User:Bigmike/1971-72

The 1971–72 season was Hereford United's 26th season in the Southern Football League Premier Division, and the last to date. It is one of the most memorable in the club's history as it saw them finish 2nd in the league, gain election to the Football League and reach the Southern League Cup Final. The club were brought to national prominence after their run to the FA Cup Fourth Round where they famously defeated Newcastle United in a much-postponed replay, and held West Ham United to a goalless home draw. They lost the replay 3-1 in a midweek match at Upton Park, in front of 42,000 spectators with an estimated 10,000 locked outside.

Hereford played a total of 79 first team matches during the season: 42 league matches, 10 FA Cup matches, 10 League Cup matches, 8 Border Counties League matches, 3 FA Trophy matches, 2 Welsh Cup matches, 2 Worcestershire Senior Cup matches and 2 Herefordshire Senior Cup matches. What would have been the 80th match of the season, the League Cup Final replay, was postponed until the following season.

Season summary
The season began with John Charles as manager, the Gentle Giant having ended his playing career at the club the previous season. But by mid-October he had stepped down as manager to concentrate on his business activities, and Colin Addison beat 29 other applicants to be appointed player-manager. Under Addison the club made progress in several cup competitions

The Newcastle match gains a mention in Fever Pitch.

Southern League Cup
*after extra time, Barnet won 7-6 on penalties

Border Counties League
* switched to Edgar Street due to Stourbridge's ground being unavailable