HEREFORD'S brave bid to become the first non-league side to reach the LDV Vans Trophy area final was scuppered by two defensive errors.

Danny Carey-Bertram had given the Bulls just the start they wanted with a goal after 20 minutes last night.

But the United defence were guilty of ball-watching as Juan Ugarte headed home the equaliser only seconds later.

Then, 15 minutes from time, the Hereford back-line failed to deal with a long throw and Chris Llewellyn had plenty of time to blast in the winner.

Hereford had appeals for a penalty waved away in only the third minute when a Carey-Bertram shot hit Steve Roberts' hand.

But Ugarte, with eight goals in his previous four games, gave notice of his threat when he forced a low save from Craig Mawson a minute later.

Rob Purdie missed a golden chance to open the scoring on 16 minutes, completely missing his header from Adam Stansfield's cross.

Another Stansfield centre four minutes later did bring the opening goal, however, with his centre being hammered into the net by Carey-Bertram.

But, straight from the kick-off, a Wrexham attack down the left saw Andy Holt pump in a cross and Ugarte arrived to head past Mawson.

United went on to have the better of the remainder of the half but Mawson had to produce the two best saves.

The Bulls keeper flew to his right to brilliantly tip away a swerving 25-yarder from Jim Whitley and then did well to parry an awkward bouncing effort from Ugarte.

Stansfield's cross just failed to find Jamie Pitman and two Purdie efforts flashed wide as Hereford made a lively start to the second period.

But Wrexham's attack could never be discounted and, after Mark Jones had driven a cross-shot just wide, Llewellyn should have put the Robins ahead when he headed over an open goal after a goalmouth scramble.

The midfielder did find the target on 75 minutes, however, seizing on a flick from Holt's long throw and driving into the roof of the net.

Hereford introduced subs David Brown and Danny Williams as they went all out for an equaliser and seemed sure to level five minutes from the end.

But on-loan goalkeeper Ben Foster produced a fine diving block from Craig Stanley's powerful drive and then sprawled at the feet of Mark Robinson and Tamika Mkandawire to prevent any follow-up.

Hereford: Mawson 7, Travis 7, Smith 6 (D Williams 82), Mkandawire 6, James 6, Robinson 6, *Pitman 8, Stanley 7, Purdie 7, Stansfield 7 (Brown 76), Carey-Bertram 7. Subs not used: A Williams, Scott, Gwynne.

Attendance: 2,710.