The Bulls travel to Field Mill for this LDV Vans Trophy tie for the first time since 1996. The most notorious game against Mansfield was the Boxing Day 1994 encounter where the Bulls lost 7-1 - a game that sparked a four match unbeaten run for the Bulls. Both sides are available at 80/1 to lift the Trophy with Coral.
The Bulls will enjoy a break from Conference football to test their skill against a side just nine places above them on the league ladder. Adam Stansfield and Stacy Coldicott remain sidelined, and mystery still surrounds Guy Ipoua's availability with Bulls physio Wayne Jones declaring Ipoua fit on the official website on Friday but Ipoua failing to even make the bench on Saturday. Andy Williams' assured cameo appearance against Burton earned the Bulls a penalty and, with Danny Carey-Bertram carrying a minor hamstring strain, is likely to force himself into the starting line up alongside loanee Matt Bailey who has permission from Crewe to play in the competition as they do no take part.
The departure of Carlton Palmer from Mansfield has not significantly affected results. They despatched a second string Southampton side 1-0 in the Carling Cup three days after Palmer left, but have gained just four points from fifteen in the league since then to remain bottom of the division. They do have vast experience in their squad. Goalkeeper Kevin Pressman spent 19 years as a pro at Sheff Wed, defender Gus Uhlenbeek spent seven years in the Championship with Ipswich, Fulham, and Sheff Utd, and Jon-Olaf Hjelde cost Notts Forest £600,000 in 1997 and helped them back into the Premiership.
Match Odds (bet365): Mansfield 6/5, Draw 5/2, Hereford 9/5.