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Bulls challenge Champions
Hereford United are just four games, three ties, away from a trip to the Millenium Stadium, Cardiff, in the LDV Vans Trophy final. However, current holders Blackpool will provide a stern test for United in the area quarter finals this evening at Edgar Street, kick off 7.45 p.m. Blackpool have been champions of the competition twice in the past two seasons and so they will not be taking this game against Hereford lightly.
Colin Hendry's side are currently twenty-second in League One thus confidence cannot be too high at Bloomfield Road. The Tangerine Army have been on some indifferent form lately, winning three and loosing three of their past six outings. Blackpool remain in the F.A. Cup however as they beat Tranmere earlier this month.
Hendry will have to make do without defender Rob Clare who injured his ankle during last weekends' 1-0 defeat at Barnsley and also has Joe Murphy, Martin Bullock and Gareth Evans out due to injury. Danny Coid is suspended for the game.
"We'll try and give some of the fringe players a run out on Tuesday evening, I feel we have enough in those players to more than compete with teams of a lower level than ourselves. However, there is no way we would travel to any club and show them any disrespect because there are banana skins in every cup competition," Hendry told his official site.
"We've beaten York and Tamworth from the Conference so far this season and we will prepare for the Hereford game in the same way as we would any other.
"I know that we must try and retain this trophy, but not at the expense of doing well in the league or even a good run in the FA Cup."
Graham Turner may choose to rest a couple of his players with the F.A. Cup game taking place at the weekend, but will not want to weaken the side too much. Tony James will certainly miss out as he serves his one match ban for a red card received on Saturday. It is expected that Tom Smith will take his place although Andy Tretton is close to fitness following his groin injury. Ryan Green is still sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Graham Hyde may be rested with Jamie Pitman ready to step into his place and also Lee Mills may only play a small part in the game. Rob Purdie is likely to be given more of a run out than he has been getting recently following a spell out injured.
Hereford's players will be able to test themselves against better opposition in the game which should prove good practice for the F.A. Cup second round tie against Boston next weekend. Neither side will want to be knocked out as the final stages begin to close in. The game is sure to be full of excitement and passion and, with a good United performace against a side struggling in League One, the Northern section semi-final is not too much of an unrealistic proposition.
