ROD McDonald praised the impact player-coach Luke Graham has had on the Hereford United defence.

Although the Bulls are just three points above the Skrill Premier relegation zone, they have only conceded three goals in their last five games.

By contrast, they have only scored twice in the same period and have failed to hit the target in their last three matches. McDonald feels the back-line’s relative solidity has been due in no small part to skipper Graham, with the centre-half taking on a coaching role this term.

Former Northwich defender McDonald, whose side host Dartford today (3pm), said: “At the back, we have been solid for the last month — we are on the same page and look after each other.

“Luke has helped me a lot since the start of the season and, even when I arrived at the club in January, he was a big help. He’s been coaching me every day and has been a good mentor for me.”

Meanwhile, Hereford boss Martin Foyle has signed Kevin Krans from Bristol City and Ross Dyer from Mansfield Town on one-month loan deals.

Young Frenchman Krans scored the only goal of a behind-closed-doors friendly game between Bristol City and the Bulls in September.

Ross Dyer is a 25-year-old striker who joins from Mansfield for who he has made almost 50 appearances since arriving from Forest Green Rovers in 2011.