Which stat do you prefer? That our opponents have won four, drawn one and lost one of their six home games, scoring 14 times. Overall, they’ve won five out of six including an impressive cup victory at National League South leaders Hemel Hempstead.
Or, that in four previous meetings with the Bulls, Hereford won every one with the Hertfordshire side being unable to score once. Take your pick, depending on the volume of liquid in your glass. If it helps, former Radio Hereford guru Frank Williams is clear about the gap in quality between Step 2 and 3 – he’s seen much of both recently.
Owner Sam Smith no longer holds dual roles of Bishops manager or Chair, role changes which befell every relegated club from National League North last season. Overall, the relegated quartet fortunes are broadly following the same path as the hapless four from the season before. One is relegated again. One is promoted, one goes close while the fourth plods along in mid-table. Its early days of course but the Bishops are currently the “goes close” club, but go close to what – another season in National League North after they hated their previous experience?
Our opponents chose to join the Southern League Premier this term and thus beat Stourbridge last Saturday. They have virtually a new team and a new manager in 58-year-old Steve Castle. He’s best known for scoring regularly during his 260 Leyton Orient games, and more recently for being in charge of a muscular Royston FC squad for a decade. He has seen Hereford play quite recently – as he was spotted in the bar during our last visit to Stanstead airport’s neighbours. The new-look side includes Bradley Russell, a midfielder with 5 goals, being their top scorer. He’s a summer recruit from Brightlingsea Regent which sounds like a retirement home to me. Steve’s son Charlie plays up front and scored his first goal against Stourbridge.
Although our London Bulls are cock-a-hoop, the 160-mile one way, 3.5 hour journey is hard yakka for Shire-based Bulls. What incentives can I offer? It’s the FA Cup and we need the money (that £5,000 win bonus in particular for Bishop beating) and we need continued support.
The Research and Development Advisors Stadium (catchy, isn’t it?) offers a smallish car park for £2 per vehicle, a huge bar area, and very welcoming club volunteers. They average around 400 and admission is normally £15 adults and £10 concessions. Interestingly, our opponents had a midweek game and we don’t. That’s a relief for sore limbs. It’s known that we’ll have four absentees which is more than enough. There is a little cash spare for the right addition so maybe news of a potential signing will follow. In the meantime, Adam Rooney will lead our line. Having a coach on the pitch always seems to be beneficial.
Ticket Information – Bishop’s Stortford FC (bsfc.co.uk)
If you can’t make it, Radio Hereford FC (with special guests) will cover the game live.
Simon Wright
