Hereford United head for Halifax on Saturday knowing that a victory should secure them a place in the Nationwide Conference play-offs.

Three points at The Shay will take their tally to 72 and, with a number of their promotion rivals facing head-to-head encounters in the season's last week, that seems unlikely to be overhauled by more than four other sides.

Halifax, whose defeat at Barnet last week ensured that the North London side clinched the championship, will not prove easy opponents as they still harbour play-off ambitions of their own.

The Shaymen will be without their influential skipper Steve Bushell who broke a leg at Barnet but former United striker John Grant will be available for selection after winning his appeal against a red card in the same game.

Hereford also have injury worries with Andy Tretton, Craig Stanley and Danny Williams all receiving treatment after Tuesday's win at Forest Green.

Should Tretton miss out, Bulls boss Graham Turner faces an interesting selection poser with Tom Smith's contract having been terminated by mutual consent and skipper Tony James, who was due to resume training with the first-team squad today (Thursday), unlikely to be considered.

Although it would be preferable for the blood-pressure of Bulls' supporters, players and staff alike if victory were achieved on Saturday, Hereford will still have two games remaining with a possible further six points at stake.

United visit Woking on Tuesday and then entertain Accrington Stanley on the season's final Saturday.

A measure of revenge is due in all three of the final games. Halifax won at Edgar Street back in September, while the Bulls, who lost 2-1 at Accrington in October, cast away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Woking when the sides met at Hereford earlier in the season.

The play-off picture is likely to become clearer after Saturday, with Woking visiting Accrington, Aldershot facing a tough trip to in-form Northwich, and Morecambe entertaining champions Barnet.

Exeter's hopes would be virtually ended by defeat at Crawley while Stevenage's aspirations would be severely damaged by defeat at home to Gravesend & Northfleet.