BRISTOL referee Steve Tanner finally called a halt to Tuesday's Nationwide Conference clash amid farcical conditions just after half-time.

With rain continuing to lash down, as it had since well before the kick-off, pools of water all over the pitch made any attempts to play football totally impossible.

Neither manager had any quibbles about the decision to end proceedings and Woking boss Colin Lippiatt quipped: "I knew we were in trouble when that crocodile appeared next to the dug-out!"

Despite having rather the better of the 51 minutes play, United were trailing to a 14th-minute goal from Junior Kadi when time was called.

Full-back Paul Sturgess slipped as he went to challenge Chris Sharpling and the winger was able to deliver a low centre into the six-yard box.

Although Scott Cooksey made a fine save from Charlie Griffin's initial shot, the loose ball ran to Kadi and he made no mistake from close range.

Two minutes later, Sturgess came within inches of making amends for his mistake.

Former United midfielder Jamie Pitman fouled top-scorer Gavin Williams 20 yards from goal and Sturgess' well-struck free-kick clipped the angle of post and cross-bar and went over.

Jimmy Quiggin, who showed up impressively on the right, seemed set to equalise on 38 minutes when he raced clear of the defence. But with the ball holding up in the watery conditions, Kadi was able to get back and clear at the expense of a corner.

Hereford should have had a penalty two minutes before the break when Steve Perkins clearly brought down Williams, but by this stage football was impossible and it was no surprise when referee Tanner decided to curtail the 'entertainment'.

Although the match must be replayed, bookings received by Matt Clarke and Sturgess will still count, as will those for Woking's Perkins and Kadi, both of whom will now be suspended.

HEREFORD: Cooksey, Clarke, Sturgess, Robinson, James, Wall, Quiggin, Snape, Elmes, Williams, Rodgerson (Giddings 46 mins). Subs not used: Wright, Baker, Bull, Parry.

WOKING: Matassa, Reeks, Hollingdale, West, Steele, Pitman, Perkins, Hayfield, Kadi, Griffin, Sharpling. Subs not used: Brown, Teague, Ruggles, O'Donnell, Baverstock.

Referee: S Tanner (Bristol)

Attendance: 1,069.