GRAHAM Turner is adamant his Hereford United players won't get stuck in the mud when they lock horns at lowly Eastwood Town in the FA Trophy fifth round tomorrow.

The Bulls chief believes the biggest hurdle to United's chances of progressing to the competition's last eight could prove to be the poor playing surface at the Badgers' Coronation Park.

A scouting mission at the home of the UniBond Division One outfit reported an unsavoury view of the state of the pitch which could mean Hereford ditching their usual passing game for a more direct approach.

Turner believes the conditions could work in favour of Eastwood, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, but he is confident his players will adjust without too much fuss.

"We've had reports on Eastwood and the main thing we've picked up is that they have not been too complimentary about the pitch," Turner said. "That is going to be the first thing to overcome.

"We've got to adjust to the surface. If it's as bad as people have said, it will be difficult to get the ball down and play our usual game.

"They deserve to be in this round of the competition after the results they've had and we know how big the game is for them. I think they will be up for it and give us a hard fight. It's a dangerous one for us but we've done our homework on them.

"I don't think we'll be complacent. The biggest obstacle to overcome is making sure we match their work-rate because they will be out to play above themselves in front of their home supporters.

"They have got a good individual goalscorer in Peter Knox. He missed their last game with injury but he could play and will be fresh.

"I think it would be an ideal situation if we could score early and dampen the atmosphere a bit. That would make it for an easy afternoon. We've got to stand up to the challenge, whether it's the atmosphere, the conditions or the opposition."

Turner is set to stick with the same side that defeated Canvey Island in the Nationwide Conference last Saturday, although Graham Hyde could step in to replace Jamie Pitman who has a slight calf injury.

Lee Mills, a starter on Tuesday night when United bowed out of the GLS Cup to Northwich Victoria, and Adam Stansfield (both ankle) are doubtful.

Eastwood manager Bryan Chambers reckons his side can work at United's weaknesses as they look to pull off the round's giant-killing act.

Chambers said: "There's no doubt, this is a tough tie for us, but it's going to be exciting. Hereford are a good, strong side with a lot of good individual players and we shouldn't really have a chance against them.

"I've been to watch them play and know a little bit about them now. Certainly, there are a couple of things we'll be looking to exploit on the day."

Eastwood progressed through to the fifth round after beating Conference South Hayes 1-0 in the previous round.