Hereford looked set to cruise home against a home side who had created next to nothing during the first 45 minutes of this FA Cup fourth qualifying round against Dr Martens League opponents. But the goalkeeping problems which have beset them all season resurfaced once again in the second half.

After 50 minutes Andy de Bont was rooted to his line as a cross from Peter Overton came into the six-yard box. In the absence of any movement from his goalkeeper, Trevor Matthewson tried to clear but only succeeded in directing a diving header into the corner of his own net. Six minutes later de Bont came charging out to try to collect a cross from Damien Hodge when he would probably have been better advised to stay on his line. His attempted punch simply flapped the ball to Kenny Pavey whose shot was booted off the line by Matthewson, only for Mark Miller to pump it back into the unguarded net.

In between the Sittingbourne goals, Ian Foster, who worked hard up front all day, produced a fine effort when he dribbled through the home defence and hammered a shot against the post. But even when they went behind, Hereford continued to keep up the pressure and the equaliser, when it came after 72 minutes, was well worth waiting for.

A fine ball by Foster released Murray Fishlock who went streaking down the left before sending a perfect cross to the far post. Substitute Gary Cook, who had been on the field only a couple of minutes, rose high to head his first goal for the club. United had taken the lead in the 27th minute after earlier spurning several chances. Brian McGorry, who showed up well in the early stages, sent in a cross from the right which goalkeeper Andy Hough could only palm to Fishlock who tapped home with ease.

McGorry was the one Hereford player among five who ended up in the referee's notebook.

Hereford: de Bont, Rodgerson, Fishlock, Pitman, Brough, Matthewson (Cook, 72 mins), Walker, McGorry, Hargreaves, Foster, Mahon. Subs not used: Williams, Warner.

Attendance: 1,010.