BOTH managers admitted they would have settled for a point before this top-of-the-table Nationwide Conference clash, but it was City boss Mark Wright who would have felt more annoyed his side didn't take all three.
A goalless stalemate always looked on the cards between the league's top scorers and the best defence, but when Chester were awarded a penalty two minutes from the end of normal time they had the chance to go top.
Ben Davies was brought down in front of goal, but after a long wait for the referee to calm incensed Hereford defenders substitute Ian Foster finally took the kick which was well saved by Matt Baker.
Chester's misery was compounded when Jamie Heard was sent off moments later following his second yellow card.
A draw was a fair result, although Hereford always looked a little more dangerous. Paul Parry and Ben Smith were close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, while Davies narrowly failed to connect with a Darryn Stamp cross on the stroke of half-time.
Ian McCaldon, preferred in the City goal to Wayne Brown, had to make two fine saves early in the second half to keep his side on terms, while Chester's best scoring chance came midway through the half when Davies had a shot blocked near the line following as good break by Paul Carden and Daryl Clare, who was replaced in the 67th minute.
Chester take a break from the Conference on Saturday when they go to Blyth Spartans in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup without suspended Paul Carden and Kevin McInttre.
* For more Chester City news see this Friday's Chester Chronicle.
