Foyle hopes for Bulls fitness boost (From Worcester News)

Hereford United boss Martin Foyle hoping for player fitness boost ahead of Barrow match

11:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport By Steve Carley - Midlands Sports Journalist of the Year 2013, @stevecarleyWN

HEREFORD United’s player shortage is showing few signs of easing ahead of Barrow’s visit tomorrow with injury and illness still plaguing the camp.

Six players have been struggling this week, leaving manager Martin Foyle with only 14 fit for the Blue Square Bet Premier match at Edgar Street (3pm).

Striker Ryan Bowman is still suffering the effects of the virus which kept him out of the last two games, while on-loan Fulham defender James Musa and midfielder Josh O’Keefe have both gone down with the bug.

Winger Marley Watkins (groin), midfielder Simon Clist (hip) and centre-half Michael Townsend (calf) remain sidelined.

Although Foyle is hopeful of having a few recover in time to tackle the Cumbrians, he admits the current situation is a worry.

“We only had 14 players on Thursday so we are just hoping some might go through the pain barrier,” he said. “It’s tricky at this stage of the season so I am concerned again.”

Despite their plight, Hereford come into the match boosted by a 1-1 draw at Luton Town last Saturday.

Barrow are in the relegation zone after losing 2-0 at home to Stockport last Tuesday but held play-off chasing Forest Green Rovers to a 1-1 draw at the New Lawn last weekend.

Foyle added: “We know it will be a hard game. Barrow should have beaten Forest Green last week so there are no poor sides in this league.

“It will be tricky but hopefully, if we can get our heads down, we can do well.”