TONY James reckons Hereford United can kick-start their below-par start to the Nationwide Conference campaign with victory at rivals Kidderminster Harriers.

Before a ball was kicked this term, the Bulls were firm favourites to clinch the league title after two successive years as runners-up.

But a third into the season, United are in ninth place, eight points adrift of leaders Grays Athletic and struggling for goals.

They are also yet to record back-to-back league victories and captain James wants to change that tomorrow following the 2-0 win over Burton two weeks ago.

"We really need to get a few wins together," said James. "If we can beat Kidderminster, it will be the first time we've won two league games on the run.

"It's been a frustrating start to the season. We are playing well in patches, but the whole package is not clicking together.

"Scoring goals has been a problem. We are struggling to score more than one goal in a game. We are keeping clean sheets -- and that's great for the back lads -- but we need to convert many more of the chances that come our way."

James and midfielder Jamie Pitman are the only remaining United players to have tasted the intensity of a clash with Harriers.

He added: "It's good to have Kidderminster in the league, in that we've now got a proper derby. We've only really had Forest Green before, but they don't get many through the gate. All players enjoy a good atmosphere.

"The game at Alfreton was like playing in front of one man and his dog. You could hear the players talking. But this will be much different and I'm sure our supporters are looking forward to it."

Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss believes their better displays against the footballing sides of the division can hold them in good stead tomorrow.

Beating Hereford would be on a par with defeating another promotion chaser in Morecambe 1-0 at Aggborough earlier this month.

They will also hope to take advantage of potentially heavy legs in the Hereford camp after extra-time and a penalty shoot-out in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round win at Alfreton on Tuesday.

Watkiss admitted: "It's a big game at this level and a derby against one of the better teams.

"Hereford have good players and play the game the right way. They have the ability to pass it around and hurt us. It's got all the ingredients of a good game.

"Just lately, we've done much better against the better footballing teams so we are looking forward to it and I do believe we can beat them.

"We haven't overcome the more physical, competitive teams and the biggest thing we've struggled with against those sides is the tempo of the game.

"But in the last two home games against Morecambe and Darlington we've beaten good teams that wanted to get the ball down and pass it. We could have won both by more goals."

But twelfth-placed Harriers have suffered five defeats from the last seven Conference games and failed to make the FA Cup first round, slipping 1-0 at Southport.