HEREFORD'S biggest gate of the season - 5,201, including 1,181 from Bristol - saw an entertaining encounter which could have gone either way.

Both sides had chances to take the three points but neither will have been disappointed with one apiece which keeps them in close order just outside the play-off places.

Hereford, who announced an unchanged team, had the better of the initial play and almost took the lead inside the first minutes when a Rob Purdie cross was whipped off Tim Sills' toe for a corner by Chris Carruthers.

Alan Connell then twice forced good saves from Steve Phillips, the second on 13 minutes with a fine shot on the turn.

Rovers gradually started to force their way back into the action and Wayne Brown tipped over well from a Steve Elliott header on 16 minutes.

The United 'keeper then did well to calmly hold a 25-yard drive from dangerman Andy Sandell.

Hereford hit back, however, and Phillips saved well low down from a Trent McClenahan 25-yard drive before diving again to grasp a header from Luke Webb after Simon Travis delivered a dangerous cross from the left.

A couple of shots early in the second-half reminded United that Rovers still posed a threat but, at the other end, Connell's drive from a 30-yard free-kick drifted narrowly wide.

With the game opening out, Stuart Nicholson's shot flashed just wide of Brown's goal while Sills sliced narrowly off target.

Nicholson got away from Phil Gulliver in the 73rd minute but again Brown was equal to the challenge when the on-loan striker powered in a shot.

Brown then came out well to save at the feet of Ricky Lambert after the substitute made a break on goal. But Hereford continued to threaten themselves, although the Bulls were relieved when their former full-back Ryan Green got away on the right but blasted his shot into the side-netting from a good position.

Hereford: Brown; Mkandawire, Gulliver, Rose; McClenahan, Webb, Ferrell, Travis; Purdie; Sills, Connell (Fleetwood, 69). Subs not used: Thompson, Sheldon, Giles, Jeannin.

Attendance: 5,201.