HEREFORD United have had a surprise invitation to play in this season's LDV Vans Trophy.

The competition, for Second and Third Division clubs, has been extended to include the 12 highest-placed Nationwide Conference teams.

But five of the clubs who finished above the Bulls have been ruled out as their grounds do not meet Football League requirements.

Hereford secretary Joan Fennessy said: "The news has come as a bit of a surprise and we are very pleased. The competition can be very lucrative for clubs."

Meanwhile, Worcester City have cancelled their pre-season friendly at home to Bilston Town on Monday, August 12.

But they have arranged a home friendly with Bedworth at St George's Lane (7.45) on the same night.