MORALE is high in the Hereford United camp ahead of their clash with Morecambe at Edgar Street tomorrow (3pm).

The two sides shared a 2-2 draw at Christie Park back in September with goals from Paul Parry and Rob Elmes but Hereford have suffered a slump in recent weeks losing four games on the trot including three in the league.

However player-coach Phil Robinson brought his side back to basics to grind out a 1-0 win at Dover last week and haul his side away from the relegation zone.

"We wanted to get back to keeping a clean sheet and we worked hard to do that against Dover," he said.

The Shrimps, who are FA Umbro Trophy semi-finalists and are managed by former Bulls midfielder Jimmy Harvey, are in eighth place, six points ahead of Hereford, but are one of the best teams in the Nationwide Conference according to Robinson.

"Morecambe are quite handily placed to finish quite high if they can win their games in hand," he said.

"They are one of the better footballing teams in the Conference with some good players including Stewart Drummond who plays for the England non-league international side.

"They've also got Robbie Talbot who is one of the leading scorers in the league so they will be difficult opposition."

Loan signing Richard Holmes could make his Bulls debut with Matt Clarke still suspended.

The 21-year-old has arrived from Notts County where Robinson was a favourite as a player, but a call from director of football Graham Turner led to his capture.

"It emerged he was available and we've been looking for a bit of cover because Matt Clarke has been struggling with injury," said Robinson.

"Matt is still suspended so there is a good chance Richard will feature."

Midfielder John Snape begins a two-match ban, while goalkeeper Matt Baker will test his ankle today with a kicking session. Loan signing Stuart Jones may figure again.

The Bulls also have injury worries over Ian Rodgerson and Scott Goodwin with a troublesome abdominal problem.

Steve Piearce, who scored a spectacular winner at Dover, has a hamstring injury but Robinson praised his goal.

"It was a quality goal and he scored a similar one last year against Morecambe," he said.

"We've known all along that he has the ability to score goals like that and if he can keep himself fit and stay free of injury he could have a major part to play."

Formcast: Bulls to draw 1-1.