HEREFORD continued their unbeaten start to their pre-season programme with a comprehensive 5-0 win over a very young West Bromwich Albion side.

With their senior squad on tour in Denmark, the Baggies sent a side consisting mainly of promising teenagers and, not surprisingly, they lacked the experience to present a serious challenge to a United side who did everything right on the night.

Goals before the interval from skipper Tony James (penalty) and Michael Rose were added to in the second- half by Ben Smith (2) and youngster Danny Bertram as the Bulls thrilled the surprisingly large crowd of 1,306 with some quality football.

Hereford fielded three triallists in the veteran former Shrewsbury defender Peter Wilding, Dean Craven from Bridgnorth and Bertram who was presented with an early opportunity to impress his former team mates.

The 19-year-old certainly indicated that he had something to offer with a pacy display crowned by a finely-struck late goal.

Boss Graham Turner who said that his side was 'right on schedule' indicated that Ber-tram may have a part to play in the season at Edgar Street.

"He's got pace and wants to prove something," said Turner. "He's certainly put himself in the frame."

The Bulls took the lead on 26 minutes when Rob Purdie's shot was handled on the goal-line by Tamika Mkandawire and James comfortably despatched the penalty.

Eight minutes later, Jamie Pitman dummied a Danny Williams short corner and Rose blasted home from the edge of the area.

With substitutions a-plenty in the second period, the play became disjointed until Hereford rounded off proceedings with a burst of three goals in five minutes.

Smith marked his appearance as a substitute by smashing home an excellent drive with his first kick of the ball on 73 minutes. His second touch, a minute later, was a sublime right-footed lob from outside the area.

Then Bertram raced away and smashed home on 77 minutes to conclude a very successful evening.

"We looked sharp, fit and strong and our passing and movement was excellent," said Graham Turner who was delight with the evening's proceedings.