Hereford United climbed to second in the Nationwide Conference table as they clinched a 2-1 victory over Nuneaton Borough.

But they had to hold out against some heavy pressure, particularly in the second half.

The Bulls scored twice in five first half minutes to stretch their unbeaten record.

And they must also be one of the few sides this season to have taken a two-goal lead against the run of play as Borough were on top before United opened their account and continued to dominate afterwards.

Not to say Hereford were lucky. They owed their victory to hard work with 11 players committed to the cause and scrapping for every ball.

Ian Rodgerson, put United ahead after 13 minutes when a Matt Clarke cross found him in the box and his deflected shot beat former Hereford keeper Chris Mackenzie although he did get a hand to it.

The lead increased five minutes later, when Kerry Giddings lashed home from the edge of the box after fellow striker Gavin Williams had flicked on from a Scott Cooksey goal kick.

Giddings again showed that he has adjusted well to life in the Conference and he thought the result was never in doubt.

"When we went two-up we never really thought we were going to lose," he said.

"The boss thought we could've been five up at the break. They scored a good goal through good pressure, but we never really struggled and Scott Cooksey did what was necessary when called upon."

Tony James was once again outstanding at the back. His partnership with Ian Wright snuffed out the majority of the threat posed by £60,000-rated Mark McGregor, although it was his header, from an excellent Michael Love cross that set up an anxious last 40 minutes for the travelling Bulls contingent who were on their best behaviour.

After Borough's goal, United were clearly flustered and Cooksey and his defence were kept busy with corners and free-kicks given away in dangerous positions having to be dealt with.

However, as the second half reached its conclusion United became calmer again and when the referee ended the contest it was Hereford who were on the attack.

United: Cooksey 8, Lane 7, Clarke 7, Robinson 7, Wright 7, James 9, Rodgerson 7 (Parry 34, 6), Snape 7, Giddings 8 (Elmes 75), Williams 7, McIndoe 7. Subs not used: Baker, Gardiner, Hanson.

Attendance: 1,362.