Pitman back to lift Bulls

The midfielder is back after a two-match suspension to give manager Graham Turner a selection headache following the Bulls' impressive 4-0 win over Burton Albion last weekend.

"We had a very good win last week so we will have to wait and see what team we put out but Jamie is a fine competitor and has been a driving force in midfield," said Turner.

Turner saw his side's slim play-off hopes take a dive in midweek when Dagenham & Redbridge won their game in hand at Leigh RMI to move seven points clear of Hereford.

"That result was a bit of a blow because Dagenham have opened a large gap," he said.

"It means we are relying on others to slip up but you can never give up hope and we have to concentrate on winning our game."

Defender Tony James is still struggling with an ankle injury and is rated doubtful by Turner while Paul Parry has also has a slight knock on his knee but is expected to play.

Steve Guinan, who bagged two goals from a wide right position in the Burton win, is determined to keep battling for a play off spot until it is mathematically impossible.

"It looks like we are out of the reckoning but it's still mathematically possible and if we keep winning you never know what may happen," he said.

"Perhaps the pressure of the situation has been a little too much for us to handle over the past month or so. On the Saturday we have tried not to feel the pressure but it has been there at the back of our minds."

Halifax, who were relegated from the Third Division last season, lie two places behind Hereford in eighth place and with the two sides having drawn 1-1 at Edgar Street in October, Turner has no doubts it will be another tight game.

"They are a strong, physical side but we have to win to keep our hopes alive," he added.

Hereford's last visit to The Shay resulted in a 3-0 win for the Yorkshire club with current Birmingham City ace Geoff Horsfield grabbing a hat-trick.

FORMCAST: Bulls to win 1-0.