Ainsworth impressed from the start

Lionel Ainsworth, who has moved to Watford, came to Hereford United for trials in July and featured in every pre-season friendly, starting with the game at Pegasus.

First mention of Ainsworth recorded on Bulls News was from the VP's AGM on July 16th when manager Graham Turner was talking about new signings and trialists.

Following another question Turner confirmed his intentions to play a 4-4-2 formation with pace a requirement, adding that an unnamed 'lad from Derby' was a likely candidate for a wing position.

Then a couple of days later Ainsworth played for the Bulls against Pegasus.

Soon after the advantage was doubled when tricky winger Ainsworth, who impressed with his speed and skill, picked up a loose pass from a Pegasus defender, and punished them by sprinting clear and neatly tucking past 'keeper Bryn Watkins....Out of the trialists, it was Ainsworth who stood out on the right hand side.

On July 24th Ainsworth was again in action this time against against Bath.

Ainsworth impressed again with his ability to beat defenders at speed.

On the following Thursday it was reported that Turner had made two offers to players in recent days and hoped a signing might happen before the weekend.

"We're hoping that something will materialise, and I think we're fairly close to the trialist, we're almost in agreement so I would expect him to sign before the weekend," said Turner.

Next was the friendly against Wolves but that evening Turner tried out another winger Alister John before bringing on Ainsworth late in the game.

However just four days later on July 31st Ainsworth's signing by Hereford United was confirmed.

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