Bulls frustrated by big freeze

Hereford’s FA Cup second round replay against Lincoln City has been called off after the Imps’ pitch was deemed unsafe following the recent poor weather.

Jamie Pitman’s men will have to wait until next Tuesday to battle out the tie, with the a trip to fellow League Two side Wycombe Wanderers the reward for the winners.

This is the second game in the space of four days to be called off because of a frozen pitch, as the Bulls’ home match against Morecambe in the league fell victim to the snow at the weekend.

One of the only games that did go ahead in the league saw Hereford’s relegation rivals Northampton Town and Stockport County go head to head at Sixways. The home side came out 2-0 winners to ease their worries, but Stockport will be looking over their shoulder as a win for Hereford in their game in hand could Pitman’s men just one point behind them. Meanwhile, Barnet, who sit second bottom, lost away at Oxford United, 2-1.

Hereford’s next chance to bridge the gap at the bottom of the football league will be this weekend as they make the trip to Yorkshire to play the former Premier League side,  Bradford City.

Bradford have been in some indifferent form themselves. Whilst at 16th in the table they don’t have the pressure relegation residing over them, Peter Taylor’s side have been in the headlines recently after their club captain, Zesh Rehman recently criticised his manager for being over looked in recent fixtures.

The Pakistan captain has been told he can leave on a free in January after breaking club rules and now finds himself in the middle of a media battle which can only distract the team from matters on the pitch.

It may well be a good time to make the trip to Valley Parade for Hereford. Let’s just hope the snow doesn’t get in the way!

Hereford United 2-0 Wrexham

Hereford edged one step closer to automatic promotion tonight with a win against Brian Little’s Wrexham side, who now unfortunately have to deal with the harsh reality of dropping out of the football league.

Goals either side of half time from Gary Hooper and Theo Robinson mean Turner’s men have now opened the gap now between themselves and the chasing two; Rochdale and Stockport to four points.

Victory away at Brentford on Saturday and with the help of other results, the Bulls could almost secure a place in the third tier of English football next season.

the goals came after Hooper broke the deadlock just before half time. Although the visitors had been enjoying a spell of possession, a neat back heal from Robinson allowed Hooper to strike home finally handing the home side the lead.

Robinson then put the game beyond any doubt after finding himself unmarked in the six yard box. A composed finish inside the hour all but made sure of Wrexham’s relegation.

Two games left now, we are almost there. Roll on saturday and Brentford away.

Before I finish this post I must add – For the first time since Mad4Bulls was created, I got my prediction right! Just a little bit of bragging.

Att: 3739

Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Beckwith, Broadhurst, Rose, Igoe, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton, Hooper, Robinson. 

Wrexham: Ward, Pejic, Steve Evans, Mike Williams, Taylor, Baynes (Garrett 70), Murtagh (Danny Williams 63), Mackin, Done, Marc Williams (Proctor 69), Roberts.
 

MK Dons V Hereford United

So its game two of the tree gamed ‘week of death’ and it is probably the hardest of the three.

After going away to Darlington and picking up a valuable and desevered three points Turners men most now tonight travel to Paul Ince’s top of the league MK Dons.

MK Dons were supposed to have secured promotion by now, possibly making it easier for the Bulls but their little slip up against Wycombe on saturday means it is all still to play for.

this game represents one of Hereford’s games in hand over second place Peterborough (who we play saturday) and fourth place Stockport, so a result is a must tonight.

As far as team news goes, Sammy Igoe remains on the sidelines, but Trevor Benjamin does finally make the squad after not being fit enough to make the team on Saturday. One slight concern for the Bulls is that in form striker gary Hooper is struggling for fitness after a robust challenge caused him to be subbed against Darlington at the weekend.

Paul Ince has no new injury worries for tonights game after full back Carl Regan has come through a fitness test on a sore muscle suffered against Wycombe.

Mad4Bulls prediction: I think we can get a win there, we are generally better away from home: 1-2 Bulls. Come On!!!

Darlington 0-1 Hereford United

The Bulls finally managed to get back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Darlington.

Although in dyer form themselves, Darlington was a tricky place to go for Turners men who were without a win in three league games.

It was on loan striker gary Hooper who again stole the show for Hereford after his second half strike saw the Bulls claim their 14th away win of the season.

Turner made two changes to the side that drew at home to Chester City. Injured Sammy Igoe was replaced by Karl Broadhurst and Simon Johnson was recalled to face his former club.

the playing surface at Darlington was heavily criticised by United who couldn’t play their usual football but they were rewarded for their efforts after 69 minutes when Johnson fed through Hooper. The on loan striker’s first attempt was saved but he cooley slotted home at the second go for his 10th for the Bulls.

Darlington featured former Bull Rob Perdie who looked dangerous bombing forward from right back but despite two half penalty appeals the home side rarely threatened Wayne Brown’s goal.

Victory meant Hereford’s ‘week of death’ as it has been so dramatically labelled, gets off to a perfect start. Turners men remain third level on points with in form Stockport in fourth after their impressive away win at Peterborough. The Bulls have two games in hand on the Boro which could see them leap frog Darren ferguson’s men into second place.

The ‘week of death’ will recommence tomorrow night against table toppers MK Dons who promotion celebrations were put on hold after they were held at home on saturday to Wycombe Wanderers.

