HEREFORD United have a rare Saturday off from Nationwide Conference action next weekend - but they're not happy about it.

With the FA Cup first round scheduled for next Saturday and the Bulls having gone out 1-0 at Woking in the fourth qualifying round, United had hoped to rearrange a Conference fixture to fill the gap.

With other eliminated Conference sides having already rescheduled matches, United approached Doncaster Rovers - the one remaining option - with a view to bringing forward the contest at Edgar Street, originally scheduled for March 3.

But Director of Football Graham Turner said: "Doncaster refused and we tried to get the Conference to intervene, knowing the fixture congestion that can occur at the back end of the season.

"But in the end both Doncaster and the Conference refused to sanction it. We are very disappointed, but I am sure there will be something to do."

Turner has not ruled out the possibility of calling his players in for additional training, but a two-week break is not ideal at this stage of the season for third-placed Hereford, who were hoping for a chance to continue their fine league form after an impressive 4-2 win at Scarborough last weekend.

They were also hoping to keep up the pressure and close the gap on leaders Yeovil Town and second-placed Rushden and Diamonds, both of whom are on Cup duty next weekend.

The Bulls must wait until two weeks today to resume Conference action when they entertain newly-promoted Boston United, who are in mid-table and should include former Hereford striker Paul Fewings in their ranks.