HEREFORD United bowed out of the Carling Cup on a night of two penalties and two red cards at Edgar Street, losing 3-1 to Leicester City.

The Bulls, who announced an unchanged team from the weekend win over Bury, were soon under heavy pressure from their lively opponents.

On nine minutes, Elvis Hammond flicked the ball on for Iain Hume who was only denied the opening goal by a superb diving save from Wayne Brown.

The resulting corner was only half-cleared and when the ball was returned to the centre, Hume was again out of luck, seeing his powerful header come back off the bar with Brown beaten.

The lively Hume had a role in the opening goal on 26 minutes, heading a pass to Hammond.

The striker showed fine control to drop the ball at his feet before spinning to rifle an unstoppable shot past Brown.

League Two Hereford's best chance was also presented to them by the Championship visitors.

Tim Sills' 33rd-minute header was sliced goalwards by Richard Stearman and forced a flying save from goalkeeper Conrad Logan.

After the break, Hereford piled forward with some vigour and pushed Leicester back, deservedly drawing level from the penalty spot on 57 minutes.

Stuart Fleetwood raced into the penalty area and was through on goal when he was brought down by Logan.

The goalkeeper was booked before Rob Purdie stepped up to score from the spot.

Logan brought off fine saves from Sills and Fleetwood before Leicester, somewhat against the run of play, regained the lead.

Josh Low's corner from the right was flicked on and defender Stearman appeared at the far post to nudge the ball home.

Ten minutes later, Trent McClenahan brought down Levi Porter in the area but this time referee Russell Beeby showed the Hereford man the red card before Hume scored from the spot.

Late on, Leicester's Patrick Kisnorbo was sent-off for pushing Sills.

Hereford: Brown; Mkandawire, Beckwith, Giles; McClenahan, Rose, Purdie, Travis; Williams; Sills, Fleetwood (Connell 70). Subs not used: Thompson, Jeannin, Gulliver, Ferrell.

Attendance: 4,073.