HEREFORD United head to Bromsgrove Rovers tonight after spicing up competition for the goalkeeper's jersey (7.45pm).

The Bulls have signed Chester City 'keeper Wayne Brown on a 12-month loan deal after he was told by manager Keith Curle that he was no longer part of his plans.

Brown, 28, who made almost 300 first-team appearances for the Deva Stadium outfit since transferring from non-league side Weston-super-Mare in 1996, earlier turned down a move to Nationwide North promotion favourites Droylsden.

The 6ft goalkeeper has plenty of experience and boasts six caps with the semi-professional England National Game XI.

Last season the jersey was held by Craig Mawson and, following the release of youngster Ben Scott, boss Graham Turner has been searching for competition.

"The loan arrangement has been agreed between my chairman and Graham Turner," said Curle. "We wish Wayne well with his new club."

Brown may get his first taste of action at the Victoria Ground tonight, although director of football Turner is expected to field another young line-up with opportunities thrown out to trialists.

A mixed bag of first-team players, trialists and young squad members started at the Corrs Stadium on Monday evening when Hereford defeated Ludlow Town 3-0 to secure their first friendly triumph of the summer.

Among the players on trial include goalkeeper Clint Davies, defender Rob Williams, midfielder Rees Smith and striker Graham Evans.

Caersws forward Evans, the son of former Wrexham favourite Mickey Evans, bagged the second goal at Ludlow as United recorded a comfortable victory.

He also created the opening goal of the friendly, teeing up strike partner Danny Carey-Bertram for a close-range finish. A penalty from Carey-Bertram sealed matters.

Hereford also lost 3-2 to a strong Bristol Rovers side at the weekend, despite goals from Rob Purdie and Adam Stansfield.

Bromsgrove boss Jimmy Mullen is poised to hand trialist Andy Pryce the gloves as he endeavours to sign a new goalkeeper before the start of the Southern League Division One West season.

Rovers have lost all four pre-season friendlies, although the quality of opposition has been strong, with Bristol Rovers, Moor Green and Kidderminster Harriers among the victors.

Mullen said: "It was always the idea to play against good quality teams. Our performances have been very good, we have taken a couple of teams quite close.

"I'll be looking to start with a strong side against Hereford. There won't be many substitutes and I'll be looking to get people through 90 minutes rather than 45.

"I believe we'll give another good account of ourselves. The important thing is for the players to keep improving their fitness levels."