HEREFORD United coach John Trewick believes tonight's Edgar Street clash with Carlisle United won't make or break their play-off aspirations (7.45).

The Bulls can storm to third in the Conference, level on points with the in-form Cumbrians, if they land their fourth consecutive victory and Halifax fail to gun down Exeter City.

But Hereford will find it tough overcoming Paul Simpson's men, who have climbed to second in the table with six straight wins.

When the two sides met at Brunton Park last October, Carlisle ran out 3-1 winners, despite trailing to a Lee Andrews own-goal.

However, Trewick believes home advantage and Hereford's recent run of form should give them the edge.

Graham Turner's men are bristling with confidence after last Saturday's 1-0 win at Stevenage Borough, which followed high-scoring triumphs over Farnborough and Northwich Victoria.

Trewick said: "We are at home, really confident and we are on the back of three good results. It's certainly a big game, but not a make or break game.

"It would be wonderful to win and go level on points with Carlisle. It's a great opportunity for us to really solidify our position in the play-offs."

"Carlisle have got a lot potential.

"If you had asked anybody at the start of the season who would be near the top of the league, Carlisle would be among them."

Both sides possess two of the meanest defences in the league, so all eyes will be on Hereford sharpshooter Adam Stansfield to breach the visitors' rearguard.

Stansfield has bagged five goals in the Bulls' last three games and is the number one threat again.

Trewick added: "Adam has done very well scoring five goals, although he has not played the full amount in all of the three games. He's probably played the equivalent of two full matches.

"We don't mind who gets the goals. But it is good when you have a striker who can pop up with a goal when games are tight and there's nothing in it."

Turner has no fresh injury worries, although wing-back Simon Travis is still struggling with a hernia problem.

Forwards Danny Carey-Bertram and Leroy Williams are both suspended.