Edgar Street: Hereford v Rochdale (Saturday 14th October 2023

The Final Qualifying Round of the FA Cup saw Hereford face off against Rochdale at Edgar Street to see who will reach the opening round of the Cup.
There was a division difference between the sides with The Bulls currently rocking around the middle of the National League North with the Dale in the National League after just recently being relegated from League Two.
There was a sense of anticipation in the air with the home fans daring to dream their side could overcome their higher league opponents and reach the opening round of the FA Cup for the second season in a row.
Rochdale expectedly opened the game on the front foot however they came up against a very sturdy Hereford side who were desperate to not disappoint the majority of the crowd at Edgar Street. The Bulls’ strategy was clear, to maintain the pressure from the away side and take every opportunity they could to make an impact on the game. They were more than happy to play this way and the fans were always behind them.
Not a whole lot of chances in the opening half but a well fought and enjoyable competitive cup tie to watch nonetheless. Into the second half and Rochdale were back dominating the play however still not making clear chances.
The home fans’ dreams came true on 78 minutes as a mistake from a Rochdale player just inside their own half saw Hereford have a 3-on-2 opportunity. The ball was layed off to Ethan Freemantle to the left side of the box, who managed to beat the Rochdale keeper. Cue jubilation in the home end.
The Dale looked shell shocked after this, they continued to attempt to make an impact on the game with no real conviction and it was looking more and more likely that Hereford would get this victory over the line. And that was what happened, scenes in Herefordshire as The Bulls were back into the First Round of the FA Cup and set up a home tie against Gillingham.
In a season where it was announced that future rounds in the FA Cup will he disbanded, much to the disappointment of lower league sides, games like this one displayed the magic of the FA Cup and what victories like this can do for some of the lucky lower league sides.