Hereford'S fifth draw in six Nationwide Conference matches at Edgar Street extended their unbeaten home record and kept them third in the table, but a lack of firepower prevented victory for the Bulls on Tuesday, writes ADAM WORKMAN.

Both goals came in a flurry of activity within the first 10 minutes and, after Craig Hanson's opener with just four minutes gone, Neil Matthews quickly responded for RMI in the first ever meeting between the two clubs.

Hanson provided an ideal start for United when he netted his first Conference goal of the season after good work from Kerry Giddings, who ran across the face of the Leigh area and slipped the ball through the visitors' back line.

Hanson, who had previously only registered once in Hereford colours, stole in behind the RMI defence and delicately side-footed the ball past keeper Craig Dootson.

However, a pacy run from Steve Jones on 10 minutes left the Hereford defence standing and when he squared the ball past the despairing lunge of Scott Cooksey, Matt Clarke failed to clear off the line and Matthews made sure from close range.

The comparatively frenetic first half gave way to a less enthralling second period until substitute Rob Elmes came close to restoring the Bulls' lead in the 67th minute.

The big centre-forward flicked on a long throw from Chris Lane with his head, only to see his effort hit the foot of the far post and bounce agonisingly away to safety.

Mike McIndoe did everything but find the net two minutes later when he beat numerous RMI players on a mazy run before being denied by Dootson.

Hereford: Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Hanson (Moran 83 mins), Snape, Giddings (Elmes 60), Williams, McIndoe. Subs not used: Wall, Baker, Gardiner.

Referee: G Chapman (Stroud).

Attendance: 1,918.