JIMMY KNOWLES’ sublime strike consigned Hereford to their first defeat in three league matches at Boston.

The 25-yard strike from Knowles proved to be decisive despite a strong second half showing from the Bulls in which they had opportunities to equalise.

Martin Woods was the first player to test Curtis Pond in the Hereford goal when his long-range effort had to be tipped over the crossbar on 20 minutes.

Boston took the lead after 37 minutes when Knowles' effort from outside the box swerved and dipped before nestling into the top left-hand corner of Pond's net.

Knowles took aim at goal from outside the box again five minutes later but his driven effort flew just past the post on this occasion.

The forward continued to be in the thick of the action when he drove into Hereford’s box with the ball in the 48th minute before unleashing an effort into the side netting.

Paul Caddis’ side were inches away from finding an equaliser in the 53rd minute when Yusifu Ceesay’s angled cross evaded everyone inside the box before striking the post.

It was Boston’s turn to strike the woodwork seven minutes later when Keaton Ward’s free-kick cannoned off the crossbar with Pond seemingly beaten.

Former Bull Kelsey Mooney collected the ball on the left hand side for Boston in the 77th minute before driving inside and firing a powerful effort just wide from the edge of the box.

Hereford forward Jason Cowley thought he had found a late equaliser when his unmarked header from close range was directed toward goal but Cameron Gregory’s brilliant outstretched arm denied the striker in the 91st minute.

The Bulls continues to prove and Alex Babos’ cross found Nathan Cameron at the back post in the 96th minute but the defender’s header flew just wide of the post leaving Boston to take all three points.

Hereford: Pond, Skinner, Livingstone, Teixeira (Tolley 80), Ceesay, Babos, Cowley, Mendes (Freemantle 67), Southern (Pugh 45), Cameron, Howkins.

Unused Subs: Downing, Rooney