HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling praised second half substitute Tyrone Barnett for helping his side progress into the FA Cup fourth qualifying round draw.

The Bulls played out a goalless first half after making the long trip south to face Sussex side Three Bridges.

However, the introduction of experience striker Barnett provided an assist for Yan Klukowski’s opener before James Caton and Miles Storey also scored to secure the win.

“In the second half bringing Tyrone (Barnett) on made a massive difference,” said Gowling.

“On a smaller pitch we were able to go a bit more direct in to Tyrone and feed off that.

“I think our fitness levels overall took over and won us the game. Because it’s quite a small pitch there’s not them natural balls in behind but I thought having Tyrone down the middle and playing Miles (Storey) off him we looked such a threat.”

Three Bridges who play in step four of the non-league pyramid, two below Hereford had reached the FA Cup third qualifying round for the first time in their history.

Gowling said the hosts had provided tough opposition in the first half and were gracious in defeat.

“In the first half they made it very difficult and there were a few naughty tackles in there which cost us Zak (Lilly),” added Gowling.

“If you see Zak’s leg he’s got a thing from his knee all the way down, I’m not sure how long he’s going to be (out for).

“It was a good game, they (Three Bridges) were an absolute credit. They lost the game but they made a right game of it and it’s a lovely family club.

“They were really respectful at the end of the game, an absolute pleasure to play against for a start and a credit to the football club.”

Hereford were short on players at Three Bridges with under-18s Zach Johnson and Cameron Davies filling out the bench. Zak Lilly made a short return before coming off injured and Kane Thompson-Sommers was also substituted on his return.

“We brought Zak in who is still ill with the flu,” added Gowling.

“We’ve had to put him in, Kane (Thompson-Sommers) has been out with an ankle injury and we’ve put him on and he’s come off again with his ankle so we had a makeshift back four which was difficult.

“We wanted to give Miles (Storey) an opportunity down the middle and played (James) Caton again today who scored and did well so we made quite a few changes.”