GRAHAM Turner has warned his Hereford United side to expect a backlash in their return clash with Telford United tomorrow (3pm).

The Bucks visit Edgar Street still smarting from a 1-0 defeat at Bucks Head with their manager Jake King furious at seeing two late penalty decisions denied.

"I'm expecting some kind of a backlash from Telford and they are going to be looking for revenge so we have to guard against that," said Turner.

"I thought for long periods of the game on Boxing Day we dominated which was borne out by the fact that we had 15 corners."

Turner has Michael Rose back from suspension while Jamie Pitman should be fit again and Matt Clarke, who will need surgery on his knee in the next few weeks, could still play a part in the match.

"Matt's been struggling with a knee problem that is not going to get any better and we will lose him in the next few weeks for surgery."

Hereford go into the New Year's day fixture unbeaten in five Nationwide Conference matches with four victories.

"Even when we picked up just one point in 18 that confidence wasn't rocked," added Turner.

"There is a self belief about the team that is paying dividends and shows that we can live with anybody in the Conference."

John Grant, who notched his first league goal for Hereford in their 1-1 draw against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, was delighted to open his Bulls account.

"It was all I needed," he said. "I have to thank the manager for showing faith in me.

"Every game that I have started we have not lost but I felt I had not been doing my bit because I had not been scoring goals, and that's what strikers rely on.

"I'd say a draw was a fair result but we are disappointed ourselves not to win games like Forest Green because we have aspirations of finishing in the top five. We will have to take the three points against Telford."

FORMCAST: Hereford to win 1-0 again.