It was a case of what might have been for Hereford in Tuesday's Nationwide Conference clash at lowly Southport.

In a match dominated by a strong, cold wind, scoring chances were few and far between, but the Bulls contrived to miss two of the best which would have given them another victory to follow their four-goal success at Farnborough on Saturday.

Southport, with the wind behind them, did almost all the attacking in the first half. But they could make little progress against a solid defence in which skipper Ian Wright led by example and Tony James was outstanding.

Hereford's first chance came after 34 minutes. Southport goalkeeper Billy Stewart and defender Andy Farley collided heavily in trying to clear a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area. It cannoned away to Richard Leadbeater, who, with the empty goal in front of him, fired well off target.

Hereford made more impression as an attacking force after the interval but they squandered another excellent chance in the 53rd minute. Leadbeater put over a centre which was collected by the unmarked Mark Taylor, but Stewart came off his line quickly and Taylor could do no more than stab the ball inches wide from close range.

Southport included newcomer Ian Arnold, newly signed from Kidderminster, and he went close to snatching victory in the closing stages. But Andy Quy produced the save of the night, flinging himself to his right, to turn the ball behind for a corner.

There was still time for the impressive James to come to his side's rescue with a saving tackle deep inside his own area to prevent Lee Elam cashing in on a through pass from David Gamble.

Hereford: Quy, Lane, Parry, Evans, Wright, James, Downing, Taylor, Leadbeater, Cowe, Dennison (Cook 65 min). Subs not used: Williams, Shirley.