WESTFIELDS boss Sean Edwards believes last year’s heartbreak could spur on his players to FA Carlsberg Vase success.

The Hereford club have a re-arranged third-round clash against north-east outfit Billingham Synthonia at allpay.park on Saturday.

Westfields could seal an outright place in the last 32 of the national competition for the first time since 1986/87.

And Edwards is urging his players to remember last season’s agonising 2-1 home defeat to Rainworth Miners Welfare.

“We lost 2-1 to Rainworth last year in a big game in the second round and it was a huge disappointment for everyone.

“The players didn’t perform that day - they choked and we conceded a late goal. My biggest fear would be that they don’t perform again on the big stage.

“But it’s also a chance for the players to look back at that match and remember what that defeat felt like and make sure that it doesn’t happen again.”

Billingham Synthonia, who can boast Brian Clough and former TV presenter Frank Bough among their former players, reached the semi-finals of the Vase in 2007.

Westfields will be without suspended left-back Joel Edwards, who was sent off in the 1-1 Midland Alliance draw last month against Coalville Town.

The former Hereford United youngster was outstanding in Westfields’ 3-0 secondround victory over Coventry Copsewood.

“He had a poor sending off because it looked like it should have been a yellow card - not a sending off,” said Sean Edwards.

“It’s a massive blow because Joel’s the best leftback I have ever seen in Herefordshire football.

“He’s strong, he’s dedicated and he’s the whole package. I am amazed that Hereford United could let him go.

“Hereford United’s loss is Westfields’ gain.

Joel is only 19 and he’s desperate to get back to that level.

“He’s a quiet lad and when he was at Hereford United he felt a bit out of it because no-one spoke to him. It never felt like he was wanted by the club.”

Westfields are Herefordshire’s sole survivors in the FA Vase and Sean Edwards expects Billingham to pose a massive test to his troops.

“Billingham play at the same level as us but they play in one of the strongest leagues in the country.

“Clubs in the Northern League regularly get to the semi-finals or final of the Vase. The players could easily play at a higher level but they remain at their club.

“It’s going to be a very big challenge.

We are only three or four games away from Wembley and the only advantage is that we’ll be playing at home.

“We will be doing our homework on Billingham and making sure we watch them in action.”

Billingham are in the lower reaches of the STL Northern League Division 1 but have hit form in their last six games.

The team are packed with goals and Colin Iley, James Magowan and Nathan Jameson have all reached double figures for the season.

“We are looking in good form after winning five of our last six matches,”

said the Synners’ manager Michael Watson.

“We have had a return of key players and made a couple of signings who have really helped the team to gel and given other players the confidence to play.

“There are still three or four players who were in the squad when the club reached the semi-finals in 2007,” he said.

Watston is assisted by former Middlesbrough and Darlin-gton player Lee Tucker.

Watson added: “I was manager at rivals Billingham Town when Synthonia reached the semi-finals of the Vase - but it’s a great competition and we’d love to do it again.

“We will be coming down the night before and we will be focusing on what we do. If we can play to our full potential on the day, it will be a good match.”

● The draw has already been made for the fourth round of the FA Vase.

Westfields or Billingham Synthonia will host Formby or Tadcaster Albion in the fourth round on Saturday, January 22.