HEREFORD manger Pete Beadle was delighted with his side after they saw off Banbury United 1-0 in Evo-Stik South on Tuesday night.

A fantastic strike from Keyon Reffell won the game in the 33rd minute, which leaves the Bulls just two points off top spot.

"It was a hard fought win and we knew it was always going to be a tough game," said Beadle.

"They have fallen a way a little bit after a good start to the season, but are still a good side.

"I thought we earned the right to play in the first 15 to 20 minutes and scored a good goal.

"We then had control of the game, although they probably had more possession in the second half and it became a bit scrappy.

"But I thought it was a really good away performance."

Reffell has impressed in recent games and his strike would be a contender for goal of the season.

"He had a great first touch, then had a shimmy of the shoulder before hitting it," added Beadle.

"I don't think he could have hit it any better and it was worthy of winning any game.

"Like a lot of players, sometimes it takes a bit of time to find your feet, but I think that was because he was playing in a number of positions.

"But with the way we play, it has given him a bit of freedom to enjoy himself."

Leaders Kettering were held to a 0-0 draw at Biggleswade Town, but second-placed Slough Town came from a 4-0 half-time deficit to claim a stunning 5-4 win at Merthyr.

"That will give them a great boost and a real lift, but we're happy where we are," said Beadle.

"It's tight from the top all the way down to Banbury in 11th."

Banbury: Harding, Hawtin, Martin, Nash (Pond 71), Bradbury, Carnell, Westbrook, Shamsi, Louis, Johnson (McDonagh 42), Winters (Self 76).

Subs not used: Peake-Pijnen, Wise.

Hereford: Horsell, Oates, Bowen, Purdie, Green, Deaman, Page, McGrath, Mills, Reffell, Smith (Symons 71).

Subs not used: Bird, Preston, Haysham, Harris.

Attendance: 1,011.