MATT Clarke will step into the side to replace the suspended Jamie Pitman for Hereford United's important Nationwide Conference home clash with Southport tomorrow (3pm).

The Bulls have just one point from 12 and with Southport likely to be challenging for a play-off place the onus is on the Edgar Street side to take something from the game.

Fourth-placed Southport have won three times away from home and with a wealth of ex-Football League players in their ranks will test Hereford to the limit.

However despite their faltering results of late manager Graham Turner has grounds for optimism that they can return to winning ways.

"For some of the games we've not played that badly and Doncaster Rovers last week was a case in point," he said. "For the first 10 minutes we played well and should have gone ahead but didn't take our chances.

"Southport are a good side with some experienced players but we need to start picking our game up.

"Our recent record is one point out of 12 and that's a blip in our season and something that we have to put right."

Midfielder Michael Rose, who along with keeper Matt Baker has been selected to represent the England semi professional side that plays Italy on Wednesday, November 30, is looking for his side to display a decisive touch in front of goal.

"We've been playing well but we just need to start putting our chances away," he said.

"We've also had some bad refereeing decisions go against as well which has not helped but every team goes through these stages in a season."

Southport meanwhile are keen to keep hold of Northern Ireland international full-back Ian Nolan.

The 32-year-old has been at Haig Avenue since being released in the summer by Wigan Athletic, making his debut in the LDV Vans Trophy defeat by Leigh RMI.

He had previously had spells with Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday and Tranmere Rovers, winning 17 international caps to date.

Sandgrounders boss Phil Wilson has liked what he has seen so far, commenting: "He'll be with us for the foreseeable future. I've been impressed with his attitude and professionalism."

FORMCAST: Draw 1-1.