HEREFORD United boss John Trewick is relishing tonight’s Coca-Cola League Two derby clash with Shrewsbury Town at Edgar Street (7.45).
Having controversially lost 3-2 at Burton Albion on Saturday, the Bulls manager feels the match with their play-off chasing neighbours could be the perfect remedy.
The Brewers were awarded a penalty when Leon Constantine was deemed to have deliberately handled the ball in the Hereford area and Shaun Harrad converted to put Albion 2-1 up.
“That completely changed the game on Saturday,” Trewick said. “The ball was fired at him from a couple of yards and it was deemed deliberate — that was very harsh.
“But the game against Shrewsbury is a good one to have after the disappointment of Saturday.”
Shrewsbury have not won in the past month and suffered an embarrassing exit from the FA Cup when they crashed 1-0 at home to non-league Staines.
Paul Simpson’s men needed an injury-time equaliser from skipper Graham Coughlan to secure a point at home to Bury on Saturday. The Shrews’ recent form has made Trewick hopeful of a derby victory.
“They are doing OK at the moment and on the fringes of the play-offs but, for a club of their size, they should be,” Trewick said. “But is their recent form any better than ours? No, so it does set up an interesting local derby.”
Most derbies tend to take place over a weekend to try and maximise the gate but Trewick believes a mid-week clash under floodlights should make it a special occasion.
“There is a school of thought that these games should be played at the weekend but games under the floodlights usually add to the atmosphere,” the Hereford boss said.
“Everything seems to be going that much quicker and in a derby match that can make the game even more exciting.”
Trewick feels his top-scorer Marc Pugh will be looking to put one over his former employers tonight.
The winger made his loan move to Edgar Street permanent in the summer after being sent to Hereford last season.
Pugh will be keen to show the Shrews what they are missing out on.
With the emergency loan window closing on Thursday, Trewick said he may add a new face before then.
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