in the middle of the second half and looked much brighter today.

"I was trying to get a reaction and the reaction when he came on was very, very good.

"Overall a good hard-working performance and I was pleased with the lads."


Keyte On Season Tickets


David Keyte along with Colin Addison and Grenville Smith
Hereford United chairman David Keyte has said that the decision to reduce some season ticket prices and matchday prices (see previous article) was taken earlier this week.

"What we've decided to do is to put a bit more differential between seats and terrace." Keyte told BN at Woking after this afternoon's game.

"So terracing has come down. Seats will be a £1 less.

"The general view is that people are reasonably happy to pay what they are for seating.

"We've got to try and put it back for the fans who have been saying it is too expensive. It's there now.

"A terrace matchday ticket will be £12. Concession and Juniors will also be less. We've dropped the bottom out of that. £30 Junior season ticket on the terrace.

"If they don't want that then I don't know where we go next."

Asked how things are at present:

"We've had a very bad month.

"I know it was the lowest crowd ever on Tuesday but when you can't even pay the match fees, the referee, linesmen, gatemen then...

"And as a board we're not going to cover that sort of gate, so yes very bad month.

"We've been saying it all along, we're still open for investments, if anybody else wants to come along and a few more punters.

"It was a one-off Tuesday without doubt but at the same time you've either got a core of support that's there or you haven't.

"They've got a chance on Monday to say whether or not they want a football club."

The away support has been good this season and once again this afternoon they made themselves heard especially in the second half.

"I would like to say thank you to the ones who came here today," said Keyte"


Bulls Slash 13/14 Season Admission Prices


Fans will pay as little as £180 for a full adult season ticket for next season.

The club have released ticket prices for the 2013/14 season tonight, with matchday Terrace prices dropping to just £12, and Stand prices dropping by £1. 

Kids season tickets are no more than £50 for under 15's, with an early bird terrace ticket just £30.

More details on the official site here with tickets on sale from Monday.

Click on table to enlarge.


Results Round-Up - Telford Down


The Bulls are eighth in the table on 57 points after today's games. Kidderminster lead the table by a point after coming from behind to beat Braintree 2-1. Mansfield are a point behind, with three games in hand, after beating Tamworth 1-0. Wrexham went down 2-0 at Hyde, and Newport drew 0-0 with Dartford, to effectively put the Welsh pair out of the title running. Fifth place Grimsby drew 0-0 with Barrow, allowing Forest Green to cut the gap to two points after beating Ebbsfleet 2-0 but the Mariners have a game in hand.

Down the bottom, Telford are relegated after losing 3-0 at home to Nuneaton. The Boro move out of the bottom four at Stockport's expense, with the Hatters drawing 1-1 at Macclesfield. Ebbsfleet's loss puts them 11 points short of safety but with three games in hand. Lincoln beat Alfreton 2-0 to stay three points clear, while Gateshead salvaged a late point in their 2-2 draw with Southport for the pair to be only a point clear of Stockport. In the other game Cambridge drew 2-2 with Luton. 

In League Two, when most sides played yesterday, Aldershot are bottom of the table on 41pts after a 1-1 draw with Rochdale yesterday. The Shots hold a game in hand on their rivals, but are 4pts behind Barnet, who drew 0-0 with Dagenham. York are in the other relegation spot after a goalless draw with Bristol Rovers giving them a total of 42pts. Three sides are on 46pts, with Accrington beating Wycombe, Plymouth beating Exeter, and Torquay losing at Northampton.


Stats from Kingfield Stadium


Chris Bush Made His Hereford Debut This Afternoon
Here's a run down of the stats following Hereford's draw at Woking.
Final Score: Woking 1-1 Hereford
Goalscorers: Kevin Betsy (52) / Joe McNerney (o.g. 44)
Possession: Woking 51% Hereford 49%
Shots on target: Woking 2 Hereford 0
Shots off target: Woking 2 Hereford 3
Corners: Woking 5 Hereford 3
Fouls: Woking 13 Hereford 14
As The Snow Started James Was Carded
Yellow Card: Kingsley James
Attendance: 2,303 with no official away figure as there was no segregation.
Table: Hereford lie eighth.

Bulls Draw At Woking


The Bulls claimed a point from their trip to Woking, coming away with a 1-1 draw.

