A DEFENSIVE slip-up denied Hereford a victory they scarcely deserved in their attempts to close the gap on the Nationwide Conference top two on Saturday.

And, after surrendering the lead, Bulls boss Graham Turner described the performance as "the worst we've played all season" and the first-half as "the worst for three seasons".

Despite a shaky performance at the back, with 13 minutes remaining it appeared that the Bulls would stutter to victory thanks to a goal from skipper Ian Wright.

But after Stewert Drummond caught United right-back Chris Lane in possession just outside the area with a debatable challenge, Morecambe soon spoilt the Bulls' afternoon.

Gary Thompson crossed well and John Norman, in his first full match of a second spell with the Shrimps, rose to beat Hereford keeper Scott Cooksey from close range.

It was only the seventh goal conceded by United, and only the third by Cooksey, in their last 11 games but few could argue that it was just reward for the Lancashire side.

Morecambe had the lion's share of play throughout and came closest to opening the scoring after only seven minutes following a strong run and shot by Drummond.

The Shrimps man unleashed a right-footed blast from 25 yards and only a gravity-defying save from Cooksey to tip the ball onto the crossbar saved United from an early deficit.

United kept Shrimps' 20-goal top scorer Justin Jackson under wraps for most of the game but when he did escape the attentions of the back-line he looked a real threat.

The lively ex-Halifax frontman constantly tried to get in behind the Hereford defence and when Tony James slipped in the third minute, Wright had to block Jackson's effort on the line.

And on 24 minutes Michael Knowles missed a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead when he failed to connect with a low centre just six yards out.

But after Fewings headed United's first real chance just over the top in first-half stoppage time, the Bulls took control of matters four minutes into the second period.

Morecambe failed to clear a corner from Ian Rodgerson, who played at left-back in an injury-stricken United defence, as it swung across the Shrimps' box.

The ball went through to Wright, who took advantage with a hooked shot that found the net for his sixth goal of the season.

Just three minutes later Paul Fewings fired home powerfully from 10 yards after a blocked effort by Gavin Williams, but an off-side flag cut short the celebrations.

Fewings had another chance to extend United's lead on 70 minutes, but the young striker somehow scooped the ball over from two yards when it looked easier to score.

And after Norman equalised seven minutes later, the Bulls seemed to run out of ideas despite Williams' claims for a penalty when felled in the area with 12 minutes left.

Hereford: Cooksey, Lane, Rodgerson, Taylor, Wright, James, Williams, Snape, May, Fewings (Elmes 79 min), Parry. Subs not used: Quy, Cotterill, Shirley, Hanson.

Morecambe: McIlhargey, Fensome, Wright (Eastwood 71 min), McKearney, Hardiker, Knowles (Smith 90 min), Thompson, Drummond, Jackson, Norman (Hardy 89 min), Brown. Subs not used: McGuire, Banks.

Referee: A Penn (Kingswinford).

Attendance: 1,808.