The Bulls travel to Accrington on Saturday for a League Two match that means little to the Bulls, but memories of last seasons encounters will surely spur the travellers to hinder their hosts survival chances.
A bad tempered match at Edgar Street last March saw Danny Ventre dismissed for the visitors and Nicky Nicolau bag a late equaliser for the Bulls with the antics of Stanley officials being less than well received by their hosts, but the Bulls took the points at Edgar Street in October thanks to a solitary Alan Connell striker and they will be keen to do the double over the current Conference champions.
It would be the first points at Stanley if the Bulls did get a result as they've lost each of the previous three trips for league matches, conceding two goals in each. The only bright spot on their travels was a 0-0 FA Trophy draw in January 2005. Rob Purdie has featured in every league meeting between the two sides, while Paul Mullin has done the same for Stanley.
It's not been dull at Accrington this season. They had to repaint the pitch after vandals sprayed messages against manager John Coleman. Free admission for last weeks win over Torquay cost the club £15,000 but it could be money well 'spent' if the atmosphere and three points stop the club from being the first to have a single season stay in the League. Three times the last home gate took advantage of the free ride but were kept waiting until the last minute for a goal. Ex-Bulls striker David Brown has been repeatedly overlooked as the side have struggled for goals, even turning to Stuart Fleetwood for help at one stage.
The Bulls may be out of the play-off picture, but the majority of players will be looking to secure deals for next season. Fleetwood himself, an early season revelation, has disappeared from the first team picture and may find himself rethinking his future if he fails to perform in the coming weeks. Several other 'fringe' players, like Alex Jeannin and Andy Ferrell, will also be looking to make an impact to secure their footballing futures.
Accrington Stanley vs Hereford United, The Frazer Eagle Stadium, Saturday March 24th, 3.00pm.