HEREFORD United coach John Trewick admits the pressure is on last season's regulars to grasp the nettle when handed a chance.

The Bulls kept to an unchanged line-up in their first two Nationwide Conference fixtures against Scarborough and Cambridge United.

Included in the starting side were six of United's new summer signings, with just four outfield players that stayed on from Edgar Street in the 2004/05 campaign.

It has meant that midfielders Rob Purdie and Craig Stanley, regular starters for manager Graham Turner last term, and up-and-coming striker Danny Carey-Bertram have been forced on to the substitutes bench.

United coach Trewick insists opportunities will arise for the trio, but he has warned they must make the most of their selection.

"It is unfortunate for some players that they are missing out on selection early on," said Trewick. "It is because we have got a bigger and stronger squad than last year.

"But football being football, everybody will get their chance and when they are included in the side, it is up to them to make the most of the opportunity to keep their place. If they can do that, then it's great for the team."

Despite starting the season with half-a-dozen new names in the line-up, Trewick said the summer recruits have all blended in to United's style of play.

Trewick added: "We had pre-season to introduce the players to each other. Most have been here for a while now and so have now settled in quite well.

"It is about bringing together like-minded people. Once we have got a good understanding, it does not matter if we play 4-4-2 or 3-5-2, the players will quickly adapt to any system.

"It will still take a short period of time for everybody to gel together on the pitch. But the new lads have mixed in very, very well."

One of the signings, striker Guy Ipoua, has already got his Hereford career off to a flier with two goals. Trewick added: "It's a good start for Guy, two goals in two games. We want him to sustain that and to continue his early form throughout the rest of the season."