ANOTHER win, another clean sheet - but a far from totally convincing performance by Hereford United whose 1-0 victory at Evesham United was their final friendly before the Nationwide Conference season opens next Saturday.

Hereford's defence, in which Ian Wright and Tony James excelled, gave little away to an Evesham attack which posed few problems, despite an energetic performance from former Worcester City striker Steve Lutz.

In midfield, there was the occasional flash of invention from Danny Williams and second-half substitute Rob Purdie with plenty of energy from Jamie Pitman.

But in attack Hereford threatened Adam Moss's goal only rarely as Evesham trialist Matt Gardiner seemed to enjoy renewing combat with some of his old clubmates.

"It was our fourth game in eight days and we became a little lethargic late on," admitted Hereford boss Graham Turner.

"There weren't many clear cut openings but we had a lot of the play and at times were totally dominant.

"But you need to win and that's what we did in the end."

And it certainly was 'at the end' when Hereford secured their victory as, in the final seconds, substitute John Grant -- only on the field for 13 minutes -- controlled a cross from Matt Clarke and lashed home a half-volley on the turn.

It was a piece of quality finishing rather out of keeping with what had gone before and promises much for Grant's contribution to the season after he has served out a three-game ban for a sending-off when playing for Northwich Victoria last season. It also brought a smile to the face of Director of Football Turner.

"John Grant might just turn out to be a little bit special," he said.

The best openings in the first half fell to Hereford, who were denied a clear penalty in the 21st minute when Wright was held back in the penalty area.

Rob Sawyers, Michael Rose, Paul Parry and Wright all sent in good efforts but the best chance fell to trialist Steve Guinan who drove narrowly wide in the 43rd minute as an often bad tempered half drew to a close.

Evesham: Moss, Parmenter, Pendleton, Gardiner, Powell, Jukes (Mullen 78), Pratt (Smith 81), Bullock, Lutz, James, Brown. Subs not used: Subanda, Sollis, Tovey, Ladek.

Hereford: Baker, Clarke, Rose (Purdie 46), Tretton, Wright, James, Pitman, Sawyers, Guinan (Baird 63), Williams, Parry (Grant 76). Subs not used: Griffiths, Teesdale.

n Ashley Read scored a hat-trick as Bromsgrove Rovers won 4-0 at Alvechurch in their final pre-season friendly.

Richard Burgess, back at the club after a spell with Port Vale, got Rovers' other goal.