Ben Long and Nick Hardy aiming to impress City boss

SAINTS boss David Howell is running the rule over two trialists as he looks to bolster his squad.

Former Barnet midfielder Ben Long has been playing for neighbours Colney Heath after a spell in Iceland and comes to the club on the recommendation of Colney Heath boss Gary Phillips.

Goalkeeper Nick Hardy, 23, has also been playing his football in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division for Hadley.

Striker Brian Haule, another player who has been blighted by injury this term, is set to sign for Aylesbury to get match practice while winger Sean Shields, who has been sidelined since early December with ankle ligament damage, is set to return to training alongside long term absentee James Bent.