GRAHAM Turner reckons Hereford United's "outstanding" defensive record should guarantee the club at least a Conference play-off berth.

The Bulls director of football has not conceded the chase of league leaders Accrington Stanley, who boast an 11-point gap over second-placed United.

Stanley must still make the journey south to Edgar Street on March 11 for a hotly-anticipated clash and a home victory would spice up the title race heading to the final straight.

But, for the moment, Accrington's form does not seem to be waning, so United are expected to face a third consecutive play-off battle.

Just three points currently separate Hereford from seventh-placed Exeter as a host of sides fight for four play-off berths, but Turner reckons his stingy side is more equipped to clinch a spot.

"The Conference seems to be getting stronger," said Turner. "I would not like to pick which of the sides will wobble and drop out of the play-off places. But I know that our exploits from the past two seasons have given us the confidence and experience to know how to sustain the pace.

"One of the principles is being sound at the back and our defensive record this season has been outstanding.

"To concede just 20 goals in 27 games is, by any standards, a great achievement and the whole of the side should take credit for that."

Hereford can further enhance their play-off credentials tomorrow by extending their nine-game unbeaten league run at struggling Canvey Island.

The Islanders are in poor form, losing four of their last five games and conceding two goals in each.

Canvey boss Jeff King accused members of his side of 'lacking in desire' after their troubles piled up with a 2-0 defeat at previously rock-bottom Southport last Saturday.

King reserved his heaviest criticism for the midfield department, which he said had been 'outfought and outplayed'.

With that in mind, and the fact United were last defeated away from Edgar Street in the Conference four months ago, Turner's men should head to Park Lane full of confidence.

Injured Tony James and Jamie Pitman are unavailable for selection, while slight doubts hang over Nicky Nicolau (toe) and Danny Carey-Bertram (hamstring).

The latter two were sidelined on Tuesday night as United crushed Kington Town 7-0 in the HFA Senior Floodlit Cup semi-final.

Stuart Fleetwood cracked a hat-trick and sub Adam Stansfield slammed a brace, offering encouraging signs that the strike duo could forge a lethal partnership.