Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Banbury Away On Friday March 29th Kick-Off 3.00pm

Friday, February 01, 2002

Feb 1st 2002


HEREFORD United will have to play well tomorrow to gain a place in the last sixteen of the FA Trophy, according to coach Phil Robinson.

The Bulls host Ryman Leaguers Hampton & Richmond Borough at Edgar Street in the fourth round, kick off 3pm, and after the Chesham tie in the last round, Robinson has every reason to be cautious.

He told the Evening News: "We know the quality of the Ryman League from our game with Chesham, who were a quality side. There is not going to be any complacency about the way we have been approaching this game, and have been working hard preparing for it. It will be a real tough test and we will have to be at our best to win the game."

Hampton are struggling in the Ryman League but won 2-0 against Newport County in round three. However, Robinson continued: "They are very strong physically through the middle of the team, have a bit of pace on the wings and have Craig Maskell up front. Everything seems to come through him - he has a lot of skill and a lot of experience, and has scored a lot of goals for them."

Hereford, though, have won their last eight games but Robinson said: "We are confident at the moment and our home form has been very good, but we can't be over-confident. We have to approach it like we have done our previous games."

The Trophy is a vital competition in Hereford's finances, after they reached the semi finals last year. "It is extra games and extra crowds coming in, and a chance of earning some prize money, which is vitally important to us at the moment," said Robinson.

Only one change is expected to the side that drew 1-1 at Southport last week with Gavin Williams returning after a one-match ban.

Meanwhile, all tickets have been sold for Hereford’s forthcoming evening with BBC commentator John Motson. `Motty’ will be joined by Hereford legend Ricky George at the eagerly awaited gala dinner event, which will be held at the Three Counties Hotel in Belmont on February 7th.

HEREFORD United have said that tomorrow's FA Trophy fourth round game will go ahead as planned and no pitch inspection is expected, despite heavy rain in the city.

A club spokesman told HU-FC.co.uk: "It's been raining but the water is running off it. It's been wetter."

The game will be called into further doubt if the heavy rain continues. We will keep you informed on any developments between now and kick off, which is at 3pm tomorrow.