HEREFORD United coach Richard O'Kelly believes John Grant could act as a talisman as they look to end their dismal run this Saturday and return to winning ways at Edgar Street.

O'Kelly thinks that the return to fitness of the former Crewe Alexandra striker is like a new signing for United, who will be aiming to secure their first win in seven Nationwide Confer-ence matches when they meet in-form Barnet.

He will also be hoping that Grant's strike partnership with Steve Guinan will inspire the Bulls to their first Conference home victory in eight weeks, and their first league goal in four games.

O'Kelly said: "The return of Grant is like a new signing for us. He was playing well before his injury in September and before Saturday's match at Dagenham we had only lost once when he was involved."

The former Grimsby and Port Vale forward was also impressed with the contribution of Ben Smith, who added 'brightness, imagination and composure on the ball' in the second-half of Saturday's 1-0 defeat in Essex.

O'Kelly said: "I don't think anyone who has watched our games can fault the enthusiasm and commitment. Morale in the camp is still very good but the players realise they have to pull their fingers out on Saturday because the most important thing is to get results."

Managed by former Tottenham Hotspur boss Peter Shreeves, eighth-placed Barnet boast the leading Conference marksman in Junior Agogo (13 goals) and they have not conceded a goal in their last three league matches.

Meanwhile, United have submitted their case to the Football Association to try to get the controversial dismissal of central defender Andy Tretton overturned and they are now trying to re-arrange a league fixture for Saturday, December 7 because their scheduled opponents, Margate, will be in FA Cup second-round action.

United's away clash with Chester City has been brought forward to Friday, December 20, kick-off 7.45pm, and the Boxing Day match at Telford United kicks-off at 1pm.