FORMER Hereford United midfielder Gareth Stoker's emotions changed dramatically from bounding elation to utter desolation on his return to Edgar Street for Cardiff City's derby Nationwide League Third Division match against his old club.

He could hardly contain his excitement after scoring in the 36th minute of a fiercely-contested 1-1 draw. But with two minutes left, in front of a gate of 4,967, including 1,771 Cardiff fans The Bulls' biggest of the season he was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Hereford's fans when he was on their books, brought down Chris Hargreaves with a late lunge. Wolverhampton referee Ken Leach had no hesitation in flourishing the red card. This time, however, Stoker had to endure the jeers of a section of the home fans as he trudged reluctantly off the field. At least he had the satisfaction of knowing that his goal helped the Bluebirds extend their unbeaten run in league games at Edgar Street to eight.

His scoring chance came when Hereford's defence perpetrated one of those bizarre blunders which cost them so dearly during their sequence of 15 matches without a victory. Keeper Trevor Wood raced out of goal virtually to the corner flag as Simon Haworth chased a long ball. Haworth beat him to it but danger appeared to have been averted when Dean Smith intercepted.

The defender's attempted clearance went straight to Stoker, however, and immediately he pumped the ball back into the goalmouth. Wood, not appreciating the renewed threat, failed to get back into position as the ball bounced up into the net. Partial redemption came in the 53rd minute through Adrian Foster, whose 12th goal of the season levelled the score and kept his side undefeated in their last five outings. It was a superbly-struck effort after Mika Kottila had flicked on Trevor Matthewson's free-kick.

Playing against the wind on a heavy pitch in the first half, Hereford had the better of the exchanges but Cardiff made the first decisive strike in the 14th minute as Wood had to dive to his left to push away Jeff Eckhardt's header. Then, during a flurry of activity at the other end, Kottila headed wide, Murray Fishlock's fierce drive was deflected over the bar and Carl Beeston's full-blooded shot was just off target.

Midway through the half tempers frayed and Stoker, Eckhardt, Beeston and Keith Downing were all booked for fouls, as was Adrian Foster in the second period. After the break Hereford held territorial advantage and Hargreaves saw his header cleared off the line by another former United defender Kevin Lloyd. But Cardiff were dangerous in breakaways, with substitute Scott Partridge and Haworth directing low shots narrowly wide.

In the 64th minute John Williams, signed on a free transfer from Wycombe on Friday, replaced Kottila and soon indicated his pace should be an asset to United.

United director of football Graham Turner said: ''I was pleased we kept our unbeaten run going but the way we conceded their goal was horrendous. Generally, it was a war of attrition with not a lot to choose between the teams.

Hereford: Wood, Norton, Smith, Matthewson, Fishlock, Warner, Downing, Beeston, Hargreaves, A. Foster, Kottila (Williams, 64 min). Substitutes not used: Brough, Pitman.

Attendance: 4,967.