Leaders will provide stiff test for Bulls

HEREFORD FC’s challenging run of fixtures shows no sign of letting up as National League North top side Chorley visit Edgar Street.

All of the Bulls’ previous four games over the festive period were against sides in the top seven in the table and, with six points from 12, the Bulls have emerged with some credit to move out of the drop zone.

They will draw some comfort, too, from knowing that the two wins – over Kidderminster and Chester – were on home territory.

Chorley will not relish coming up against a side which, despite still languishing in the lower reaches of the table, have won their last five games at Edgar Street in all competitions.

Hereford will also have a revenge mission in mind as it was Chorley who brought the Bulls’ four-game unbeaten start to the season to an end with a 1-0 win at Victory Park earlier this season.

The Bulls’ side will certainly show plenty of changes from the starting line-up that day in August with probably just three players – Kieran Thomas, skipper Jordan Cullinane-Liburd and Danny Greenslade – remaining.

Meanwhile, in the National League South, Gloucester City will look to end their long winless run at one of just two teams left below them in the table – East Thurrock United.

The struggling Tigers lost at home to bottom-of-the-table Weston on New Year’s Day, which prompted the departure of boss Chris Todd on Thursday.

Club stalwart Tom Webb, pictured, and Mike Green are in charge for the game today.

Weston themselves have a tough-looking task at home to Billericay, although the high-fliers lost all four of their games over the festive period.

Bath City surged up to fifth spot over Christmas and New Year, and will hope to maintain their fine form at lowly Dulwich Hamlet this afternoon.

The Romans thrashed derby rivals Chippenham 5-0 on New Year’s Day, and the Bluebirds must look to bounce back from that defeat when they welcome Eastbourne to Hardenhuish Park.

Chippenham have only had one three-point haul in the last seven weeks, which has seen them slip to 12th, so boss Mark Collier may make changes.