Bulls News

Hereford Have Host Of Injuries

Hereford United have got a host of injury doubts for tonight's clash against Telford United at Edgar Street in the Nationwide Conference, kick off 7.45pm.

After two last minute defeats, the Bulls have got to focus on proceedings but could be without several first team regulars for the match.

After the 2-1 defeat at Yeovil, in which a Paul Parry 'goal' was disallowed, coach Phil Robinson told the Evening News: "We were unfortunate against Yeovil because it was a clear goal and it would have been 1-1 at half time and given us a big lift.

"Also when they scored their final goal Scott (Goodwin) was down on the floor with a bad head injury and the game should have been stopped. Things certainly didn't go for us and though they had pressure in the first half we created the better chances and probably should have gone in at half time in front.

"Despite the defeat we are still playing well and the standard of performance was good we just need a slice of luck here and there. Obviously there are things we can improve on but on the whole the spirit and performance level have been good.

"Telford had a good result and it was not that long ago that they were up in fourth and the nature of this league means a few good wins can shoot you up the table as they have done."

Robinson (calf) is unlikely to start tonight, and there will be late fitness tests for defender Matt Clarke (hamstring) and midfielder John Snape (knee). Scott Goodwin is almost certainly out with a head injury.

"They are some key players and we've got no players to replace them," said Robinson. "It could be a situation that unless people are fit we will have just a goalkeeper and one player on the bench and that includes local lad Jon Hill. It is difficult at the moment squad wise but the players we have got are giving their all."

Telford manager Jake King is certain to be without two key players. Midfielder Gary Fitzpatrick has sustained a foot injury and will not feature, whilst defender Lee Fowler is suffering from a flu bug. Striker Steve Palmer will also undergo a late fitness test.

The manager's son Jordan King is in line for his full debut in tonight's game. "You try and keep the younger players back for games which you believe will be that little bit easier, but sometimes injuries force your hand," said Jake King in the Shropshire Star.

"It isn't as if we have 23 players to pick from like we had last year, we have 15 or 16 and, although a lot of my squad have been forced to play through knocks, there comes a time when they can't do that any more. Last season we could rest a few players if they were injured, but we don't have that luxury now.

"Jordan has worked hard to earn his chance and who knows, if he wasn't my son, he might have had it a little earlier. We have lost just four of our last 21 Conference games and I believe our achievements this season are far in advance of last year when we had more players."