GRAHAM Turner is sweating on the fitness of star performer Tony James ahead of Hereford United's Nationwide Conference clash with Nuneaton Borough at Edgar Street tomorrow (3pm).

The Bulls ace picked up a kick on the calf during the midweek draw at Farnborough and will have a late fitness test before the game.

Hereford are already without the suspended Danny Williams who begins a three-match ban following his red card against Morecambe two weeks ago.

Rob Purdie is also doubtful with a knee injury which has ruled him out of the last two games.

James' loss would be a big blow at the back though Turner has Andy Tretton at his disposal again with the ex-Shrewsbury Town man back from a one-match suspension to bolster the squad.

Rob Sawyers could be drafted into midfield in place of Williams if Purdie fails to recover.

Sixth-placed Hereford go into the match as strong favourites, having already beaten Nuneaton 3-0 in August with goals from Jamie Pitman, Paul Parry and Steve Guinan.

For Turner it is another tricky fixture but he was buoyed by his side's second half display in the 2-2 draw at Farnborough on Tuesday, a point rescued with two stunning strikes from Pitman and Williams.

"It was a good recovery because in the first half we didn't compete as well, even though we had a number of breaks," said Turner.

"I saw Nuneaton play a couple of weeks ago and they've still got some useful players.

"They will be worried about their position so we know it is going to be a tough game especially as they have had battling draws against Morecambe and down at Yeovil Town in their last two games."

The Warwickshire club, languishing just above the relegation zone, recently received a cash boost with Malcolm Christie's transfer to Middlesbrough from Derby.

The England U21 striker's last minute switch to the Riverside Stadium netted Boro almost £500,000, due to them from a sell-on clause in their deal to sell him to the Rams in 1998.

"Hopefully this is the turning point for the club. It's provided a massive lift for everyone and given us a new start," said Nuneaton manager Steve Burr.

"It's the first bit of good and positive news we've had in two seasons and now we need to start picking up a few points to ease away from the lower end of the table."

Hereford face the long trip to Margate on Tuesday (7.45) for another crunch game.

FORMCAST: Bulls to win 2-0.