Hereford ended their worst ever run of four defeats in the Football Conference with a goalless draw but the same frustrations that have plagued them all season remain.

They enjoyed the bulk of the play -- the corner count was 13-4 in their favour -- but, as usual, were short of firepower in front of goal.

Former West Ham and Brentford striker Dean Martin was drafted in to make his home debut. Although he was not able to get on the scoresheet, he went close on a couple of occasions and worked hard to try to create openings for his colleagues.

United director of football Graham Turner said: ''It's a pity Dean isn't a few inches taller. It was nice to keep a clean sheet again but we are lacking a cutting edge up front and at the moment are not doing the simple things well.''

Hednesford rarely got out of their own half in the first 18 minutes but the Bulls failed to press home their territorial advantage. Mark Druce headed wide from Mark Taylor's cross and in the eighth minute Martin set him up with a fine chance to open the scoring. He had only keeper Philip Morgan to beat but side- footed his shot against an upright.

Even when former Hereford central defender Russell Bradley was off the field from the 26th to the 39th minutes, receiving treatment for a cut over his eye, the Pitmen's defence held firm. Morgan was mainly engaged in taking long range drives from Martin, Ian Rodgerson and Kevin Collins.

After the break the Pitmen were more dangerous in breakaways. Fortunately for United, Andy Haywood headed Paul Carty's centre straight at Andy Quy and, when the home keeper failed in an attempt to punch clear Paul Ware's free-kick, Chris Brindley headed wide.

In the closing minutes the Hednesford's 17-year- old substitute Sean O'Connor should have broken the deadlock. Tony James, who otherwise had a steady game, allowed him to cut inside but the youngster fired well wide from five yards out.

At the other end Ian Wright, whose return after injury gave more stability to United's defence, headed over the bar, while Morgan had to scramble across his goal to keep out a 25-yarder from Martin. Substitute Paul Parry controlled a volley well but it flew straight into Morgan's hands. And in injury time he chested down a Martin centre but was injured as he tried to steer it past Morgan.

Hednesford's Paul Blades and Andrew Comyn and United's James received yellow cards for fouls.

Hereford: Quy, Lane, Wright, James, Collins (Parry 69 min), Clarke, Rodgerson, Taylor, Dennison, Druce, Martin. Subs not used: Snape, Williams.