Leeds United's irrepressible form in League One was lacking against opposition from a division lower last night when a battling Hereford side produced a determined display to earn a replay at Elland Road.

The Bulls matched their Yorkshire opponents and had two late chances for victory through a Lionel Ainsworth header, saved well by the Leeds goalkeeper, Casper Ankergren, and an effort from John McCombe which the centre-back hooked wide. Their manager, Graham Turner, was left ruing the missed chances. "We are disappointed that in the last 15 minutes we didn't win the game," he said. "There were one or two opportunities but it was not to be."

His Leeds counterpart, Dennis Wise, was relieved that a week of travelling - from Carlisle to Hereford via Bournemouth - had ended with his side still in the competition. "We gave a good account of ourselves although we are a lot better than we showed tonight," he said. "We looked jaded and tired after all the travelling."

The Hereford front pair of Theo Robinson and Ainsworth provided the main threat early on, the former striking a fierce drive which Ankergren held on to. Seb Carole had the visitors' best chance of the first half and Leeds were soon back on the attack in the second, Ben Parker's drive saved well by Wayne Brown.

Hereford's cause was not helped when the captain Karl Broadhurst was taken off after turning an ankle, but the Bulls rallied and created the two late chances they may yet rue at Elland Road.