Stevenage Borough 3 Hereford United 1

Hereford United concluded a disappointing Nationwide Conference campaign with a 3-1 defeat against FA Trophy finalists Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way.

The inconsistent Bulls -- who finished in a lowly 17th spot -- took an early lead through in-form Steve Piearce but they were overrun after the break by a rejuvenated Stevenage side.

It looked like being a promising afternoon for the Edgar Street club when they dominated the opening exchanges and deservedly opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

Striker Piearce raced onto a Gavin Williams' pass and coolly beat the advancing Paul Wilkerson for his third goal in two matches.

Hereford could have doubled their lead soon afterwards when Stuart Fraser lost possession on the edge of his own area but young striker Jimmy Quiggin shot into the side netting.

The Hertfordshire outfit clawed their way back into the match and were denied an equaliser when Ian Wright headed away a goal-bound shot from Simon Wormull in the 42nd minute.

However, the introduction just after half-time of tJack Midson appeared to breathe new life into the Stevenage who drew level in the 62nd minute.

John Hamsher took the ball down the right flank and delivered a pin-point cross for Kirk Jackson who headed powerfully past Hereford goalkeeper Matt Baker.

Hereford managed just a couple of efforts on target in the second-half and they were dealt a major blow when the influential Wright limped off in the 69th minute.

It was no coincidence that the Bulls' rearguard fell apart without their inspirational skipper and they conceded a second goal within a minute of his departure.

Simon Wormull's 70th-minute corner kick caught out the depleted United defence and the un-marked Jason Goodliffe stooped to head the ball into the net from six yards out.

Hereford were now clearly shell-shocked and Stevenage put the result beyond doubt with their third goal with only four minutes of the match remaining.

A surging run by substitute DJ Campbell caused panic in the Hereford back-line and the ball was only half-cleared to Jude Stirling, another substitute, who found the target with an incisive low drive from the edge of the visitors' box.