Hereford United chief Graham Turner has thrown down a

challenge to his players ahead of today's League One match

against Crewe Alexandra at Edgar Street.

The Bulls have lost their opening three League matches and

are anchored at the bottom of the division. Turner is looking

for a positive response following the 6-1 defeat by Bristol

Rovers last week.

"We knew the start of the season was going to be hard and it

has been a rude awakening," said Turner.

"Now the players have the challenge of proving they are good

enough to play at this level.

"There are one or two who are not playing as well as they

did last season. Now they are up against better players and if

they are not at the top of their game, we're going to pay the

price.

"We need to meet the challenge head on as nobody is going to

give us anything."

Hereford's crushing defeat by the Pirates was also a bitter

pill for the players to take and they will be out to make

amends this afternoon.

"The way the goals were conceded was tough to take and we

have got to learn from that," said full-back Robbie

Threlfall.

"It has been tough having suffered three straight league

defeats but we've got to keep learning. The experience will

help us get better.

"In all fairness, Bristol Rovers had about eight shots, and

six of them went in. They were very clinical but we have got to

defend better."

Crewe manager Steve Holland has his eyes firmly on taking

three points off Hereford following their 2-1 victory over

Bristol City in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

"The win over Bristol City was a bonus but we have talked to

the players about the Hereford game," he said.

"I am sick of being at the bottom end of the table and three

points would guarantee us a top-half berth."

Hoping to make his debut for Hereford will be 23-year-old

Stephen O'Leary, who has signed a one-year contract with the

Bulls from Luton.

"He has been with us a couple of weeks and we're pleased to

have him on board," said Turner, who is aiming to recruit more

players before Monday's deadline.

"I thought I had one definitely coming last weekend but he

has now chosen to play in the Scottish Premier League.

"However, we're waiting on three or four clubs and players'

agents to come back to us."

Among those lining up for Crewe will be striker Anthony

Elding and Byron Moore, who scored in the victory over Bristol

City.

Hereford (from): Samson, Randolph, Rose, Beckwith, Oji,

Breen, Threlfall, Johnson, Smith, Diagouraga, O'Leary, Taylor,

Easton, Done, Guinan, Ashikodi, Hudson-Odoi, McLeod,

Gwynne.