BRENTFORD'S Bees were the ones to be stung at Edgar Street as they got caught up in a Webb.

That was Hereford midfielder Luke Webb who struck twice in three first-half minutes to take the Bulls up to second place in League Two.

The Bulls were more than good value for their win, dominating the latter part of the first-half and all of the second after surviving one or two anxious moments in the first 30 minutes.

Leading the Brentford charge as the visitors looked to bounce back from two successive home defeats was last season's Hereford top-scorer Alan Connell who did his best to mark his return to Edgar Street with a goal.

The blond striker forced an early save from Wayne Brown with an on-target header and then sent a powerfully-struck half-volley narrowly wide.

In between these two efforts, Hereford skipper Karl Broadhurst had to clear a Lee Thorpe header off the line as the visitors piled on the pressure.

On 30 minutes, Webb, who was only selected due to a groin injury to flying winger Lionel Ainsworth, scored the first of his two goals.

Clint Easton and Steve Guinan were the architects of the move but Webb's excellent finish was one that his father, the former England international Neil Webb, would have been proud of, crashing the ball into the corner of the net from 15 yards.

Ben Smith's excellent work set up the second goal. The midfielder raced to the byline on the left of the area before delivering a cross which Webb struck into almost exactly the same place as his first goal.

After that, Hereford pushed forward to try and kill the game off before the break.

Webb's pass sent Guinan racing into the area and only a fine save by Simon Brown prevented the Bulls striker from adding a third.

Hereford picked up where they left off after the break and only an excellent save from Brown foiled Webb's bid to complete a hat-trick.

The keeper flew through the air to grasp the 21-year-old's 20-yard free-kick which was heading for the top corner.

Ironically, considering Hereford's domination, it was Brentford who were the only side to put the ball into the net during the second period.

On 65 minutes, Connell, who had earlier seen another powerful header saved, finished neatly only to have the strike ruled out for offside.

Smith went close to extending the lead when his shot from the edge of the area, following a skilful exchange with Guinan, flew just the wrong side of a post.

Hereford: Brown; McClenahan, Broadhurst, Beckwith, Taylor; Webb, Smith, Diagouraga, Easton; Guinan (Benjamin, 82 min), Robinson. Subs not used: Ingham, McCombe, Rose, Johnson.

Brentford: Brown; O'Conner, Mackie, Heywood, Basey (Starosta, 80 min); Moore (Shakes, 60 min), Pead, Mousinho, Poole; Thorpe, Connell (Charles, 80 min). Subs not used: Pettigrew, Hames.

Referee: Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire) Attendance: 2,942.