Hereford United can do rivals Kidderminster Harriers a huge favour tomorrow if they can upset fellow title-chasers Rushden and Diamonds tomorrow.

The Bulls travel to Nene Park (3.00) for a game that has a crucial bearing on the Nationwide Conference title race.

But having turned in one of their best performances of the season to beat Rushden 4-0 at Edgar Street back in September, third-placed Bulls are confident they can do it again.

After all, they are unbeaten in eight away Conference games and have lost only once in their last 13 league outings.

Realistic

Director of Football Graham Turner has not given up hope of the Bulls landing the title, but with a 13-point gap to make up on leaders Harriers, second place is a more realistic option.

And they can close to within five points of the Northamptonshire side if they can win tomorrow, although Rushden would still have two games in hand on Turner's men.

The Bulls have defender Paul Sturgess back after a one-match suspension and he is expected to shake off a thigh injury, while Matt Clarke should turn out with a light cast to protect a broken bone in his hand.

Back-to-fitness striker Paul Fewings could stake a claim for a return to the starting line-up, as could midfielders Gavin Williams and Mark Taylor.

Goalkeeper Scott Cooksey, on loan from Shrewsbury Town, returned to the Bulls' line-up in the 1-0 victory at Forest Green last week, having been temporarily recalled by the Shrews. He should figure again tomorrow.

Rushden have spending power that the Bulls can only dream of.

Diamonds boss Brian Talbot paid around £50,000 for Dover midfielder Simon Wormull recently.

They also tabled a bid of £200,000 -- which would have been a non-league record transfer fee -- for Darlington's experienced striker Marco Gabbiadini, the leading scorer in the Nationwide League Division Three this season.

Hereford (from): Cooksey, Lane, James, Clarke, Wright, White, Rodgerson, Snape, May, Elmes, Parry, Taylor, Fewings, Williams, Sturgess, Quy, Shirley.