Hereford United players are ‘dropping like flies’ (From Worcester News)

Hereford United players are ‘dropping like flies’

11:00am Friday 8th March 2013 in Sport By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

HEREFORD United’s players are “dropping like flies” ahead of tomorrow’s Blue Square Bet Premier trip to Luton (3pm).

Manager Martin Foyle has seen his squad hit by illness and injury this week and the situation does not look like improving for the Kenilworth Road clash.

Striker Ryan Bowman pulled out of Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Newport County at Edgar Street just two-and-a-half hours before kick-off with a virus and remains sidelined.

Several other unnamed players have also been struck down and will need assessing before the weekend.

Winger Marley Watkins is suffering with a groin problem and was replaced by Brian Smikle after 58 minutes against Newport, while centre-half Michael Townsend (calf) and midfielder Simon Clist (hip) are still out.

“They are dropping like flies at the moment – we have got illness and injuries,” Foyle said.

“We should have 16 players available but we can’t bring anyone new in.” The Bulls have extended the loan of Port Vale midfielder Kingsley James until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has started all eight league games for United since arriving last month and is in line to make that nine against Luton.

Hereford are chasing their third win from four away outings, while Luton are looking to improve on last Tuesday’s goalless stalemate at struggling Nuneaton.

Foyle, who felt his side’s display against Newport was a marked improvement on last Saturday’s drab home 0-0 draw with Nuneaton, added: “Our away record has been good but we are expecting another hard game.”