Hereford still struggling for goals – but defence holding firm

Curtis Pond has kept seven clean sheets so far this season and pulled off some magnificent saves

Hereford are still one of the worst sides in the National League North when it comes to goals scored.

But thanks to Curtis Pond's magnificent saves and seven clean sheets in all competitions, and also the performance of the defence, the Bulls find themselves 10th in the table, level on points with the four sides above them.

Injuries to Jason Cowley and Andy Williams have meant the Bulls have sometimes struggled to find the back of the net though, with the pair seen as the side's biggest goal threats in pre-season.

The side have only scored 15 goals in 15 league games, a tally which is only better than that of three other clubs.

Gloucester City, second from bottom, have scored 13 goals. Darlington, where former Hereford boss Josh Gowling is now in charge, are bottom of the league and have only scored 12 goals.

The worst strike force appears to be at 16th-placed Banbury where only 11 goals have been scored in their 15 games.

Looking at goals conceded, that's a better picture for the Lilywhites as only 18 have been let in so far this season.

Four of those came in one game, against Tamworth in late August.

Jamie Willets, second left, and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, rear, are now playing at table-toppers Tamworth

And it's leaders Tamworth who seem to have the best defence, with former Bulls Jamie Willetsand Jordan Cullinane-Liburd a key part in only conceding 10 goals.

They're followed by Chester with 11 and then Curzon Ashton, Brackley Town and Scunthorpe United with 15.

Chorley and South Shields are then next, just above Hereford, with 17 goals conceded.

Jason Cowley is starting games again after injury

With Jason Cowley now back in the starting XI after his lengthy spell out with an ankle injury, hopefully, he will soon return to full match fitness and can help push the Bulls further up the table.

It must be said though, considering the two first-choice strikes have been out for so long - especially Andy Williams who's yet to make a competitive appearance this season - the performances of the side as a whole have been pleasing.

Paul Caddis said before Tuesday's match against Brackley that Williams could still be six or eight weeks away from fitness.