Hereford FC are heading for the seaside this weekend, hoping to build further on two consecutive wins at the Big Help Stadium. Tuesday night’s saggy show against Peterborough left Paul Caddis feeling “the angriest I’ve been since I’ve been in charge” so he will expect a reaction on Saturday.
“Just make sure we learn from this and go again”: added Tate Campbell, in conversation with the BBC. There were plus points, such as Tate’s astute contribution. The blossoming central defence partnership and the success of the working-in-tandem pairing of Rose and Gibson, buddies since their paths crossed at Grimsby.
This is a different-looking Southport. No longer a team of long serving well-drilled spoilers, ‘Port boss Jim Bentley has a bigger playing budget “though still a bottom half figure.” He’s recruited several ex-Fylde men (his old club), seasoned professionals with between 300-600 full time games each such as striker Jamie Proctor and midfielder Danny Whittaker. The latter has scored two goals already. Eleven new signings in all. Several of the old guard were released such as the clubs’ top scorer Archer.
‘Port beat Alfreton 3-1 on the opening day with the shocked visitors having one shot on goal. An overnight stay at Needham Market followed. Their 6-hour journey was rewarded by pouncing on two defensive errors to pinch the game 2-1. (Welcome to Step Two, Needham.) Another long trip to Spennymoor three days later was one too many with two Glen Taylor goals giving the home side their 11th straight home win. “That’s the difference right there – the best striker in the league” admitted the garrulous Sandgrounders’ scouser Gaffer. Southport have 6 points to our five so both sides sit in the top ten of National League North.
Known absentees pair off. Hereford have no Jason Cowley. Equally ‘Port are missing their star defender Harry Flowers. The Peterborough Sports saw a few Hereford players get bruised so additional changes may be necessary.
The match is segregated and tickets are cheaper online in advance
https://southportfc.ktckts.com/event/sfc2425h02/southport-fc-v-hereford
The Southport stabbings took place about a mile from their stadium. Club staff know some people involved and their ground was opened up as a support centre. These are hard times in the town and whatever final score on Saturday, the importance is secondary.
Simon Wright
