HEREFORD FC manager Josh Gowling praised his players for showing their experience during a 3-1 FA Cup victory at Gosport Borough.

A first half Lenell John-Lewis strike put the Bulls into the driving seat before the 31-year-old marksman doubled their lead in the second half from the penalty spot.

Despite Gosport pulling a goal back to potentially set-up a grandstand finish Tom Owen-Evans won and dispatched a second penalty for his side.

“It was a good performance for the lads, they’re a good side and hadn’t conceded a goal in their first three league games,” said Gowling.

“I think the odds were against us slightly because they’ve played competitive football and they had a crowd but we weren’t allowed a crowd here.

“But we’ve got a resilient bunch and a professional bunch.

I think the lads were resilient, they worked hard and pressed well.  We’ve worked a lot on it but I just think we’re more physical now.  That’s the biggest thing in midfield, first and foremost we’ve got to win them second ball and that individual battle in the park.

“I think we did that well today. We didn’t have that experience either last year. We’ve worked on our identity and what we want everyone to perceive us as.

“I’d like to think that we’re getting there although it’s early days.

Hereford made five signings yesterday and announced the non-contract signing of Samir Nabi before the tie.

Gowling said that despite them just signing for Hereford the lads know each other from playing previously together.

“There’s a link with all the lads that we’ve tried to bring in,” added Gowling.

We knew we’re not going to have time to bed them in, at least if they’re coming into an environment where there are smiling faces that they know it’s an easier bedding in period.

“It’s worked well so far but we’ve got a lot to do.

“Luke Haines was excellent in there he’s assured, he sits in front of the back four and wins his headers.

“He gets on the ball and gives us that calmness when he is on the ball so we can play.

“I think a lot of fans were worried about our attacking threat, but you can see the way we played today that we’ve got that in abundance.

“Coming here today and putting on that performance is pleasing, but we’re a million miles away from where I want to be.”

Despite only having Lenell John-Lewis as a natural striker midfielders Tom Owen-Evans and Kyle Finn added forward options.

“With Lennell (John-Lewis) he holds the ball up really well and if he’s not holding it up he makes himself a nuisance,” added Gowling.

“So balls drop in those pockets and those areas which mean that Finn and Owen-Evans can pick it up and do what they’re good at which is driving at players.

“They did really well today.”