Back from extinction Hereford kick-off the FA Cup
The FA Cup first round proper kicks off on Friday evening with two fixtures, one of them being an enormous occasion as Hereford of the National League North host Portsmouth of League One.
Hereford is the phoenix club of Hereford United that tragically went out of business due to financial difficulties in 2014, after 90 years of existence, playing in League One as recently as the 2008/09 season.
That added context will contribute to a hugely proud and emotional night for the club’s supporter base who will get to mix it once again with a high profile EFL club.
Pompey won the FA Cup in 2008, they have not had a great deal of success since but are on an upward trajectory in the long term and will be eyeing a spot in the third tier play-offs this term.
The three-division difference between the two sides will be shrunk by the occasion under the lights at Edgar Street as former centre backs leads out the Bulls with a chance to upset the odds.
Background
Pompey starting the season in very promising fashion in League One but have fallen away in the last couple months, in part due to suffering injuries to key players, winning just one of their last seven league games.
There is absolutely zero chance that Danny Cowley underestimates Hereford given his experience managing in non-league and it is likely that he selects a strong line-up, potentially down to a lack of availability more than anything else.
The Bulls have an exciting strike-force for the level, Aaron Amadi-Holloway scored in League Two last season for Barrow, and 37-year-old Tyrone Barnett will cause problems with his physicality and close control.
If the latter can roll back the years then a famous night in Hereford FC’s history becomes far more likely.
Goals?
I am looking at unders, I think that Hereford will be very competitive and can limit a Pompey side that are not firing on all cylinders in the attacking third at the moment.
Hereford have scored in eight of ten.
Hereford have conceded in six of ten.
Hereford have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Hereford have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Pompey have scored in nine of ten.
Pompey have conceded in seven of ten.
Pompey have seen both teams score in six of ten.
Pompey have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
3-1 Portsmouth, Hereford took the lead but could not hold with the visitors cashing in from set pieces.