BOGEY team Welling extended their unbeaten run over Hereford to five matches in the Nation-wide Conference on Saturday.

The Wings, who had lost their first four games of the season, were led to victory by former Chelsea apprentice Ritchie Hanlon who notched a second-half hat-trick in the space of just 14 minutes to take his tally to five in three home games this season.

Although losing the services of Leroy May, ankle injury, Hereford were boosted by the return of striker Steve Piearce and defender Tony James who both missed the midweek defeat at Morecambe.

But Piearce, in particular, was unable to make much impression against the powerful Welling defence, although he did have a 21st-minute effort ruled out for off-side.

What small amount of football that was played in an execrable first half did come from Hereford, but it was precious little in a period littered by petty fouls and aimless passes.

Hereford began the second period with more purpose but all this brought them was a yellow card for full-back Matt Clarke, his third in two games, for a clumsy challenge on Kevin Dennis.

Rather against the run of play, Welling opened the scoring after 63 minutes. John Harle's mis-hit shot fell to Hanlon and although Andy Quy did well to block the initial effort, the United keeper was helpless when the ball ran loose.

Within a minute, Dennis and substitute Joe Baker combined down the left to set up a further chance for Hanlon who turned deftly in the six-yard box to shoot past Quy.

But within seconds, Hereford had pulled a goal back. Mark Taylor sent a corner kick deep to the far post and skipper Ian Wright rose high to head past Andy Harris.

Two minutes after this, Hereford seemed to be deprived of the chance to level when Gavin Williams, United's most dangerous attacker, was clearly upended in the penalty area but the referee waved played on.

To add to Hereford's current injury woes, Wright was later to damage an ankle and limp off to be replaced by James Wall, but not before Hanlon had completed his hat-trick.

This time it was an absolute gift from the Hereford defence with Paul Sturgess scuffing a free-kick straight to the Welling forward who advanced to beat Quy with ease.

Hereford forced a succession of corners in the closing stages but Welling held on for a deserved victory.

Hereford: Quy, Clarke, Sturgess, Lane (Hanson 74 min), Wright (Wall 77 min), James, Williams, Taylor, Elmes, Piearce, Snape. Subs not used: Jones, Shirley, Cotterill.

Attendance: 743.