Mr Brown’s old Boys are in town (at 1pm, remember).
As manager Phil Brown will explain at great length, Harriers have only lost once since mid-October (a spectacular 4-0 demolition by Kings Lynn). They’ve kept 6 clean sheets in the last 7 fixtures (Hereford are 5 in 6) and they’re still in the FA Trophy. They must be so dismayed that we have more supporters than they do. And we’re louder.
Near pensioner Brown also waxes lyrical at much length so often about the wonderful players in the Kiddy squad it’s almost superfluous to mention any. They are an older bunch with 8 of their squad being well over 30. (In recent home games, all 11 starters for the Bulls are 29 or far younger). At 35, Amari Morgan-Smith needs to rest more though he does have 5 goals. Heading their charts is Ashley Hemmings (9 goals, 8 assists). Their ranks include Paul Downing, a current starter after two months out (quelle surprise) and fellow defender Reiss McNally who was on loan to Hereford in 2021. Plus Maz Kouyar, in theory on loan from York, but not likely to go back and Tope Obadeyi. The latter can’t believe his luck returning to full-time football aged 35. Predicably he’s a gap filler and yet to play 90 minutes.
Our Worcestershire visitors have a W5-D1-L4 away record. Largely they’ve won the games you would expect them to and been defeated by top seven sides. Which is encouraging for us being a top seven side. In points gathering, goal scoring and clean sheets the two clubs largely match up but we have ex Harriers Preston, Robinson, Cowley. Ceesay, Howkins and White, all with a point to prove.
This is the first meeting since 2022 for the sides. History tells us the home club normally wins these encounters. The Bulls won 4 of the last 6 at the Street with just one defeat. We should not be overly concerned about Kiddy. Let them worry about us in what could be called the Clean sheet derby (I think we have 10, they have 11). That’s brilliant for the environment and our laundry team though you might wonder what they do with any non-clean sheets.
With a 4,000 gate widely predicted, best get your tickets earl via the following link.
The fabled B block is already sold out. Meeting that attendance aspiration will equate to the 5th biggest NLN gate so far. Be aware car parks will fill quickly. Our visitors are charging their non-season ticket holders £25 for a coach seat so they’ll be finding another way. No doubt Phil Brown could provide a 5-minute monologue to a coach price question if prompted. Or even if not prompted.
If you can’t be there, listen to George and Keith on Radio Hereford FC. Guaranteed Phil Brown free!
Radio Hereford FC | Hereford FC – The Official website of Hereford FC
Simon Wright