HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling was pleased with the first half display his signed players showed during their friendly 4-0 defeat against Newport County.

The Bulls started their more experience signed players and only trailed at the break by Lewis Collins' 12th minute opener following some neat play inside the box.

The second half Hereford side comprised of mainly trialists allowing Newport to further their advantage.

Ryan Taylor doubled the visitor's lead before further goals came courtesy off Saikou Janneh and a trialist.

The Bulls' best chance came on the 62nd minute when from a free-kick a trialist sent his free header over.

"We played two halves and the second was a trialist game more than anything," said Gowling.

"In the first half we defended well, had a good shape and worked well in the transition which we've been working on in training.

"We just lacked that bit of creativity. It was only our second pre-season friendly so it's going to come.

"We still don't have a solid midfield yet as they were basically trialists. Newport's first game is next week while we've been back training two weeks.

"We train twice a week, they train every day and this is our second friendly."

Gowling highlighted the performance of academy graduate Toby Raison who continues to impress after making the move up to first team training.

The Bulls manager said a couple of trialists would continue with Hereford this week.

He also hoped that working within the restrictions of the budget that a couple of signing would be made within the next week.

Gowling also hopes to bring in some loanees.