The best chance of the first half came to Grayson whose low drive from the edge of the box beat the keeper but hit the post returning the ball to the keeper who never deserved to have been so lucky.

There were other chances as well though for both sides and both Horsfield and Lyons provided the United defence with ongoing problems. But with all due respect, McCue and Grayson were causing as many problems at the other end as well.

The opener came some 20 minutes into the second half as Paterson hammered in a 20 yard drive which hit the same spot on the post as Grayson's previous effort, but Halifax were luckier as the ball rebounded back into play giving Horsfield and simple finish.

Hereford reacted well and piled on the pressure and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty following a blatant handball a Halifax defender and Chris Hargreaves was also felled in the area.

Another excellent opportunity was denied when Jamie Pitman allowed Gavin Mahon to drive in a savage shot which the Halifax keeper blocked and sent the ball back to Murray Fishlock who also made a great attempt but again the shot was blocked and Neil Grayson blasted what should have been the equaliser over the bar from a great position.

Just minuets later and Horsfield extended his scoring total and the Halifax lead when he collected the through ball from Lyons and finished it easily. It was questionable though as to whether he was onside when he scored though.

Disregarding this though, Horsfield's third goal could not be denied as he made the running from the midfield and again finished with a flurry which has seen him become one on the top scorers this season.