Free scoring, unbeaten and ambitious Hereford FC have a quick game turnaround. Fresh from an impressive four goal win at the seaside in Saturday, there’s a home game 48 hours later.
Making their maiden trip to the Street is Radcliffe FC, still finding their feet in their first ever season in step 2. They are one of a quartet of new arrivals propping up the table. They hail from a market town of 29,000 people within the Bury council area. Our visitors have given squad numbers to 29 players. Best known are the former Altrincham pair of wide man Josh Hancock plus striker and serial podcaster Jordan Hulme. Both are aged 33. “Half of the squad have never played at this level before” according to co-manager Anthony Johnson. Ah yes, them again. Management pair Morley and Jonno visit Hereford leading yet another club, well aware that C Block reserve a special welcome for them.
The ‘Boro were given an unkind trio of games on the road with Hereford following on from Kidderminster and Chester. At Kiddy, they leaked 3 goals in 5 minutes and lost 3-0 “Three mistakes” lamented Johnson. At Chester, they conceded in the first minute eventually losing 2-0. “We made individual errors” sighed Morley. “We have a lot to work on.” Starting with conceding fewer goals. “it’s high-flying Hereford next for us. Tough game.” At home they had a creditable 3-3 with Scarborough and then not a creditable 1-1 draw versus fellow Step 2 virgins Needham Market.
Playing two games in three days is a big ask for part-timers. Expect both sides to be using their full squads and all their substitutions making up some unfamiliar line-ups. And very busy physios later this week. As the Gaffer said to HFC TV “we’re looking at making changes.” The options may be a bit limited. We know that badly mauled Jason Cowley will sit out this one. Probably unlikely that Matt Preston will recover from his knock last Tuesday and there is a big doubt around “Monty” Gibson. Plus questions marks around whether Aaron Skinner can be a starter after his full game at Southpott. I will not be surprised to see Rooney named as a sub and Mark Derricott to feature somewhere in the sixteen. There is Matwasa and Tilt to consider. There is increased expectation from the Hereford faithful to beat the League rookies at home following the disappointing draw with Peterborough.
The visitors are also shorn of talent. Regular starters Thornley, Adams and Maynard sat out the opening games due to injury, although Maynard did manage 20 minutes action on Saturday.
Your free scoring, unbeaten and ambitious team needs you. See you there?
If you are unable to get to Edgar Street follow the whole game on Radio Hereford FC who will be providing full match commentary across a variety of online platforms.
Simon Wright
