THE age-old adage of “attack is the best form of defence” may indeed be a footballing truism.It’s a style of play that is ingrained in the English psyche — one that the Premiership still prides itself on.

But it seems the Bermuda Hogges are currently taking the much-used idiom a little to literally.

Five games have already been chalked off their USL Division 2 calendar and already the Hogges goals against column makes for unhealthy reading.

Not that the Hogges haven’t played an entertaining brand of football though.

Far from it, with co-owner Paul Scope revealing opposing managers are frequently praising his side after games for their attacking style of play.

But at present porous defending is undermining their offensive play and threatening to ensure they remain rooted to the bottom of the league.

The last two games alone have seen them leak eight goals with Lightbourne’s young charges yet to keep a clean sheet this campaign.

And they are sure to face another assault on their already well-worn goal-mouth when they travel to Crystal Palace Baltimore on Saturday and table toppers Richmond Kickers the following day.

They are likely to persevere with the 3-5-2 formation they experimented with against Harrisburg Islanders last weekend with Omar Shakir set to continue as sweeper.

It’s a configuration that bore fruit in the first-half against the Islanders with the Hogges entering the midway point a goal to the good. Sadly the second-half saw them capitulate, shipping four goals, but nevertheless the backroom staff are believed to have seen enough evidence to suggest the sweeper system could help reverse their fortunes and quench their thirst for a first victory.

It’s a victory their attacking play arguably warrants with the Hogges consistently causing problems with their pace and penetration.

And with player-coach Shaun Goater likely to continue as the attacking focal point following his trademark header against the Islanders, the Hogges possess a player with proven potency.

Ok, this franchise may be about nurturing new Bermudian talent, but if Goater’s on-field presence can benefit the rest of his teammates then surely he is well worth a starting berth — even if it is at the expense of a younger player.

It’s sure to be testing weekend for the Hogges with two games in such quick succession. Both their opposition should be buoyed following good results with Baltimore beating high-flying Charlotte Eagles 1-0, and Richmond taking top-spot after a 2-1 win at Wilmington Hammerheads last weekend.

Crystal Palace Baltimore, also known as the “Eagles USA”, is part of the development system of the English Football League Championship side Crystal Palace.The club was set up in 2006 with this also being their first ever season the USL.

Among their ranks are a number of promising young players including Charlie Sherringham, son of former England striker Teddy. Like his father Charlie is also a forward and will be a player Hogges will have to pay close attention following his winning goal against the Eagles.