LUCKLESS Hereford United have been dealt a major blow ahead of their trip to high-flying MK Dons tonight (7.45).

The struggling Bulls, having already seen on-loan former France international Bruno N’Gotty fall to injury earlier in the month ending his time at the club, have now lost Lionel Ainsworth.

The Watford loanee returned to Edgar Street last week in time for the 2-0 defeat against Northampton Town.

However, his second Hereford debut ended with a knee injury.

Ainsworth, who signed for a month, has now returned to his parent club to be assessed, but Bulls boss Graham Turner is fearing he could be out for some time.

“Losing Lionel is a bitter blow,” Turner admitted. “He will miss tonight and I think that he could miss quite a few games.

“He jarred his knee in a tackle and hopefully we will have some more news in the next 24 hours.”

But while one Hornet is ruled out, Turner is set to welcome back another Vicarage Road loanee.

Striker Moses Ashikodi is likely to be on the bench for the trip to the stadiummk having missed the last seven weeks with a hamstring injury.

Life for Hereford in League One has been a huge disappointment, having spent most of the time in the bottom four.

Turner’s men were promoted from League Two with the Dons, but their fortunes could not be more different.

Sitting second in the table, Roberto Di Matteo has continued from where Paul Ince, now manager at Blackburn Rovers, left off.

The Italian, who holds the record for the fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final, has just brought in his former Chelsea team-mate Tore Andre Flo.

The Norwegian striker has yet to make his debut for the club after being out of the game since March when he left Leeds United.

But despite their differing campaigns, Turner is hoping that can work in Hereford’s favour.

“We know that MK Dons are a good side,” the Bulls boss said. “The report we got back from their win at Walsall on Saturday said as much.

“That could take the pressure off my side, but we have to be up for the challenge.”