IT was the 192 Yeovil fans in the crowd of 2,410 the biggest attendance at Edgar Street this season who left the ground happy on Saturday as they saw their side maintain their unbeaten away record in the Football Conference, thanks to an 18th-minute goal from Steve Thompson.

But the home fans, United director of football Graham Turner and coach Keith Downing were left utterly frustrated as the Bulls' undefeated Confer-ence five-match run ended.

After collecting seven points from three away matches, expectations were high that two home victories would put Hereford in the top three. But Saturday's defeat and the draw with Northwich Victoria the previous Tuesday dropped them to eighth place.

Turner said: ''We told the players at half-time that they had to start turning Yeovil's defenders. But they fell into Yeovil's hands by playing a lot of square passes.

Gavin Williams was bright in attack but we didn't show enough urgency or pace.''

Conversely, Yeovil coach Colin Lippiatt was delighted with his part- timers, saying: ''There are some days in your career when you are really proud of your players and today is one of them. I gave them all 10 out of 10.'' Thompson, returning after injury, seized his chance when United left-back Tony James sent a weak clearance straight into his path.

The midfielder, seeing Andy Quy off his line, promptly chipped it over him from 20 yards.

''It was one of the best goals I have scored in my career,'' said Thompson. Few scoring chances were created at either end in the first half. Al-James Hannigan tested Quy, while former United keeper Tony Pennock blocked a fierce drive from skipper Ian Rodgerson. Then Richard Leadbeater was not far off target with a shot which skidded past the far post.

The Bulls had plenty of possession in the second period but failed to put the visitors' well-organised defence under any intense pressure. Substitute Mark Druce did get through to beat Pennock but his header was cleared off the line by Kevan Brown. A header by Richard Walker also caused some consternation for the Glovers but they eventually scrambled the ball away.

Then, in injury time, Pennock tipped Rodgerson's right-wing cross onto the bar and away for a corner.

Three United players, Williams, Richard Walker and John Snape, were booked.

Hereford: Quy, Lane, Wright, Walker, James, Rodgerson, Mahon, Snape, Taylor, Leadbeater (Druce 62 mins), Williams. Subs not used: Evans, Cross.