CHRIS Lane scored his first goal for Hereford in some style as the Bulls beat Kettering on Tuesday to maintain their unbeaten start to the Nationwide Conference season.

Full-back Lane, who had previously failed to trouble opposition goalkeepers in his two years at Edgar Street, struck in the 34th minute.

He received the ball 35 yards out and sweetly struck a shot that left Town keeper Steve Wilson standing as it hit the back of the net.

Lane was delighted with his strike and the team's overall performance.

He said: "I'm happy just to get off the mark really, it's something I need to put into my game.

"We were under pressure for the first 10 minutes of the second half but we have a great team spirit that will stand us in good stead. We defended well and got the second goal we deserved."

That second goal came in the last minute and again it was one to remember.

New signing Kerry Giddins substituted up front for Rob Elmes in the 71st minute and marked his debut with the late goal when he converted a Gavin Williams cross to double United's advantage.

Up to this point Hereford had worked hard to keep Kettering at bay as experienced Carl Shutt and substitute Dale Watkins posed dangers up front.

Kettering forced 13 corners but Hereford's defence remained solid to keep a second clean sheet in as many matches.

Only Steve Wilkinson, a recent recruit from Chesterfield, forced Scott Cooksey into a save when the United keeper made a fine reaction stop to keep out a close-range shot.

The experienced midfield duo of Ian Rodgerson and Phil Robinson were outstanding for Hereford, with Rodgerson, in particular, playing some intelligent balls.

He gave Robinson a great chance to open his Hereford account but the former Stoke player had his shot smothered by Wilson and the follow-up strike from Elmes was tipped wide of the post.

The only blot on a professional display from the Bulls was a second-half booking for John Snape for a foul.

Hereford: Cooksey, Lane, Clarke, Robinson, Wright, James, Rodgerson, Snape, Elmes (sub Giddins 71 mins), Williams, McIndoe. Subs not used: Parry, Baker, Gardiner, Moran.

Referee: S Bratt.

Attendance: 1,406.

l Hereford have a double bill of Nationwide Conference action over the Bank Holiday weekend, with a trip to Hayes on Saturday and a home clash with Northwich Victoria on Monday.

United failed to beat Hayes last season, with a 2-0 defeat at Edgar Street and a goalless away draw. The Bulls enjoyed a better record against the Vics, and added a 0-0 draw at Drill Field to a 3-0 home triumph, which featured goals for Paul Parry, Mark Taylor and Gavin Williams (penalty).