GRAHAM Turner has ordered his under-fire Hereford United players to show their strength of character against York City tomorrow.

The Bulls squad were hauled in for Sunday training and given stern words from director of football Turner following last Saturday's pitiful 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Stockport County.

Turner was incensed with United's tame exit to League Two strugglers County, emphasising the performance 'betrayed' the club's proud giant-killing tradition in the competition.

Many predicted a tight outcome between the two sides and, with home advantage, the Bulls had an excellent chance of progressing to the third round for the first time since 2000.

But a dearth of fight and spirit, qualities that United have prided themselves on in past giant-killing feats, cost them dearly.

"The responsibilities lie with me and coach John Trewick," revealed Turner. "But, in particular, with the players to respond to the defeat and respond to the criticism.

"The tradition of giant-killing acts by this club is outstanding and I felt we let everybody down with a performance that was so inept that I could not believe what I was watching.

"It is a good game to look forward to against York, who are one of the better Conference sides up there in the reckoning for a play-off place.

"It will be a fair test of our footballing ability but, more importantly, of our character."

Confident Turner expects his players to respond in positive fashion and tomorrow's clash is all important if United are to get their Conference promotion hopes back on track.

The Bulls have lost back-to-back games at Edgar Street by a 2-0 scoreline and cannot afford a third, especially to rival opponents in the top half of the table.

Last season saw United enjoy an excellent record against the Minstermen, who finished in 17th position, triumphing 3-0 at Bootham Crescent before recording a 2-0 victory on home territory.

York are enjoying a much better campaign this time around -- currently level on points with United outside the play-off zone -- although they are without a win in five league and cup games.

Turner is expected to ring the changes in the wake of the Stockport defeat, though slight injuries to players may force his hand.

Ryan Green and Craig Stanley picked up knocks, so full-back Simon Travis, surprisingly omitted from the squad against Stockport, is likely to come back into contention.

Adam Stansfield and Jon Brady, who both came on as second-half substitutes, are likely to be given the nod.

His options were further strengthened with the return to training of goalkeeper Wayne Brown, who has been out with a hairline fracture to his wrist.

York have injury problems of their own with Mark Hotte (shoulder), Nathan Peat (broken leg) and Emanuel Panther (ankle) all out, while full-back Graeme Law suffered an ankle injury in training this week.