Thursday, April 6, 2000.

HEREFORD United missed a chance to cement their third place in the Nationwide Conference after a goalless draw at Kingstonian last night.

But the Bulls will not be too disappointed in only bringing home a point, with a crucial home game against Yeovil Town to follow tomorrow (3.00).

It was typical end-of-season fare last night, yet either side could have stolen the game late on.

Home 'keeper Steve Farrelly saved point-blank from Gavin Williams and then home striker Ronnie Green and ex-French international Amara Simba were both denied by Bulls 'keeper Scott Cooksey who was more than a match for the Kingstonian strike force.

Early on Rob Elmes was blocked in the box by K's midfielder Gary Patterson, while the Bulls striker then whipped in a dangerous curling cross that defender Colin Luckett did well to head clear.

K's responded when a long ball from Luckett was well controlled by striker Lee Boylan on the edge of the box but his low drive was right at Cooksey.

Five minutes later a Luckett free-kick was missed by all but Cooksey hooked it away with his leg.

The Bulls could have made the breakthrough when a lovely run down the right by Ian Rodgerson ended with a cross which winger Paul Parry blasted over. Rodgerson then came off with what looked like a pulled hamstring, leaving him doubtful for tomorrow.

Elmes again whipped in a cross which defender Eddie Saunders headed clear as far as John Snape but his fierce volley went way over. Cooksey was booked for dissent as a dreary half ended.

The second period saw The Bulls apply early pressure. Parry's free-kick was headed away by Patterson and he then whipped in another high cross but Farrelly plucked it out of the air.

The K's began to rally. Luckett's corner caused anxiety in the goalmouth and Simba headed against the bar. Tarkan Mustafa's cross was palmed away at full stretch by Cooksey while Simba and Geoff Pitcher both had shots blocked.

Williams tried a 35-yarder that blazed wide and then a real chance fell to him when he darted down the left, but his fierce drive was blocked by Farrelly's legs at full stretch.

In the last five minutes Pitcher threaded a ball through for Green and he let fly but Cooksey brilliantly blocked. Patterson then found Simba but his snap shot was well held by Cooksey.

Hereford: Cooksey 8, Lane 6, James 6, Taylor 6, Wright 6, White 7, Rodgerson 6 (Williams 32, 7), Snape 6, May 6 (Clarke 56, 6), Elmes 6, Parry 7. Subs not used: Quy, Hanson, Sturgess.

Star man: Scott Cooksey.

Attendance: 664.