Hereford United remain unbeaten in their pre-season programme but for the second game running they turned in a disjointed display in a 1-1 draw with Dr Marten's Premier League side Halesowen Town last night.

Two goals in as many second-half minutes were the sole rewards for two sides that tried to play football on a good pitch.

United Director of Football Graham Turner again shuffled his pack, resting Matt Clarke and Tony James, while goalkeeper Scott Cooksey made his first appearance of the season.

Turner also gave a second-half run-out to another 'keeper, Ray Johnston, who was previously with Bristol Rovers.

Halesowen's side read like an A-Z of local football with ex-Bulls, Andy Quy and Craig Mansell in their starting line up, along with former Kidderminster Harrier's players Neil Cartwright and Clinton Thomas. Thomas was partnered in attack by Michael Griffiths who had a spell at Worcester City before moving into league football with Torquay United.

The first-half belonged to Hereford with wingers Craig Hanson and Gavin Williams finding a lot of space down the flanks.

Steve Piearce, himself a former Halesowen player, went close shooting over after Hanson had put him through and Quy saved well from Pierce, blocking a shot after he had been set up by Rob Elmes.

Griffiths had the Yeltz's best chance when he hit the crossbar following a mazy run with Cooksey beaten.

Turner brought on player-coach Phil Robinson and trialist Johnston after the interval and Robinson brought a sensible head to the United midfield.

A moment of madness in the Halesowen box almost let in Piearce, then Williams hit the crossbar with a 30-yard drive.

But United fell behind when Halesowen capitalised on a good spell of pressure. Johnston parried a well-struck shot, but substitute Andrew Hodgetts was on hand to put the rebound past him.

Hereford hit back immediately and it was the influential Robinson who did the damage. Winning a ball in midfield, his through ball was chased by Elmes and he lobbed Quy to put Hereford back on terms.

Although it is early days, United will need to improve on the fluidity of their play. They have the chance to do this when their hectic pre-season programme continues tomorrow with a visit to Moor Green for another friendly.