Hereford's run of Conference games without a win was extended to five when they became the first side to lose to Chester in league action since October 8, writes Richard Prime.

The Bulls turned in a truly abject first-half performance which could have seen them three or four goals adrift before rallying in the second period when, with better fortune and finishing, they might have claimed a point.

Rob Elmes came closest to grabbing an equaliser in the closing minutes when his powerful header was tipped away by Wayne Brown in the home goal.

Chester went ahead in the 26th minute when Max Beesley cut through the Bulls defence and scored from a narrow angle.

United showed much more purpose in the second half. But a combination of wayward finishing and solid home defending kept them at bay until the 78th minute when Gavin Williams was sent sprawling in the box.

The Hereford fans behind Brown's goal, mindful of their side's five successive previous misses from the spot, didn't know where to look as Chris Lane stepped up.

But this time the young Liverpudlian's firmly struck shot found the roof of the net to level the scores.

Hereford had their chances but five minutes from the end Steve Whitehall settled the game in Chester's favour when he delicately lifted the ball over the Hereford defence and into the corner of the net.

Hereford: Cooksey, Lane, Sturgess, Robinson, Wright (Wall 46 mins), Gardiner, Clarke, Rodgerson, Giddings (Elmes 46 mins), Williams, McIndoe. Subs not used: Baker, Quiggin, Moran.

Chester: Brown, P Beesley, Ruffer, Fisher, Doughty, Lancaster, Carden, Blackburn, Ruscoe (Wright 75 mins), Whitehall, M Beesley.

Referee: P Broadhurst (Wirrall).

Attendance: 2,244.