Despite a poor showing against Ilkeston Town on Saturday, especially in the first half, Hereford are still in the Emirates FA Cup!
Previewing the Replay:
Proof indeed that Hereford FC can play away FA Cup matches, although a replay seems a fairly clumsy way to make the point. Given the Bulls recent difficulties in overcoming current or recent step 3 sides at home, we shouldn’t be totally surprised. It’s an extra game we can do without, given the already limited contact time with the players and the ongoing nagging injuries. Yet it’s the FA Cup, its part of our soul and we should embrace every contact with the tournament. We are not alone. Buxton, Scunthorpe and Alfreton all have to “go again”. The managers of full time Torquay (lost 3-0 to Bishops Cleeve) and South Shields (slaughtered 5-0 at Macclesfield) would love a second chance.
Let’s get this out of the way first yes, the Robins do have a 4G surface. I can hear the shrieks already. Calm down, our players train on this type of surface twice a week, so maybe Tuesday night is the time that practice produces a winning 4G formula.
The Derbyshire club are 108 miles from Edgar Street so it is just over 2 hours’ drive away, just a minute or so from the mildly scenic Erewash canal. The New Manor Ground is a very decent and new arena. With a 3,500 capacity and 700 average, there will be no problems getting in. The food is above average and the corner stand is spectacular both in its design and the elevated view. There is some club car parking though wiser folk park along the street outside. Ticket prices are good: Adults £13, Concession £9, 12-16 Year-Olds £2, and Under 12’s are free. All admittance is via the cash turnstiles. How easy is that!?
The Robins home form is solid if not spectacular. Wins over Bamber Bridge and Whitby Town, plus draws with Gainsborough and Macclesfield. (The latter against an unbeaten Macc team who’ve just beaten South Shields in the FA Cup.) Top scorer Cursons, who put away his 9th goal of the season at Edgar Street, has scored as many as our entire strike force put together. Carry on like that and he will get offers … OK, offers apart from moneybags Matlock who they’ve allegedly turned down.
Its notable that the Robins have scored in almost every game but also concede every time too.
Let’s remember that we’re decent on the road. For many of our squad, the travel distance is slightly less than for a home game. We have an extra gear to go up. Have they? Manna from Derbyshire would do nicely.
Make sure you are there. It’s a unique stadium which is well worth visiting. Otherwise make sure you are listening to full match commentary on Radio Hereford FC. Match Live | Hereford FC – The Official website of Hereford FC
Simon Wright
