Hereford delivered another frustrating display at Edgar Street and dropped two more home points in the Nationwide League Third Division, writes LAURIE TEAGUE.

Harsh weather conditions, coupled with the attraction of Newcastle United's televised UEFA Cup tie at FC Metz, resulted in a meagre gate of 1,363 - the lowest league attendance for five seasons.

At half-time United led through Gareth Stoker's 32nd-minute strike and the prospects of their arresting a run of four league and cup games without a win looked distinctly favour-able.

Hereford had dominated the first period with City keeper Barry Richardson making excellent saves from Chris Hargreaves, Adrian Foster, twice, John Brough and Gary Cook. At the other end Andy DeBont had just one direct shot to deal with.

But after the change-around United failed to punch home their advantage. Then, in the 72nd minute, Hereford won their 10th corner after Richardson had tipped Dean Smith's header from Micky Forsyth's free-kick over the bar. Forsyth's corner was eventually cleared but too few United players had tracked back into their own half and City's top scorer Gareth Ainsworth broke away on the left before cutting inside to drive home his 12th goal this season.

United director of football Graham Turner said: ''Surely we have enough experience in the side not to be caught out like that.

''Although we should have put away more of our chances, our first-half performance was good with our front men working well. Then, as the game progressed, they began to lose their cohesion and we also faded in midfield. Even so we should still have kept a clean sheet.''

Hereford: DeBont, Norton, Law, Matthewson, Smith, Forsyth, Stoker, Cook, Hargreaves, Adrian Foster, Brough. Subs not used: Warner, Townsend, Preedy.

Attendance: 1,363.