It’s an underused fact that Hereford FC have played 6 of the other 8 clubs in the top 9 this season and none of them could beat us. More than that, we’ve defeated four of them. Now in the space of just a few days we are taking on the remaining two, arguably the best set up outfits in our division. Firstly, we’re off to Lincolnshire to do battle with Scunthorpe. Our very fresh back-to-back home wins have added an extra interest to this match. We’re only one point behind the Iron and their supporters are worried.
In a repeat of our previous encounter, we have a midweek game beforehand and they don’t. Our squad will have two hours training this week while our opponents have had rather more. But is it productive for an always under pressure squad? We saw what we might do during our last visit when we were ahead, comfortable and had silenced their crowd. Fatally, we switched off from a second half throw in and 0-1 rapidly became 4-1 as tiredness told and we chased the game.
We’re more streetwise now with more shape and purpose. Also, there is unrest in the home camp with constant criticism of the manager and players. There was even speculation that gaffer Andy Butler would be sacked if they lost to Marine. (They won 2-1 with a late winner). Their style of play is not popular. Scunny have often played 5 at the back at home with defensive full backs and use long balls. Their home record is poorer than ours with 4 wins, 5 draws and one defeat. Visitors have found success with an all-in determined low block. Warrington got a 1-1 draw, Radcliffe a 0-0, Alfreton 0-0 etc. Doubtful whether Hereford could do the same. We’re not an instinctively defensive side.
Scunthorpe have decent forwards as we learnt to our cost last season. Their regular strikers Danny Whitehall (8 goals in 18 appearances) and Callum Roberts (10 in 20) have competition from new arrival Mark Beck. The six-foot 5 striker with a proven cv hasn’t found the net in his 4 appearances but is very hard to stop in the air. The key is to stop their supply line.
If you are travelling (and many of us are) buy your segregated tickets in advance £18/£14 as you will pay more on the day. Buy tickets via the following link.
Scunthorpe United FC Scunthorpe United Football Club Ticket Ordering
Car parking is also cheaper paid in advance. There is little alternative to using the club park and queuing to use the single exit afterwards.
If you can’t make it Radio Hereford FC will be broadcasting full match commentary live as usual with the former Hereford United striker Paul Fewings providing expert summary.
Radio Hereford FC | Hereford FC – The Official website of Hereford FC
Simon Wright
