SALISBURY bid to avenge their FA Vase heartbreak when giants Hereford are back in the city on Saturday for the Buildbase FA Trophy (3pm).

Seven months ago, Whites missed out on the chance to play at Wembley after losing the semi-final 3-1 on aggregate.

They were defeated at Edgar Street 1-0 in the first leg then 2-1 in the second leg, with the Ray Mac recording a best ever attendance that day of 3,450.

But now they have the chance to defy the odds against their league rivals in the preliminary round.

At stake, is a place in the first round at home to Chippenham Town at the end of the month.

And Whites will be buoyed by Tuesday night’s Challenge League Cup result in which they stormed to a 10-0 victory over Dorchester Town - their highest result since reforming.

Four goals from Justin Bennett, a hat-trick from Ollie Mehew, Steve Walker’s brace and Calum Brockway completed the goal flurry.

“It will be a fantastic game of football,” said boss Steve Claridge. “It’s a real shame Tom Whelan will be suspended.”

The Bulls are op of Southern League Division One S&W, having won eight of nine games. Their only defeat of the season came on Saturday as they exited the FA Cup to Tonbridge Angels.

Asked if Whites can hunt down the favourites, Claridge responded: “I think we can catch them. We have to beat them twice.

“I don’t think many will finish above them but I’ve got to think like that. If I’m a betting man 70/30. They’ve got to be favourites and are well clear of us.

“But we would have to play at a consistent level, far more often. We cannot catch them now, as we’re too up and down, but if you said to us at our peak and consistently play well, then yes because we have players equal to them.”

“They will be back in the League, I have no doubts about that.”