HEREFORD FC have had a close link with Harptury College this season - and the quintet of Mustapha Bundu, Sirdic Grant, Jimmy Oates, Nathan Summers and Mike Symons will each have a key role to play tomorrow when the Bulls face Morpeth Town in the FA Vase Final at Wembley.

Hereford’s path to the arch has seen the Hartpury student and staff combination of Bundu and Symons fire 10 goals between them to send the team through to Sunday’s final, while Oates, Summers and Grant have all been regular fixtures in the squad.

Symons, who started the season playing at National League North side Gloucester City, said: “I’ve been at Hartpury for 10 years now, as a student and lecturer, and I can honestly say I’ve never experienced anything quite like playing for Hereford.

"The buzz and experience that you get from all of these fans is amazing and it really does get you going and wanting to perform for the team.”

Right-back Oates, 25, from Australia, said: “It will be a dream come true when we walk out on the pitch for the final and getting to play at Wembley will be an unreal moment.

“I had no idea about Hereford before I joined but I remember playing for the team on the first game of the season and the atmosphere was absolutely ridiculous. I was buzzing because the stadium was packed and it’s been like that all season.

“From playing semi-professionally with Manly back in Australia and getting maybe 100 people come and watch to the amount we get at Edgar Street is a massive difference and it’s been fantastic.”

Hereford’s Edgar Street has seen an average attendance of almost 3,000 spectators throughout the season, which is a larger average than half a dozen League Two teams, and each member of the Hartpury contingent admitted that it took some time acclimatising.

Centre half Summers, who joined Hartpury after being released by Plymouth Argyle, said: “This has been my first full season in men’s football and playing in front of a large crowd has definitely taken time to adapt to. The fans have been unbelievable all year and it’s surreal that people come to us asking for signatures!”

For Bundu and Grant, their journey to Hartpury began from Sierra Leone and Ghana respectively while Hereford is the first senior club that either have played for since joining in November.

“I didn’t know much at all about Hereford before joining but playing at Hartpury has definitely helped prepare me for playing for the club,” said Bundu, who has scored 25 goals in all competitions for the Bulls this campaign.

“I’m a Manchester United supporter and I grew up watching them on TV playing at Wembley so to be able to play a game there as well is really special for me.

"All the Hereford fans have been great and they also post a lot of highlights from our games on social media so my parents and friends can see all of the action back home.”

Grant, who came to Hartpury via the Right to Dream Academy, said: “Hartpury has really helped build my character and that’s improved my performances on the pitch.

"Getting to play for Hereford has been really enjoyable and we’ve dealt with the pressures well as a squad so hopefully we can end the season with another win.”

Marc Richards, Hartpury’s senior football manager, said: “It’s been great that the players have played such a pivotal role in helping Hereford in their first season back and it’s brilliant that they’ve had such a strong campaign.

“Sunday will be an incredible occasion for everyone involved and I’m positive that the lads will put in one more big performance for the club on the biggest of stages. On behalf of all of us at Hartpury, we wish Peter [Beadle] and the whole team the best of luck.”

Meanwhile Hereford manager Pete Beadle said: “Our relationship with Hartpury has been very professional and extremely beneficial for both parties and the five lads that have played for us have conducted themselves in a highly professional manner and have played a huge part in the club’s success this season.

"We hope that this partnership continues for many seasons to come.”