Bulls News

SOUTHPORT host Hereford United tomorrow in the Nationwide Conference, kick off 3pm, and Sandgrounders boss Phil Wilson has told the Nationwide website that it will be a difficult tie.

"They are a big strong side that battle and make life difficult," he admitted. "Away from home earlier in the season, when we drew 0-0, we found it hard to cope and we expect the same thing on Saturday. But we will try and play football and play our normal game."

Wilson doesn't see the difference between the sides - sixth and thirteenth - as a major factor. "There is very little in terms of points between fourth and 14th position (six points) so we are not taking anything for granted," he added. "It's always difficult so we'll continue to do our best and see how it goes."

Southport welcome back experienced striker Steve Whitehall and utility player Neil Grayston from suspension after both players missed the defeat at Stevenage Borough because of one-match bans and will be joined in the squad by new signing Andy Scott from Stalybridge Celtic. Southport have not lost in the seaside town since October, but have an atrocious away record.

Hereford coach Phil Robinson told the Evening News: "Southport are another one of the form teams and their home form is excellent. But having said that we managed to go to Telford United when they were the form team and get a good result. If we perform the way we can I would like to think we can maintain our unbeaten run.

"Our away form has let us down this season and that is something I would like to put right. Last year it was excellent while our home form was average but this time it is the other way round and it is hard to put your finger on why that is."

Hereford striker Danny Davidson has an ankle injury and is a doubt to make the team and Gavin Williams is suspended. Goalkeeper Matt Baker is back in training after recovering from an illness, but midfielder and club physio Ian Rodgerson has now been struck down by a bug. Paul Parry (calf) is expected to be part of the Bulls squad but Scott Voice, who went to see a consultant on Friday concerning his groin injury, will not play. Rob Elmes and Jimmy Quiggin are standing by to fill the attacking roles.

Surrey Sports quote Southport as 4/5 favourites to win, with Hereford at 3/1. A draw is priced at 11/5.