Preview: Tonbridge V Hereford In FA Cup

The Southern League South and West is off the agenda tomorrow for Peter Beadle and his side as they are in FA Cup action at Tonbridge in Kent.

It's the first time since April 1966 that a Hereford team has played against Tonbridge. However from 1948 to 1966 both teams spent time in the Southern League and records show the teams met 32 times in that era.

It's understood Hereford travelled down towards Kent this afternoon given the distance and the unpredictability of the M25 thus ensuring they will be fresh for the game tomorrow.

Beadle will be expected to make at least one change from the team that started against Slimbridge on Tuesday evening.

Chris Barker felt his hamstring early in the second half and was replaced by Joel Edwards. It seems unlikely Barker will be fit enough for tomorrow so Edwards could have his first start since mid-August.

Pablo Haysham In The Game Against Romulus Four Weeks Ago - BN Pic

Beadle was hopeful that Pablo Haysham would be fit enough to start after missing four games with an ankle injury. If he does start, he'll probably take the place of Jake Sinclair.

Jimmy Oates was rated 50/50 by Beadle last Tuesday and Jamie Cuss is still covering from his injury sustained against Romulus four weeks ago.

After a disappointing performance at Tiverton last Saturday, Hereford were back to winning ways last Tuesday with a 3-0 win over Slimbridge. But after two goals in the first 15 or so minutes, the players appeared to ease off.

"First fifteen minutes we were great, got our two goal lead, but then it went a little bit flat after that," said Beadle. "Took a long time to get going again."

As regards Tonbridge they have lost their last two games after a good start to the season. However it should be remembered that they play in the Ryman League which is one league higher than Hereford.

Nathan Elder Pictured After Scoring His First Goal For Hereford In October 2011 - Photo Copyright Andy Compton/BN

One of their players, Nathan Elder, is well known to Hereford supporters given he played for Hereford United several seasons ago. Winger Bradley Fortnam Tomlinson also played for Hereford United but it was during the Agombar/Lonsdale season so many supporters would not have seen him on the pitch.

Elder has scored seven goals to date this season whilst Fortnam Tomlinson scored one of Tonbridge goals in their 5-3 defeat by Merstham last Tuesday.

The match has all the makings of a decent Cup-tie. Tonbridge are favourites but Hereford will want to keep their unbeaten record this season intact.

"It will be a different senario I would have thought," said Beadle.

"They will be slight favourites because of where they are in the league they are in.

"But we feel that if we go there and perform well we're always in with a chance.

"We've got good players, people who can score goals all across the pitch and, at times, we do defend extremely well."

And there's £7,500 at Stake.

Latest odds:

Tonbridge 1/1 Draw 14/5 Hereford 2/1  

---