Hereford gained a deserved victory to maintain fourth place in the Nationwide Conference on Tuesday but the game was a bad-natured affair and Kingstonian finished with only nine players.

A 22-man fracas erupted after 35 minutes and referee Steve Rubery sent off the first of two home team players and went on to book three from each side, with United's Ian Wright, Michael McIndoe and Gavin Williams cautioned.

Hereford were on top throughout and went ahead on 18 minutes when they scored direct from a free-kick, given for a foul on Williams. The kick had to be re-taken due to an encroachment and McIndoe struck his effort cleanly to beat keeper Steve Farrelly for his first goal for the club.

The lead was doubled seven minutes later when a Williams cross was met by the un-marked Rob Elmes whose header looped over Farrelly.

United won a penalty for hand-ball on the half-hour, but Chris Lane's well-struck shot was saved to his right by Farrelly.

Shortly afterwards it was the referee's turn to impose himself on proceedings. A late challenge by Gary Patterson on Phil Robinson sparked a 22-man brawl. After the fuss had died down Mr Rubery saw fit to send off the seemingly blameless Colin Luckett while Patterson remained on the field.

In the second period tempers were never far from boiling point and Hereford's task was made even easier when the home side were reduced to nine men. Farrelly was dismissed for appearing to strike out at Williams after he had attempted to block a goal kick.

Hereford used the extra men well and could have embarrassed Kingstonian with better finishing.

However, they managed one more goal when Williams controlled an excellent McIndoe cross-field ball and shot past substitute keeper Richard Hurst.

Hereford: Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright (Gardiner 45 mins), James, Rodgerson, Snape, Elmes, Williams, McIndoe. Subs not used: Wall, Baker, Hanson, Moran.

Attendance: 833.