According to the official stats, the Bulls failed to get a shot on target in 90 minutes with their goal coming by the way of Woking defender Joe McNerney putting a long throw from debutant Chris Bush through his own net. The Cards equalised early in the second half through veteran Kevin Betsy and the game trudged to a draw with the two sides having little to play for.

Full report later.


News Round-Up


Bury boss Kevin Blackwell has told a fans forum that the club allowed full back Joe Skarz to join Rotherham on loan on Thursday as they simply could not afford his wages. Chairman Brian Fenton told the 'stormy' meeting that the club had banked little more than 50% of it's budgeted March income, while he evaded giving a definite answer on whether they could pay the wages for the remainder of the season. They remain under a transfer embargo having taken a PFA loan to cover February's bill.

Local council documents show Crewe's ground as being proposed for demolition as part of a potential redevelopment of the town's railway station. 150 acres around the area are earmarked for a redevelopment if a proposal to add Crewe to the list of stops on the planned HS2 line is approved. The club itself has declined to comment on the matter.

Hyde have announced that veteran defender Mark Allot has quit the club and retired from playing after managing just two games since his January arrival from Chesterfield. The 35 year old will concentrate on his coaching academy.


Friday, March 29, 2013

Foyle Noted Woking Drew At Kidderminster


Hereford United manager Martin Foyle has noted Woking played out a 2-2 draw with table-topping Kidderminster earlier this week and feels tomorrow's game will be tough.

"Woking went there, denied them a little bit of space, made it hard for them," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"They've got the third best home record in the league.

"So I'll be implanting that into the boys.

"It's going to be a tough test."

Foyle will be without Michael Townsend, Simon Clist, Marlon Jackson and Chris Carruthers for the game. Marley Watkins and Joe Connor are both slight doubts. However new loan signing Chris Bush is expected to be on the bench and might feature late in the game.

Meanwhile for those unable to be at the game there will be full match commentary on BBC H&W and also Bulls Player


News Round-Up


Woking have extended the loan of striker Billy Knott to the end of the season. The Sunderland youngster has scored six times in 14 games for the Cards. Ebbsfleet added two further players ahead of yesterday's deadline, bringing in nomadic pair Ubay Luzardo and David Azin on short term deals. Spanish defender Luzardo and Armenian midfielder Azin have both been playing in the Swedish second tier with stays in their careers as diverse as Hong Kong and Ecuador.

Dunfermline are to make 11 players redundant as the first cost-cutting measure of the Administrator. Nine first teamers and two youth player are to be axed including captain Jordan McMillan. Lincoln have loaned defender Peter Gilbert to Dagenham until the end of the season. The 29 year old has made only one appearance since Gary Simpson took charge.

Dartford have signed Fulham keeper Csaba Somogyi on loan for the rest of the season. The 27 year old Hungarian has been an unused sub for the Cottagers' first team this season. Luton have allowed defender Wayne Thomas to join Rochdale on loan after just two games for them. The experienced full back was signed by Paul Buckle and sent off in only his second appearance.


From The Archives - Bulls Draw At Woking


It's seven years since Woking last entertained Hereford United. Here's a look back to that game which was played on April 1st 2006 and ended 1-1.

