ROB Purdie says Hereford will send out a clear message to everyone if they beat United Counties League Premier Division leaders Leicester Nirvana in the FA Vase today.

Both sides are in fine form, with Hereford winning 20 of their 24 league matches and Nirvana notching up 18 successes out of 23 in their league.

And when you consider that astonishing 154 goals have been scored between them, the fourth round tie at Edgar Street could be a classic.

"I think teams in our league fear playing us now because they know what we're about and we're top of the league," said Purdie, who is hopeful of being for for the game.

"But Saturday will be a little bit different because it's a team from another league, who are top, and they will come with no fear.

"If we win, I think it will send a clear message to teams from that league and others that we mean business and it will give us a lot of momentum going into two big games."

Those matches are back-to-back league clashes against Sporting Khalsa and Alvechurch, who look the most likely to challenge Hereford for the league title.

But Purdie says, even though those games are at the back of the players' minds, they are only focusing on the Leicester Nirvana game at the moment.

"They are three massive games and will almost define our season," said Purdie.

"If we pick up maximum points against Khalsa and Alvechurch, we will then take some stopping, but if we stumble, then it makes winning the league more difficult.

"But, Beads [manager Pete Beadle] hasn't even talked about those games, right now, everyone is focusing on the Nirvana game."

Purdie is from Leicester, but admits he hasn't heard of Hereford's opponents.

"My brother does know the manager of the side that they beat in the last round [St Andrews]," said Purdie.

"I've never heard of them, but I know it will be a tough game."

If Hereford win, they will be just three rounds away from playing at Wembley Stadium.

"We know what the prize is for us, but there's no point thinking about that," added Purdie.

"We've just to think about the next round and trying to win it."

Hereford were due to have someone watching Nirvana's game at Eynesbury Rovers last Saturday, but the game was postponed.

"We've done our best in doing our homework on them, but it doesn't matter how much homework you do, it's about how you prepare on the day," said Beadle.

"Their record is similar to ours, but all teams are beatable.

"They're no different and neither are we."

Beadle has also explained why goalkeeper Harvey Rivers signed a dual registration deal with Swindon Supermarine.

"Harvey wants to play games and he was going to play for them on Saturday, but their game was off," said Beadle.

"We are the priority now, which Harvey and Swindon Supermarine agreed to, because we've got to make sure we have cover in every eventuality.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but Harvey wasn't dropped, he was rested, and we need pretty much two players for every position, including goalkeeper.

"Harvey played something like 27 games and I felt the time was right to give him a rest.

"Martin [Horsell] has that extra bit of experience and is a little bit different, but what we do have are two very good goalkeepers."

Apart from Adam Page, who is out for the season with a foot injury, Hereford are set to be at full strength for this Saturday's game.

Kick-off is at 3pm and you can follow all the action via our live blog at herefordtimes.com/sport