HEREFORD United's fine start to the Nationwide Conference season faces its toughest test yet tonight.

Telford United come to Edgar Street (7.45) having started in similar fashion to the Bulls, despite playing their early home games at Worcester City's St George's Lane ground.

They only suffered their first defeat against leaders Rushden at the weekend -- but they face a Hereford side full of confidence after not conceding a goal in their first five games.

Hereford's Director of Football, Graham Turner, is relishing the challenge of meeting another of the league's early pacesetters.

He said: "It is good that after such a good win at Woking on Saturday, we come back to play a side we recognise as being a threat.

"We are wary that players can start to get a bit complacent, and we can't do that against Telford.

Bogey

"We have had them watched and they are a big, strong side who work hard and are very well organised."

Hereford also need to end their home bogey -- the Bulls have drawn both their games at Edgar Street 0-0, having won all three matches on their travels this season.

Turner added: "It is slightly mystifying. We have created a lot of chances away but for some reason we are not creating as many at home."

But he remains delighted at his defence's perfect record, saying: "It is quite impressive -- as a side we are defending very well.

"We are working very hard when we don't have the ball, and that is making life easier for the players in the back four knowing they are not going to be exposed as much as we were last season.

"Throughout the dressing room the players have great belief -- we just want to keep that going."

Hereford expect to field the side that won 3-0 at Woking on Saturday, with midfielder Gavin Williams (thigh) and defenders Matt Clarke (knee) and Tony James (calf) expected to shake off injuries that prevented them from training yesterday.

Latest signing Kerry Giddings could earn another start up front although Rob Elmes could challenge for a place in the starting line-up.

Hereford (from): Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, Giddings, Williams, McIndoe, Parry, Gardiner, Elmes, Baker, Moran.