A SUPERBLY headed goal from centre-back Ian Wright helped Hereford to a Football Conference draw on Saturday.

But United will be kicking themselves for failing to win a game they dominated from start to finish in wet and windy conditions at Rockingham Road.

The chief culprit was former Wolves striker Richard Leadbeater who missed a number of good chances, only to find the net with a header past his own goalkeeper, Mark Jones, when he came back to help out the defence four minutes before the interval.

The debut-making Jones had little chance to show his capabilities as Kettering did not manage a single goal effort in the first half and were scarcely more productive in the second period.

The Hereford defence allowed the home forwards little space, with Wright once again dominating in the air, whilst Stuart Evans, taking over form the transferred Richard Walker, gave every indication that he will be a more than adequate replacement.

Hereford settled quickly and created the first opening after only 55 seconds when a good build-up involving skipper Ian Rodgerson and Gavin Williams provided a chance for Leadbeater, who shot narrowly over.

An excellently worked free-kick after three minutes should have brought the first goal.

Gavin Mahon and Rodgerson worked another opening for Leadbeat-er but the striker allowed keeper Andy Sollitt to smother his first effort and his follow-up shot was off-target.

With Hereford continuing to dominate, Mahon and Wright sent efforts wide before, in a rare attack on 41 minutes, Kettering finally forced their first corner.

Carl Adams sent in a cross and Leadbeater, in a desperate attempt to clear, headed powerfully into the corner of the net.

But United were quickly back on level terms. Mahon's excellent deep cross from the right found Wright, who had stayed forward following a corner, and the former Hull defender's 50th-minute header flashed past the helpless Sollitt.

After 68 minutes Leadbeater had ample opportunity to make amends for his earlier indiscretion when he robbed Colin Vowden on the right of the area but, with a great chance to advance and shoot or square the ball to a team- mate, he tried to guide a curling effort past Sollitt and the ball dribbled harmlessly wide.

Right on time Williams looked as though he must net the winner when he rose to meet a cross from substitute Mark Druce but the young striker failed to get over the ball and headed over from just a couple of yards out.

Seven players were booked, including Here-ford's Wright, Rodgerson and Chris Lane.

Hereford: Jones, Lane, James, Mahon (Druce 80 mins) Wright, Evans, Williams, Taylor, Leadbeater (Cook 76 mins), Rodgerson, Snape. Sub not used: Cross.