BOSTON UNITED trialists Gareth Clayton and Harry Deane are set to be given further chances to impress managers Rob Scott and Paul Hurst.

Left-back Clayton started Tuesday night's 2-1 friendly defeat at Stamford while wideman Deane was a second half substitute.

Hurst says both could figure again for the Pilgrims during their pre-season campaign. Boston return to action at Belper Town on Saturday.

"Gareth is a left-back I've known for a number of years," explained Hurst, who played with Clayton during his Rotherham career.

"You could see he wasn't up to speed in terms of fitness, and it was difficult for him to come into what was a bad team performance. But he's got a good left foot.

"Harry has been playing with the reserves. He was at Grimsby last year and he was the only bright spark (against Stamford).

"He was positive and he went about his work with a purpose.

"It wouldn't be a surpise if you see them in a Boston shirt again."

Deane and a first appearance in pre-season of Marc Newsham aside, the Pilgrims could take few positives out of Tuesday's loss.

"It wasn't good enough," said Hurst, who fielded a near full-strength side.

"I know it's only pre-season, but it still hurts when we lose a game.

"We didn't play with any tempo, we didn't pass it quick enough.

"Basically, Stamford just worked harder than us. I've got no qualms with the result."