Draw was on the Cards

Hereford United continued their quest to cement their place in the play offs with an away trip to Kingfield, home of Woking - who were hoping to creep into the end of season lottery themselves.
Just one change was made from the dismal home defeat last weekend, as Robbie King deputised for the the suspended Andy Ferrell in the middle. The game began, but was bought to a stop for a few minutes almost immediately as Tony James was in need of the magic sponge, following a collision with Steve Ferguson, who gave James a torrid time throughout.
Craig Stanley came closest to giving the Bulls a first half lead with United's first major attack, following a good ball from Stuart Fleetwood to pick out the run of Rob Purdie towards the left flank. Purdie's delivery found Stanley storming through the middle, but his half volley, which hit the underside of the cross bar, was cleared away off the line. At the other end Wayne Brown almost made a hash up, as he came to the edge of the box to head away a high ball, but gifted it to Ferguson but the 'keeper managed to scramble in front of the attackers first effort, before the ball bounced back to him. James, though, was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the goal line.
Stephen Evans played a neat headed one-two with Craig McAllister, which found the former in a central position with plenty of space, but he rashley volleyed over from twelve yards out. James misjudged a long ball towards the Hereford back line to almost disasterous consequences, but luckily, when Ferguson stole in, he lifted the ball wide of the far post. King dragged an effort wide in a rare United effort at goal minutes before the break, but right on the stroke of half time the deadlock was broken. Ryan Green conceded a free kick almost right on the corner flag and Karl Murray's cross was perfect for McAllister to nod in unopposed, as Purdie had allowed him too much space, at the far post.
Graham Turner didn't make any changes at the break, but four minutes after the restart he did; James was replaced by Dean Beckwith and six minutes later Fleetwood made way for Adam Stansfield. United were dominant in the second half and had all the goalscoring opportunities, but didn't look likely to make the break-through. Daryl Taylor headed wide a cross from Alex Jeannin before Taylor had another effort, this time Andy Williams the provider, when he cut inside from the right and shot wide of the far post.
With eleven minutes left on the clock Jamie Pitman was introduced in place of King and The Bulls seemed to become more threatening again. A good succession of passes allowed the ball to find its way to Williams on the edge of the box, but his turn and shot was tipped away by the outstretched hand of Shwan Jalal. Jeannin lofted in a free kick as United pressed forward, but Stansfield shot into the arms of Jalal after Taylor had headed on but finally Hereford equalised with eighty nine minutes on the clock. Green took a throw in, which was returned by Taylor, and the Welsh man crossed right onto the head of the magnificent Tamika Mkandawire, who headed into the top right hand corner, much to the delight of the 300 or so away fans, in a crowd of 1,929.
A good point it turned out to be, in a game of two halfs. United were more than deserving of their late equaliser, as they had swept the hosts aside in the second half. It was only a lapse of concentration that gave Woking a look in, as McAllister's marker went awol in the very final minute of injury time at the end of the first half. A draw was not such a bad result though, as many other teams hopeful of the play offs drew also. Only Exeter and Grays in the top nine won today.
HUFC: Brown, Green, Mkandawire, James, Jeannin, Purdie, Stanley, King, Taylor, Williams, Fleetwood. Subs: Beckwith, Mawson, Pitman, Nicolau, Stansfield.
WFC: Jalal, Jackson, Nethercott, Hutchinson, MacDonald, Murray, Smith, Evans, Liam Cockerill, McAllister , Ferguson. Subs: El-Salahi, Davies, Sam Cockerill, Oyedele, Blackman.


Bulls 37/15 For a Win At Woking


The bookies don't fancy a Hereford win at Woking tomorrow, the best price being 37/15 with Pinnacle.

The same company is offering 45/17 for a draw.

Latest odds from SkyBet:

Woking 6/5  Hereford 9/5  Draw 12/5

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Youth Team At Edgar Street Next Tuesday Morning


Next Tuesday Morning, April 2nd, Hereford United's Youth Team will be in action at Edgar Street where they will entertain Swindon in a Youth Alliance League Fixture.

The game was originally due to have been played several Saturdays ago at Hereford's Leisure Centre but was postponed due to a water-logged pitch.

Kick-off is at 11am and supporters are welcome to watch.

This coming Saturday the Young Bulls play Bristol Rovers at the Leisure Centre again with a 11am kick-off.

Mansfield Ramp Up Ticket Prices


Mansfield have ramped up admission prices at Field Mill for next season - whatever division they are in.

The current title favourites have standardized adult entry to a single £20 price - with £2 discount if bought in advance - from a range of prices from £15 to £18 this term. Away fans to Field Mill will pay £5 more on the day compared to this season.

They have also doubled prices for under 10's to £8, and increased prices for 11-16 year olds by £5 to £13, but introduced a new under sixes category that is free.

The Stags, who a reported to be running at a £2million loss this season, are to also run cashless turnstiles meaning all fans will have to purchase a ticket prior to entry. 

The increases mean that a family of four, with two children in Secondary school, will pay a minimum of 35% more for their tickets - and 66% if they purchase on the day.


No Offers For Bowman And Jackson


Hereford United's leading scorer, Ryan Bowman, has said that he is uncertain where he will be playing football next season.

"I hope to get offered a new contract but being off ill recently, the other strikers have come in and done well," Bowman told the Hereford Times.

