GRAHAM Turner is backing his Hereford United side to rise to the occasion when Rushden and Diamonds visit Edgar Street in the Nationwide Conference tonight (7.45).

United go into the clash with the big-spending title favourites on the back of two successive defeats, the latest a disappointing 2-0 reverse at Dover on Saturday.

But United's Director of Football said: "We have generally responded well to the challenge of the better sides this season, and I am hoping we will do that again."

Turner had Brian Talbot's side watched as they won 2-1 at Hednesford to move into fourth place on Saturday.

He added: "They are a very good side and the manager has had a lot of money to spend so he will be under pressure to produce results this season."

Whatever happens, Turner will be looking for a vast improvement on the Dover display.

"In the first half hour we played poorly and that proved to be very costly.

"But we had a chance to get back into the game with the penalty (which Mark Taylor missed) and late on Rob Elmes was unfortunate when he hit the crossbar.

"Had he scored then it would have been a very interesting last 10-15 minutes."

Turner's options are once again limited with strikers Leroy May and Steve Piearce and goalkeeper Andy Quy ruled out by injury, although May has now resumed training.

Turner added: "I can't make too many wholesale changes."

Former United boss Colin Addison will be among the spectators in advance of his Scarborough side's visit to Edgar Street on Saturday.

Hereford (from): Jones, Clarke, Sturgess, Snape, Wright, Wall, Williams, Taylor, Elmes, Fewings, Rodgerson, Beale, James, Parry, Lane, Cotterill.

n Defender Matt Clarke is poised to sign up for another year with the Edgar Street side.

"Talks are very positive and we should conclude matters this week," Turner said. "Matt is an ambitious player who has done very well."

The 25-year-old joined Hereford from Halesowen Town.

* Hereford entertain Sutton United in the first round of the Nationwide MacMillan Trophy next Tuesday (October 5), while Kidderminster Harriers travel to Altrincham.