WHEN Hereford United fans debate the relative merits of the best strike pairings the club have had in recent years, one more duo have now forced themselves into consideration, writes Richard Prime.

With David Brown arrival at Edgar Street in pre-season, it seemed as if Graham Turner had come up with another transfer masterstroke in signing a player who could complement last season's top scorer Steve Guinan.

But an injury in the lead-up to the season left Brown on the sidelines for the first few games and fleeting appearances as a substitute were all that was offered the former Manchester United trainee as Rob Purdie turned in some accomplished performances alongside Guinan.

An injury to Purdie then brought Brown back into the frame but, although he scored a few goals, he never looked like a player who would terrorise Conference defences.

Suddenly, however, that has all changed since the beginning of the New Year.

The flair in front of goal, shown in superb strikes against Aldershot and Halifax earlier in the season, became just one component in performances which have had supporters unanimous in their praise.

And the goals have kept coming, too. Eight in February, including seven in three consecutive away matches, were enough to earn him the Conference player of the month award.

"It often takes a player a while to settle in at a new club," said goalkeeper Matt Baker, who has had a good view of Brown's efforts from the other end of the pitch. "Confidence is important and, don't forget, he did miss a big portion of the pre-season."

If Brown's contribution to the promotion effort has principally been made since the turn of the year, then Guinan has been a central figure throughout the campaign - how he was missed during a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee problem around Christmas.

Sublime ball skills, unexpected bursts of pace, ability in the air and a talent to bring other players into the game are all qualities we came to admire last season.

But now, allied to all of these, is a ruthlessness in front of goal which has brought him the first 20-goal haul by a United striker since Steve White's 29 in the Bulls' play-off season in Division 3 in 1995-6.

And his understanding with Brown, which has been a key to United laying waste to defences in away matches over the last few months, is now one of the cornerstones of the side.

Between them, they have racked up 39 Conference goals - 47 in all matches - in a memorable campaign.