NEW marksman John Grant has told the Hereford United fans to remain upbeat despite two defeats over the Bank Holiday weekend.

The former Crewe Alexandra striker is still confident that the Bulls will finish in the top five of the Nationwide Conference.

Grant was unavailable for United's first three matches of the new campaign after being controversially sent off last season while on loan with Northwich Victoria.

But the 21-year-old made his debut appearance for United as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat to Morecambe on Monday and he is likely to be included in the starting line-up for Saturday's game at Nuneaton Borough.

Grant, who has just celebrated the birth of his second child, said: "I am positive that we can finish in the top five. We have lost our last two games but the fans should not get too despondent. Morecambe, for instance, were only in our box three times and scored two goals."

On a personal note, Grant hopes to score at least 20 goals for United this season.

United could be without central defender Andy Tretton for the trip to Warwickshire after he picked up a thigh strain in the 3-0 defeat at Gravesend & Northfleet on Saturday.

United boss Graham Turner is expecting another tough match, particularly with the in-form Mark Quayle leading the Nuneaton attack.

Last season the Bulls lost 2-0 to Nuneaton at the Manor Ground and drew 1-1 in the return fixture.

Turner said: "Our performance at Gravesend was very poor and we have examined the reasons for that.

"We looked a little bit better against Morecambe but could not produce the final pass which would have unlocked their defence."

Meanwhile, Hereford United's shareholders' annual meeting is taking place on Monday, September 23 at 5pm in the Legends Bar.

A fund-raising football match between stars from television soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale is being staged at Edgar Street on Saturday, September 21.