**Cup football can be a leveller, but Stafford's recent form gives them a genuine edge here.** Both sides are hovering around .500 in their last five, but Stafford's 3-0 romp over Northampton shows they can click when it matters. 🎯

Hereford are coming off back-to-back draws and a heavy loss to Solihull; that kind of inconsistency rarely wins knockout ties. Stafford's defensive shape—especially with **A. Burns** and **B. Gomes** holding the line—should have enough to weather whatever the visitors throw at them.

Key storylines:

- **K. Sambor** and **A. Zaknoune** up front for Stafford need to make the most of a midfield that controlled stretches against Shrewsbury
- Hereford's **H. Iwunze** will be tasked with dragging his side forward from the lone-striker role, but limited creative support is a real problem
- Cup pedigree often favours sides with momentum; Stafford's win over Northampton is fresher than Hereford's squeaky 1-0

Expected lineups:

- **Stafford Rangers**: L. Phillips, A. George, A. Burns, B. Gomes, B. Woods, A. Fallon, J. Birch, J. Thomas, A. Zaknoune, D. Mason, K. Sambor
- **Hereford FC**: H. G. Jones, K. Howkins, A. Skinner, H. Jones, J. James, J. Tolley, B. Phillips, F. Holmes, C. Cox, D. Waldron, H. Iwunze

Prediction:

**Stafford Rangers 2–0 Hereford FC**

Slight lean to Stafford on home turf and better attacking rhythm. 💪