Bradford (Park Avenue) settle for draw against Hereford FC

A late Jake Hibbs strike earned Avenue a 1-1 draw with Hereford in Vanarama National League North.

The draw at Horsfall Stadium leaves Avenue in 14th place in the table on just one point after the opening two games as they still seek their first win of the new campaign.

Visiting Hereford broke the deadlock with their first attack as George Forsyth's deflected long distance effort flew in past Avenue goalkeeper Jonny Saltmer.

But, late on, Hibbs gave his side a share of the spoils when he tapped in a Jordan Windass cross.

Bower said: "I'm really pleased with the performance but disappointed we haven't won the game.

"We played really, really well in the first half. We had a couple of goals disallowed and missed some good chances. Then, they score with a deflection.

"We'll enjoy that tonight, it's nice to get a point on the board.

"Hopefully that goal will kick-start us. We've got a busy week of preparation before we make the trip to Chorley next Saturday."

Avenue started the match brightly, with Luke Rawson's effort ruled out for offside, following a Windass cross.

Minutes later, Rawson had another goal disallowed. A long goal-kick from Saltmer hit the Bulls defender Luke Haines.

Rawson was alert to dispossess the centre-back and fired home from 16 yards. But this time Rawson's effort was ruled out for a foul.

Avenue were dealt a blow for their two disallowed goals when Forsyth's right-footed strike went in, via a deflection, to put Hereford 1-0 up.

Buoyed by their strike, Hereford looked the more likely to get the game's next goal on Saturday.

Avenue hit back as the rain fell at Horsfall. Windass gained possession on the halfway line and dribbled past several Bulls players before drilling a low cross across the face of goal. An unmarked Hibbs was was on hand to fire home.

The lively Rawson saw his late effort denied by the Hereford goalkeeper's legs.