Jamie Willets says the rest has done him good after being dropped by Hereford FC manager Pete Beadle

Willetts played every game for the Bulls after joining from Stourport Swifts in September, but was substituted at half-time during the match against AFC Wulfrunians on January 2. He has since struggled to regain his place, but played for Hereford in a 3-1 win against Alvechurch in the third round of the Polymac Packaging Midland Football League Cup on Tuesday night.

"I am a bit disappointed that I have found myself on the bench, but I think the manager made the right decision," admitted Willets.

"The last game I played [at AFC Wulfrunians] wasn't up to my standards and there are players that can take my place.

"[Nathan] Summers has come in and done absolutely brilliantly and Ryan Green is brilliant every single game, so I've got no qualms about that.

"But I'm delighted to be back in and delighted with the victory.

"I'm a team player and I would rather that I played poorly and we won, rather than than I play superbly and we lose."

Beadle felt Willets looked tired during the Wulfrunians game – and the defender agrees.

"I have played a lot of games this season and I think it just took it's toll a little bit, mentally as well as physically," said Willets.

"But I think the rest has done me good and I'm coming back now sharp and will try and get my regular place back in the team.

I know it's not going to be easy because the two who are playing at the moment are doing fantastically well.

"In previous seasons, I have played every game with no real competition and, if I had a bad game, it didn't really matter."

Willets almost scored an own goal on Tuesday night after a poor back-pass to goalkeeper Martin Horsell.

The Hereford stopper subsequently injured his shin after colliding with a post.

"I thought the goalkeeper was going to come out and collect it and he back-pedalled," explained Willets.

"It was a bit of a poor back pass from me, but luckily it didn't go in.

"Martin [Horsell] did very well to get back and I know he hurt himself in the process, which I have apologised for."

Hereford, who will face Highgate United away in the quarter-finals in the League Cup, travel to Hartley Wintney this Saturday in a rearranged FA Vase fifth round encount

The winner of that tie will be home to Camberley Town in the quarter-finals on February 20.

"This Saturday will not be a walk in the park and I'm not even thinking about the quarter-final yet," added Willets.

"We're into the round of 16 and we've got to show the respect to our opponents.

"They're top of their league and have got great momentum as we have, plus they have home advantage.

"We've got to put in a really great performance to get through."