ACCRINGTON Stanley will assess Padraig Amond’s fitness ahead of Monday’s home game against Hereford after the Irishman was forced off with a back injury in yesterday’s 1-0 defeat at Torquay.

Rene Howe’s 73rd-minute goal was enough to give the second-placed Gulls all three points in Devon, keeping Stanley in 13th position in the League Two table.

The Reds will be more fancied for victory when they return to action against struggling Hereford at the Crown Ground on Monday at 3pm.

Amond is currently a doubt after he had to be withdrawn at half time at Torquay but centre back Toto Nsiala returns from a three-match ban.

Youth team midfielder Ryan Hopper could make his second senior start after being handed his full debut yesterday.