Hereford United 2 Cheltenham Town 3

THE young Bulls bowed out of the HFA Giantkillers Cup at the quarter-final stage after conceding two first-half goals to set plays.

The visitors took the lead when a free-kick was bundled home in the 15th minute and extended their lead five minutes before the interval.

United settled more quickly at the start of the second period and Chris Mortlock reduced arrears within 10 minutes when he headed home a long throw from Lewis Jones.

But Cheltenham restored the two-goal advantage five minutes later before leading scorer Andrew Williams, who has signed a contract with the Bulls to the end of the 2004-5 season, rattled the Cheltenham crossbar.

With Hereford now playing well, Adam Wharton cut the margin again when he raced into the area and beat two players before netting with a left-foot shot.

Shortly after Dean Hooper's through ball gave Wharton another chance but this time he was unable to take advantage and Cheltenham held on for their win.