City signed off for 2007 with a home loss to second-placed Hereford at a drenched Valley Parade this afternoon.

All four goals were scored in the first half, three in the final six minutes.

City were angry with referee Graham Laws over two of the Bulls' efforts, though they could have no real complaints about the result.

Theo Robinson put Hereford in front after 18 minutes, converting from a free-kick which City felt should not have been awarded.

Omar Daley and Kyle Nix went close before Hereford doubled their lead with a thumping header from centre half Dean Beckwith.

David Wetherall restored hope three minutes before half-time but there was still enough time for Trevor Benjamin to make it 3-1 as City argued for offside.

Donovan Ricketts prevented further Hereford goals with three good second-half stops and Robinson should have netted a fourth when through.

Willy Topp came on with 21 minutes to go but there was to be no City comeback, though Matt Clarke was just wide with a header.

CITY: Ricketts, Williams, Wetherall, Clarke, Heckingbottom, Colbeck, Penford, Phelan, Nix, Daley, Thorne: Subs: Bower, Conlon. Rhodes, Bentham, Topp.