HEREFORD United manager Graham Turner is more than confident his side can throw a spanner in the works of Barnet's championship ambitions.

The Bees are the Nationwide Conference's runaway leaders, 15 points clear of second-placed Aldershot, and massive favourites to clinch top spot and return to the Football League.

Turner is sure Barnet will ride out the rest of the campaign without relinquishing their almost unassailable position.

However, the Bulls chief believes the Hertfordshire side have a few chinks in their armour, exposed last Saturday when thrashed 4-1 by Carlisle United in the fourth round of the FA Trophy.

Although several key names were left out of the side, including 19-goal striker Giuliano Grazioli, weakened Barnet were not expected to receive such a hiding.

United enter the Underhill clash on the back of two straight wins, at Aldershot and against Hyde United at home in the Trophy, and Turner is sounding out a positive result for the Edgar Street club.

Turner said: "It's a big challenge for us. Barnet have been outstanding all

season and they have got a terrific record. It will take a dramatic slip-up for them to miss out on winning the league. It looks as though they have got enough to win it. There's nobody really competing with them.

"Their defeat in the FA Trophy also means they have a clean run in the league without the problem of fixture congestion to worry about. I'm not quite sure if the result at Carlisle will affect them. It was a drubbing.

"We realise that they did not put out their strongest side, but the result may just sow the seeds of doubt. There is always a little bit of pressure on the sides at the top. Barnet are a good side but we also can be a good side.

"The victory at Aldershot did us a power of good. Our performance was very solid and we were creative."

Turner reports a clean bill of health for his squad although striker Lee Mills (ankle) is not expected to make the trip having trained little.

Adam Stansfield is back after a leg injury but may find it difficult ousting United's new forward partnership of the on-song Danny Carey-Bertram and Rob Purdie.

Turner added: "Rob and Danny have been playing well in the last couple of games. Rob is growing in confidence in that position. He has a lot of pace and mobility which troubles opponents."

Barnet boss Paul Fairclough expects to be without striker Lee Roache (foot) and defenders Damian Batt and Ismail Yakubu (both hamstring).