Reds look for lift after tragedy

ACCRINGTON Stanley are hoping to bring some cheer on Friday night after what has been a horrendous week in the Reds camp.

Stanley captain Peter Cavanagh's younger brother, Anthony, died on Wednesday after being punched once on a night out in Liverpool after accidentally bumping into someone.

Anthony, who turned 22 this week, never regained consciousness and was on a life support machine for 11 days before he died.

The Reds players are rallying round their captain who is not expected to play against Hereford on Friday  at the Interlink.

"We are all devastated for Cav," said team-mate Ian Craney. "It is just so sad. Cav is a model professional and will want to get back and playing as soon as possible but I am sure he will know when the time is right."

John Coleman also has Robbie Williams missing through suspension and Benin international Romauld Boco who is on international duty as the third placed Reds look to close in on top spot.

Hereford were one of the pre-season favourites for promotion but have struggled to get the goals this season with 12 in their 13 games so far as they lie in eighth place in the Conference.

However, they do have the meanest defence and it is that the Reds have to try and break through.

Former Bull David Brown admitted: "When I was at Hereford they were always an attacking side so I don't know what has happened, whether they have changed their style of play or are just not getting the goals. The strongest part of their game was always attack.

"But I am looking forward to the game. I still know a number of the players and I got a good reception when I went back there with Accrington and I hope I can get a goal.

"I always tend to score against my former clubs so I hope I can repeat it."

Brown has got five goals this season and is the Reds top-scorer although Ian Craney, who has got officially four, says he should be alongside the striker.

"I have got five," said the midfielder. "The free kick I took against Woking went straight into the net and Paul Mullin has admitted he never got a touch on it even though he was credited with it at the end of the match. I have definitely got five."

Ex-Hereford defender Andy Tretton has gone under rehabilitation after having knee surgery and won't be fit to face his former club this time but is expected to make his Stanley Conference debut over the next month.