6/2/04 - Home form could prove crucial in promotion bid

The Edgar Street club chief believes how they perform in their own backyard will be crucial as they bid for a return to the Football League following five seasons in non-league soccer.

Nigel Clough's Burton Albion provide the latest test of the Bulls' promotion credentials and with a 4-1 win over their rivals already this season, will be gunning for a league double.

The Brewers' victory, back in September, was Hereford's first taste of defeat but Turner's side have shown their resilience since, not least on Tuesday when they fought back from 3-1 down at Scarborough to draw 3-3.

Turner was relieved to claim a draw but believes they must win tomorrow to make it count.

"We've got to have a good home record, that's vital," he said.

"The away record matters when you look at the overall picture and the point at Scarborough was well-earned because it's never an easy places to go and has been a grave-yard for us in the last few seasons.

"But that point we got there could be invaluable but we have to make that count."

Left-back Michael Rose is available after serving a one-match suspension while Ben Smith, who had a stomach upset in midweek, should be fit to take his place in midfield.

Steve Guinan, who marked his return to the first team with a goal at Scarborough after coming on as a second half substitute.

"Steve's another half-an-hour closer to being fully fit and definitely comes into consideration for a start," added Turner.

"Ben Smith went to see a doctor yesterday but we are hoping he will be OK but Andy Tretton needs a little bit more endurance work and we are arranging a reserve team game for him next week to play in."

The Brewers have a catalogue of injuries with Clough set to be without up to 10 first teamers, including ex-Bulls skipper Ian Wright who has not played since September.

Clough may start himself while new boy Sam Shilton from Kidderminster Harriers will make his debut.

FORMCAST: Bulls to take revenge with 3-1 win.