Last time around I highlighted Marine as a team in form and the dangers they posed. They very much did pose danger. Our next Street visitors Darlington are happily the opposite.
Darlington have lost the last three games in a row and a play-off surge from their modest eleventh spot looks highly unlikely. Just a few short weeks ago when Darlington travelled to Kidderminster and won 1-0 to give then 12 points out of 15, they felt serious play-off opposition. Since then, they have only amassed 8 points in the last 8 games. Last Saturday, they were 2-0 up at home to Brackley, only to concede 4 times in under half an hour. “Bullied” according to Darlo fans as Brackley players outpowered their markers to net from 3 set pieces. Particularly puzzling for a team renowned for their mean defence. “Our level of performance was high but we’re not putting the ball in the net – again.” lamented Steve Watson after the latest defeat at Spennymoor. Albeit with a game or two in hand, our visitors have a 9-point gap to close on 7th spot. With games running out.
Unusually for recent weeks, we had a rare Tuesday training session while our opponents were in league action .. and losing again. They have a long trek to Edgar Street, travelling shy of 3 maybe 4 first team regulars. Just another of 9 games for them to play this month and you ponder on their level of motivation. Their away record is solid if not spectacular at 5-5-7, albeit only collecting one point from their last 3 away games. Their top scorer is Cedric Main a chase-everything striker who has a reasonable 8 goals in his 25 appearances. His speed will be a worry for our central defence.
Overall. Hereford FC had a pretty doleful record against the Quakers with only two wins in 11. In the corresponding fixture, we completely nullified their attack only to lose late on to a free kick. But this is new Hereford, re-writing history by the week. For a Saturday in March with better weather and with our consistent home form too. Dare we hope for 3,000 people rolling up? We’re without Sammy Robinson which is a blow. Otherwise, we’re pretty much at full strength with the return of D’Ath, the addition of Kieran Glynn (who will benefit from two training sessions) and the Gaffer threatening to bring even more players in. See you there?
As ever, if you can’t be there, Radio Hereford FC’s Keith and George will draw you a picture.
Radio Hereford FC | Hereford FC – The Official website of Hereford FC
Simon Wright
