'SIX POINTS are a must,' according to striker James Roberts as the Bulls prepare for two vital matches at the bottom end of the National League North.

Hereford sit above the bottom three on goal difference after a run of 11 league games without a win.

The Bulls sit a place above Saturday's visitors FC United of Manchester with both teams having won just three league games this season.

Just three days later Hereford face another of their possible relegation rivals when Southport visit Edgar Street on Tuesday.

The Port sit second from bottom and just three points below Hereford.

“It has to be six points and we know that,” said Roberts speaking after Hereford conceded a last minute equaliser during their 1-1 draw with Altrincham last weekend.

“Had we got three points today then the story would have changed a little bit we would have still wanted to win those two games but they wouldn’t have be must wins, now solely in our minds we know we have to win those games and we’re focused on that.

“We’re disappointed that we didn’t win today but we’re focused on the next game and we’re not going to let it disappoint us too much and we’re going to do our upmost to get three points against FC United.”

Hereford head coach Marc Richards said he will be treating the two matches like any others.

He added: "Three points is three points isn’t it, yes we are playing two teams around us but it’s very early in the season.

“You can only get three points for winning a game and that’s the way I look at it. We will prepare exactly how we have done for all the other opposition. Yes it’s a home game against a team in and around us but that doesn’t really change our approach to it really."

Hereford are now 11 games without a league victory having last won at home against Leamington on August 14.

When asked if the players were thinking about the run, Richards added: “I don’t know, I hope not, it’s one of those things and of course you want to get the win as soon as possible but I hope it doesn’t play on the lads minds because I want them to play with that freedom when we are in possession.

“So if there is anything I can do to make sure that isn’t the case and that’s what I’ll be doing. There’s still a long way to go.”

Both of the visiting sides come to Edgar Street in good form with Southport beating Kidderminster Harriers 4-0 last weekend while FC United of Manchester won 3-0 at Blyth Spartans.