JAMIE Pitman is backing new signing Mark Beesley to be a hit with Hereford United.

The ex-Chester City forward has been tasked with boosting the Bulls striking options as Graham Turner's side bid to maintain their promotion push.

Injury to Steve Guinan and David Brown's suspension for the New Year's Day trip to Exeter City could see Beesley drafted into the line-up.

"With suspensions coming up Mark Beesley's arrival is going to help a lot," said Pitman. "When he was at Chester he scored 20 odd goals and has obviously got a knack of finding the net.

"I would imagine he would fit in quite well with the way we play and he's come in from a good level.

"He trained for the first time on Monday and he looked fairly sharp. He just needs to get back the pace of the game which will take a little bit of time."

Beesley, aged 22, began his career at Deepdale with Preston North End as a trainee in 1998 before moving to Chester in 2000.

Injuries blighted last season but during his time at the Deva Stadium he scored 40 goals and was the leading scorer in the 2001-02 season with 18 goals.

Recently on loan at Southport he has been a long-term target for Turner and he beat off competition from Northwich Victoria and Leigh RMI to secure his services.

Beesley has made only four appearances for Chester this season, but in the three previous campaigns netted 34 goals in 79 starts.

Turner said: "He was a player I tried to get last season but because we were both in contention for a play-off place, Chester wouldn't allow him to come to us but he's a good acquisition."

Pitman will miss the home clash with Stevenage next Saturday after picking up a fifth booking.