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Both sides need to bounce back
Hereford United travel to Brunton Park, Carlisle tomorrow for the first game between the two clubs since March 1997 when the Bulls won 3-2. Since then Hereford have been in the Conference and Carlisle joined them at the end of last season.
So far this season Carlisle have had the better start. Although drawing many of their matches, they have lost just once in their last six home games, winning four and drawing the other one. The goals for column just outweighs the goals against over this period, 8 to 6.
On the other hand Hereford were going well away from home until two recents defeats at Dagenham and Accrington.The Bulls have picked up four victories from the last six with a decent return of 15 goals for the Bulls, and 6 goals against.
Hereford United will give Ben Scott his first Conference start in goal as Jonathan Gould has returned to Preston. Scott who moved to Hereford from Sheffield United at the beginning of last season, played in several pre-season matches and Graham Turner, the Hereford United manager seems confident that he can fit into the squad.
"Certainly in training he looks a very confident keeper, makes outstanding saves. We've had a chat about it and decided to give Ben a chance.
"Our goalkeeping coach, John Trewick, and myself all feel that Ben has the atributes to handle the situation like Carlisle," Turner told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Otherwise Turner has no fresh injury worries, although there is some doubt as to whether he will start Jamie Pitman who hasn't had a game since injuring his back in the game against Aldershot. He may also feel he needs to go with as strong a defence as possible so as to try and keep the pressure off Ben Scott.
Rumours that Tony James, the Hereford United captain, may be dropped are not confirmed. James, like many other players during their careers, has had a few games recently where he has not looked at his best, but as Graham Turner often says no-one becomes a bad player overnight.
As for Carlisle they are expected to have Andy Preece back to partner Karl Hawley upfront. Full back Brian Shelly is also poised to return. Both Preece and Shelly played in a reserve game against Chester on Tuesday and proved their fitness.
Preece will be a player to watch as he scored four goals in early season before missing nine games with an ankle problem. Manager Paul Simpson is not expected to play as he has a long-term knee problem.
This will be a crucial game for both sides. Carlisle will wish to get back to winning ways after defeat by Barnet, and Hereford will want to prove that they are still in contention for a top place in the league after a poor run of results this month.