Preview of the FA Trophy meeting between Harriers and Hereford at Edgar Street on Saturday…
By Matty Paddock - 26/11/2021
Posted 4 years ago
Saturday’s FA Trophy tie against Hereford at Edgar Street is a game that has it all, according to Harriers boss Russ Penn.
The two storied rivals meet once again in a Second Round clash, the 82nd meeting of the two teams (including the Hereford United days) but curiously enough, the first in the FA Trophy.
The two teams are in form, too, with Harriers doing well in National League North and The FA Cup, while the Bulls have been flying and won their last four on the bounce in league action.
Added to that it’s a derby, of course, with Harriers set to be backed by another sizable contingent after good numbers followed them to Alfreton and Gloucester.
Looking ahead, Penn knows what to expect from Hereford and their management team of ex-Harriers, Josh Gowling and Steve Burr, and says it’ll be a game to enjoy.
“It has got everything to be a fantastic game of football,” he told our YouTube channel.
“[It’s] two teams in form, a local derby and a lovely pitch. I went there a couple of weeks ago and the pitch is in great nick.
“Hopefully there’s a good crowd and two good teams wanting to progress to the next round.
Harriers boss Russ Penn ahead of FA Trophy meeting with Hereford
“I have a lot of respect for them; they’re a team that didn’t start well but you can tell they’re starting to click.
“They’ve got good players… they’re organised and very disciplined and I’d expect nothing less from Josh and Steve’s teams.”
As former Trophy winners back in the day and finalists as recently as 2007, Harriers have a rich history in the competition that kicks up a gear on Saturday.
Hereford, though, were at Wembley just last summer to take part in the 2020, losing in a thrilling encounter against Hornchurch.
Safe to say there will be no lack of shine on Saturday’s tie, with Penn adding of the Trophy: “In the last two or three years, the top clubs have disrespected it.
Harriers v Hereford from the archives – 2021
“They’ve probably found it a bit of a nuisance and in the way, but that’s not us.
“We haven’t got a game next Tuesday and haven’t got a league game for two and a half weeks, so what’s the ‘not’ to go and try and win the game?
“It’s the next game and one we want to win and we’ll do our best to win it.”
Penn will be hopeful of having Ethan Freemantle back from injury, saying the striker is ‘raring to go’ ahead of the game.
Joe Foulkes is back in training with the squad, too, while Elliot Bonds is also available after missing Tuesday’s meeting with Gloucester.
As with last season, there will be no replays in the FA Trophy this campaign meaning tomorrow’s winner will be determined one way or another – with penalties ready and waiting should the scores finish level at 90 minutes.
match tickets are available to purchase online from the Bulls website. We recommend fans use this method wherever possible to help minimise queues on a match day.
Alternatively, those unable to purchase in advance can do so on the day.
Kick-off at Hereford on Saturday is at 3:00pm.
This article is about: Match
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
