Hereford suffered their first Nationwide Conference away defeat of the new year with a poor display on Saturday, writes Richard Prime.

Two games in three days proved too much for the Bulls and their first on-target effort did not come untilthe 66th minute.

By the time that Adam Sollitt in the home goal fielded Leroy May's speculative 20-yarder, however, Hereford were already two goals adrift.

The first blow came after 27 minutes when Chris Lane slipped on the edge of the box and gave away a penalty by bringing down Brett McNamara.

Craig Norman, who had scored with his last 26 penalty attempts, wasted no time in extending the run to 27. Dale Watkins, who caused plenty of problems on the right either side of the interval, was the provider when the Poppies added their second four minutes into the second half.

His cross found McNam-ara in plenty of space and the youngster half-volleyed home from close range.

Hereford: Cooksey, Lane, James, Sturgess, Wright, White, Clarke (Shirley 82 min), Snape, May, Hanson (Cotterill 63 min), Williams. Subs not used: Quy, Parry, Taylor.

Attendance: 1,491.