"I would listen to any offers that might come in for me but I’ll just have to weigh them up and see what’s best for me. 

"Nothing has come up with any other clubs at the moment, so we will just have to wait and see."

Another of the strikers at the club, Marlon Jackson, has also spoken about his future.

"Everyone wants to play at a higher level and for me it’s the same, whether it’s with Hereford or whoever," he told the HT.

"You never know with a striker if you’re scoring goals - anything can happen.

"It depends what offers come in and if they do, it will depend on whether or not I’ve earned a contract here."



Coventry Get 10 Point Penalty


The Football League have imposed a ten point penalty on Coventry for entering Administration.

The governing body confirmed the sanction this afternoon, adding that the Sky Blues had seven days to appeal the deduction. They will drop from 10th to 14th in the League One table, 12 points clear of relegation.


Profile: Chris Bush


The BBC have confirmed the arrival of defender Chris Bush, with the 20 year old remaining with the Bulls for the rest of the season.

East London-born Bush came through Brentford's youth system, spending loan time at Salisbury, Woking, Wimbledon, and Thurrock before signing for Wimbledon in the summer of 2011. 

He was one of nine players released by former manager Terry Brown last summer after 28 appearances for the Wombles, signing for Gateshead a month later. He played regularly until former boss Ian Bogie was sacked, but has made only one appearance under current Heed chief Anth Smith before being farmed out to Lincoln.

Bush is out of contract in the summer, and can play in the centre of defence as well as left back.


Gloucester Get £5,500 Donation Boost


Gloucester netted over £5,500 in donations last night after allowing entry for donations to last night's home game with Colwyn Bay.

The Tigers reported a gate of 602, double their average, with the crowd handing over a VAT-free sum in donations for the 2-2 draw.


Kovacs And Fleetwood Given Luton Boot


Former Bulls duo Janos Kovacs and Stuart Fleetwood have both been told they will not have their contracts with Luton renewed.

The pair both joined the Kenilworth Road outfit from Edgar Street within three weeks at the start of the 2011/12 season. Fleetwood, 26, moved on deadline day in August with Kovacs, 27, joining on loan shortly afterwards before sealing a permanent deal in January.

Fleetwood was Luton's top Conference scorer last term with 11 goals, and  was also top scorer this season until Paul Buckle's departure. He is not expected to play again this season due to hernia surgery, which was originally expected to be postponed. Kovacs has also had injury problems this season, appearing in only one of Luton's last 10 games.

The duo are part of six to be released by John Still with a seventh, Arnaud Mendy, transfer listed with a year left on his deal after only arriving in January for a £40,000 fee. Among the other six is winger Scott Neilson, who Luton poached from Grimsby's grasp in January.


News Round-Up


Barrow beat Macclesfield 1-0 in last night's only Conference match. The game was delayed from Tuesday to allow the pitch a chance to recover from the weather, with an attendance of 716 including a reported 5 Silkmen fans. Telford will be the first team to be relegated if they fail to beat Nuneaton on Saturday. They currently have 15 points to play for and are 14 short of fifth-bottom Stockport.

Coventry have reached agreement to play their final three games of this season at the Ricoh Arena. Administrator Paul Appleton confirmed the deal this morning, but a statement from him last night still insists that the company in Administration is not the football club - despite acknowledging that the Football League believes it is. Alfreton have extended the loan of Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford to the end of the season after they won three and drew two of the five games he has featured in.

Swindon have had their transfer embargo lifted, with a club statement saying they had to lodge a £1.2million bond with the Football League to enable the move. They are reported to be chasing QPR's former England striker Andy Johnson as their first signing. Two of Accrington's 18-strong board have resigned after disagreements about how the club is being run. The board have injected money into the club to cover ongoing cashflow issues.

Mansfield have made their final home game of the season all-ticket as they chase the Conference title. They entertain Wrexham on the final day. Grimsby boss Paul Hurst says departed loanee Richard Brodie did not give them 'what we wanted' and that neither party was happy with the loan. Hurst denied claims of a bust-up, saying that Brodie was frustrated with a lack of match action.

Lincoln boss Gary Simpson believes his side need to pick up seven more points to avoid relegation. The former Macclesfield boss originally wanted 12 points to stay up but, having already collected 10 of those, wants an additional five with other sides at the bottom picking up points in recent games. Tamworth have signed Bury striker Max Harrop on loan for the rest of the season. The youngster had a loan spell at Hinckley earlier in the season.

