Hereford without Several Players For Cup Match

Hereford United will be without several key players for this afternoon's FA Cup first round tie against the part-timers from Kent, Hythe Town.

Missing out will be big central defender Janos Kovacs who damaged his shoulder after coming on for Tony James in last Tuesday's league game against Aldershot. James has since returned to Burton after completing his loan spell.

Also unavailable is striker Guillen Bauza who is recovering from a groin strain and reserve keeper Dan Connor who has a long-term hip injury.

Care-taker manager Jamie Pitman will have to make a least one change to his starting eleven from Tuesday. It may be that Richard Rose will drop back from mid-field to partner Michael Townsend in the centre of defence.

Filling his position alongside James McQuilken could be either Kenny Lunt or possibly new loan signing from Hull Nicky Featherstone. Should Lunt be preferred then Stuart Fleetwood could start the game alongside Mathieu Manset in attack. If Featherstone starts then Fleetwood may be on the subs bench.

Opponents Hythe are understood to be at full strength and releashing the chance to take a League scalp.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Chairman Paul Markland.

"Everyone has their 15 minutes in the limelight and this is ours."

Andy D'Urso will be the referee this afternoon and it's time the Bulls won a game with him in charge. He's not been at Edgar Street since October 2008 when Stockport defeated the Bulls 1-0.

Earlier that year he officiated the FA Cup match when Cardiff beat the Bulls 2-1. And in Februry 2007 he refereed another home game against Stockport which the Bulls lost 2-0.

Admission to the tie is as League games. £15 for an adult to sit or £12 to stand.

For those unable to be at Edgar Street in person, they can follow all the action with Bulls Player (more details on the OS) which has a free 14 day trial.

Both BBC Hereford and Worcester and BBC Radio Kent are also covering the game. Whilst some journalists are on a 48 hour strike at the BBC, it's not thought this action will effect reports from Edgar Street.

UPDATE: Five Live will also be at Edgar Street this afternoon.

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