CRAIG Hanson ended Hereford's goal drought by netting his first goal for the club in their final pre-season home friendly on Tuesday.

The former Derby County YTS striker grabbed his goal in the 38th minute. A left-wing centre from Paul Fewings bounced off a defender to Hanson who beat 6ft 6 in Danish goalkeeper Martin Hyldgaard with a clever overhead shot.

It was the Bulls' first goal in 370 minutes soccer at Edgar Street since Rob Elmes netted the winner against Wolves.

The Sky Blues, who fielded Mo Konjic, a £2million signing from Monaco, and England under-21 and B international Marcus Hall in their defence, gave United a competitive work-out.

Former Brighton and Charlton defender Paul Sturgess, aged 24, made his debut for United. He was quietly effective and could be the answer to director of football Graham Turner's quest for a left-back.

The match unfortunately also brought the first yellow card for the Bulls. Hereford referee Martin Forder booked Fewings for a foul on John Eustace.

After the break Coventry stepped up a gear. In the closing stages Mark Jones brought off good saves to keep out shots from Gavin Strachan, Gary McPhee and Barry Quinn, while Sam Shilton almost equalised in the 83rd minute, driving a 20-yarder against the bar.

Hereford: Quy (Jones 46 min), Clarke (Wall 72 min), Sturgess, Rodgerson (Snape 66 min), Wright, James, Williams (Cotterill 78 min), Taylor, May (Dunphy 78 min), Hanson (Piearce 72 min), Fewings.

Attendance: 1,28