TalkingBull - Issue 131 - Magazine - Page 18
This is how an eleven-year-old Mark Ryan saw Hereford's first season in
the Football League - arguably the best season in their history.
It ended in huge attendances and unexpected glory.
But as we see here in part one of three, it wasn't all plain sailing for
player manager Colin Addison and the boys.
And what is interesting to note, apart from just two points for a win, is
the fact that early in the season, many were soon wishing we hadn't
been elected to the league at all!
Hereford’s First Season
In The Football League
H
ereford began their league campaign
on August 12, 1972 with an away
match at Colchester United. The
attendance was 6,093. Hereford gave quite a
good show of themselves, but went down 1-0.
They made a quick exit from the League Cup
that Wednesday, going down 4-1 at Aston
Villa. They made some money out of it
though, for the attendance was 32,314.
August 19. Hereford's first home match,
against Reading. It was my first outing to
Hereford. It was a lovely sunny day, while
8,839 packed into the ground. Hereford were
spurred on to a great victory. They played
some really exciting football, the final score
was 3-0. I wasn't sure, but I think that
Addison (who had a great game) Johnston,
and Slattery were the scorers. I can remember
one goal clearly. A beautiful set piece. A
corner, flicked on by Addison, and either
Johnston or Slattery nodded home from close
in. The crowd all went home delighted.
On the 26th, 3,969 saw Hereford earn a 1-1
draw at Bradford City. This put Hereford
about midway in the table, with three points
from three games. However, Hereford weren't
to gain another win until 30th of September.
Anyway, Hereford played Crewe away that
Wednesday, but went down 2-1 in front of
3,820.
On September 2nd Hereford played
Workington at home. I can remember that is
was a murky day, and 7,581 people saw a
rather boring 0-0 draw.
The next week, Hereford crashed 4-1 at
Lincoln, in front of 4,971 people.
The week after that, Hereford again drew 0-0
at home, this time in front of 6,796.
Then on Tuesday Hereford gained their first,
and only home defeat against Barnsley.
GEORGE JOHNSTON
TALKINGBULL—ISSUE 120—ONLINE
Fred Potter was quite possibly at fault with
both goals, and although Hereford did score,
they couldn't stop the defeat. There was some
crowd violence at this game, and several
policemen were hurt. The final score, 2-1. The
attendance 6,839.