THEY hold a special place in FA Cup history, but it will be a very different Hereford United visiting AFC Totton tomorrow in the FA Trophy first qualifying round.

The Bulls, best known for the fairytale exploits of Ronnie Radford, Ricky George & Co in knocking Newcastle United out of the FA Cup in 1972, have hit upon nightmare times.

They were expelled from the Football Conference during the summer for financial irregularities and last week received another stay of execution in the Royal Courts of Justice, given until December 1 to settle their debts.

Last Wednesday it was reported that Herefordshire Council had made a failed attempt to take possession of the Bulls’ Edgar Street ground due to non-payment of rent.

Disgruntled fans who have boycotted games have been told to “put up or shut up” by manager Jon Taylor and on Tuesday came news that Hereford had been charged with misconduct for allegedly breaching the FA’s owners’ and directors’ test.

Things have not been much brighter on the park in recent weeks with last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at St Neots – the Bulls’ third successive game without scoring – dropping them close to the Southern Premier Division relegation zone.

But the gloom finally lifted on Tuesday when they pulled themselves up to 16th with a 5-1 win at bottom-of-the-table Banbury. Even though Hereford are carrying a lot of baggage right now, Totton boss Steve Riley still views tomorrow as a “great occasion” for his Southern One South & West charges.

“I’ve done a bit of homework on them, they’re full-time, they’re going to be quality and we’re expecting a tough match,” he said. “We will prepare to the best of our ability.

“Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Larkhall was hard work against a really strong, physical side.

“But our boys stood up to it and we didn’t have anyone hiding.

“For us to bounce back like that after the 4-0 defeat at Merthyr was pleasing and it’s given us confidence going into a massive game.

“Hopefully we’ll get a decent crowd in and it will be a fantastic day for the club financially.”

Totton have no serious injury worries ahead of the tie, which offers £2,700 for the winners.