IT'S crunch time yet again for Hereford United tomorrow as they face a crucial Nation-wide Conference showdown at second-placed Rushden and Diamonds (3.00).

Fourth-placed Hereford go into the all-ticket clash hoping to close within four points of their big-spending hosts.

And after holding leaders Yeovil to a 2-2 draw last week, player-coach Phil Robinson believes the Bulls can continue their impressive away form which has seen them win five times in seven attempts.

The former Wolves and Stoke player said: "The last few weeks have really been a test for us and a gauge of where we are so far this season. I thought against Yeovil last week, who are top of the league, we showed that we are capable of doing well this season.

"We were the better team on the day and should have won the game. If you analyse the statistics from the game they must have had two shots on target, and unfortunately they went in."

Of Rushden, he added: "It is really hard to compete with Rushden and their spending power. If in doubt, they go and spend a bit more money as they did with two strikers in the summer.

"It will be a real test, but our away form has been good and hopefully we can continue that. If we can beat Rushden it pegs them back a bit - it would be awful to see them going on too far ahead.

"But there is a real good buzz about the club at the moment. The lads have been excellent in training, the mood before each game has been pretty good and the last two results have put us in a good frame of mind.

"It will be a great occasion to go and play in and a good stage to put on a good performance."

Hereford have sold around 1,250 seats in the all-ticket crowd at Nene Park - and Robinson believes the Bulls fans can play a huge role in getting them a result.