LEON Constantine's first Hereford goal shot the Bulls level after Bury had taken an early lead in the League 2 clash at Edgar Street.

Hereford made a lively start and Brown had to save from Leon Constantine and Jonn Godsmark in quick succession.

Then Pugh raced on to a superb through pass from Constantine, only for the winger to lose control at the vital moment as Brown came out to gather.

But despite Hereford’s early dominance, it was the visitors who took the lead on 10 minutes.

Debutant Domaine Rouse was brought down on the edge of the area by Darren Dennehy and Michael Jones curled a free-kick around the wall and into the top corner.

But Hereford were level five minutes later with a well-worked goal.

Southam’s fine pass sent Ryan Green away on the right and his cross found Constantine, who controlled the ball before shooting home off a post.

David Buchanan stole in and almost steered the ball past Bartlett and then Stephen Dawson rifled a shot wide as Bury sought to regain the lead.

With Bury continuing to press forward, a Rouse shot was deflected behind for a corner.

Hereford finally broke free and an expertly-played pass by Constantine sent Pugh away down the wing, with only desperate header putting his cross behind for a corner.

Lee Morris then curled a shot inches wide of an upright from the edge of the area.

Five minutes before the break, a scything challenge on Ryan Green brought Dawson a booking.

From the free-kick, 25 yards out, Kenny Lunt curled a shot just over.

But the Shakers were not to be discounted and Jones fired just wide from 20 yards.