HEREFORD FC manager Pete Beadle has dismissed talk that it will be the Bulls' title to lose if they beat nearest challengers Alvechurch in the Midland Football League Premier Division match this Saturday.

Hereford sit firmly at the top of the division with 61 points from their 24 games – 12 points ahead of the Worcestershire side.

But Alvechurch have five games in hand and have the meanest defence in the league, conceding only 13 goals.

The match could potentially see a record attendance for Hereford FC, with fans snapping up tickets throughout the week.

Hereford say, at the current sales, the attendance could be close to the 4,000 mark.

The club's record gate is 4,381, which occurred on Boxing Day for the derby clash against Westfields.

"They've got so many games still to play, we've still got 18 games and anything can happen in that time," said Beadle.

"All we need to do is keep doing what we're doing.

"We're playing extremely well at the moment and have got a very fit, strong side.

"But whatever happens on Saturday will have no relevance to what happens at the end of the season.

"But, if we do get a positive result, then it makes it harder for them to catch us because, if they win all their games in hand, they will only be level with us.

"But, even after that, there's so many games to go."

Alvechurch manager Ian Long has labelled the game as "the irresistible force versus the immovable object".

"It is a massive game for us to ensure we stay in touch with Hereford and if we get anything from it, it will be really good," said Long.

"Of course, Hereford have a lot of good players and will have a massive support behind them, but when I was at Tividale last season, we went to Mickleover, who won Evo-Stik Division One South, and ground out a 1-0 win.

"So, hopefully we can get something out of the game, which will be really positive for our club."

Hereford have scored 112 goals in all competitions this season, with their latest success being a 6-0 drubbing of United Counties League Premier Division leaders Leicester Nirvana in the fourth round of the FA Vase.

"They score a lot of goals and have threats all over the pitch, I dread to think what their average is at home," added Long.

Tividale, managed by Long and whom featured a number of the current Alvechurch players, won the Midland League two years ago.

"This season, a lot of our lads have dropped down a level, so we've tried to be more of an attacking force," said Long.

"We are strong defensively, but this season we have been more expansive and play good, attractive football."

Next weekend, Hereford travel to Hampshire to take on Hartley Wintney in the fifth round of the FA Vase.

It is an all-ticket match, with prices set at £8 for adults and £5 concessions.

Hartley have said they should hopefully be available for supporters to purchase at both clubs from this Saturday.

The Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division pacesetters beat Bradford Town in the fourth round last weekend and have disposed of Merthyr Town, managed by Beadle's former assistant Steve Jenkins, in the FA Cup earlier this season.

"I've already spoken to Steve, we've got to do our homework and be as thorough as we can," said Beadle."

"We had someone go to their game to watch them, who will give us a report, and after that it's up to the players."

Hereford are the 7/4 favourites to win the Vase, according to bookmaker Bet Victor, ahead of Salisbury, who are priced at 3/1.