Accrington Web - Hereford Match Preview

seeing as Kipax is not putting it on fishy site. Here is a preview of today's game:

and so the curtain falls…….
BY TONY CHRISTIE

Edgar Street, Hereford - scene of perhaps Accrington Stanley’s most ignominious defeat of the season that draws to a close this weekend. That 4-0 hammering was way back in January in an F.A. Trophy 3<SUP>rd round replay on a cold Tuesday evening in front of less than 800 fans with barely a percentage of those hearty souls from East Lancashire.

This Saturday’s encounter will see Stanley come face to face with what might have been, as opponents Hereford prepare for a second successive stab at the play-offs. Had Stanley been consistent this season, then this game could have been a warm-up for them as well. Instead, when the full-time whistle goes, John Coleman will revert to the drawing board and Hereford will draw in a deep breath as they bid for a return to the football league.

Gratefully, some very generous people have ensured that more of Stanley’s army of followers will be at Edger Street on Saturday as the final curtain comes down on what has been a fascinating season in which the players and staff have given their all, only for that inconsistency tag to return and slap them in the face as the play-off race concluded. The game will give the fans and players a chance to express mutual appreciation at the end of a gruelling 9 months that have seen the club take great strides on and off the field as it patiently waits for a return to the football league - a stride that cannot be too far away.

Sadly, Peter Cavanagh, such an integral part of the team this year, is unlikely to play a part in Saturday’s game and there are also injury doubts over a few other members of the squad.

Best wishes go to Matthew O’ Neill who played so well during his time here as he returns to Burnley. Ged Brannan will return to the squad at Hereford however, after serving a one-match suspension but expect Stanley to be unchanged from the epic 3-3 draw with Aldershot on Tuesday night.

The first year of full-time football has been a great experience for Stanley. Indeed, the season often promised so much, but that pre-season premonition of a play-off place ultimately proved illusive. Saturday’s trip to Hereford will provide time for refection as the club looks to end the campaign on a high and finish in their highest ever position. Enjoy the day out.

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