MIDFIELDER Scott Goodwin fired Hereford United to a vital 1-0 win at in-form Telford United in the Nationwide Conference.

The former Hednesford player swept home Matt Clarke's deep right-wing cross in the 79th minute of a hard-fought match.

Goodwin's goal -- his first since joining the club in the summer -- capped a superb team performance by the Bulls on a bitterly cold afternoon at a packed New Bucks Head Stadium.

It earned Hereford their first victory in six league outings and their third away win of the campaign.

Importantly, the win has also moved the Edgar Street club four points above the relegation zone.

A delighted Goodwin said: "I actually thought that Clarke was going to shoot himself but I gambled and made a run to the back post.

"I was in the right place at the right time. And it was a great feeling when the ball went in."

Three minutes before Goodwin's rare strike which ended the Shropshire club's eight-match unbeaten run, Clarke -- another player not known for his goal-scoring prowess --advanced into the box and delightfully lifted the ball over goalkeeper Paul Edwards, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Although Hereford made a flying start to the second half when a powerful header from Rob Elmes forced a fine save from Edwards, Telford had a lot of possession and looked dangerous from corners and crosses.

The home club, however, created their only clear-cut chance in the 82nd minute when Paul Moore found himself with space on the edge of the Hereford box.

Fortunately for the Bulls, Matt Baker was equal to the substitute's goal-bound drive and turned the ball away for a corner.

Hard-working Hereford dominated the opening half-an-hour of game, once the midfield had imposed themselves, and both Elmes and veteran midfielder Ian Rodgerson went close to opening the scoring.

Elmes flicked wide a dangerous right-wing cross from Clarke in the 21st minute and Edwards had to be alert to hold on to Rodgerson's powerful 25-yard shot.

Not unexpectedly, the home side fought back in the final quarter of the first half but they could not breach Hereford's solid defence marshalled by Ian Wright and the outstanding Tony James.

Hereford: Baker 7, Clarke 8, Capaldi 7, Robinson 8, Wright 8, H James 9, Goodwin 8, Snape 7, Elmes 7, G Williams 8, Rodgerson 7. Subs (not used): M Williams, Evans, Shirley, Voice, Quiggin.

Attendance: 2,168.