STEVE Guinan admits Chester City are red-hot favourites to lift the title but insists Hereford United must be ready to pounce if they trip up on the home straight.

Hereford's top marksman will lead his side's attack in tomorrow's Nationwide Conference clash with Accrington Stanley at Edgar Street, knowing that only three points will suffice.

Leaders Chester have a five point advantage over the Bulls, but with a game in hand, so tomorrow is a must-win game for Graham Turner's side.

"I think the ball is in Chester's court. I hope they do slip up but the title is in their grasp," said Guinan.

"Realistically if they win their game in hand they've got eight points so they should win it.

"Manchester United and Arsenal are in a similar position and everybody's saying Arsenal have won it and I don't think it's any different here.

"But if Chester do slip up we have to make sure we're winning our games to stand any chance.

"We've still got to play the top four teams in those last eight games so we've not got easy games to come either."

Stanley beat Turner's side 2-0 when the sides met at the Crown Ground in November.

"It was a tough game and if I remember they out-battled us and we probably let them get on top," said Guinan.

"They've got two good goalscorers up front that we'll need to keep quiet but we've not conceded a goal in the last three matches and we look like we're starting to defend a lot better.

"If we can win our individual battles we can get a result."

Accrington recorded their first Conference win in six attempts last weekend with a 2-1 victory against Halifax Town.

Guinan meanwhile is back to his best with five goals in the last five games, and after two months out with a knee problem, the ex-Notthingham Forest man is relishing leading the line again.

"I've got 24 goals in total, it's my best year and there's still eight games to go," he said.

"It was frustrating missing two months, especially with the season going so well for both me and the team.

"I didn't want to miss the games but I'd had an operation on the knee in the summer and with one thing and another it had taken its toll and needed rest.

"I've rebuilt the thigh muscle and haven't any adverse reaction since."

Recent signing from Northampton Town Tom Smith may make his debut with Tamika Mkandawire serving a one-match ban.

Simon Travis and Danny Williams could both return after missing last week's 1-0 win over Northwich through injury.

FORMCAST: Bulls to win 2-0.