Team news

Whites wait on Taylor Hereford are hoping to extend Lyle Taylor's loan in time for the visit of promotion-chasing Southend.

The Bournemouth forward made a big impact against Morecambe last weekend in what was the final game of his month-long stay, bagging his second goal in three games to claim a 1-0 triumph and hand Richard O'Kelly his first win as Bulls boss.

Hereford have been keen to strike an extension this week but unless a deal can be pushed through then Taylor will be unavailable to face the Shrimpers.

Centre-back Stefan Stam made his first appearance for seven weeks as a late substitute against the Shrimps and he should again be involved having got valuable match practice in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Walsall in midweek.

Simon Clist was ruled out of the trip to the Globe Arena due to a knock and he will be assessed but Benoit Dalibard (hamstring) and Joe Heath (groin) remain absent.

Southend welcome back skipper Chris Barker but lose the services of suspended midfielder Anthony Grant.

Barker missed last weekend's 2-2 draw against Accrington due to a one-match ban, a game in which Grant picked up his 10th booking of the season to ensure he now sits out the next two games.

Midfielder Ryan Hall got vital minutes under his belt for the club's reserves in midweek having struggled with illness of late and is set to start at Edgar Street.

Jack Sampson was forced off with a groin injury against Stanley and faces a late fitness test, while it is hoped Elliot Benyon - who replaced the on-loan striker - is available after his wife went into labour on Thursday.

Left-back Lee Hills missed the game altogether due to injury and will also be monitored ahead of the encounter.

Hereford vs Southend

Last modified 17:37 17/03/12

Shrimpers sink Bulls Southend continued their promotion push with a 3-2 victory over struggling Hereford at Edgar Street.

Neil Harris, Elliot Benyon and Ryan Hall were on target with Yoann Arquin and Nathan Elder replying for the hosts.

Southend swept in front in the second minute through veteran striker Harris, whose shot was cleared by Kenny Lunt but referee Brendon Malone ruled the ball crossed the line.

Then Benyon latched onto Hall's 32nd-minute corner and stabbed it home from close range at the far post.

But on the stroke of half-time Hereford were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Cameron Belford had brought down Tom Bakhuizen in front of goal and Arquin scored from the spot.

Southend struck again 12 minutes into the second half when Hall drilled the ball past goalkeeper David Cornell from 30 yards, before Elder pulled another one back for Hereford with two minutes to go.