NO promotion issues are settled before the end of November but Hereford's home defeat to Nationwide Conference title rivals Exeter on Saturday did them few favours.

It was a result that could hardly have been predicted at the half-way point after Hereford had completely dominated the first 45 minutes.

A long-range shot by Les Afful and a close-in header from Andy Taylor, both comfortably saved by Craig Mawson, were the Grecians' only efforts on goal throughout the first period.

Hereford, on the other hand, mounted wave on wave of attacks and should have held a distinct advantage by the interval.

The Bulls could have taken the lead in the first minute when good work by Guy Ipoua and Craig Stanley set up a chance for teenager Andy Williams.

The youngster was forced to delay his shot, however, and when he did fire on goal, centre-back Chris Todd was able to get in the way.

Five minutes later, another excellent move could easily have brought about the opening goal.

Simon Travis, making his first start of the season in place of the injured Ryan Green, and Rob Purdie combined to release Jamie Pitman on the right.

The midfielder scythed through the defence to the bye-line and delivered a cross to the far post where Ipoua headed powerfully on goal.

Keeper Paul Jones responded brilliantly, though, to turn the ball around the post for a corner.

A header by Tony James and a shot by Jon Brady sneaked wide before Hereford again came within inches of taking the lead on 23 minutes.

Craig Stanley picked the ball up 25 yards out and let fly with a fine right-foot drive which beat Jones but thudded against the bar and bounced back into the 'keeper's arms.

A superb Pitman pass set Purdie in for a shooting chance which he drove high and wide and it was Purdie who had the last action of the half, stabbing into Jones' arms after a fine run and cross by Ipoua.

At the break, and with the prospect of their side attacking down the slope in the second period, Hereford fans could foresee no other result but a Bulls win. Their dreams were shattered in the 61st minute by the sort of defensive blunder Hereford seemed to have eradicated in the last few weeks.

Ironically, the move leading to the goal came after strong Hereford appeals for a penalty when Todd had seemed to handle in his own area.

The ball was moved down to the Hereford end and skipper James under-hit a back pass, Mawson compounded the error by being slow off his line and then missing the ball, allowing James Mackie in to slide the ball home from a narrow angle. Suddenly, Exeter sprang to life and Hereford fell to pieces.

Only a spectacular goal-line clearance by former Exeter defender Alex Jeannin prevented Todd from adding a second before Jon Challinor bagged number two, controlling the ball and turning well to shoot past Mawson.

Hereford regained their composure eventually and Ipoua headed a Travis cross just over but, in spite of good possession and openings, it was never going to be Hereford's day.

HEREFORD: Mawson, Travis, Mkandawire, James, Jeannin, Brady (Carey-Bertram, 75 min), Stanley, Pitman, Purdie, Williams, Ipoua. Subs not used: Lewis, Beckwith, Ferrell, Evans.

ATTENDANCE: 3,754.