SPIRITS are high in the Hereford United camp on the eve of their FA Umbro Trophy fifth round clash at Chester City tomorrow (3pm).

The Edgar Street club's thrilling 4-3 victory at title-chasers Boston United in midweek has teed them up nicely to tackle Mark Wright's resurgent outfit.

Goals from Rob Elmes, player-coach Phil Robinson (2) and Scott Goodwin provided the latest in a spate of high-scoring games for Hereford which has seen them score 18 times in their last seven matches.

But Wright's in-form Chester side, unbeaten in eight games, are set to provide another rigorous test for the Bulls as they bid to secure a place in the quarter-finals for the second year running.

Robinson admits his side could not be in a better frame of mind following Monday's win at Boston.

"The performance and the way we battled back from a poor start has given us a big lift," he said.

"We are still in a good run of form though it was disappointing to lose to Leigh RMI which was a bit of a blemish on our record, but our tails are up.

"I thought the match against Boston would be a bit tight with both teams having the two best defensive records in the Nationwide Conference but it was a really good, open game and I hope everybody enjoyed watching it."

Despite the buoyant mood, however, Robinson will not be underestimating The Blues ahead of their encounter at the Deva Stadium.

Wright has strengthened his squad with several forays into the transfer market since taking over in January, including the capture of Hereford's Mark Williams who is cup-tied.

Their return to form has seen them move out of the Conference relegation zone and Robinson has not been surprised at Wright's success.

"He has near enough signed a whole new team with good experienced players at that," he said.

"Their mini-revival had started before the cup draw and on the two occasions I have seen them they beat Telford 3-0 and Nuneaton 3-1.

"We lost there earlier in the season and it is a difficult place to go when their crowd get behind them.

"They've got a decent stadium and a good bit of support when they are going well but hopefully we can take a few up there as well and it will be a good cup atmosphere."

Robinson is confident defender Tony James will return and also recent recruit Roy Jordan, who were both injured for the Boston game.

If tomorrow's game is drawn, the replay will be at Edgar Street next Tuesday, February 26 (7.45).

Formcast: Bulls to win 2-1.