JOHN Trewick is banking on another miserly display from Hereford United to see off Gravesend and Northfleet at Edgar Street tonight (7.45).

The Bulls chalked up their sixth clean sheet in the Nationwide Conference on Saturday following their 1-0 win over Morecambe.

Midfielder Andy Ferrell scored United's winner five minutes before half-time with his first goal for the club.

But victory against the Shrimps, which lifted them to seventh in the table, was built on more rock-solid defending.

Goalkeeper Wayne Brown is still to concede a goal, while captain Tony James has forged a resolute defensive partnership alongside Darren Blewitt and Dean Beckwith.

"It was a great result," said Bulls coach Trewick. "Morecambe are a good side and it was a really even game at times.

"They probably had more than their fair share of possession, but we defended very well as a team.

"That's six clean sheets in eight games. Everybody deserves credit for that, not just those at the back. It starts with the forwards and then the midfield players.

"Obviously, the back players and goalkeeper tend to take the most credit because it is their strength and their role. But everybody has got to be mentioned for the success."

Hereford's injury crisis has eased slightly, with forward Graham Evans nearing full fitness, although Guy Ipoua, Adam Stansfield, Stacy Coldicott and Simon Travis are still out.

Wing-back Ryan Green returns from a three-game ban and is expected to regain his place against ninth-placed Fleet.

Rob Purdie, who has deputised in Green's absence, may slot into his usual midfield position.

Trewick added: "We were without six players on Saturday for various reasons. Certainly, we are proving that there's strength in depth and the players that are in there are battling very hard.

"Of course, Ryan Green is a very good player and if he comes into the squad, it gives us leeway to have a look at Rob Purdie in a different position. Rob has been playing right wing-back for the last few games.

"It was a good three points against Morecambe and if we can beat Gravesend, it will make those three points feel even better.

"Gravesend like to play 4-4-2 and are not a bad side. They have scored a few goals this season and are capable of grabbing a goal or two. But they've also let one or two in."

n Hereford visit Mansfield in the LDV Trophy first round next month.