Hereford United skipper Ian Wright praised his team-mates after Tuesday's 3-2 defeat to Second Division Swindon Town in a pre-season friendly at Edgar Street.

The former Bristol Rovers defender believes United's new-look side are making good progress ahead of their Nationwide Conference campaign, despite also losing 2-0 to visiting Tranmere Rovers in their opening friendly on Friday.

Wright's sentiments were echoed by United boss Graham Turner, who has been particularly pleased with the movement and enthusiasm of his players over the two matches.

And new physiotherapist and coach Richard O'Kelly said he was delighted with shape of the team in the second-half against visiting Swindon.

However, Turner admitted that the new centre-half partnership of Wright, Tony James and newcomer Andy Tretton were still finding their feet.

He said: "The three central defenders are still coming to terms with the new system and, at times, a true level of understanding has not been there. But, to be fair, we have just played against two very good teams and they have been good workouts for us."

Two excellent first-half goals from former Cardiff City and Wigan striker Simon Haworth and Canada Under-20 international Iain Hulme sealed Tranmere's win over United.

But the Bulls were hit by Danny Invincible's controversial stoppage-time goal against Swindon, which earned the Wiltshire club victory.

Indeed, the majority of the 778-crowd were visibly frustrated at the final whistle after Hereford referee Steve Moggs had overruled his assistant's off-side flag and allowed the Australian's 91st-minute winner to stand.

Hereford had looked set to beat their higher-graded opponents after Jamie Pitman's 31st-minute looping header and a scorching 59th-minute 25-yarder from Michael Rose had given United a deserved 2-1 lead.

But trialist Sam Parkin hauled Swindon level on 86 minutes before Invincible, who set up the Robins' opening goal for Eric Sabin on 52 minutes, fired home a disputed late winner from the edge of the box.

Meanwhile, Turner is still seeking to strengthen his 12-man squad and was disappointed that trialist Ashley Nicholls had opted to join Third Division Darlington.

Paul Parry, withdrawn at half-time against Swindon following a knock, should be fit for the trip to Bromsgrove Rovers this Tuesday, while striker John Grant is suffering from a foot injury.