Hereford gave their supporters further cause for optimism with an excellent win at St George's Lane on Saturday.

Though billed as a friendly, the game was none the less played in a competitive spirit befitting a local derby and the Bulls outbattled as well as outplayed their Dr Martens League opponents.

The game also provided the moment that many supporters had been waiting to see since the pre-season friendly campaign opened.

This came less than two minutes into the second half when striker Steve Piearce, who only entered the fray at half-time, powered a header from a Matt Clarke cross into the net for Hereford's third and decisive goal.

Piearce, who had missed much of pre-season due to a troublesome thigh injury, went on to provide evidence of his recovery with a lively display which might well have brought further additions to the score.

He is likely to be a key player in Hereford's bid for honours this season.

But it was another of United's closed season signings, Leroy May, who opened the scoring after just six minutes, although he needed a considerable slice of fortune to do so.

Tony James returned the ball from inside his own half and City's young goalkeeper Paul Wyatt, in his anxiety to make a clearance, rushed from his area but missed the ball altogether, leaving May with the simple task of walking it into the empty net.

City, however, were back on terms within nine minutes when Carl Heeley exploited uncertainty in the Hereford defence to head a Nathan Jukes corner past Andy Quy.

But Hereford, who looked increasingly mobile and impressive in attack, regained the lead on 20 minutes with one of the best moves of the game. Former Derby County youngster Craig Hanson, who turned in an intelligent and energetic display, found Ian Rodgerson on the right wing.

The midfielder delivered a perfect cross for the lively Gavin Williams to head past Wyatt.

Hereford continued to dominate but Worcester went in all-square after Matt Clarke was tempted into bringing his former Kidderminster Harriers colleague Jon Purdie down in the penalty area. Ex-Westfields striker Sam Bowen showed his prowess from the spot.

After their early second-half strike, Hereford had by far the better of the play with the new strike force of May and Piearce going close to adding to the score on several occasions.

Hereford: Quy, Clarke, Wall, Snape (Dunphy 81 min), Wright, James, Williams, Taylor (Piearce 46 min), May (Lane 77 min), Hanson (Cotterill 77 min), Rodgerson.

Attendance: 705.