MARK Beesley is poised to make his first start for Hereford United in their New Year's Day clash at Exeter City (1pm).

The ex-Chester City striker, who made his bow for the Bulls in the Boxing Day 1-1 draw with the Grecians, will come in to replace the suspended David Brown.

Leading scorer Steve Guinan, who has been sidelined in recent matches with a shin/knee problem, has been making progress and may also come into contention.

Full back Ryan Green will miss out serving a one-match ban following his dismissal in the 1-0 defeat to Tamworth.

But all eyes will be on Beesley if he starts and the pressure will be on with Hereford manager Graham Turner warning his side they cannot afford to let leaders Chester open up a nine-point gap at the top of the Conference.

The Blues stretched their advantage to six points after hammering Leigh RMI 5-0 on Boxing Day and with the return trip to Hilton Park tomorrow will be confident of chalking up a league double.

"We have to stay in touch with Chester and that means winning at Exeter," said Turner.

"With our trip to St James' Park and Stevenage it's fair to say we've probably got the harder task than Chester who you expect to beat Leigh RMI again.

"But we can't afford to let Chester get nine points in front."

Despite his warning Turner stopped short of conceding the Conference title to Mark Wright's team.

"There's still a long way to go and a lot of football to be played," he said.

Turner admitted he was disappointed at being forced to share the points with the Grecians at Edgar Street on Boxing Day and will be looking for a sharper edge up front.

"We should have scored in our good spells but Exeter are not a bad side and are a difficult team to play against.

"We know it is going to be a tough game and we've got a couple of suspensions.

"But Steve Guinan is making good progress and could come into contention while Mark Beesley will probably start."

Midfielder Jamie Pitman will play his last game before being suspended for Saturday's game with Stevenage Borough.

FORMCAST: Bulls to score a vital 2-0 win.