THREE second-half goals from Paul Parry, Garry Cook and Christian Roberts swept Hereford to a Nationwide Conference home victory over Barrow and lifted the gloom which had surrounded Edgar Street since Christmas.

Their second double of the season gave the Bulls only their second victory in their last 16 Conference outings and their first league victory at Edgar Street since the end of November.

It was also the first time that they had scored more than two goals in league games at Edgar Street this season.

Most importantly, it secured three points which eased their fears of being sucked into an end of season relegation battle.

United director of football Graham Turner said after the game: "I will be able to enjoy the rest of my weekend for a change. I was worried about the direct style of play I knew Barrow played,but we combated it well."

Barrow manager, Shane Westley was in no doubt that Hereford were the better team. He said: "They were the best side we have played by a mile."

United were bolstered by the return of three key defenders and they seldom looked like conceding a goal. Chris Lane was a resourceful right-back, Stuart Evans and Ian Wright were masters in the air as Barrow tried to make progress with long, high throw-ins, while Tony James has blossomed into an efficient and reliable defender.

Even so, although Hereford dominated the first half, they were unable to turn their superiority into goals, having failed to net in their previous four Conference home games. Fans were still wondering whether they would be able to break the deadlock in the second period. They received an answer within 35 seconds of the restart. Roberts crossed to the near post while Steven Cowe fired a shot against the woodwork and the ball rebounded across a goal for Parry to slip it into the net.

Mid-way through the half Wright was denied a goal when Eddie Kennedy handled his header on the line but it went unnoticed by Leicester referee John Hubbard.

In the 67th minute, however, Hereford increased their lead. Mark Taylor latched onto Parry's cross but his shot was blocked. The ball ran loose to Cook who rifled a superb 20-yarder low into the net.

Cook also scored the only goal of the game at Barrow in September. He said: "Some players seem to score against certain clubs.

"For me, it's Morecambe and Barrow. I always knew I would score today."

With three minutes left United netted again through Roberts. Cowe stepped over Parry's low pass and Roberts gave Craig Davies no chance with a drive from just inside the penalty area.

The young striker exuberantly ran to the Meadow End crowd, taking off his shirt. Referee Hubbard was not impressed with the striptease and booked him. Hereford's other yellow card went to Cook, while Barrow's former Hereford player, Ian Foster, Paul Haddow and Davies were also yellow carded.

Hereford: Quy, Lane, Evans, Wright, James, Williams, Cook, Taylor, Parry, Roberts, Cowe. Subs not used: Rodgerson, Cross and Snape.