A SPECTACULAR volley in the third minute of stoppage-time from super-sub David Brown fired unbeaten Hereford United to a dramatic win over Aldershot in a pulsating Nationwide Conference top-of-the-table clash at Edgar Street yesterday.

The former Manchester United trainee rose at the far post to acrobatically hammer home the winner with just seconds remaining after Michael Rose's corner had been flicked on at the near post by Ben Smith.

Brown's superb strike rounded off an incredible match which saw ten yellow cards dished out by Shrewsbury-based referee Rob Lewis, including the curious 82nd-minute dismissal of Aldershot's Roscoe D'Sane for two bookings.

Hereford showed tremendous character after free-scoring Aldershot had raced into a two-goal lead inside nine minutes.

United made a disastrous start when skipper Tony James deflected an innocuous right-wing cross from Nick Roddis past goalkeeper Matt Baker after four minutes.

And the Bulls' disappointment was compounded when Tim Sills added a second goal five minutes later after collecting a through-ball and rounding the out-rushing Baker.

But United eventually regained their composure and reduced the arrears in the 29th minute when Danny Williams curled home an excellent 25-yard free-kick.

Williams then headed a Paul Parry cross over the bar from close range before Hereford drew level in first-half stoppage time, Rose powering a rising shot past Nikki Bull from the edge of the area.

United took the lead seven minutes into the second half from the penalty spot after Aldershot's substitute goalkeeper Richard Barnard had tripped Smith.

Barnard saved James' initial spot kick but the referee ordered it to be re-taken because the goalkeeper had moved off his line. James held his nerve with his second attempt and blasted the re-taken spot-kick into the top corner.

Aldershot then hit back to equalise in the 68th minute when Aaron McClean's angled drive beat Baker and bounced into the net off the inside of the far post.

D'Sane was then dismissed with just eight minutes remaining for a harsh second booking before Brown struck in stoppage time to shatter Aldershot's unbeaten record and send the Bulls to the Conference summit.

"That was one of the most exciting games since I have been at the club," said Hereford manager Graham Turner. "It was absolutely terrific and we showed tremendous character against a good side."

Hereford: Baker 6, Green 6, Rose 7, Pitman 6, Tretton 7, James 8, Williams 8, Smith 7, Guinan 6 (Brown 72), Purdie 6, H Parry 8. Subs (not used): Scott, Teesdale, King, Craven.

Attendance: 4,985.