League top scorers Hereford FC give their unbeaten record a full-on examination at Brackley on Saturday. The Northamptonshire perennial bridesmaids have inevitably inflicted discomfort on the Bulls in previous visits. Four games, four wins with Herefordshire’s finest seeing more players sent off than goals scored.
This is a proper test of club progress. As Aaron Skinner told the BBC, “they’re always tough to play against.” Adding “we will be ready to take it on.”
Brackley are the longest serving residents in National League North. They might need spiritual assistance to change their record of entering play-offs 8 times but never being promoted once. The Saints are the second richest National League North club by balance sheet, presumably thanks to previous pump priming from their owner, 71-year-old Hereford-born Allan Leighton. He recently provided evidence for the Horizon IT inquiry.
Town don’t tend to change their squad much with five new arrivals this summer being typically low-key. Brackley do have formidable forwards so more clarity in Hereford’s defensive positioning would be advisable. The very distinctive bearded target man Danny Newton is supported by former Chorley top scorer Connor Hall and Matt Lowe. Lowe’s in his second spell here after two years with Accrington. Mustn’t overlook wide man Morgan Roberts who menaced HFC for both the Saints and Banbury before them.
The home side probably aren’t used to being behind Hereford in both League position or goals scored. They lie 8 places lower with a 7-6 goals record. Traditionally the hosts are not frequent scorers, relying on a long-established defence centred around veteran Gareth Dean. The stopper was sent off in their previous fixture but will be eligible to play against the Bulls. Thus far the Saints have lost to the top two – Scunthorpe and Kidderminster but won 1-0 at Chester, fought back during injury time to draw 2-2 at Spennymoor and pummelled Curzon 4-0. Said Brackley manager Gavin Cowan to the Northampton Chronicle “we know we’re going to have to be better than we were on Bank Holiday Monday.” But being part-time like the Bulls, the managers contact time is limited to a zoom call plus one training session on Thursday night.
We’ve met before…
In the home squad are ex Bulls health food guru Zac Lilly and fitness expert Tommy O’Sullivan. In the black and white corner are ex Town men Adam Rooney and Cosmos Matwasa so expect a frenzy of hand slapping both pre and post-match.
The match is segregated with no access to the bar for visitors. All ticket too for the Bulls so get on line and order yours quickly. Prices rise after midnight on Wednesday.
If you’re unable to make the relatively short trip to Brackley there will be full match commentary from Radio Hereford FC with Gregg Davies and Keith Hall. Coverage from 2:45pm.
