Striker selection problem for Turner
Hereford United travel north to Haig Avenue tomorrow afternoon where Southport will be their hosts in the first round of the F.A. Cup. The Bulls progressed to the first round proper against Unibond Premier side Radcliffe Borough following a 2-1 victory at Edgar Street.
Southport, who were relegated from the Conference two seasons ago, are currently well placed in the Conference North table ; three points off the top in third position. They also progressed into the second round of the F.A. Trophy midweek with a 2-1 win over Gateshead.
Manager Liam Watson, manager of the month for October, has a few injury doubts for the visit of Hereford United. Neil Fitzhenry is expected to be missing from the defence and Steve Pickford from the midfield. Left winger Kevin Leadbetter, who was with the club when in the Conference, is also doubtful.
Top goalscorer Striker Terry Fearns added to his total with two goals last Tuesday. An exciting summer signing that signalled Southport 's goal scoring intent. With 111 goals in three seasons at Vauxhall Motors Terry has become noted as one of the most prolific current non league strikers. Previous clubs include Wigan, Marine and St Helens.
Graham Tuner may be without two of his first team strikers for the cup tie. Lee Mills has recovered from illnss, but may not be fit enough to face Southport. Adam Stansfield is still struggling with a thigh injury that saw him forced to be subbed last weekend against Barnet. Rob Purdie has been away on international duty with the English semi-professional side this week and is only expected to restart training again today. He may not be fit enough to face 'Port.
Jamie Pitman, Ryan Green and Andrew Tretton will all be hoping to regain their places in the starting eleven. They were all on the bench last Saturday following the excellent performance in the LDV midweek. Graham Hyde will be hard to displace from the team following some of his best performances for Hereford in the past couple of game and Tamika Mkandawire has also been playing well.
Hereford's last visit to Haig Avenue resulted in a 2-1 triumph for United. The result confirmed Southport to relegation. Southport may want to seek some sort of revenge for that day but would probably be more keen, like Hereford, on getting their hands on the prize money of £12,500 and a place in the second round of the cup.
The Bulls may put their faith in a swede-worshipping display, which involves the scoring of a goal with the vegetable, before the start of the game. The tradition started in the 1950's and was recently revived because of the Foot and Mouth epidemic which stopped the parading of a Hereford bull around the ground.