HEREFORDSHIRE will be looking for history to repeat itself after suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat by Staffordshire in their Unicorns Knockout Trophy clash at Eastnor on Sunday.

The county side were also beaten by Staffordshire in the group stages of the competition last year but still progressed through the group stages and ended up beating their Midland rivals in the final.

"It was disappointing not to get enough runs, particularly after we got past 160 for the loss of only four wickets," said skipper Matt Pardoe. "But now we move on to Cheshire on Sunday."

Everything seemed to be going well for Herefordshire when, on a sunny day and a dry pitch, Pardoe won the toss and chose to bat, joining Liam Gwynne in an opening stand of 42 before Gwynne, the ball after lofting a six over long-off, dragged one on off Greg Willott (2-42) for 17.

Pardoe swiftly followed for 28 and, with Ben Stebbings (eight) and Dave Ball (13) back in the pavilion, Herefordshire had subsided to 109-4.

But, with Neil Pinner playing the county's best innings of the day, striking eight fours in his 65, and Joe Crichard (23) offering good support, at 165-4 a good total looked likely.

However, both departed shortly afterwards in a burst of four wickets for just eight runs and the tail was unable to wag, with the only late highlight a massive six by Jamie McIlroy over mid-wicket before Herefordshire were dismissed for 194.

For the home side to stand any chance of a victory, early wickets were vital and they got off to the best possible start when Staffordshire skipper Kadeer Ali, the brother of England star, Moeen Ali, was caught behind by Ian Bullock off Dan Conway with just two on the board.

After that, however, a century stand between Tom Steele (60) and Tim Maxfield (83 not out) laid the foundations for an away victory.

Pardoe switched his bowlers astutely and although Peter Burgoyne, who conceded only 35 runs from his nine overs, was impressive, Staffordshire reached their target from the first ball of the 33rd over to notch their third win in three outings.

Herefordshire now head to Alderley Edge on Sunday to take on Cheshire, knowing that they really need a win against Group 2's other unbeaten side to be confident of making progress to the knock-out stages.

They will be without Stebbings, who is unavailable, and so a recall for Chris Whittock is likely.