Hereford'S third successive away Nationwide Conference defeat came courtesy of a late winner from substitute Chris Malkin.

But for United's make-shift side it was rough justice in a game where their effort certainly warranted a share of the points.

With centre-halves Ian Wright and Matt Gardiner joining Tony James on the injured list, player-coach Phil Robinson was forced to move to defence. And the suspension of Michael McIndoe resulted in a place in the starting lineup for Kerry Giddings, with Gavin Williams assuming McIndoe's place on the left of midfield.

There was also a full Conference debut for James Quiggin and the youngster certainly did not disgrace himself, showing plenty of enthusiasm playing in an unfamiliar midfield position.

It was Giddings who had the two best opportunities to earn United something from the game.

Just seconds into the second half, Rob Elmes' flick from a Robinson pass saw Giddings steaming into the penalty area only to shoot weakly at home goalkeeper Dean Will-iams.

Then, on the hour, a chip by Gavin Williams found Giddings whose miscued shot hit an upright and bounced back into the keeper's grateful arms.

Chances had come and gone for both sides in a game which was evenly poised throughout.

After Gavin Williams had sent a powerful eighth-minute shot into his namesake's arms, Gary Martindale should have given the home side the lead but failed to make contact with the ball in a goalmouth scramble.

When Hereford hit back, Elmes was only inches from connecting when a fine cross from Gavin Williams flashed across the goalmouth.

The goal, when it did finally come, had a touch of quality about it.

The experienced Malkin held off youngster James Wall and sent a powerfully-struck shot past the helpless Scott Cooksey and into the net.

In Hereford's last throw, Wall came agonisingly close to making amends two minutes from time but his bullet header from a Gavin Williams free-kick was well saved by Dean Williams.

Among the six cautions were two ridiculous ones for Paul Sturgess and Telford's Jim Bentley for coming back on to the field after injury without the over-fussy referee's permission. As this was Sturgess' fifth booking of the season he will now have to serve a suspension.

John Snape, standing in as skipper for the injured Wright, and Quiggin were also cautioned.

Hereford: Cooksey, Clarke, Sturgess, Robinson, Quiggin, Wall, Rodgerson, Snape, Elmes, Williams, Giddings. Subs not used: Baker, Hanson, Moran, Shirley.

Telford: Williams, Travis, Sandwith, Moore, Bentley, Albrighton, McGorry, Jobling, Martindale (Malkin 72 mins), Edwards, Palmer (Huckerby 62 mins). Subs not used: Bray, Davies, Fitzpatrick.

Referee: J Tattan (Liverpool)

Attendance: 1, 848.