HEREFORD Captain Harvey Smith said that FC United’s biggest threat was the mistakes the Bulls players made during their 3-1 defeat.

The central defender scored an own goal during the loss which saw the visitors score three goals within a disastrous five minutes spell.

“It was really disappointing and the performance or result is nowhere near where we need to be,” said Smith.

“It’s not good enough and we all know that. We need to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down as we have got a chance to put it right on Tuesday night.

“We started well but their first goal was probably against the run of play but that’s where we need the bigger players on the pitch to stand up and shut up shop and see that period out because the next 10 minutes that followed were woeful.

“The first goal was key but we need to be big and bold enough to not let it have that much of an impact on us and just not let what happened happen.

“We went to a back four in the second half and were marginally better but still not good enough. I still don’t think we kept possession in their half and threatened them enough.

“Their biggest threat was our mistakes pretty much, we put ourselves under pressure. They weren’t that good a side and didn’t cause us too many problems when we were on it but we made them look a better side than what they are I think.

“There was a slight reaction from half time but we need to be better on Tuesday.”

When asked about the own goal, Smith said: “I wasn’t trying to hit it into my own net obviously.

“In fairness I probably got my body position wrong when the ball has come in. I’ve tried to clear it but obviously it’s gone the wrong way.”

Hereford host second from bottom side Southport on Tuesday night and Smith says that the tie is even bigger now following the defeat.

“It makes it an even bigger game on Tuesday night now and a must win,” Smith added.

“We need to get three points to get our season rolling again and get back to where we need to be. Before today we had a difficult run of fixtures and obviously three away games on the bounce and Altrincham are a tough side.

“We feel we’ve dealt with a lot of what has been in front of us well up until today obviously. Before today we were in a good place and feeling positive feeling we can compete against anyone in this league.

“After that today everybody is a bit down in the training room and is fuming with what has happened. We need to stay together and put it right on Tuesday.

“It is another six pointer and important game.”