IT'S still early days but Hereford United face a crucial seven days if they are to put their Conference challenge on track.

After a sensational start to the campaign Graham Turner's side have stuttered of late, piling on the pressure for them to achieve a result against Margate at Edgar Street today.

This is followed by a mouthwatering clash at Gay Meadow next week when Jimmy Quinn's Shrewsbury Town will be eager to demonstrate their own promotion credentials at the expense of their rivals. The Bulls hopes of negotiating these twin obstacles will not be helped by suspensions.

Midfielder Jamie Pitman is ruled out of today's match while left-back Michael Rose's five bookings have earned him a one match ban next Saturday.

Turner, a shrewd operator of the loan system, is no doubt exploiting his vast array of contacts to bolster his squad, especially with a clutch of other players on three or four bookings.

Shrewsbury have already moved to strengthen their squad with the signing of Duane Darby from Rushden & Diamonds.

The 30-year-old striker has made over 400 League appearances during his career and has scored 137 goals in the process.

With Steve Guinan banging in the goals for the Bulls, Turner will not be too concerned about his front-line but will be keen to arrest a slide in results which has seen two league defeats on the bounce to Leigh RMI and Accrington Stanley.

As a result United have slipped to fourth place with Mark Wright's Chester City now sitting on the summit of the Conference.

However Wright has warned his players that hanging on to top spot in the Conference will be harder than getting there in the first place -- as Hereford have discovered.

"The players have worked tremendously hard to achieve our current position and now we have to work even harder to maintain this placing that we have achieved," said Wright.