CHANCES were a rare commodity in a goalless first-half at Vale Park.

Hereford made a lively opening with some neat passing setting Clucas free on the left.

The move was spoiled, though, with a dreadful cross.

United showed up well in the early stages and Elder’s flick gave Colbeck a half-chance.

The singer got the ball over keeper Stuart Tomlinson but also over the bar.

Port Vale took some time to get underway but had an opening in the 11th minute when Adam Yates got free on the right to deliver a cross which McCombe fired into the side netting.

With Vale now making more o f the running, Dave Cornell saved well from Chris Shuker with Luois Dodds’ follow-up effort headed off the line b y Green.

Hereford had their moments and a fine pass by Kenny Lunt sent Ben Purkiss, who had just been booked for a wild challenge, away on the right.

The full-back volleyed in his cross but, sadly for United, just over the head of Elder.

Nicky Featherstone then released Barkhuizen but the teenager’s cross was cut out before it could reach Colbeck.

And a cross by Green from the left just eluded the stretching Elder.

At the other end, a skimming free-kick by Marc Richards from 25 yards flashed just outside a post.

The first corner of the game arrived on 42 minutes and it went to Vale.

Shuker’s cross was cleared to Doug Loft who blazed high over.

Hereford responded immediately for forcing a corner at the other end and, from a neat move, Lunt, seeking his first goal of the season, curled a shot wide.