Bulls go second after Webb hits double

2:14pm Monday 15th October 2007

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Hereford United 2 Brentford 0 HEREFORD United have moved up to second place in League 2 after a conclusive win over their London rivals at Edgar Street on Saturday.

It was the first time that the two sides had ever met in league action and honours went comfortably to United whose victory was based on two fine goals from midfielder Luke Webb.

"It was a good win and a clean sheet which is what we have been looking for as we have let in quite a few goals recently," said the 21-year-old midfielder. "Keep a clean sheet and you won't lose."

Webb was making his first start of the season , playing on the right of midfield due to the absence of Lionel Ainsworth.

The move led to a slight readjustment of tactics with the flying winger sidelined.

"Without Lionel in the side we had to pass the ball a bit more as I obviously do not have that electrifying pace," said Webb. "But I think it worked out well today, we were really a team unit and I believe it showed."

Brentford, who arrived at Edgar Street boasting a useful away record, had the better of the early exchanges and had opportunities to take the lead.

Former Bull Alan Connell tested Wayne Brown with an early header and then cracked a shot inches wide on the half-volley.

In between, striker Lee Thorpe saw an effort booted off the line by United skipper Karl Broadhurst.

But, on 30 minutes, Hereford took the lead with a well worked and executed goal.

Clint Easton and Steve Guinan were involved in the build-up, feeding Webb who drilled a low drive into the corner of the net.

Three minutes later, a fine run down the left by Ben Smith ended with Webb seizing on his fellow midfielder's cross and hitting almost exactly the same spot in the net with another right-foot drive.

"The first one could have ended up in the stand or right in the corner but I cut in and hit it perfectly," said Webb.

"The second one I didn't connect with properly and perhaps it is just as well I didn't as that went in, too.

"Ben Smith has been superb all season," added Webb. "He loves to get forward and he has great technical ability - he started at Arsenal as I did - and I really enjoy playing with him."

Webb's role as a provider almost set up a goal for Guinan shortly afterwards with the striker racing on to a Webb pass and forcing a fine save from keeper Simon Brown.

Brown foiled Webb's attempt to notch a notable hat-trick a minute into the second period, flying to his right and catching the youngster's well-struck 25-yard free-kick.

United continued to dominate play after that but, ironically, it was Brentford who had the ball in the net when Connell beat Wayne Brown only to be ruled offside.

Smith went close towards the end after a neat exchange with Guinan and a third goal would have adequately reflected United's superiority.

Webb, however, was delighted with the result and with the momentum gathering behind the Bulls' promotion bid.

"We are riding on the crest of a wave at the moment," he said. "We are not looking back, we are just looking forward and will see where it takes us.

"We all get on well together. We have one focus and we are sticking with that."

Hereford: Brown; McClenahan, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Taylor; Webb, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton; Guinan (Benjamin, 82 min), Robinson. Subs not used: Ingham, McCombe, Rose, Johnson.

Brentford: Brown; O'Conner, Mackie, Heywood, Basey (Starosta, 80 min); Moore (Shakes, 60 min), Pead, Mousinho, Poole; Thorpe, Connell (Charles, 80 min). Subs not used: Pettigrew, Hames.

Referee: Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire) Attendance: 2,942, 355 from Brentford.

Goals: Webb, 30 min, 1-0; Webb, 33 min, 2-0.

Yellow cards: Hereford - Beckwith, kicking ball away, 58 min; Brentford - Connell, foul, 41 min; Mackie, foul, 47 min; Thorpe, foul, 49 min; Mousinho, foul, 62 min; Heywood, foul, 71 min; O'Conner, foul, 90 min.