swindon become the first of many to enjoy the freedom of crewe

Is it too early to predicting relegations in League Two – a league that is notoriously difficult to predict. Perhaps, but two clubs are worthy of comment simply because of the appalling starts that they have had.

Crewe Alexandra and Hereford sit rock bottom having yet to trouble the scorers after three games – and both are seeing their odds for relegation tumble.

While Macclesfield (7/4) are favourites to go down and Cheltenham (3/1) are priced to finish second bottom, they have already got off the mark with wins.

Things have been bleak for Hereford so far. Tuesday night’s 4-0 defeat against Macclesfield for Hereford underlined the trouble they seem to be in, but there were clues there that they will be OK.

It hasn’t helped that they have been forced to play their goalkeeping coach in goal for the last two matches, but they have not been outclassed despite some heavy defeats.

Hereford’s problems were all last season, with an appalling campaign, a change of owners, board and manager, and the new boss bought his main changes in in January. They have started badly but a win against Brentford in the Carling Cup is a better indication than a couple of poor starts.

Crewe, on the other hand, have bigger problems. Last season they were the top scorers in the division – a lot of which was due to the 27-goal League Two top scorer Clayton Donaldson. Unfortunately, they were also one of the worst defences, particularly away from Gresty Road where they conceded on average more than two goals game (47 in 23).

Donaldson has now gone, to be replaced from the prolific Crewe youth factory, but the dodgy defence is still there – and the ten goals they have conceded in four games this season is testament to that.

Dario Gradi has already said that there is no money in the kitty, so the kids will have to be alright this time. But with a 16-year-old already forced onto the bench (Max Clayton) and a and 17-year-old into the starting line-up (Nick Powell) it could be men against boys for a lot of this season for the Railwaymen.

Tips

3pts Lay Hereford to be relegated at about 2.04 (Betfair)

3pts Back Crewe to be relegated at 13/2 (Skybet)