HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling was keen for his side to play on the 4G surface in their goalless draw at Rushall Olympic.

The Bulls face a trip to Scarborough for their second league game on August 13 with the newly promoted side one of many playing on an artificial surface.

“Some of the lads that have never played a league game on 4G, like Tyrone (Barnett) for example, it’s a very different kind of game,” said Gowling talking to Keith Hall after their friendly draw.

“It’s a slower game at a slower pace and your touch is different. It’s one or two touch play and you’ve got to take more care with it.

“Having Scarborough in the second game of the season, it’s brilliant that we’ve come here two weeks before that.

“It’s just different football on 4G.”

The best chances at Rushall fell to striker Miles Storey who saw his one-on-one effort saved in the first half before hitting the post in the second.

At the other end Bulls goalkeeper Brad Wade was in action with a penalty save to deny Alex Moore.

“There were missed opportunities,” added Gowling.

“Miles (Storey) went through in the first half one versus one and then hit the post in the second half. We had a header at the end as well.

“Overall it was a pleasing performance, it’s a different surface isn’t it (4G pitch at Rushall). The pitch is why we wanted to come here.

“I thought they (Rushall) were excellent, they played good football, tried to expansive and pressed well. Apart from their penalty I think we had the best chances of the game.

“We didn’t turn balls over today as much as I would have liked, those back and throughs but overall I think we’ve had a solid pre-season.”

The Bulls have suffered just three pre-season wins, three defeats and a draw. Gowling says he is happy with convincing wins against Coalville and Alvechurch before Saturday’s draw at Rusghall Olympic, all three playing the step below his side.  

“If you look at the teams we’ve played this pre-season we’ve played all the play-off teams (from the Southern League Premier Central) and I think we’ve been head and shoulders above them so it’s been pleasing,” added Gowling.

“Once again it has been a really good test for us, they are a good club and will be pushing again this season as well.

“It was really pleasing to see us, be strong, be solid and create good opportunities. We’ve had some trialists in but the pleasing thing is that it’s been a settled camp.

“The trialists that have been in from the start and all the way through so everybody knows what they are doing.”