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!

Webster signs for Bulls

Hereford today announced the signing of centre back Bryon Webster on loan from Championship side, Doncaster Rovers.

Webster has signed for one month to strengthen the Bulls’ defence, after Tony James recently returned to Burton Albion following his second stint at the club.

Talking to the clubs website, caretaker manager, Jamie Pitman said: “”We are looking to improve the squad all the time and Byron will give us extra strength and cover in defence. We’ve had a few injury problems too and with some important games coming up it’s good to have a player like this coming in.”

Webster, 23, moved to Doncaster in 2009 following a brief spell in Czech Republic. He has been part of the first team set up at The Keepmoat Stadium ever since, but moves to Hereford looking for some game time.

After training with the rest of the team this morning, Webster will go straight into the squad to face fellow strugglers, Lincoln City on Saturday.

As part of a team building exercise, Hereford’s players enjoyed a day at the races this afternoon at the local Hereford venue. Let’s hope it will put them into a winning mode for Saturday!

 

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.

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!

Lincoln City 2-1 Hereford Utd

A pretty miserable Easter for the Bulls was made even worse this afternoon as Hereford lost even more ground on the top two as they fell to defeat away at 10 man Lincoln City.

The Imps had Scott Kerr sent off for a reckless challenge on Clint Easton but soon took the lead when Dany N’Guessan raced the length of the pitch to score.

The Bulls kept coming forward and  got their rewards when Hooper levelled with a low shot. But then N’Guessan made it 2-1 from the spot five minutes from time after Ben Wright was fouled by Easton.

Theo Robinson went close for the Bulls before Lenny John-Lewis hit the bar for the visitors but Lincoln held on.

Just one point from the last two games over the festive season has left Turner’s men eight points off the pace now as top two MK Dons and Peterborough United both won again.

Lucky for Hereford Darlington were held at home to Morecambe 2-2 meaning we keep hold of third spot and that precious final automatic promotion place but with some difficult fixtures coming up, Hereford must find their form again soon.

Attendance: 3614