HEREFORD striker Mike Symons is hopeful of getting more minutes under his belt following an excellent performance against Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Trophy.

After playing out wide against Fleetwood in the FA Cup three days previously, Symons was back to his preferred central role up front and scored the winning penalty in a 3-2 first round victory.

"I played a bit more central today which is a bit more how I like to play and I enjoyed it," said Symons.

"I managed to get on the scoresheet, which is always nice for a striker.

"I'm happy with that and hope to get a few minutes over the next three or four weeks.

"I had a bit of a mixed start and in pre-season I wasn't fully fit.

"I then got a couple of red cards, which put me back and the lads had been playing well.

"So it was hard to break back into the team, so I've got to take my chances when they come.

"The lads have been absolutely outstanding this season and the competition for places has been immense.

"But over the next three or four weeks we've got a lot of games and today shows that he [Pete Beadle] can mix it around and get people opportunities and they won't let him down.

"As an all-round team game, I think everyone is buying into what we're doing.

"We can show we can compete against the very best in higher leagues, which hopefully puts the club in good stead over the next couple of years.

"But it's more important now to focus on the league."

Symons' winner came in the 77th minute, shortly after Dagenham equalised.

Had the National League side forced a replay, it would have been cruel on a Hereford side who were excellent.

The Bulls – who have now beaten four higher league teams this season – went ahead in the 18th minute thanks to a fantastic strike from Billy Murphy.

Symons had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 23rd minute, but his header went just over.

However, the Bulls did open up a two-goal cushion just four minutes later.

Lance Smith did well to set up a shot for himself, with his effort beating Mark Cousins in the Dagenham goal.

Dagenham immediately hit back when Jack Deaman could only divert a cross into his own goal and that gave the away side the lift they needed.

Michael Cheek should have equalised three minutes after the break, but somehow shot over when well placed.

However, the striker did get his goal in the 70th minute after Alex Harris could only parry the ball into his path.

But back came Hereford, who were awarded a penalty seven minutes later after Pablo Haysham was upended.

Symons duly slotted the ball home and Hereford held on for another fantastic win.