On a sunny October afternoon Hereford gained a point at Alfreton in what was not the most exciting game of football ever played.
The first half was mainly hoof-ball, the second slightly less so. Both teams could have won the game, chances were created, but both failed to score although the visitors did have the ball in the back of the net in the 73rd minute. However it was ruled out presumably for off-side.
It must have been a close call as Hereford manager Paul Caddis kept the media waiting for his post match interview as he repeatedly looked at the video.
The Impact stadium is one of the better grounds in the National North League. Like many others it has a slight slope and the spectators are close to the pitch itself. The staff and volunteers are a friendly bunch. But you do question how much of the playing budget comes from gates averaging 593 so far this season. Yesterday's gate was 734, boosted by around 180 Hereford supporters.
Caddis made one change to the starting eleven as striker Andy Williams replaced winger Cosmos Matwasa. So there were three strikers, Williams, Ahkeem Rose and Adam Rooney. Rooney appeared to have a roving role, sometimes behind the other two, sometimes out wide. He took nearly all the throw-inns as well.
There were only five players on the Hereford bench including new loan signing Ty Deacon from Tamworth and Alex Babos who is recovering from an arm injury.
Lawson D'Ath kicked off for Hereford down the slope. Rose tried his luck but the ball went wide.
Then a couple of half chances for Alfreton including a free kick which hit the Hereford wall.
Several Hereford players felt the presence of their opposite number. Tate Campbell in particular was on the end of several strong challenges.
Adam Rooney should have had a free kick when impeded by David Mayo. Then Alfreton's Adam Lund was on the receiving end of a strong challenge. The free kick came to nothing.
Rooney was taking the throw-ins one of which Matt Preston tried to direct towards goal.
Then in the last minute of the half Hereford should have taken the lead.
Yusifu Ceesay got past his maker and was then one on one with keeper George Willis.However Willis somehow palmed away Ceesay's shot and it went out for a Hereford corner.
Half-time: Alfreton 0 Hereford 0
The second half was a little bit more entertaining.
A good run by Ceesay down the wing but before he could cross three defenders were all around him.
Then on 52 minutes Campbell reacted to a poor clearance but his shot was blocked.
Soon after a corner but Hereford's Preston is held.
Substitutes started appearing after 60 minutes. Alfreton were first to make a change, then loan signing Deacon came on for Williams.
Hereford had a free kick when Lewis Hudson wass brought down by Lund. Rooney got his head on Robinson's free kick but it went wide.
Soon after Ceesay beats his man and delivers a ball towards the area but both Rose and Deacon are too far ahead.
On 73 minutes Hereford thought they had taken the lead.
The ball is lobbed forward towards Rose who stabs it past White. But celebrations are quickly halted as the assistant's flag is raised. It must have been a very close call to disallow the goal.
Hereford had most of the possession for the rest of the match.
Ceesay made a good run up the left wing but took one touch too many and clashed with keeper Willis. Ceesay was carded.
Right at the end Deacon received the ball from Rose with just the keeper to beat. But Willis spread himself and the chance was lost.
A point from Alfreton.
Full time: Alfreton 0 Hereford 0
In general a better performance from Hereford than that at Bishop's Stortford last Saturday. Caddis will be pleased with a clean sheet but the lack of goals is a real worry. Whether Deacon is the answer remains to be seen.
Next Saturday Hereford are away at Buxton.
Hereford: Chapman, Robinson, Howkins, Preston, Hudson, Ceesay, D'Ath, Campbell, Rooney, Williams, Rose
Subs: Teixeira, Tilt, Babos, Matwasa, Deacon