WHEN you are used to seeing your team win virtually all of their matches, one would expect the odd grumble when a loss occurs.

So it was no surprise that many Hereford fans vented their disappointment last night after the Bulls lost at home to Slough Town.

Hereford are red-hot favourites to win the league due to their large fan base and what they have achieved during the past two seasons.

But this campaign is not going to be easy, with the Bulls coming up against more organised teams and better players.

So, maybe it was the wake-up call needed for some supporters.

It was always going to be a tough game against a Slough team tipped to do well again after missing out in the play-offs last season.

And that's what it proved to be, with the Rebels in control of the match for large periods; albeit not creating too many chances themselves.

Only on four occasions have Hereford failed to score in a league match since their inception two years ago and it was worrying that Pete Beadle's side failed to cause Slough too many problems, especially on the back of a nervous 1-0 win over Tiverton in their previous match.

The lack of width was evident, plus the link between midfield and attack.

However, let's remember that Hereford are currently experiencing a lengthy injury list and have been forced to field players who have not been 100 per cent fit.

It is also only three games into the season, so it is far too early to panic.

Nevertheless, the next two games are massive.

An away game at St Neots Town is up first, with the small matter of a home derby against Merthyr Town following just two days later.

Hereford would not want to be too far off the top five places come the end of August, even if there will still be 41 games to play thereafter.

However, win both and everything would be rosy again, with a third promotion in a row definitely achievable.