HEREFORD RFC coach Bob Stewart bemoaned "little mistakes" that cost his side a victory at Whitchurch in Midlands 1 West.

The Wyesiders showed plenty of attacking threat, but went down by a single point in the 25-24 defeat.

The Wyesiders are still on course to clinch a play-off place, sitting just four points off second placed Worcester Wanderers in the table and will be hopeful of gaining maximum points at home to bottom club Barkers Butts this Saturday.

"We certainly showed attacking spark, but we did not get away with playing half a game," said Stewart.

"We turned off too often and the little mistakes cost us the game."

From the kick-off, Whitchurch drove into the Hereford half and forced a penalty, which was converted by Ryan Horton.

The game was end-to-end and Hereford centres Perry Pudge and Tom Ewins made a number of dangerous breaks.

After 20 minutes, Nat Thomas got on the end of a cross-field move to score the Wyesiders' first try.

The lead was short-lived though as the Whitchurch pack won a maul to drive over the the line.

They soon added another try, with Horton adding the extras.

Hereford made ground though and reduced the deficit with a Morgan Goodall try in the corner.

The conversion was unsuccessful which saw Whitchurch go into the break 15-10 to the good.

The Shropshire side went further ahead when a Hereford clearing kick was charged down for a third try, converted by Horton.

Hereford responded well and a try from Richard Preece reduced the deficit.

Lloyd Collier, who had come from the bench, added some impetus to the Wyesiders' attack and his break created an opening for Pudge to run in their fourth try, which Goodall converted.

Hereford were then penalised for crossing, which gave Horton the chance to give Whitchurch the lead once again, which they held on to and the visitors had to be content with two bonus points.

Dan Lewis and Whitchurch's Jake Lewis were also sent off by the referee following an altercation.