HEREFORD Pegasus manager Mark Hibbard says that his side are all ‘fighting for their places’ as they suffered an opening pre-season defeat at the hands of Hereford FC.

In front of a record crowd of 843 people at the KGD Stadium the Bulls ran out 4-1 winners over Pegasus – who sit three levels below them in the non-league pyramid.

“It was pretty enjoyable to be fair,” said Pegasus manager Mark Hibbard.

“You can see the quality that they have and they put us under pressure in the first half. At stages I thought we dealt with it pretty well, especially when we got into the game.

“I think we probably showed them too much respect in the first 15 minutes. I mixed it up and said to the boys I was going to mix the young with the old.

“They are all fighting for their place in the first 11 and in the 16-man squad. We had 20 today and a couple missing so it’s looking pretty good if I’m honest.

“I’m speaking to a few more players, if we can get them over the line then that would be brilliant, but with the lads I’ve got I’m pretty happy and there’s more to come.”

Pegasus enjoyed a bumper get for the pre-season match as Bulls fans were keen to get a first glimpse of Paul Caddis’ new side.

“It was+ an amazing attendance, really good for us,” Hibbard added.

“If we want to progress then those are the sorts of crowds we want to bring in week in and week out. I don’t think at this particular moment in time it’s ever going to happen.

“It is nice to get that sort of crowd and attendance through the gate.”

Hibbard was joint manager with Dave Cadwallader last season but has taken over as sole manager for Pegasus in the Hellenic Premier.

He will be joined in the dugout by former Hereford boss and Football League player Jamie Pitman.

“David Cadwallader stepped down which I was sad about because he’s a top bloke,” added Hibbard.

“It was down to me to takeover on my own and for me to bring in who I could. We promoted Jamie (Price) from captain to be part of the coaching staff. Matt (Phillips) is staying with me and then we brought in Jamie Pitman which has been a blessing.

“He’s come in straight away and taken the first few training sessions and has been superb.”

Westfields began their pre-season games with a 4-0 victory at Chepstow Town on Saturday thanks to a brace of goals by Zach Johnston while Archie Muirhead and Teddy Mee also netted.

They followed that on Tuesday night with a 4-2 victory over Cwmbran Celtic on Tuesday night with Oliver Barnes, Harry Pitman, Sam Griffiths and Mee all scoring.