EARLY Nationwide Conference leaders Hereford United will face their toughest challenge of the season so far at Barnet on Saturday, according to Bulls manager Graham Turner.

Hereford have won their opening three Conference matches, scoring 11 goals, but Turner believes that United must stamp their authority on the match to avoid being stung by the Bees.

Turner said: "In Martin Allen, Barnet have a very lively and enthusiastic manager. Barnet will be fired up, organised and prepared to work hard, so we will need to impose our character and style on the game."

United will then turn their attention to the visit to Edgar Street of newly-promoted Aldershot Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Part-time Aldershot have also made a tremendous start to the season and thrashed big-spending Telford United 5-2 at the New Bucks Head in their last Conference outing.

Turner said: "The momentum which Aldershot gained from promotion has kept them going. Aldershot are a solid side, their front two look very strong, and they have got some experienced players, so perhaps their start to the season is not such a big surprise."

Meanwhile, United's board of directors have issued an official statement about the hooligan element which has attached itself to the club at some away matches.

The directors believe that about 20 culprits are involved in the trouble and fear that action, including a points deduction, could be brought against the club if the problem continues.

United's liaison committee, which includes supporters, have invited the police to attend their next meeting to discuss the problem.

According to the latest figures issued by the Football Banning Orders Authority, four United 'fans' were given banning orders from Edgar Street last season but Turner believes that court exclusion orders are needed against culprits.

"The incidents, when they happen, occur at away matches," said Turner. "However, it must be pointed out that there were no arrests at the match in Tamworth and the problems do not occur at Edgar Street."