WEAKNESSES in front of goal again cost Hereford dear as they went down to mid-table rivals in the Nationwide Conference on Saturday.

The Bulls had their fair share of the play - they forced 11 corners to their hosts' four - but failed to create more than a handful of openings to test keeper Steve McIlhargey.

The United cause was not helped by the early loss of Tony James, who limped off with ligament damage after just 18 minutes.

The former West Bromwich Albion defender has shown a vast improvement since Christmas and the Bulls certainly missed his pace and composure at the back.

It was James' replacment, the unfortunate Matthew Cross, who ultimately was to make the game's decisive contribution.

After 14 minutes of the second half, Shrimps substitute Dave Gardner's shot was well parried by Andy Quy. Cross, running back to clear, seemed to have plenty of time to put the ball into the stands but instead allowed it to bounce of his shin into the net.

The ex-Barnsley youngster has now managed to find the net - albeit the wrong one - in Hereford's last two away games, here and at Yeovil, which is more than can be said for the forwards, who have drawn a blank on both occasions at the other end.

United's best moments came in the 15 minutes leading up to half-time when two good opportunities were wasted.

The choicest arrived on 32 minutes when Gavin Williams mistimed his header from a superb Paul Parry cross and the ball flew harmlessly wide.

Seven minutes afterwards, it was Parry who had a chance to break the stalemate when a deep cross from Chris Lane reached him at the far-post. The young winger got plenty of power behind his shot but McIlhargey was down quickly to gather at the foot of the upright.

Towards the end, with Ian Wright pushed up to lead the Hereford attack, Morecambe began to exploit gaps in the visitors' defence with Quy doing well to save on a couple of occasions.

The United keeper was beaten, however, shortly before the end when a shot from the dangerous Darren Lyons hit the inside of the post and bounced out to be cleared.

Gavin Williams and substitute Ian Rodgerson picked up yellow cards for Hereford.

Hereford: Quy, Lane, James (Cross 18 mins), Evans, Wright, Snape (Rodgerson 65 mins), Williams, Taylor, Roberts (Dennison 65 mins), Cowe, Parry.