Line Ups (on Saturday)

Darlington: Stockdale, Austin (Wiseman 79), Foster, White, Valentine, Purdie, Cummins, Kennedy, Parker (Nelthorpe 82), Wright, Ndumbu-Nsungu (Ravenhill 79).

Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Beckwith, Broadhurst, Rose, Johnson, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Hooper (Robinson 77), Guinan.

Attendance: 4,331

Gleeson off to Stockport

WOLVES loanee Stephen Gleeson has joined fellow league 2 side Stockport County on loan till the end of the season.

The midfielder had been on loan at Hereford but the one month deal expired and Wolves boss Mick McCarthey has decided to send him out again.

The 19 year old only made a handul of appearances for the Bulls and was subject to a club vs country row this week as he was unable to travel to Lincoln on Tuesday because of U21 commitements with Ireland.

Gleeson now joins Stockport County who are also pushing for promotion.

Jim Gannon’s side are 5th in the league and if the nightmare of Hereford not making automatic promotion becomes a reality, Gleeson could be playing against the Bulls sooner than he would have liked.

Turner blasts Internationals

Graham Turner has blasted the international fixture planners after Stephen Gleeson was called called up to represent Irelands U21s against Montenegro in Tuesday nights 1-1 draw.

Gleeson, on a one month loan from Championship Wolves, joined in February and was missed as the Bulls lost 2-1 away at mid table Lincoln city whilst he represented Ireland.

Turner said: “I can’t for the life of me understand how there are international matches in Easter week.”

Before the game Turner expressed how concerned he was with potential injuries suffered by his players on international friendlies.

Luckily Gleeson reported back fit and well and will be available for the Bulls for the next game.

Trewick – “We Must Bounce Back”

Hereford United’s first team coach John Trewick has stressed the importance of bouncing straight back against Chester City after a poor Easter preiod.

 Although still in third, Herefords last two results has given the chasing pack the opportunity to catch up, and also has allowed the top two to disappear out of sight.

Trewick said: “We are still in a very healthy position, but we must bounce back in the game at home to Chester City.”

Simon Davies’ Chester side have struggled in recent times and find themselves in 19th place.

Before Hereford can comprehend three points against The Seals though, The Bulls face Westfields in the HFA Senior Cup.

Turner is almost certain to rest many if not all of his first teamers for this game as in their last outing in this competiton Hereford saw off Ledbury Town in a convincing 8-0 rout.

Turner blames poor finishing

BULLS boss Graham Turner has said he was left frustrated after his side’s 2-1 defeat against Lincoln City at the weekend.

Gary Hooper atoned for an earlier miss to level the game but after missing countless chances to win the game, hereford then paid the price when Dany N’Guessian converted a penalty for his second of the game – and the winner.

Turner felt his side did enough to win the game but lady luck just wasn’t on thier side.

As we all know Hereford are now eight points behind the top two, albeit with a game in hand, but only remain third after Darlington suffered an equally poor festive period with just one point from their two games over Easter.

Next up for the Bulls is a must win home tie against struggling Chester City, and then three season deciders on the spin. They face Darlington away; who remain tight on Hereford’s heels in fourth, table toppers MK Dons shortly follwed by second place Peterborough United.

Its going to a nervous end to the season, but to be the best – you have to beat the best. Bring them on!

Hereford United Vs Bury

VS

 

BULLS new signing Ryan Esson goes straight into the squad for tomorrow’s game against Bury but on-loan defender Robbie Threlfall looks set to miss out due to an ankle injury.

Steve Guinan is close to returning after a calf injury which has kept him out since New Years Day. The Bulls front man played in a friendly against Team Bath but boss Graham Turner says tomorrows match could be too soon for the 32 year old.

A win for United would make up ground on the top two as MK Dons and Peterborough played out a 1-1 draw at the MK Stadium, much to the delight of Turner’s men.

Hereford now sit six points behind both teams at the top of the league, but have two games in hand on second place Peterborough, and one on Paul Ince’s table toppers MK Dons.

Bury defender Dave Challinor misses out with a knee injury and striker Andy Mangan is doubtful with a hamstring strain. Goalkeeper Darren Randolph and midfielder David Buchanan are available ahead of international duty next week.

Table Topping Clash

VS

SEEING as there doesnt seem to be much coming out of the Hereford United grapvine today, I thought I would preview the game tomorrow (Good Friday) which does concern us Bulls.

The two teams that occupy the two other automatic spaces above Hereford lock horns at the MK Stadium which could go some way to deciding the winners of League 2.

Three points for Paul Ince’s Dons would all but make sure of promotion who already have a game in hand over The Posh.

Victory though for Darren Ferguson’s side would mean a nerve racking end to the season for the Dons as both Peterborough and Hereford could make up ground on them.

MK Dons are on terrific form and havent lost since the home defeat to Rochdale on January 26th. Peterborough have also been on a winning run and are unbeaten in thier last 12 matches, 10 of which they have won.

These two teams have already met twice this season, once in the league and then in the Johnstons Paint Trophy, with the Dons coming out on top both times.

Hereford will be hoping for a draw tomorrow night so that with a win in their game in hand (which I believe is against Lincoln in midweek) Turner’s men can close to gap at the top to three points and would still have played a game less than the Posh.