Mansfield have signed Luton defender Greg Taylor on loan for the rest of the season. The 23 year old former Darlington man has started only 13 Conference matches since arriving in the summer after a loan spell. Grimsby have signed Burton winger Cleveland Taylor on loan for the remainder of the season. The 29 year old hasn't played for the Brewers since early January after being a regular in the first half of the season.

Macclesfield have loaned defender James Bolton to Halifax for the rest of the season. The youngster has had spells at Workington and Stafford this term. Sacked Southend boss Paul Sturrock has 'politely declined' to lead the club out at Wembley for the JPT final. The Scot was originally reported to have been asked to manage the team, but reports were later modified by the club after Phil Brown's arrival.

Braintree have signed Forest Green striker Ben Wright on loan. The 24 year old spent last season with the Iron, netting 17 times, but has started only 10 Conference games for the Gumpers. Gateshead have loaned striker Ryan McGorrigan to Blyth for the rest of the season. The 20 year old only returned to the Heed from Blyth a month ago.

Kidderminster have signed defender Jamie Grimes on a deal to the end of the season. The 22 year old has been playing for the likes of Brackley and Redditch in recent seasons after leaving Swansea after his first pro deal. Southport have signed Cambridge keeper Jonathan Hedge on loan. The 24 year old has made 18 appearances for the U's this season but was transfer listed by Richard Money last month.

Ebbsfleet will lose the services of loan signing Matt Godden after parent club Scunthorpe lost a striker to injury. Godden, 21, has scored five times in eight games for the Fleet over two loan spells. Forest Green have signed Farnboro striker Reece Connolly on loan. The 21 year old former Aldershot man has scored 15 this season for the Conf South side.


Bush To Bulls?


With the loan deadline looming later today, reports suggest Gateshead full back Chris Bush is to join the Bulls.

The 20 year old former AFC Wimbledon man, who joined the Heed last summer, has had several good luck messages on Twitter - with more than one reporting that the 6ft 2in left back is joining the Bulls.

He has already had one loan spell away from the Heed this season, spending parts of January and February with Lincoln and scoring once in the three games they played.

Update: The BBC have reported the transfer, as well as the official Conference site, but neither club are yet to confirm.
 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Woking Travel – Saturday


Woking FC v Hereford United
Blue Square Bet Premier
Saturday 30th March 2013 KO 3.00pm
Kingfield Stadium
Kingfield Road
Woking
Surrey
GU22 9AA
Phone 01483 772470

Woking FC, known as The Cardinals (or simply The Cards), were formed in 1889 and spent much of their early years in the Isthmian League.  The 1990/91 season saw them reach the third round of the FA Cup beating West Baggies Albion at The Hawthorns to set up a fourth round match against Everton.  Drawn at home, The Cards agreed to switch the match to Goodison where they were defeated by a single goal scored by former Bull Kevin Sheedy.

Promotion to The Conference was achieved in 91/92 under the guidance of long term manager Geoff Chapple and despite being relegated in 08/09 they bounced back last season as Conference South Champions.  They are currently managed by the thrifty Garry Hill formally of Hornchurch, Weymouth and Rushden & Diamonds.

Kingfield has a capacity of 6000 with 2500 seats the majority of which are in the remarkable Leslie Gosden Stand at one end of the ground.  Woking often do not enforce segregation but if it is the case then the uncovered Chris Lane Terrace will be made available to Bulls’ supporters with some seats in the Bellway Homes Stand opposite.  Admission is believed to be £15 for adults, £10 for over 65’s/students and £5 for u16’s.

EDIT:- The Cards Official Site is currently advertising FREE admission for U16's.

HUISA – Departs from Radford’s at 9.30 with a fare of £18 (non-members £20).  Seats can be booked through The Club office (08442 761939).

BY CAR – Gloucester, Swindon to join the M4 east (sign London).  Leave the M4 at J10 to join the A329M (sign Bracknell) and continue onto the A329 (sign M3 Ascot).  Then continue onto the A322 (sign Bagshot).  After crossing the M3, take a left onto the A319 (sign Chobbam) and in Chobbam take the A3046 (sign Woking).  At the junction with the A320 (Traffic signals) turn right onto the A320 and then bear left (sign Guildford).  Continue on the A320 for a little under a mile and then turn left into Claremont Avenue (A247 – sign Dorking/Old Woking).  The ground will be visible on your right.

