Following Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay win over Ilkeston in a bruising encounter on their plastic pitch it’s back to National League North action at Edgar Street this coming Saturday. Boss Paul Caddis may have plenty of selection issues due to the numerous injuries the Bulls’ players sustained in midweek.
Enough of current or ex step 3 clubs visiting the Street, as it is time to look askance at familiar Norfolk opposition piling in through the players entrance and generally making the place look untidy. Full-timers Kings Lynn are up next. Opposition who are long overdue to be beaten after inflicting so much angst on us in recent years.
Yet through a combination of muscle or some good players, they always seen to hand home with a point or more squeezed into their kit bags.
I believe their last defeat in Hereford was in 1970, during a FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round replay. Even then the combined might of the Giantkillers could only manage a 1-0 win against a then lower league side. That’s a game I can just about remember. I recall all too well last season’s home encounter. We were 2-0 up and comfortable. All Ceesay had to do was defeat venerable Paul Jones from the penalty spot and the game was won. Sadly, Jones saved the spot kick and the Norfolk crew took full advantage of the let-off, scoring twice themselves to pinch a late draw.
Owner Stephen Cleeve continues to pour more of his money into Lynn and increasingly you wonder what is the return in investment. Attendances remain low (admittedly there’s a 20% increase on last seasons’ dismal 952 average) and although their results are overall improved on 12 months ago, they sit behind us on goal difference. Manager Adam Lakeland has added known talent in the summer such as Freddie Sass (from Marine, a naggy in-yer-face defender) , Josh Hmami (Southport’s playmaker), Josh McCammon (Peterborough’s main midfielder) and Gold Omotayo (much travelled striker now in his second spell). Omatayo has 3 goals. Their top scorer is Jonny Margetts with four, though he missed the last couple of games due to injury.
Our visitors have picked up more away points than home ones. Sound familiar? On the road, they beat the new boys (Radcliffe 2-1, Marine 1-0) fought out a goalless draw at Scarborough, and were well beaten by Alfreton. Two unexpected home defeats has set them back.
Amid our recent angst, it’s worth remembering that Hereford remain joint top leading League scorers, have the joint 4th best defence and have 4 of the 5 full-time clubs trailing us. Most every club at our level has frustrations, injuries and shortcomings. Expectation generally exceeds budgets and player form. For example. Kings Lynn have lost at home in two straight seasons now to Peterborough Sports. We are not alone.
Make sure you are at the Street this Saturday. Kings Lynn Town FC (ticketco.events)
Alternatively follow all the action with full match commentary on Radio Hereford FC.
Simon Wright
