PLAYER-coach Phil Robinson has a potential injury crisis ahead of Hereford United's Nationwide Conference clash with Margate at Edgar Street tomorrow (3pm).

Several key players are battling to be fit including striker Rob Elmes (back), Ian Wright (flu), Matt Clarke (dead leg), Ian Rodgerson (thigh), Scott Goodwin and Steve Piearce.

Striker Daniel Davidson (ankle) is definitely out while Scott Voice is to see a specialist over his troublesome groin.

"It's a little bit of a crisis at the moment and with the small squad we are operating if you have that amount of injuries, you are struggling for a team," said Robinson.

"Looking down at my list I have just 12 fit players at the moment and if it stays like that then it is a bit of a worry."

Margate, who won the Dr Martens Premier Division last year, are flying high in fifth spot and have proved a surprise package in the Conference.

Reputation

The two sides shared a 2-2 draw at Hartsdown Park at the beginning of September but The Gate have forged a reputation as away-day specialists with more wins (six) on the road than at home (five).

"I think Margate were a bit of a surprise package because they were not one of the fashionable teams but having played them I can understand why they are doing so well," said Robinson.

"They are very solid and have a lot of pace up front which is why they have a good record away from home."

The Bulls will be seeking to extend their six-match unbeaten run, which has also seen them score 14 goals after a barren spell which had seen them grab just one goal in five games.

"I think, apart from the sticky patch we had between the FA Cup ties, we were unlucky in a lot of games and we knew we were close to winning a lot of those matches," added Robinson.

"We were never far away and I'm delighted with the current run and we are working hard to maintain that."

Striker Gavin Williams has been in excellent form for the Bulls with four goals in his last five appearances and that has helped improve results, according to Robinson.

"In my two years at the club getting one of the strikers on a regular goalscoring run has always been a bit of a problem but at the moment Gavin Williams is doing that," he said.

"And I've always said that if we started to score more goals on a regular basis the results would improve.

"A few weeks ago we were looking below us in the table but now we are keeping an eye on what is in front of us."

FORMCAST: Hereford will share the points in a 1-1 draw.