A SUPERB display from Wolves' first-choice goalkeeper Matt Murray held a promising Hereford United to a 1-1 draw at Edgar Street in a lively pre-season friendly last night.

The giant goalkeeper made a string of fine saves to stop the Bulls from opening their pre-season account with a deserved victory over a Wolves side, containing seven first-team regulars, in sweltering conditions.

Indeed, Murray came to the Premiership outfit's rescue in only the second minute when he tipped over a stinging drive from Jamie Pitman.

But there was nothing Murray could do to stop United's opener in the 15th minute when David Brown's neat header sent Rob Purdie streaking clear from half-way and the former Leicester City youngster finished coolly.

With Rob Sawyers performing creditably at left-back, Michael Rose dominated the midfield exchanges and was Hereford's outstanding player.

Paul Parry, although quiet in the second-half, tormented former Manchester United and Eire defender Denis Irwin for most of the first period.

Wolves almost drew level on 23 minutes when Paul Butler's downward header from Mark Kennedy's corner struck the base of a post. But United continued to impress, with both Danny Williams and Brown having shots well saved by Murray.

Eight minutes into the second period Hereford trialist Danny Bertram was denied at point-blank range by Murray, but three minutes later Wolves were level.

The lively Adam Proudlock latched onto a high ball over the top and turned United substitute Richard Teesdale to slip a low, angled drive beyond goalkeeper Matt Baker to the delight of the 234 Wolves fans in a crowd of 1,895.