Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Home Against Farsley Celtic On Saturday March 23rd Kick-Off 3.00pm

Monday, December 31, 2001

Bulls unchanged for derby

Following two successive wins, Hereford United aim to make it three in a row tomorrow when they host high-flying Telford United in the Nationwide Conference.

The Bulls beat the Bucks 1-0 at the New Bucks Head Ground on Boxing Day thanks to Scott Goodwin's late strike, and then a 3-0 victory on Saturday boosted confidence against as Hereford swept aside struggling Stalybridge Celtic.

Hereford's unbeaten run now stretches back for three games, having conceded just one goal and scored five. Telford, however, will be eager to gain revenge for their festive flop to Hereford and were without a game on Saturday so Jake King's men have been preparing for almost a week.

Phil Robinson's Hereford team should be similar to that that started against Celtic on Saturday with one or two possible changes. Rob Elmes may be dropped in attack and replaced by Scott Voice, whilst Phil Robinson may move over in midfield for Jimmy Quiggin. Midfielder Alex Kevan and striker Danny Davidson are still absent through injuries, but Steve Piearce could return to the bench after not featuring in the squad for three weeks. Goalkeeper Scott Cooksey is still recovering from a hand injury and is likely to miss most of the season left to play.

Telford United could swap things around in attack to cause more problems for the Hereford defence. On Boxing Day, Jake King started with Gary Martindale and Gary Fitzpatrick, but with new signing Mark Quayle warming the bench, perhaps a change is likely. Quayle joined from Morecambe after a loan spell this month and was signed with money donated by supporters. He has already netted seven league goals this season and with Telford pushing up the Conference, Quayle could be recalled.

Manager King said: "Everyone is looking forward to the game as we want to get back on track after the upset last week. We want to remain in the top six and to do that we have got to win games. Losing was a bit of a shock to the lads as it has not happened since mid-October. The thing to do is to it pick up from there and start all over again.

"I'm not saying we're going to go on a run of one defeat in 15 like we've just had as that's difficult for any team to do once let alone twice. But if we can go five, six or seven games unbeaten at a time then we'll remain in the top six."

Hereford United have said that no pitch inspection is planned for tomorrow. The Bulls, according to Surrey Sports, are 11/8 to win with Telford at 13/8. The odds for a draw are 11/5.