HEREFORD United gave probably their best display since the season's opening day as they returned with a deserved point from Broadhall Way.

Stevenage had won all of their previous three home games but, although they pressed strongly in the opening half-hour, rarely looked like breaking down the Hereford defence after that.

Indeed, the Bulls looked the more likely scorers in the second period when home 'keeper Alan Julian had to make three top-class saves to prevent Hereford from going in front.

United, with Graham Evans replacing the injured Adam Stansfield, were pushed back by a rampant home side in the early stages.

Anthony Elding and Darryn Stamp both sent efforts just wide of the target in the early stages, while George Boyd drove a shot past Wayne Brown's goal.

But Hereford gradually found their way back and after 16 minutes Danny Carey-Bertram raced on to a long pass from Tony James but his control let him down and the ball ran through to Julian. James then showed his defensive qualities with an excellent headed clearance from a Boyd cross at the expense of a corner.

By now, however, Hereford were starting to improve as an attacking force and Carey-Bertram got past Julian but his shot from a narrow angle was booted away from the goal-line.

At half-time, Hereford replaced Evans with Jamie Pitman, moving Jon Brady into attack, and then looked much the better outfit.

A superb shot from Brady on 52 minutes was clawed away by the diving Julian who, two minutes later, pulled off another excellent stop from Craig Stanley's drive after a good Andy Ferrell pass.

Stevenage threatened only fitfully but goalkeeper Wayne Brown had to be alert to the danger on 71 minutes when the ball bobbled through to the lively Jon Nurse. The former Chester man was quickly out to smother the danger.

Impressive defender Dean Beckwith even found the time, with Hereford in control, to move up to join the attack and his long-range effort, on 76 minutes, screamed narrowly over the bar.

Rob Purdie, who again looked at home in an unfamiliar right wing-back position, was the next to try his luck, cutting in to fire a shot which Julian blocked with his legs.

In injury-time, Stevenage's Ron Henry was sent off for a second bookable offence and Hereford came close to snatching a win against the 10-man side when Brady's flashing drive was tipped over.

HEREFORD: Brown, Purdie, Beckwith, James, Blewitt, Jeannin, Ferrell, Stanley, Brady, Carey-Bertram, Evans (Pitman 46). Subs not used: Mawson, Mkandawire, Coldicott, Williams.

ATTENDANCE: 2,404.