HEREFORD United are targeting victory over Nationwide Conference title favourites Rushden and Diamonds tomorrow to help lift them out of the doldrums.

The league leaders come to Edgar Street (3pm) to face a Bulls side low on confidence after their FA Trophy semi-final defeat and a run of eight matches without a win, six of which have been lost.

But nothing would boost spirits more than a win tomorrow, and Turner admitted: "We have usually done better against the better sides.

"It's a very attractive fixture for us. I think in all probability they will go on and win it now as they have the stronger squad. If you look through it they have some tremendous players.

"But they have some tough games still to play including Yeovil away next week, and hopefully we can make it tough for them.

"After the disappointment of last week it is good for us that the next home game is against the league leaders, and it should be a decent gate too.

"It throws down the gauntlet to the lads to show that we are a decent Conference side."

The Bulls, now down to 12th place following their 1-0 midweek reverse at Dover Athletic, lost by a similar scoreline at Rushden back in October, but they have generally had a good record against the Northamptonshire side over the years.

Turner added: "We lost very narrowly up at their place and we thought we deserved something from the game, and it was a similar story at Dover. But that is how it is going for us at the moment.

"We had a header from Rob Elmes and a shot from John Snape that both hit the underside of the bar, and on another day they would both have gone in.

"Then we were disappointed that the referee hadn't spotted Ian Wright with a head injury. They cleared the ball and scored and then the referee allowed him to have treatment."

Skipper Wright has shown no ill-effects from the injury and should figure in the starting line-up, while young midfielder John Shirley could also stake a claim for a starting place with on-loan Wolves player Seamus Crowe rated as doubtful with a knee problem.

Midfielder Ian Rodgerson completes a three-match suspension.

Central defender James Wall has finally ended his United career, having gone to the United States to play for Nashville Metros.

The Bulls have a quick chance for revenge for their Trophy defeat when they visit Forest Green on Easter Monday (12 noon).

Hereford (from): Cooksey, Clarke, Sturgess, Robinson, Wright, James, Quiggin, Parry, Snape, Elmes, Williams, Crowe, Shirley, Baker, Giddings.