TWO second-half Northampton goals put the brake on Hereford’s hopes of moving clear of the relegation zone.

Hereford boss Graham Turner made five changes after the FA Cup exit at Dagenham.

Matt Murray returned after being ineligible for the cup tie and Lionel Ainsworth, who has returned to Edgar Street on loan from Watford, was included on the right of midfield.

Richard Jackson came back into the fold after injury with Richard Rose recalled at left-back. Bradley Hudson-Odoi was included up front with Andy Williams dropping to the substitutes’ bench.

Hereford’s attack had nothing of note to show for the first 30 minutes as Northampton, playing down the slope, called the tune.

The Cobblers’ strikeforce, however, failed to show much accuracy in their finishing and Bulls goalkeeper Murray had few alarms.

Danny Jackman volleyed wide from 25 yards before Luke Guttridge’s shot drew a regulation save from Murray.

Leon Constantine headed a Jackman free-kick high over and then it was Guttridge’s turn to blaze a shot into the crowd.

Kyle Walker was the next to try his luck, but his accuracy was no better than his team-mates with his effort fielded by a spectator in the back of the Meadow End.

After the half-hour mark, Hereford finally began to cause the Cobblers’ defence a few problems.

Ainsworth’s volley flew high over after a Hudson-Odoi shot had been blocked.

Ben Smith sent a 30-yard volley skidding just wide in between two efforts from Steve Guinan, set up by Smith and Jackson respectively, which drew saves from keeper Frank Fielding.

Three minutes before the break, a swift Northampton counter-attack brought a shooting chance for Constantine, but he hurried his effort as Murray raced from his line and fired wide.

Then, in injury-time, striker Constantine sent a dipping 25-yarder high over the bar.

Three minutes into the second period, Hereford were behind.

Smith and Toumani Diagouraga failed to clear the ball on the edge of the area despite several attempts and the passage of play ended with Diagouraga conceding a free-kick 25 yards out. Jackman curled the set-piece around the wall and into the net, past Murray’s despairing dive.

A neat move involving Clint Easton and Guinan set up a shooting chance for Smith shortly afterwards, but his well-struck drive flew straight at Fielding.

Hereford found their luck was out in the 62nd minute when the visitors extended their lead.

Jackson attempted to clear a Scott McGleish throw-in but the ball hit Karl Broadhurst and fell nicely for Ryan Gilligan who slipped the ball between Murray’s legs. Bulls’ substitute Andy Williams then drew a fine save from Fielding with a header.

But Murray, at the other end, showed all of his class with a remarkable point-blank block from Nicholas Bignall’s shot.

Murray was, however, relieved to see a cross from Walker bounce clear off the bar eight minutes from time.

Hereford: Murray, Jackson, Beckwith, Broadhurst, Rose, Ainsworth, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton (Done, 71 min), Guinan (Williams, 71 min), Hudson-Odoi (Chadwick, 66 min). Subs not used: Samson, Taylor.

Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands).

Attendance: 3,061.