Hereford United will face Carlisle United in what, so far, is arguably the match of the season at Edgar Street tomorrow evening. The visitors are currently three points in front of their hosts in the league standings and have a better goal difference but Hereford could move to third place with a victory over their play off rivals assuming Halifax don't win at Exeter.
When the two sides met earlier in the season, Carlisle made home advantage count emerging 3-1 victors despite going behind in the first half. Hereford had just lost Johnathan Gould, recalled to Preston North End, and so inexperienced Ben Scott was given a chance to impress in goal. Scott, who has recently been out with a shoulder injury, should be named on the bench for this one, with Craig Mawson keeping the number one shirt.
Kevin Henderson missed out on Carlisle's 2-1 victory against Farnborough Town on Saturday with a hamstring problem, and is not expected to recover in time for the long trip to Hereford. Kieran Westwood, who has bruised ribs, also missed the Farnborough game and as manager Paul Simpson is likely to name an unchanged side, he is also a doubt for this game.
Carlisle will be confident coming into the encounter, as they top the Conference form guides, having taken maximum points from their last six outings. However, their away form this season has been less than impressive, seeing them loose six of their eleven away ties. Hereford have won their last three games and lost only one of their previous six, leaving them in fifth place in the form guides.
"I've watched them (Hereford), they are a decent side, but we're not worried about who we play at the moment. We feel we can do well against anyone," commented recently re-appointed Carlisle assistant manager David Booth.
Hereford still have Leeroy Williams and Danny Carey-Bertram suspended following their respective dismissals against Farnborough and Northwich so it's likely that Lee Mills will continue partnering Adam Stansfield up front for the Bulls, assuming he is fit enough.
"We've just got to go at our game, just like any other game, thinking we can win and we'll get the points because the team's good enough," said Stansfield speaking to BBC H&W.
"They've (Carlisle) got some good strikers and wingers and they'll always be a danger but if our defence can keep as tight as they have been lately then we'll score goals."
Simon Travis is still struggling with a hernia and is likely to be retained on the subs bench as cover, but Graham Turner will not want to use him unless he really has to. Tony James, who has injured his ankle ligaments at Hucknall in the F.A. Trophy, will miss out again as he is a few weeks away from returning. Andy Tretton continues to impress in his absence though, and so there are no problems in the defence for the Bulls, who have kept three consecutive clean sheets.
The biggest attendance of the season is expected for this massive game at Edgar Street. This is being touted as the match that could make or break either of the sides season, although defeat would not be the end of the world for either side as they both have sufficient matches in hand to catch up on any lost points.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Away At Curzon Ashton On Saturday 19th October at 3.00pm