If you choose to use the M25, you should leave at J11 and take the A3 towards Guildford before joining the A320 to Woking and following the above.

Distance should be around 130 miles and you should allow two hours and forty-five minutes.  Postcode GU22 9AA

PARKING – There is parking at the Leisure Centre opposite to the entrance to the ground but it does fill some time before KO.  Also, there is some street parking in nearby Westfield Avenue or a multi-storey in the town centre (15 minute walk away).

TRAIN – Woking station is about a mile from the ground and is served by trains from London Waterloo.

ALEHOUSES – The Cardinals Bar at the ground is available for non-segregated games.  The nearest pub is The Kingfield Arms on Kingfield Road towards Old Woking.  In the town centre is a Wetherspoons called The Herbert George Wells on Chertsey Road and The Sovereigns on Guildford Road, which I have previously found more than acceptable.  For those wanting somewhere nice to eat I’d suggest The White Heart in Chobbam.

Enjoy.



Injury Problems Continue For Foyle


Hereford United manager Martin Foyle will have to re-jig his side for the trip to Woking after injuries to two players, Chris Carruthers and Joe Connor, last night in the game against Dartford.

"Chris has tweaked his ankle so that gives us another headache," Foyle told Bulls Player.

"I think he'll be out for a little bit.

"And Joe Connor with his hamstring.

"We'll have to access what we've got.

"We haven't got pots of money to get three or four players in like a lot of the teams are doing at the moment."


Foyle Unhappy With Bowman Taking Penalty


Martin Foyle
Hereford United manager Martin Foyle was unhappy that striker Ryan Bowman took a penalty which was saved in last night's match against Dartford.

Bowman was brought down in the area and took the ball to the spot. However his penalty kick was weak and easily saved.

Recently Josh O'Keefe has taken Hereford's penalties.

"2-0 and I think the game would have been over by then," Foyle told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I was probably more disappointed that he wasn't taking it, Josh, and why Josh wasn't strong enough to get hold of the ball.

"But it's gone now and we got the three points we throughly deserved."

In his interview Foyle also mentioned the support last night.

"There could have been every excuse under the sun.

"It was cold, the kids are at school, England are on telly.

"But we certainly appreciate that and that goes a long way."

News Round-Up


Wrexham say they made up to £300,000 from winning the FA Trophy this season. They collected £92,000 in prize money alone, while gate receipts from the Wembley crowd, merchandise sales, and ticket and hospitality sales through the competition will boost the figure. Southport have had new keeper Ben Smith ruled out for the season with a torn groin. They will seek a new keeper after releasing former first choice Tony McMillan last week.

Gloucester will sign a new groundshare agreement with Cheltenham tomorrow. A benefactor is paying off their £17,000 debt with the Robins. Grimsby hope to give a game to striker Liam Hearn today. The 27 year old ruptured an Achilles in pre-season, returning to training at the start of the month.

Newport have signed teenage Colchester midfielder Alex Gilbey on loan for the remainder of the season. The 18 year old comes in with Bulls loan man Will Evans finally starting his first game for the Exiles last night. Macclesfield have signed utility man Enes Fermino on a short term deal. The Ghana born 25 year old has represented Switzerland and Congo at youth levels.


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

£300,000 To Run Bulls Until August Says Nenadich


Hereford United director Nick Nenadich has said that it will cost £300,000 to run the club until August.

His comments were made after a record low gate of just 662 watched this evening's game at Edgar Street.

With both England and Wales playing, a freezing cold night and, in truth, little to play for, a low gate was expected.

But perhaps not quite as low as 662.

Quite how the board will cope with finding £300K isn't known, however Nenadich has suggested that there could be a share issue.

'New issue of b shares possible'.

He also said that 'I would be delighted for fans to run the club and take on the liability.'

Bulls earn revenge win over Darts


A goal from Josh O’Keefe just before the break was enough to defeat a visiting Dartford team that played with ten men for all but forty minutes of this evening’s poorly attended Conference fixture at Edgar Street.

