RADCLIFFE Boro returned from Conference high-fliers Hereford with their heads held high, despite suffering an expected defeat writes Ian Hannay

The difference between the teams was clear to see, but Boro stuck to their task and their reward came with a late Steve Foster goal.

It caused some uncertainty in the home defence, but Boro were unable to capitalise.

The Bulls showed the benefits of full time training throughout with some neat, controlled football, but they failed to convert their chances, leaving Boro with a glimmer of hope that they very nearly realised.

Hereford strikers Lee MiIls and Adam Stansfield posed a constant threat up front, and they were ably supported by all-action midfielders, Jamie Pitman and Simon Travis.

Boro's heroes were in defence, as they strove to keep out the rampant Bulls.

Danny Hurst, in particular, performed minor miracles, while central defenders Paul Challinor and Steve Hill defended as though their lives depended on it.

Boro's attacking opportunities were limited, but Andy Heald in particular looked threatening down the left, and Scott Wilson harried and tackled away in midfield.

Hereford made all the early running with Mills and Andrew Tretton both having shots just off target.

They were dangerous from set-pieces, with Tamika Mkandowire flashing a header wide from a corner, and Terry James heading just over.

When Boro countered Heald's searching cross was cleared for a corner, before Simon Kelly and Phil Denney combined to put Steve Foster through, but United goalkeeper Ryan Green got down well to save.

Hurst was the busier of the two keepers, saving from Mills and Stansfield, Heald then almost gave Boro a surprise lead on 25 minutes, but he fired the wrong side of the angle.

The home side were becoming increasingly frustrated but finally managed to grab the lead on 32 minutes, with the help of Davey Luker.

The Boro skipper needlessly conceded a corner and when a 25-yard shot came in Hurst made a full-length save.

However, Mills - who looked yards offside - followed up, controlled the loose ball and fired home.

Boro were clearly rocked and Travis shot wide, while Pitman thumped a shot against a post.

Heald again looked Boro's most potent threat and his 25-yarder sailed only just wide.

Boro emerged for the second half in determined mood, but Lukers shot on the turn was blocked, and good approach play from Wilson, Kelly and Battersby came to nothing when Foster was caught offside.

Despite these early attacks United still controlled the game, with chances going begging at regular intervals, and the second goal came 20 minutes into the second half.

Stansfield - a thorn in Boros side all afternoon - streaked clear down the right and his perfectly weighted low cross was turned in by Travis.

There was little to suggest Boro would turn the game around, but substitute Karl Marginson did exert some influence, as Boro pulled a goal back on 81 minutes.

Heald made the running and Green could only parry his low shot, with Foster on hand to force home the rebound.

It gave Boro a glimmer of hope and they pushed forward as the Hereford defence - so assured for so long - began to show signs of uncertainty.

An unlikely equaliser could have gone Boro's way in the final minute when Foster latched on to a ball over the top of the Bulls' defence, but his angled drive cleared the bar and Boro's chance of glory went with it.

l BORO: Hurst, Battersby, Heald, Kelly, Luker, Hill, Wilson, Sampson, Denney, Foster, Challinor. Subs: Patterson (for Challinor, 58), Carden, Marginson (for Sampson, 67), McMahon (for Kelly, 86), George.