Hereford United Director of Football Graham Turner is refusing to give up hope in the Nationwide Conference title race.

Last week's 1-0 home defeat against Doncaster Rovers saw the fourth-placed Bulls slip 10 points adrift of leaders Yeovil Town, having played two games more.

But there's nothing that a decent run of results won't put right -- and Turner wants them to start on another good run when bottom club Kettering Town visit Edgar Street tomorrow (3pm).

Turner said: "You never give up hope. I have seen sides string together runs of victories and we need to do that now."

The Bulls boss has also been addressing another of his side's major problems this week -- taking penalties.

Phil Robinson's miss against Doncaster was United's fifth successive failure from the penalty spot, most of which have cost them valuable points.

Turner added: "We have been working this morning at taking penalties. It is relatively easy taking them in training but it is very different in a match situation.

"Last week we missed our chances which was the biggest problem -- I don't think we deserved to lose."

United have received a double fitness boost, with skipper Ian Wright expected to be fit after shaking off an ankle injury which has restricted his training this week, while striker Steve Piearce has recovered from an ankle injury and is likely to be on the substitutes' bench.

Matt Gardiner will continue to deputise in defence for Tony James, out with a torn hamstring, while winger Paul Parry will have arthroscopy treatment next week in a bid to clear up a long-standing ankle problem.

Kettering have already won at Edgar Street this season -- 1-0 in the Variety Club Trophy in October -- although United won 2-0 away in the Conference back in August.

Turner says the match will be a tricky one despite the two sides' respective positions.

"They had a very good Cup run, beating Hull away in a replay and doing very well at Bristol City, have just spent £25,000 on a striker (Darren Collins) and have two new strikers in there.

"I consider it is going to be a difficult game."

United make a third attempt to stage their LDV Vans Trophy first round clash with Yeovil on Tuesday (7.45), following two postponements.

Hereford (from): Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Robinson, Wright, Gardiner, Clarke, Snape, Elmes, Williams, McIndoe, Piearce, Quiggin, Baker, Giddings, Wall, Rodgerson.

n Hereford hope to have made around £7,500 from last week's auction of football memorabilia at the Green Dragon Hotel.

Star attraction was an England shirt donated by Michael Owen which fetched £620.

Turner added: "We're delighted with the response. It helps to keep the club ticking along."