HEREFORD United chairman David Keyte says the club will not give up hope of reaching the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off places.

Although closer to the relegation places than the top five, the Bulls have games in hand on teams above them and are determined to keep plugging away.

Martin Foyle’s side have endured some erratic form this season and head into today’s game against Lincoln City at Edgar Street (3pm) without a home win in more than three months.

But Keyte said: “While it is mathematically possible to reach the play-off positions in the league we will be giving it our best shot.

“Realistically, we need to double our points tally from 27 matches over the remaining 19 fixtures in order to reach 77 or 78 points and then hope one or two of the leading clubs dip a little.”

The Hereford chief recognises times are tough for the club, with further cost-cutting to come following the loss of Football League funding.

But he wants fans to stick with them and get behind a group of players he believes have potential.

He said: “Understandably, the frustrations felt by the supporters after five or six seasons of poor home results, relegation from the Football League and the general adverse financial climate has caused many to cry enough is enough.

“Yet, those who attend regularly know that the current squad of players has the potential to produce exciting, flowing football.”