English FA CUP
2012-11-03 - Hereford United vs Shrewsbury Town
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English FA Cup First Round
Saturday 3 November 2012 - Kick Off 1pm
Hereford United
For as long as the FA Cup has a place in the hearts of the footballing public in England, Hereford United will have their day on third round weekend as one of the biggest upsets was when Ronnie Radford scored against Newcastle United back in 1972. Nowadays, Hereford are playing in non-League football having been relegated from League Two last season and it is unlikely they return to the Football League this season.
Hereford are unbeaten in their last 4 games coming into this one, although they have only won 1 of those games. That actually means the side have won just 2 of their last 10 games in all competitions and one of those was against United of Manchester in this competition. Hereford have failed to win any of their last 3 home games, although they earned a draw last time out after losing back to back games here at Edgar Street.
They were knocked out at this stage of the competition last season, but Hereford did reach the coveted third round in the 2011 FA Cup. Hereford have actually won just 1 of their last 4 home ties in the FA Cup, losing 2 of those games.
The side drew 2-2 at Southport last weekend and the same starting XI are to be given their chance in this one.
Shrewsbury Town
When a side earns promotion, the first thing they really want to do is consolidate their position in the upper level- on some occasions they can do even better and maybe challenge for another promotion, but the basics for most is survival at the higher level. That is where Shrewsbury Town stand in League One this season, although they will appreciate a money spinning Cup run.
They have struggled for consistency since earning promotion and have now won just 1 of their last 9 games in all competitions, although they picked up a little momentum by fighting back from 0-2 down to earn a point against Colchester United last weekend. Shrewsbury have failed to win any of their last 10 away games and they have lost back to back games on their travels.
Shrewsbury had suffered 5 consecutive first round defeats in the FA Cup before last season when they made it all the way through to the third round and an away tie at Middlesbrough. They did record an away win at Newport County of non-League football last season, but have lost 6 of their last 7 away games in the FA Cup.
Another team that will be starting the same XI as last weekend are Shrewsbury. Manager Graham Turner has big links with Hereford United as a former manager and chairman of the club.
Head to Head
These teams moved in opposite directions last season as Shrewsbury Town were promoted and Hereford United were relegated from League Two.
Shrewsbury did the double over Hereford last season, beating them 0-2 here at Edgar Street.
That also means Shrewsbury have won back to back visits to this ground in the last couple of seasons.
Prediction
Graham Turner has spoken about his disappointment of seeing Hereford United in the financial state they currently find themselves in, but I don't expect him to be in too generous a mood as he will be looking for his side to secure their place in round two.
Shrewsbury Town have not been in great form and that does temper my enthusiasm for them, but they will be aware of what is facing them having beaten Hereford twice in a row at this ground in the last couple of seasons.
They are still playing at a higher level than Hereford and the home side have not been in the best form in front of their own fans.
At evens, the away side is just a big enough price for me to take a shot at them in this one.
The Pick :
Hereford United 1-2 Shrewsbury Town
