RIVAL boss Colin Addison has tipped his former club Hereford United for a return to the Football League.

Addison, now in charge of Forest Green Rovers, has touted the Bulls as promotion favourites but will pull out all the stops to halt their Conference charge at The Lawn tonight.

Rovers will however need to be at their best with Graham Turner's side administering a 5-1 thrashing when the two teams met at Edgar Street in August.

One factor in Rovers' favour could be the absence of striker Steve Guinan, who scored twice on that day but is a doubt with the shin/knee injury which ruled him out of last Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Tamworth.

David Brown or Daniel Carey-Bertram could deputise or Cardiff City target Paul Parry may be switched up front.

Whatever the outcome tonight Addison has no doubts as to the quality of United.

"Hereford are a very good side, that is why they've been in the top three all season and we won't be underestimating them," said Addison.

"Under Graham Turner they have a good manager and if they can stay free of injuries they can achieve their aim of getting back into the league."

Bulls boss Turner watched Rovers draw 2-2 at Exeter recently but is more interested in how his players react to their shock defeat at home to the Lambs.

"Forest Green had a good win against Northwich and Colin Addison's sides are well organised and work hard but the biggest thing is how we bounce back from the Tamworth defeat," said Turner.

"We did it after the Shrewsbury defeat when we turned in an excellent performance against Halifax and we must look to do the same."

Standing in the way of Hereford will be ex-Worcester City striker Sam Bowen who made a sensational Rovers debut last weekend by scoring a hat-trick.

Bowen, who played rugby for Luctonians last season, answered an emergency call from Addison to plunder three goals for Rovers in their 4-0 win against Northwich.

Currently at Midland Alliance club Westfields, Bowen will again be involved as he renews acquaintance with Addison, who managed him at Merthyr Tydfil seven years ago.

"We were without five key players and down to 15 players and Westfields very kindly helped us out," said Addison.

"We registered him with five minutes to spare on the Friday but Sam was happy to help out.

"When he plays regularly he always scores and he could have played at a higher level but for whatever reason has been a little bit unlucky."

FORMCAST: Bulls to win 2-1.