HEREFORD’S five-match unbeaten run came to an end in disappointing fashion.

A goal four minutes before the break settled the clash and Hereford were rarely able to test home keeper Simon Eastwood.

They have still yet to win away this season.

Hereford announced an unchanged starting line-up for their trip to Valley Parade.

The only alteration to the squad came on the bench where Lee Morris took the place of Gavin McCallum.

A lively opening produced plenty of fast, attacking football from both sides although neither keeper was brought into the action.

Hereford had the first serious goal attempt on 11 minutes when Craig King knocked a Mark Marshall cross into the path of Kenny Lunt who drove his effort wide from 20 yards.

Bradford were also playing neat football, however, and Keith Lowe did well to clear a Michael Flynn cross under heavy pressure.

It was Flynn who gave Adam Bartlett his first test of the game, but hardly an arduous one, with a 19th minute 20-yarder which dribbled through to the Bulls keeper.

Bartlett continued to be at the heart of the action and dived to save a 35th minute shot from Neilson.

Five minutes before the break, another 20-yard drive from Flynn beat Bartlett but this time came back off an upright into the path of Evans who could hardly miss.

Moments later, Hereford had their best effort of the half when Mathieu Manset cracked a 30-yard drive just over the top, before James Walker’s effort was deflected wide.

Bradford were lucky to survive after the break when home keeper Eastwood fumbled a defensive header from King’s cross under his own bar but no Hereford player could take advantage.

Play quietened back into a midfield before Flynn rifled a 35-yard free-kick over on 61 minutes.

And Flynn provided the danger again with his long-range shooting five minutes later when Bartlett had to dive to hold a 20-yard drive from the midfielder.

He then produced a flying save to tip a Hanson header over for a corner.

Hereford were still doing their best to get back into the game and a header from substitute Lee Morris, from Marshall’s cross, deflected out for a corner.

The Bulls’ hopes of getting back into the game were raised further when Lee Bullock was dismissed for his second yellow card.

Hereford were denied a penalty moments later when Marshall appeared to be bowled over. Hereford: Bartlett, Lowe, Green, Blanchett, Valentine, King, Gwynne, Lunt, Marshall, Manset (Sonko 69), Walker (Morris 78). Subs not used: Adamson, Rose, Done, Constantine, Godsmark.

Referee: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).

Attendance: 11,107.