Martin Foyle, without the injured Marlon Jackson, gave a start to Ryan Bowman and drafted in Joe Heath at right back in place of Joe Connor who took a place on the bench while former Bull Richard Rose was lording it at left back for the visitors.

Sam Clucas’ attack down the left drew a handball from which Kingsley James’ free kick was turned away for an early corner.  Clucas whipped in the flag kick and Stefan Stam’s header was just over as The Bulls made a bright start.

With just ten minutes played Chris Curruthers was forced to leave the field after what looked like a turned ankle following a challenge and was replaced by Connor who took the right defensive role with Heath moving to his normal position on the left.

Burns loaded a free kick into the box, which deceived Bittner, but Stam was on hand to clear.  Then Clucas put Marley Watkins through on goal but a timely challenge from Noble cleared the threat.  Kingsley James produced a dangerous cross, which Sharp headed down but the ball got away from Watkins as he shaped to shoot.

Stefan Stam intercepted an intended through ball and immediately released Bowman on goal but Ryan delayed getting a shot off and his late effort was blocked with Sharp blazing the rebound over the bar.  A Chris Sharp cross from the right produced a glancing header from Clucas that went wide with keeper Louis Wells scrambling to make his ground.

Another clever forward ball from Stam found James but his first time feed to Sharp failed to find the desired result as the former Telford man’s indecision allowed the visiting defence to clear.  Then, on 37 minutes, The Bulls took the lead.

Marley Watkins produced a bit of magic on the left to create space for a cross and when the ball was laid off by Sharp, Josh O’Keefe was able to sidestep a challenge and fire home from twelve yards. 

A second goal should have followed straight from the restart when Watkins put Bowman through on goal and Mark Arber brought him down in the box.  Arber received a straight red but Bowman’s attempt at a dinked strike was scuffed and rebounded to safety off the keeper’s legs.

HT Bulls 1 Dartford 0

A driving Sam Clucas run earned a corner straight after the break that was cleared before Joe Connor sent in a teasing cross from the right.  The Bulls were dictating play in midfield in this period but some poor decisions in the final third wasted the good work from midfield and the flanks.  Bowman and Watkins were a little unfortunate when there good link up play was hampered by a bobble off the surface but when Sharp broke on the right, his cross was too close to the keeper who easily claimed. 

Clucas switched to the right and cut inside to feed Sharp but his shot was well wide of the target when a return pass to Clucas was the better option.  Another opportunity went begging when Connor’s fine cross was headed straight at Wells by Sharp from just six yards out.

Bowman pulled right to deliver a telling cross but no Bulls player could get the vital touch and Champion was relieved to see his sliced clearance balloon over the bar.  Marley Watkins went on the jinking crossfield run from the right but sadly he delayed his pass and the moment evaporated without threat on the goal.

The game closed with Sam Clucas cutting in and firing over from the corner of the box as the crowd of just 662 turned to head for the warmth of the bar or their own firesides.

Hereford: Bittner, Heath, Graham, Stam, Carruthers (Connor 11), Watkins, James, O’Keefe, Clucas; Bowman, Sharp. Subs not used: Hanford, McDonald, Smikle, Jones.

Dartford: Wells; Rose (Hayes 81), Arber, Bonner, Burns; Rogers, Champion, Bradbrook, Noble; Sheringham (Collier 71), Prior (Erskine 77). Sub not used: Green.

I’ve seen better but I’ve also seen much worse than this latest offering from The Bulls.  Joe Connor’s benching and almost immediate re-appearance produced a more solid performance and several decent crosses as defensively The Bulls looked fairly sound. 

The midfield seemed more combative than of late but still lacked the option of an easy ball far too often.  Clucas and Watkins were pretty active on the flanks but sadly the srikeforce were both guilty of wasting decent opportunities to put the result beyond doubt.

Directions and general Woking travel nonsense tomorrow.


Images From Tonight's Game At Edgar Street


Below are a few images from tonight's game at Edgar Street where Hereford United defeated Dartford 1-0.

Former Bull Richard Rose
Tangle in the corner
Ryan Bowman About To Take Hereford's Penalty
Josh O'Keefe Waiting For A Hereford Corner
Chris Sharp Lifts The Ball Towards The Keeper
Joe Heath Back In The Side At Left-Back