THIS revenge win over Kingstonian took Hereford's Nationwide Conference points tally to 48, enough to ensure they finish above the bottom three relegation positions.

Kingstonian, who beat United 2-0 on the opening day of the season, rested some of their regular first teamers for the match last Thursday as their eyes were on Saturday's visit by Cheltenham Town in the FA Umbro Trophy semi-final first leg tie, which they drew 2-2.

The fact that Kingstonian are still involved in the Trophy meant that Thursday was the only date they could visit Edgar Street.

It was the first time that the Bulls had played a home competitive game on a Thursday since the 1950s and the unusual timing saw the gate fall to 1,288 - the lowest since they dropped into the Conference last season.

United got off to a lively start, taking the lead in the 22nd minute when Kofi Nyamkah unnecessarily brought down striker Gavin Williams as the ball was moving away from the home penalty area.

Williams took the penalty himself but he was twice halted in mid-stride as the ball rolled away from the spot.

The 19-year-old remained unfazed, however, and eventually rifled a low drive into the left-hand corner of the net as keeper Jerome John dived in the opposite direction.

In the 45th minute the Bulls increased their lead through skipper Ian Rodgerson who cut in from the left flank and drove in a 30-yard shot.

John got a hand to the ball but could not prevent entering the net. It was Rodgerson's first goal of the season and his eighth in 204 matches for Hereford.

After the break Hereford continued to hold command and had a number of chances to have doubled their tally.

Midfielder Mark Taylor went close by heading against the bar, while John foiled Williams with two fine saves in quick succession.

United director of football Graham Turner said: "We went about the game the right way but I would have liked to have seen us score a few more goals in the second half."

Hereford: Quy, Lane, Evans, Wright, Rodgerson, Snape (Cowe 83 mins), Taylor, Dennison (Roberts 79 mins), Parry, Cook, Williams. Subs not used: Cross.