Dodge Blames Throat For Defeat

HEREFORD United's veteran midfielder Ian Rodgerson used his sore throat as an excuse for his side's 1-0 defeat to Leigh RMI today.

"I woke up this morning and my throat was on fire so I got some antibiotics from the doctor," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester. " I felt a bit lothargic but I wasn't playing to well so I'll use that as my excuse!"

The game saw plenty of Hereford chances but Leigh nicked the vital goal and Rodgerson commented: "We didn't play well today; we certainly didn't pass it well. The last few weeks have been a bit scrappy with the weather, trying to get venues to train, and it showed today. Leigh are a decent side and they're putting a little run together. We had one or two decent chances early on and if we had scored, I think we'd have gone on and won the game."

Michael Twiss, the former Manchester United trainee, got Leigh's winner with fifteen minutes left and Rodgerson continued: "It was a bit sloppy. He had a little bit of luck but these things happen. On the day, we were disappointed."

Hereford's next match is on Tuesday night, when they take on Hampton & Richmond Borough at Edgar Street in the FA Trophy. "It is extremely important," said Rodgerson. "Hopefully it will be a money-spinner for the club. We've gone eight games unbeaten until today so we've got to get back on track on Tuesday and make sure we win."

After that, Hereford's next league game is at Boston United on Monday night. The Pilgrims are top of the table and Rodgerson said: " I'm sure we can raise our game."

IN his Bullseye column HUISA chairman Kevin Wargen has written about the latest development with Chelverton.

"Since our last home game the Liasion committee have written to Chelverton to ask Simon Morgan to be removed from negotiations as far as relocation is concerned. This was quickly followed by a very strong rebuke to Morgan from Cllr Terry James."