Stan Ternent's troops head to the side just above them – Cheltenham – tomorrow, with the fact that Town are propping up the rest and are without a league victory after four games a head-scratching surprise to many.

Especially when a host of pundits tipped them to be this season's title dark horses while all the easy money went on Leeds and Leicester.

But despite the fact that Town – who have splashed the cash to bring in the likes of Gary Roberts and Ian Crainey – have taken just two points from a possible 12, the alarm bells are not ringing yet.

Town face hosts who are down in the doldrums following a 4-0 home reverse to Leicester at Whaddon Road last Saturday, with the Robins' sole victory coming in a 2-0 derby success over Swindon on August 16.

Cheltenham's home doesn't hold the happiest of memories for Town, with a 1-1 draw on the final day of the 2003/04 season ensuring Torquay pipped them for automatic promotion from League Two.

And victory at a place where they suffered one of their darkest hours in recent years – and getting their league campaign up and running – would certainly be sweet tomorrow.

Hoyle said: "We are under no illusions. Cheltenham are probably going to be a struggling team this season, but what we need is a goal that goes in off someone's backside, a 1-0 win and we're sorted. We just need that bit of luck.

"Everyone is desperate for us to kick-start things and I'm sure when the first three points get on the board, it won't be our last. We just need that first league win and hopefully it'll be Saturday."

He added: "We all know it takes time to gel. You've only got to look at the fact that we've got a new manager, new coach, new backroom and a new team.


"You look at last season and Nottingham Forest didn't win a game until mid-September, while Sheffield Wednesday didn't get a point in their first six games."

Ternent's striking options have been shorn with Danny Cadamarteri (hamstring) and Andy Booth (back) missing tomorrow.

Centre-half Andy Butler, who has missed the last two games with a back problem, could return while young midfielder James Berrett is on international duty with Eire U21s.

Ex-Terriers ace Craig Armstrong (ankle) could make a return against his old club tomorrow, while defender Shane Duff (Achilles) has an "outside chance" of playing.

Gavin Caines and Scott Brown are also back in the fray for the Robins, who made a beat-the-window move to sign veteran striker Lloyd Owusu.

Ends