HEREFORD United maintained their challenge for a much-desired play-off spot with a crucial 2-0 win over rock-bottom Kettering in a scrappy Nationwide Conference clash at Edgar Street.

Headed goals from midfielder Ben Smith and right-back Matt Clarke -- both towards the end of each half -- secured United's fourth league double but, more importantly, kept the Bulls within touching distance of a top-five place.

Sixth-placed Hereford took a long time to settle, playing into a strong wind which posed problems for both sides throughout the afternoon.

Gradually, however, Hereford gained the upper hand and, after wearing down their opponents, United deservedly took the lead in the 40th minute.

Michael Rose slipped a short-corner to Danny Williams who drove a cross into the six-yard box where Smith ghosted behind the visiting defence to powerfully head past goalkeeper Ian Bowling for his fifth goal of the campaign.

Hereford were always the brighter team, despite failing to hit top gear, and sealed the win on 83 minutes.

The outstanding Paul Parry delivered a deep cross for the onrushing Clarke to plant a thumping header into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

Clarke, who made his first start for two months following knee surgery, said afterwards: "It wasn't a great performance from us, although the conditions were very difficult. But it was very important that we took three points from the game."

Bowling made excellent saves in the second half from Parry and substitute Rob Purdie to keep the score-line down, while a point-blank stop to deny Andy Tretton in the 80th minute was quite spectacular.

Although Kettering battled hard, they lacked quality and a cutting edge in attack and rarely troubled the Hereford defence.

The Poppies' main threat came from corners in the opening exchanges but their 41-year-old player-manager Carl Shutt, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United star, should have hauled the visitors level from open play shortly after half-time.

Wayne Duik profited from a lapse in the United defence and squared the ball for the unmarked Shutt who somehow ballooned his shot over the bar from close-range with just Matt Baker to beat.

Hereford coach Richard O'Kelly said: "It was a big win for us, particularly after the defeat against Yeovil and I thought the players showed character.

"The conditions were very difficult but, at times, we played some very decent football."