The Bulls travel to Hyde on Saturday looking for their first league point against the part-timers.
Last season the Bulls took the lead in both matches but a fifth minute Ryan Bowman goal at Ewen Fields only ended as a consolation in a 5-2 loss, while Josh O'Keefe's opener in the return fixture saw the Tigers win the game 2-1 with a pair of second half goals. The Bulls have recorded a FA Cup win, having beaten the then Hyde United 3-0 in 2005, with Rob Purdie scoring one of the goals.
Hyde's bounce back from their 8-0 opening day loss to Forest Green saw them lose their opening home match 2-1 to Southport, who are the only 100% side in the division. Defender Josh Brizzell, who was sent off at the Gumpers, remains suspended as does midfielder Adam Griffin, who was dismissed for a second time last season and is serving the last of a five match ban. Hyde are the only side to be odds-on for relegation, even allowing for Aldershot's points deduction, but they were in a similar position when the Bulls went north last season and won't roll over.
Bulls boss Martin Foyle has asked for patience from the fans as his side finds their feet after being reassembled during the summer. A disjointed performance on the opening day was followed by a much improved outing on Tuesday night. Foyle still has room in his budget for loan signings but is likely to wait until he has fully assessed his squad before seeking further signings.
Hyde vs Hereford United, Ewen Fields, Saturday 17th August, 3.00pm.