Bulls keen to build on win in the Trophy

HEREFORD FC must attempt to build on the confidence gained from their victory over FC United of Manchester in last week’s FA Trophy tie when they return to National League North action against Alfreton at Edgar Street.

The Bulls have not won a league match since August 14 and their impressive Trophy display last week brought about a first victory in any competition in ten matches, and secured the first success of new head coach Marc Richards’ tenure.

After an impressive start to the season, when they won five of their first eight matches, Alfreton have also been on a poor run.

Since the start of September, although reaching the first round of the FA Cup, they have won only once in the league and that came against basement club Nuneaton.

Hereford have been boosted by the return from injury of powerful striker Mike Symons, who is set to continue in attack.

The Bulls will also be hoping new signing James Wesolowski will be fit to make his debut. The former Leicester playmaker was sidelined by Richards, pictured, last week as a precautionary measure after sustaining a training-ground hamstring niggle.

He is likely to replace former Kidderminster midfielder Mike McGrath, who has been released.

Elsewhere, Chippenham must pick themselves up after being dumped out of the FA Trophy by lower-league Wingate & Finchley in midweek.

Despite the eighth-placed Bluebirds hosting basement side Weston-super-Mare, boss Mark Collier is under no illusions of the difficult task ahead.

The Chippenham boss stated: “Weston have made some shrewd signings over the last month, so I really don’t expect them to be relegated”.

Chippenham name the same squad that failed to beat Wingate & Finchley over two matches with the addition of goalkeeper Will Puddy, who has been out since the second game of the season after being injured.

Gloucester City, who are just above the relegation zone, are away to a Chelmsford side only three points off a play-off place.

Bath City, meanwhile, are not in action this weekend with their scheduled opponents Slough still involved in the FA Cup.