HALFWAY house and fourth place for Graham Turner and his Hereford United charges, writes Andy Holmes

In any other year, and with any other squad, fourth would be good enough. But this season, with a seemingly open Conference and with United's squad being strong enough to mount a challenge there is an apathetic air around Edgar Street.

Too many draws especially at home have been the problem and Fortress Edgar Street has been crumbling. In 12 home league games the Bulls have lost only once but have won just three, a massive eight games ending with the visitors taken the share of the spoils.

Away from home in 11 matches things are better, six wins and one draw, giving them more points away from home. United have also failed to score in four home games and have only hit the net on 14 occasions at Ed-gar Street compared to 20 on their travels.

The other talking point has been penalties. After Chris Lane's success in the 2-1 reverse against Chester, United had been awarded eight and had scored just three, missing five on the bounce with Lane, Michael McIndoe, Jimmy Quinn and Phil Robinson failing from twelve yards.

McIndoe's performance has been a bright spot this season and he will be vying with Tony James and top-scorer Gavin Williams for player of the year with Scott Cooksey not far behind.

Williams deserves a special mention as he has led the attack superbly with strength and finishing added to his other skills that have attracted interest from higher graded clubs.

The rest have been inconsistent. Rob Elmes had one purple patch but has been in and out and the experienced player coach Phil Robinson's contributions need to be increased.