John Grant's second-half equaliser earned Hereford a valuable point against Northwich as the visitors stepped up their chase for a play-off spot.

The Bulls were ahead after only 11 minutes when Robert Purdey met Jay Lovett's cross and rifled home his first goal of the season.

Paul Parry almost doubled the advantage with a fierce drive from the edge of the box but Gary Kelly made the save.

The visitors were controlling the game and Michael Rose also went close with a 25-yard effort.

Gregg Blundell then went close for the hosts before David McNiven levelled in the 25th minute with a cool finish from Blundell's cross from the left.

And Northwich took the lead with a stunning strike a minute before the break.

Paul Tether picked the ball up 35 yards out and unleashed a powerful drive that flew past Mathew Baker in the Hereford goal.

Parry was causing problems and it was no surprise that he was the source of Hereford's equaliser, feeding Grant, who rifled home from the edge of the box.

Northwich: Kelly, Ingram, Came, Davis, Royle, Tether, Garvey, Sedgemore, McNiven, Allan, Blundell. Subs: Parry, Quinn, Griggs, Walsh, Rioch.

Hereford: Baker, Tretton, Wright, James, Lovett, Smith, Pitman, Rose, Grant, Parry, Purdey. Subs: Griffiths, Richard Teesdale, Richard Teesdale, Sawyers, Guinan, Husbands.

Referee: P Canadine (Rotherham).