Hereford United 0 Bristol Rovers 0

Last updated : 26 December 2006 By Footymad Previewer
A point apiece left both sides reasonably satisfied with their return from the Christmas games.

There were chances at both ends but goalkeepers Wayne Brown, for Hereford, and Steve Phillips, for the Pirates, proved equal to the challenge.

Both sides were looking to build on good wins in their previous outings but it was Hereford who threatened first, and inside the first 60 seconds.

An astute pass by Alan Connell sent Rob Purdie away on the right and the midfielder's low cross was taken off the toe of Tim Sills by Chris Carruthers as the United striker aimed to shoot.

Connell then got into the penalty area action, shooting straight at goalkeeper Phillips with his first effort and then drawing a fine, low save with a good shot on the turn shortly afterwards.

Rovers gradually forced their way into the game and United keeper Brown did well to tip a header from Steve Elliott over the bar for a corner.

Then the lively Adam Sandell drove in a shot from 25 yards which Brown grasped under his crossbar.

Hereford came back into the play, however, and Trent McClenahan drew a fine low save from Phillips with a well-struck left-foot drive on 31 minutes.

Phillips then grabbed a header from Luke Webb after Simon Travis delivered a good cross from the left.
After the break, Hereford had a shooting chance when Andy Ferrell - Hereford's man of the match - was brought down 30 yards out. Connell took the free-kick but saw his effort drift just wide of an upright.

Stuart Nicholson flashed a 20-yarder just wide of Brown's goal as Rovers hit back and the Bulls' keeper did well to smother a low effort from Rickie Lambert when the substitute got in the clear.

Hereford were also relieved when their former full-back Ryan Green fired into the side-netting from a good position in the final minute.

But Hereford had also had their chances - Sills sliced a shot wide from Purdie's cross and then flicked a header wide from Ferrell's well-struck cross as honours ended even.