Turner's Dilemma

Hereford United have had the worst start to any season since records began and, unless results improve, could be dragged into a relegation battle.

Yet, as a look at the results of this campaign show, the Bulls have only been defeated by a margin of one goal on six occasions - the games against Leyton Orient, Yeovil, Southend, Scunthorpe, Leeds and Stockport.

Only at Bristol Rovers and Oldham have the Bulls been completely outplayed.

Put another way all but three of the thirteen League games played have finished either as a draw or with just one goal in it.

However the Bulls have only scored eight goals so far, six at Edgar Street and just two on their travels. That is the lowest total for goals scored of any of the 72 League clubs bar Doncaster.

And therein lies Turner's Dilemma. Not many points and even less goals.

After losing 4-0 at Oldham, the Hereford United manager spoke about going 'back to basics'. In essence he appeared to want the players to stick rigidly to their tasks and not stray out of position.

In the three games since the 'change', the Bulls have taken four points and perhaps were unlucky yesterday not to have made that five. A return like that throughout a season would suggest that a total of about 60 points would be achieved. Probably enough to stay in League One. However the Bulls had only amassed five points from their first ten games before the 'change'.

The problem is that football can be less entertaining without goals. And few or no goals tends to lead to a drop in support.

Less money through the gate means Turner has less money to spend unless he dips into the club's deposit account.

However as Kris Taylor said after yesterday's game strikers cost money.

"Top goalscorers get paid a lot of money because they are good at their jobs and they stick the ball in the net."

No doubt Turner has tried to get another striker to come to Edgar Street. Whether he feels he can't afford what a useful striker might command at present is uncertain but by sticking to a defensive side with little likelyhood of many goals he runs the risks of reduced gates.

On the other hand he may believe that being defensive is the best way to try and snatch points here and there.

A point, or even better three points, at Milwall on Tuesday will back Turner's judgement.

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