HEYBRIDGE Swifts boss Steve Tilson has some very fond memories in the FA Trophy and today the former Southend United midfielder is hoping to create some more.

The Pitching In Isthmian North side are going up against a resurgent Hereford FC, now in Step 2, who reached the Trophy final in 2021.

But Tilson can boast he went one better, when he went to Villa Park in 2001 with Canvey Island and stunned higher-league Forest Green Rovers 1-0 in the final.

And after beating league leaders AFC Sudbury on Tuesday, Tilson is confident the Swifts can cause an upset of a similar magnitude.

“At the moment we are confident,” insisted Tilson. “We’re playing well and we’re getting some decent results.

“But I would imagine they’ll be the best side we’ve come up against. And the biggest club I’ve faced since I’ve been at the club, without a doubt.

“But I’m really looking forward to it. I’m obviously optimistic because we’re on a good run at the moment. It’s a really good test for us.

“To be honest, we’ve got nothing to lose. No one expects us to win so we’ll give it our best shot and see if it’s good enough on the day.”

The midweek 3-2 win was the first league defeat Sudbury had suffered all season and a steely defence with a lethal sucker punch is exactly what Tilson is hoping his side can replicate against Hereford.

“I’m sure Sudbury are going to be there or there abouts at the end of the season, no doubt about it.

“For me I think they’re the best side we’ve played. We had to sit in at times but it looked like every time we played on the counter we might score”

Tilson achieved consecutive promotions with Southend, before moving to Canvey Island and repeating the feat.

But the FA Trophy sticks out in his mind as a particularly fond memory.

“What a fantastic day and a fantastic tournament for us,” said Tilson. “To be fair I had a great time at Canvey Island.

“We were Ryman Premier at the time so it just showed what sort of side we were.

“It’s the FA Cup for non-league sides so you can’t get any bigger than that. It was definitely up there in my playing career in terms of my best achievements.”

Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: https://entaingroup.com/sustainability/pitching-in/