Hereford bounced back from their disappointing defeat by Welling on Saturday by picking up a deserved point against highly fancied Hednesford Town at Keys Park on Monday.

United gave a much improved performance and had chances to build upon Neil Grayson's 40th-minute opener before Stewart Lake secured a point for the Pitmen with his 64th-minute equaliser. Hereford director of football Graham Turner made two changes from the side which lost on Saturday, recalling Chris MacKenzie to take Andy de Bont's place in goal and restoring Brian McGorry to a five-man midfield in a change of formation which saw Ian Foster, who had played as one of three strikers in the previous game, relegated to the substitutes' bench.

MacKenzie, who had missed the whole of the last season with a back complaint, received a warm welcome from the large band of United fans and turned in a competent display, dealing comfortably with everything which came his way and standing no real chance with the goal.

Hereford should have taken the lead after only eight minutes when Tony Agana flicked on a cross from Chris Hargreaves, but when the ball reached the unmarked Grayson he scuffed his shot wide from 10 yards. Grayson did not have too long to wait before opening his United account, however, leaping high to head in Ian Rodgerson's excellent cross five minutes before the break. Former Bromsgrove goalkeeper Scott Cooksey got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out.

Early in the second half Grayson's flick found Agana and the powerful striker showed good pace and control to move clear of the defence but his shot went inches past the post.

Hednesford responded with a prolonged period of pressure which was rewarded when Robbie Dennison's corner was only half-cleared and a Kevin Collins cross was helped home from close range by Lake.

Agana continued to cause lots of problems for the home defence with his powerful running, and from one of his breaks a Murray Fishlock shot was well saved and then Grayson hit an upright.

Hednesford also had their moments and in the end a draw was a fair result which gave each side their first point on the board. McGorry and Rodgerson both picked up yellow cards for fouls.

Hereford: MacKenzie, Rodgerson, Fishlock, Matthewson, Norton, Walker, Hargreaves, Agana, Grayson, McGorry, Mahon. Subs not used: Foster, Pitman, Warner.

Attendance: 2,396