All you need to know ahead of the Town's trip to Edgar Steet
WHERE? Edgar Street, Hereford. The home of the Bulls since the ground was opened in 1924. In bygone days the club used to parade a bull around the perimeter of the pitch. Sadly, it seems that much-loved tradition has stopped.
HOW TO GET THERE. As the crow flies it might best to go cross-country to Oxford and Cheltenham before heaving in a north-westerly direction, travelling on the A40 and A49. That’s 130 miles and it’s A-roads all the way. Alternatively there’s the 140-mile journey that’ll be quicker on the motorway, taking in the M1, M6, M42 and M5 – leaving the latter at the Worcester junction and taking the A4103. Or, having said all that, punch in HR4 9JU into the satellite navigation system and be guided gracefully by technology.
COACH COMFORTS. If the last paragraph has put you off driving to Edgar Street, why not consider letting a coach driver take the strain on the Bobbers? They leave Maple Road at 10am and the fare is £23 for adults and £20 for concessions. Give them a call to book your place on 01234 856542.
HAVEN’T WE MET BEFORE? The Town have only met Hereford four times before, including the two fixtures last season. Last term the Hatters were defeated at Edgar Street by a single goal on a Tuesday night in November (playing well until being hit by a goal out of nothing), whilst the return at Kenilworth Road finished 1-1 with Dave Martin coming off the bench to grab a second half equaliser in March.
CULTURE VULTURES. Why not leave early and spend the day in the historic city? Take in the 12th Century cathedral and shiver in the Autumnal weather beside the picturesque River Wye. When you’ve had your tourist fix, head to Edgar Street. Covered seating and standing will be available for Town fans. Check out the Herefordshire tourist website.
TICKET NEWS. It’s pay on the day for Hatters fans on Saturday, with the choice of seating in the lofty raised section of the Cargill Stand, which affords a great view of the action. Terracing-wise it’s behind the goal in the Blackfriars Terrace, or in a section below the Cargill Stand. Click here for prices.
EX FACTOR. In previous seasons the Town could name many a former Bull. Stuart Fleetwood, Dean Beckwith and Janos Kovacs had all previously played for both clubs but all have since departed Kenilworth Road. Instead, the Bulls now have a former Hatter on their books in striker Dan Walker, who joined the club this summer. He scored five goals in 36 games whilst with the Town. The 23-year-old scored on his Hereford debut on the opening game of the season. Another ex-Hatter in the Edgar Street ranks is defender Luke Graham who had a spell on loan with the Town during 2010/11.
HOW THEY DOING? United lie 15th in the Skrill Premier having taken 15 points from their first 11 matches this season. Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Lincoln at Edgar Street ended a four-match winless run which included three defeats, against Nuneaton, Aldershot and Gateshead. In front of the home faithful Foyle’s side have won three, drawn one and lost one.
TOWN TEAM NEWS. Paul Benson (ankle) and Alex Lawless (back) are in contention for a return but might not be risked by John Still – especially considering the Town’s performance on Tuesday at Woking. Alex Wall was due to return after serving a three-match suspension for a red card at Wrexham, but he injured an ankle in an inter-squad friendly on Wednesday and is unavailable. Anthony Charles is recovering well from a shoulder injury and is nearing fitness but won’t be involved, whilst Jon Shaw is also nearing a return to full fitness after a hernia operation. Danny Fitzsimons remains the only long-term casualty with a knee injury.
LIVE & DIRECT. We’ll have all the news as it happens from Edgar Street. Pre-match build-up, team news, live text and audio commentary, a report, reaction, photographs and interviews. Remember to keep it lutontown.co.uk, Hatters Player for live commentary and check out our ever-growing Facebook and Twitter feeds for all the news as it happens. Plus keep an eye on our Instagram, Vine and YouTube accounts too for good measure for all the behind-the-scenes images and videos #COYH.