SHORTWOOD United manager Alex Sykes says his side will be going into this Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against Hereford confident that they can cause an upset.

The Gloucestershire side have won their last four games – including impressive wins at Mangotsfield United and Tiverton Town – and sit second in the Southern Football League Division One South & West table, nine points behind Hereford.

"There's exciting times here at the moment and we are on a good run – we will be going there full of confidence," said Sykes, who played for Westfields in his younger days.

"However, we are under no illusions that it's going to be a tough game.

"At the start of the season, we lost 3-0 to Taunton and 3-0 to Hereford, but we are a much better side now and the results have shown that.

"But it will be a big ask for us given the size and quality of Pete Beadle's squad.

"I used to play with Mike Symons and know Martin Horsell.

"I also know a lot about Mark Preece, who they've just signed, but we're looking forward to it."

Sykes added that promotion is not the target for his side.

"Realistically, with our budget, anything above tenth will be good," he said.

"This is my third or fourth year in the job and we've finished just outside the play-offs in each year.

"The budget we set is very realistic and we'll never overspend."

Hereford manager Pete Beadle added that it will be a tough game for his table-toppers.

"We went there and put on a good performance, but it was early in the season," said Beadle.

"They've certainly done great since and it's going to be a tough game on Saturday.

"Last season, we took it one game at a time and I see no reason to change that," added Beadle.

"We're 15 games in, so just over a third of the way through the season, but there's no easy games.

"We won't rest on our laurels, we've just got to make sure that we maintain our levels of performance and keep everyone fit."

Jimmy Oates is set to return to the Bulls starting line-up after sitting out last week's game against Bideford.

Calvin Dinsley has returned to Gloucester City following his loan spell, so Jamie Edge is set to take his place in midfield.

"Jamie is a fantastic footballer, but there are some aspects of his game that he needs to improve on, which he knows about," added Beadle.

"But he is a top player, as is Rob [Purdie].

"It's about getting the balance right."

Ryan Green played right-back last week, but will probably revert back to centre-back and partner Mark Preece.