HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling says some of the trialists have impressed him enough to earn a deal at Edgar Street.

The Bulls fielded nine trialists in their 22-man squad during a 1-1 draw with Wellington on Tuesday night.

A starting 11 consisted of mainly signed players and dominated play going forwards.

Kyle Finn was dragged down inside the box for a 40th minute penalty, but Lenell John-Lewis saw his effort saved by loanee goalkeeper Kieron Blackburn.

The second half saw the Bulls name nine trialists in their line-up and it took them a while to gel.

Paul Jones took advantage and latched onto a Brendan Hackett through ball before firing home on 48 minutes.

However, the trialists worked their way into the half and deserved their 74th minute equaliser with a looping shot which nestled in off the underside of the bar.

"We played our signed players in the first half and I was very pleased with the press and the energy levels and we kept them in their half which was good," said Gowling.

"We were doing little slides around the side and if the conditions weren't what they were we would be in.

"Looking at the team we played we haven't really got our midfield yet and had three trialists in midfield.

"The difference was we didn't really press in the second half so we probably sat off and they (Wellington) dictated the game a little bit.

"They went and scored and then we obviously got back into the game.

"The second half there are 11 players that haven't played together before which is always going to be difficult.

"They conceded but credit to them they kept on going and got the goal.

"There's a few lads there that will be with us, there's a few interesting lads and a few we will probably take a punt on.

"There are lads there that have got a lot of ability, I'm pleased for them today as obviously you can train but to go out there and put on the performances they did was pleasing.

"I'm sure there will be a couple that the supporters will know but it's up to them to earn themselves a contract and place in the team."

The Bulls face Newport County behind closed doors at Edgar Street on Saturday.

The game will be streamed on the Hereford FC for fans to watch.

"We will be looking at the lads to play another 45 and the trialists again to play another 45 so it's a test and it's another opportunity for the trialists to get a contract," added Gowling.

"I've got to be honest you have an idea as a manager what team you will pick at the start of the season so it's up to the players during pre-season to either keep their place or change my mind."

Gowling thinks that fans should be allowed to attend the home friendly matches which under current Government guidelines clubs at National League North level or above are not allowed.

"If you can go to the cinema and watch movies with somebody in a small room then there's no reason why you can't be at a football match outside social distancing," added Gowling.

"We've seen that today, obviously in our stadium there are plenty of ways we can social distance and I can't see why we can't do that."