SCUNTHORPE UNITED scored four second half goals to see off Hereford and severely dent their play-off chances.

Tope Obadeyi struck after 38 minutes to give the Bulls a narrow lead at half-time but two quick fire goals after the break put the hosts in command before Liam McAlinden and Alfie Beestin sealed the victory late on.

Looking to keep their play-off hopes alive, Hereford started on the front foot with Andy Williams forcing Ross Fitzsimons into action after his turn and effort in the 21st minute.

The Bulls were caught unawares at the back just past the half hour mark which allowed Dion Sembie-Ferris an opening at goal with his strike flying inches wide of the post.

However, it was Hereford who were in front seven minutes later when Alex Babos’ cross from a short corner was met by the head of Obadeyi who powered the ball into the bottom corner.

Jimmy Dean sought a response from his Scunthorpe side in the second half and found it in the 52nd minute when a quick throw-in found Callum Roberts on the edge of the area who fired home.

And three minutes later the Iron were in front when Maxim Kouogun tapped in the rebound from Roberts’ free-kick after Curtis Pond had initially produced a fine save.

The hosts nearly extended their advantage in the 63rd minute when former Bulls loanee Tom Pugh crossed for Kai Corbett whose header rebounded off Lewis Hudson and onto the post.

The drama spilled onto the touchline a few minutes later when Hereford assistant manager Adam Rooney was sent off along with his Scunthorpe counterpart following a debate around a foul on Williams.

With two minutes of normal time remaining the Iron added a third on the break when Jacob Butterfield found McAlinden in space who fired the ball into the bottom corner of Pond’s net.

And Scunthorpe rounded the game off in the 93rd minute when Beestin fired a fine strike from 25 yards out into the top corner leaving Pond with no chance.

Hereford: Pond, Skinner (Obadeyi 18), Hudson, Teixeira, Ceesay (McHale 68), Babos (Cowley 71), Williams, D'Ath, Okeke, Cameron, Howkins

Unused Subs: Rooney, Phillips