HEREFORD United's reserve team will play competitive matches this season in the Sygnus Central Conference Reserve League.

The Bulls have rejoined the new-look league which will include teams from Hednesford Town, Nuneat-on Borough, Stafford Rangers and Grantham Town.

United played friendly matches last term after withdrawing from the Central Conference at the end of the 2001-2002 season.

United manager Graham Turner, who will be running the team with coach Richard O'Kelly, said: "The league will be much better run this season and, although Grantham are in it, the agreement is to play them twice at neutral grounds."

United youth team started the season with a 5-0 home win over Lye Town in a friendly. Chris Mortlock (2), Lewis Jones, Dean Jordan and Ben Jordan scored the goals.