A confidence boosting performance against play-off chasing Chorley on Saturday has provided Hereford with an opportunity of regaining a top-five spot provided they can chalk up back-to-back victories with a win over Scarborough.
Dear oh dear. Consecutive seasonal mid-weekers from Scarborough to Hereford.. and this 5-hour one way trip is just a week short of Christmas too. Is a nuisance for us and a right pain in the arse for the determined Seadogs. Guaranteed motorway closure on the way back. This combined with live streaming will surely mean the smallest home gate of the season. Rules on rearrangements don’t give us much alternative but to settle for Tuesday, December 17.
Since promotion the Seadogs used to be strong at home but hit and miss away. Now they’re more vulnerable at home but are generally solid on the road. They’ve won 3, drawn 5 and lost only to top 7 clubs Chester, Buxton and Kings Lynn. Plus their Trophy exit to lower division Stockton. The ridiculous duration of evening travel will surely be a factor (says he, hopefully) and follows on from their 300-mile return to hopeless Rushall on Saturday. After 6 games without a win, the Seadogs have won their last pair of games 2-1. There were late winners in both. To add a reality check, Brackley had ten men for nearly all their game and Rushall well everyone beats them nowadays.
Traditionally, the home side wins in matches between ourselves and our Yorkie travellers. That’s handy for us as Scarborough offer our last chance to win a midweek evening match at Edgar Street this year. The last night callers who went away with nothing were 9-man Warrington in December 2023. I suspect 90 minutes contested by two tired teams. Tricky for the Gaffer. Does he start with Saturdays winning side or bring in less weary players? We have Tate Campbell available while Rose, Willo, Babos even Chappers have a case for game time.
Hopefully Jason Cowley doesn’t have another fall out with the ‘Boro defenders. His dismissal the last time the teams met was an expensive loss. Talking of which, their main striker Ritchie Bennett would have missed the previous re-arranged date due to a yellow card ban. He’ll miss this epic due to a red card ban. Our seaside visitors have two new recruits. 34-year-old midfielder Michael Wood was a full time pro until two years ago and joins Boro from Blyth Spartans. He was injured on Saturday. Jack Waldron is a right back on loan from Sheffield United. We need to be aware of left winger Dom Tear with 8 league and cup goals to his name. Next highest is lumbering second striker choice Frank Mulhearn with three. Lack of goals (just 24 scored) is costing Athletic this season. They sit in 14th position.
Do be there if you can and be stoic like the rest of us. Our club needs your support.
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