HEREFORD Lads Club manager Danny Moon has praised the camaraderie in his side after some players refused money to play elsewhere and chose to stay with his side.

Moon's side looked poised for a promotion challenge last season in the Hellenic League Division One West before the curtailing of the season scuppered their chances.

However, they look set for another challenge and Moon is happy to have kept his star names ahead of the coming campaign.

"I think we're going to look sharp going forward with what we've got," said Moon.

"The squad is probably the least on the numbers we've had but the most on the quality.

"It's going to be hard to get into the starting 11 to be honest whoever wants to be in there.

"There was a few that may have gone and were offered money elsewhere, but they stayed.

"One lad has had the opportunity to go and play higher.

"We've got a little project to get into step five and hopefully we can achieve it this season as long as everything goes right.

"They believe in what we're trying to do and they've got great camaraderie, you wouldn't think it sometimes but you've got to fall out to be stronger as a team sometimes.

"For the first time in a couple of years we'll have the chance to go right at it."

Lads Club got their pre-season underway on Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Gloucestershire side Woolaston AFC.

James Hancocks got the hosts off to a perfect start when his cross come shot looped over the goalkeeper's head inside the opening 10 minutes.

The visitors responded well and were awarded a 28th minute penalty after Morgan Workman was judged to have fouled while jumping with an opposing played inside the box and the penalty was neatly dispatched.

Lads Club responded with Brad Williams, Oliver Price and Adam Hockey all going close.

The hosts were deservedly awarded a penalty three minutes after the break when Jordan Burke was brought down, but Hockey saw his spot kick saved.

Hockey did put Lads Club back ahead on 62 minutes when a neat Adam Newbury through ball released the winger who duly beat the goalkeeper.

Burke put the hosts out of sight with 15 minutes remaining following a one-two with Kalum Wildig before slotting home.

Woolaston did respond and pulled a goal back with six minutes remaining, capitalising on a mistake at the back before lobbing the goalkeeper.

"We got a good result against a good team, but it only means something when the season starts," added Moon.

"I think we did alright in parts, but I think our attitude needs to be better.

"A win is a win but I'm disappointed that we've conceded two poor goals. You're not going to get a lot out of people when it's 30 degrees out there.

"As much as people try and get their bodies going it's quite sapping sometimes."