Confidence high in United ranks
With good morale and an excellent run behind them, Hereford United are confident of victory in tomorrow's FA Trophy fifth round tie at Chester City, kick off 3pm.
The Bulls beat second placed Boston United 4-3 on Monday night and have now lost just once in eleven game, but know that Mark Wright's Chester side will provide stiff opposition tomorrow.
Chester are unbeaten in their last eight matches but Hereford have scored eighteen goals in their last seven games and hope to extend that run on Saturday.
"The performance and the way we battled back from a poor start has given us a big lift," said coach Phil Robinson to the Evening News after the Boston victory. "We are still in a good run of form though it was disappointing to lose to Leigh RMI which was a bit of a blemish on our record, but our tails are up.
"I thought the match against Boston would be a bit tight with both teams having the two best defensive records in the Nationwide Conference but it was a really good, open game and I hope everybody enjoyed watching it."
Chester have moved out of the drop zone since Mark Wright took over last month, and Robinson is cautious about his opponents. "He has near enough signed a whole new team with good experienced players at that," he said after City signed several new players in the last month. "Their mini-revival had started before the cup draw and on the two occasions I have seen them they beat Telford 3-0 and Nuneaton 3-1.
"We lost there earlier in the season and it is a difficult place to go when their crowd get behind them. They've got a decent stadium and a good bit of support when they are going well but hopefully we can take a few up there as well and it will be a good cup atmosphere."
Both Tony James and Roy Jordan should be in the squad for the game after missing Monday's encounter through injury.
Chester boss Mark Wright is optimistic about his side's chances, as he told the Evening Leader: “I know the FA Trophy means a lot to the supporters and to everyone at the club, and we should do well because we’re starting to perform. I thought Chester would go on and win the FA Trophy last season after they’d beaten Southport when I was manager.
“I know how good Hereford are – they’re strong and well organised, and I’ll be talking to Mark Williams about them, but I don’t like to fill my head with news about the opposition. If we start to worry about Hereford it will present a negative attitude and put us on the back foot.”
“Players on the bench on Tuesday, like Stuart Whittaker, Paul Carden, and Chris Blackburn will have a point to prove in our FA Trophy tie. If they don’t there is something wrong. Every one of my players is wanting to play at the moment because we’re doing well. The boys are confident and I hope that continues. There is great competition for places, and I’m not going to settle for a draw or a replay against Hereford.”
Wright will be without midfielders Shaun Carey, Michael McElhatton, and Andy Porter, and defenders Mike Rose and Mark Williams. Carey and Williams are both cup-tied for the clash, McElhatton was not signed by Chester on a one-month loan from Rushden and Diamonds in time for clearance to play, and the duo of Porter and Rose are suspended.
Admission tomorrow for adults will cost £10 (standing), and £12 (seated); pensioners will be admitted for £7.50 (standing), and £9 (seated); and it will cost £5 for children to stand, and £6 for them to sit down.
If a replay is required, it will be at Edgar Street next Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.