HONOURS were even at half-time at the Withdean Stadium with neither Brighton nor Hereford able to conjure up a League 1 goal in the first 45 minutes.

Brighton forced the early pace but a couple of early corners came to nothing.

The home side’s Dean Cox then brought a comfortable save from keeper Darren Randolph with a 20-yard shot.

Hereford took some time to emerge as an attacking force but, after 15 minutes, Taylor’s shot was deflected over for a corner.

Then Andy Williams showed some neat skill as he dribbled into the Brighton area only to lose control at the vital moment.

Brighton hit back and a long ball over the top saw Glenn Murray brought down by Karl Broadhurst on the edge of the area.

Broadhurst was relieved to escape with a yellow card and Matt Richards’ free-kick was blocked by the Hereford wall.

An error by Richard Rose let in Glenn Murray as Brighton continued to press but Randolph came to Hereford’s rescue with a fine, low save.

Williams, who showed plenty of willingness to run at the home defence, forced a save from Michel Kuipers with a shot from the edge of the area.

But the on-loan striker should have done better when he was sent free by Steve Guinan’s well-judged pass only to be dispossessed by Adam El-Abd.