So quickly after yesterday’s equaliser by Alfreton, the Beadle loyalists raised their voices. They were quickly drowned out by other Hereford supporters while our Meadow Enders were immediately behind their new team with a supportive chant. Such a contrast to the chant a week earlier about the quality of our new coaches football. And the positivity went on to be rewarded with a dramatic late penalty.
This was a good day as one footballing side found ways to deal with Neanderthal Pulisball, or as Keith Hall suggested on BBC Hereford and Worcester Gary Peters football. I know I couldn’t watch that every week, and I do wonder how long Alfreton manager Heath will last in this managerial graveyard. Only a few days ago, the Curzon manager was sacked after 7 years. Small club punching way above their weight, hard to imagine anyone else achieving more. In their reporting, the Non League Paper saw fit to link the Curzon sacking with Peter Beadle as examples of Non-League sides being unrealistic. That’s almost an old debate now. Whether the reasons are ultimately justified or not, the widespread perception of injustice will remain.
The new Hereford are starting to emerge. Familiarity ..and thank heavens confidence is building. Seven goals in 3 games emphasise just how much Symo’s presence was missed. We have width, some pace and more defensive resilience. Matches are becoming anticipated again with genuine interest. A bigger gate than the 2080 yesterday would be welcome and yesterdays result will aid that.
There are still areas of uncertainty. I’m not comfortable with the Horse playing second fiddle to a short-term loanee. Matt Yates from Derby has performed with spirit, but he’s not ours and the lessons he gains will be taken away with him.
As regards Greener, well I accept that Harvey and Jordan have the shirts for now and our main man may have to wait a while. But any suspicion that he’s not getting a fair crack or absolute respect will be counterproductive to supporter morale.
Bruce Sicknote is a curious signing – yes I know that’s unkind but if a notoriously injury-stricken player is immediately injured, then human nature means less than flattering nicknames will be heard around Hereford’s riposte to Las Ramblas, (Area behind the main stand in case the comparatives aren’t clear enough). Caribbean Joel also has a curiously patchy CV. Both sound like punts, which hopefully will come off. The hidden message being regularly-performing players prefer to stay where they are until next summer.
Roll on next Saturday at Guiseley. The TImes they are a changing.
Simon Wright
Images courtesy of Bulls News Blog