Hereford FC extended their unbeaten run to 15 games on Saturday with a hard fought 2-1 win against Bideford.

A brace from John Mills was enough to seal the three points with the hosts also extending their lead at the top of the Evo Stik Southern League Division One South & West to nine points.

The Bulls couldn’t have wished for a better start taking the lead inside four minutes. Tristan Plummer pressed well down the right flank and his cross was duly converted by top scorer, John Mills, who finished emphatically.

The visitors responded and almost levelled a minute after the opening, with Kevin Squire going close, the Bideford man seeing his shot clip off the post in what was a huge let off for the hosts.

Hereford dominated proceedings, dictating possession and playing some attractive football in the final third, even if chances were at minimum.

Mills didn’t have to wait long for his second goal, making it 2-0, finishing beyond Colwil with a beautiful, well struck volley to double the host’s advantage.

Hereford started the second half well, with Pablo Haysham testing the palms of Colwil with a well struck effort from 20 yards, as Hereford looked for an all-important third goal that would make life perhaps a little more comfortable for the 2600+ crowd.

Bideford had a rare sight at goal 52 minutes in, with Chris McGrath heading straight at Martin Horsell, as the visitors pushed for a way back in to the game.

And it was Bideford that kept the pressure on, this time through Billy Tucker, who blazed his shot over when perhaps he should have hit the target.

The visitors saw much more of the ball in the second half and they did grab a goal late on through Sean Downing, who directed his free header beyond Horsell to ensure a nervy finish for the hosts.

Bulls defended resiliently and held out to claim another huge three points. They will to look to extend their lead when they entertain Shortwood this week, in what will be another tough test for the hosts.