ROB Purdie and Dean Beckwith could spring surprise returns tomorrow as Hereford United aim to put Burton Albion's bogey-team tag to rest.

Both players missed Tuesday night's 2-1 win at Southport with knee and shin injuries respectively.

But having spent all week on the treatment table, there are hopes the pair could make the trip.

Coach John Trewick -- selected among the substitutes at Haig Avenue given United's injury crisis -- admits Purdie is the likelier of the two to recover in time.

"Rob and Dean have been receiving treatment all week," said Trewick. "But we're hopeful that they will both be fit. Rob probably has a better chance."

Strikers Adam Stansfield and Guy Ipoua are back in training, but neither are serious contenders.

Cameroon-born Ipoua is short of match sharpness, while Stansfield needs more time to allow his fractured cheekbone to heal. Simon Travis and Daryl Taylor are also sidelined, but midfielder Stacy Coldicott is available for selection after returning from a loan spell at Cambridge United.

Trewick said: "Stacy has got to force himself into the reckoning. He had a bad time during the first half of the season with back problems.

"He's been to Cambridge and got four or five games under his belt. That has done him no harm."

The Bulls travel to Burton's Pirelli Stadium for the first time, having failed to win any of three Conference visits at their old Eton Park venue.

But, after 15 games unbeaten in the league, second-placed United are in magnificent form and should feel confident of ending their away-day hoodoo against Nigel Clough's men.

At the same time, United will hope Accrington Stanley -- leaders by 13 points -- come unstuck at home to play-off chasing Stevenage Borough.

Trewick said: "Our results at Burton haven't been the best, but they're at a new ground now and we won't be thinking about the past.

"However, they are a better side from when we beat them earlier in the season. They have got a few good individuals and brought in quality like Gary Rowett.

"Their pitch is also not in the best condition, but we've got to make sure we are in the right frame of mind."

Trewick added: "We are on a terrific run. We've not lost in the league away from home since October 7. That's over five months.

"When you go on a run like that, it breeds confidence. The players go into every game thinking they will get a positive result."