Tuesday, September 7, 1999.

HEREFORD United's poor away form continued as they slipped to a 1-0 Nationwide Conference defeat against Yeovil at Huish Park last night.

But perhaps more alarming for boss Graham Turner and his side was the injury sustained by defender Ian Wright as early as the fourth minute.

Wright sustained a head injury while challenging for possession from a corner, and received treatment for several minutes before being taken to hospital. And the Bulls could have done with Wright's presence when the home side took the lead after 26 minutes.

Steve Stott crossed into the box, keeper Mark Jones challenged Jason Eaton and the ball fell to Dave Piper, who steadied himself before firing a 12-yard drive into the back of the net.

There were few other chances in the first period, and it took Hereford 36 minutes before they got a sight of Tony Penncock's goal.Ian Rodgerson tested the former Edgar Street keeper with an 18-yard drive, which he saved well. Three minutes later, Jones was called into action, holding Stott's powerful drive.

The final word of the half went to Gavin Williams. His winding run took him past three Yeovil defenders, but his shot from the edge of the box was again saved by Pennock.

Hereford had more of the possession in the second half, but could not find a way through.

Williams was causing Yeovil a number of problems down the right-hand side, but the Bulls could not turn their pressure into goals.

Paul Sturgess came close with a 25-yard free-kick, but his efforts went inches over Pennock's bar.

Then, the same player was lucky to stay on the pitch. Easton burst through the Hereford defence, and was chopped down by Sturgess. But referee S. Tanner of Bristol, who otherwise had a disappointing game, gave the full-back the benefit of the doubt by showing him a yellow card.

Former Hereford midfielder Dave Norton came close to adding a second for his new club when he fired a 25-yard free-kick inches wide.

Hereford: Jones 9, Lane 6, Sturgess 7, Hanson 6, (Snape, 78), Wright (James, 6, 6), Wall 7, Williams 7, Talbot 6, Elmes 6, Piearce 6, Rodgerson 6 (Cotterill, 78).

Star man: Mark Jones.

Attendance: 2,632.