A BAD week is poised to get a lot better for Hereford United tomorrow with the return of Andy Tretton for the trip to Gravesend & Northfleet.

The defensive linchpin is available to beef up a suspect back four which has conceded eight goals in its last three outings, including two in last Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Burton Albion.

The prospect of Tretton resuming his partnership with captain Tony James bodes well for Graham Turner's side with the pair playing a key part in Hereford's blistering start to the Nationwide Conference campaign.

However the ex-Shrewsbury skipper may have to settle for a place on the bench with Bristol Rovers loan signing Anwar Uddin still eligible.

Uddin plays his last match before his deal expires, as does Derby County left-sided youngster Chris Palmer.

Richard Teesdale (dead leg), Jordan King (ankle) and Ryan Green are all carrying knocks with King the least likely to make it.

The availability of Tretton and striker Steve Guinan, back from a knee injury, has been a real boost, says Bulls coach Richard O'Kelly.

"Having Andy and Steve back at this stage of the season is just like having a couple of new signings and can help us push on," said O'Kelly.

Defeat to Burton last weekend dented Hereford's title hopes but O'Kelly warns Gravesend have the potential to be just as tricky despite their 16th position in the table.

The Bulls were held to 3-3 at Edgar Street earlier in the season while last year they were beaten 3-0 -- a match etched in O'Kellt's memory.

"It was a bit of a shock. They literally battered us, physically, mentally and technique wise," recalls O'Kelly.

"We had one of those days where we just didn't turn up but in the return fixture we got revenge to show we had grown up a little bit.

"This season we drew 3-3 and in light of their recent results it probably wasn't a bad point.

"They shown with results against Morecambe and a win at Exeter that they are no pushovers. They've assembled a good squad, they're very organised and are reaping the rewards."

FORMCAST: Bulls to draw 1-1.