Our guide to getting you to Edgar Street and what to expect once there
The Town are back on the road tonight as they take on Hereford United at Edgar Street. Here's your guide to getting there and what to find on your arrival.
Where? Edgar Street, Hereford, Herefordshire. The Hatters have only ever played one competitive fixture at Edgar Street and that was back in March 1977, so even those who were there that day might not know anymore either. It’s one of the trickiest trips to navigate to this season.
Ok, so help us out, how do we get there? Well, as the crow flies it might be best going cross-country across to Cheltenham via Oxford before heading up and across in a north-westerly direction, travelling on the A40 and A49. That’s 130 miles and it’s A-roads all the way but the most scenic route. Alternatively, there’s the 140-mile journey that’ll be quicker on the motorway. M1 north, M6, M42, M5 south exiting at Worcester and taking the A4103.
Coach comforts. Having read and re-read the last paragraph you’re properly thinking it’s a right old chore to get yourself to Hereford, so why not let the Bobbers Travel Club coach driver worry about getting you there instead? And you can have a nap on the way home. The coach leaves the Maple Road car park at 2.30pm and the fare is £22 for adults and £19 for concessions. Ring 01234 856542 to book your place.
Ticket information. Pay on the night for Town fans. With seats and terracing available at Edgar Street. Prices are: Seats: £18 adults, £15 over-60s and 15-20-year-olds, £7 11-14-year-olds, £5 under-10s. Terracing: £16 adults, £12 over-60s and 15-20-year-olds, £5 11-14 year-olds, £3 under-10s.
Strangers. It’s certainly been a while since the Town stepped foot on Herefordshire soil. The Hatters have only ever met Hereford twice in competitive football. Those meeting came in the 1976/77 campaign in the old Division 2 (now Championship) at the end of which the Bulls were relegated, finishing bottom of the table.
100 per cent. The Hatters will be defending a 100 per cent record against Hereford (there’s the jinx) on Tuesday. In that sole season when the teams went toe-to-toe, the Town won both. They won 2-0 at Kenilworth Road in September thanks to second-half goals from Jimmy Husbands and Paul Futcher. Then, in what was the last game between the sides the following March, a goal a minute from time from Ron Futcher gave the Hatters the points.
What to expect. Unfortunately it seems the old Hereford tradition of leading a Bull, the club’s mascot, around the circumference of Edgar Street no longer remains. The ground has been the Bulls’ home since 1924 and Town fans will be gathered in the Cargill Stand, beside the pitch. It has an upper level of seats and a lower section of terracing.
Make a day of it. Got the day off work? Why not take time to explore the city and it’s cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. The city lies on the River Wye and is popular with tourists.
Parking protocol. Handily, there is a large car park by the ground which is free to use after 6pm.
Knowing your ex. The Town have two former Hereford men on their books in the shape of Stuart Fleetwood and Janos Kovacs. Striker Fleetwood enjoyed two spells at Edgar Street, scoring 29 goals in total, whilst centre-half Kovacs scored twice in 29 appearances. Hereford, on the other hand, have former Hatters loanee Luke Graham among their numbers. The centre-back made 14 appearances for the Town and scored one goal – against Gloucester City in the FA Trophy – having joined from Kettering Town.