HEREFORD are back in the third tier of English football for the first time for 30 years. They beat Brentford 3-0 without undue difficulty with goals from Gary Hooper, Theo Robinson and Simon Johnson. Barnet’s 2-1 defeat of Stockport also helped.

Hereford are much in Hooper’s debt. His 13th goal in 20 matches was neatly taken from Robinson’s through-ball. Alas for Hereford, he will return to Southend this week.

Robinson, who is also on loan – from Watford – had a mixed afternoon. He beat Ben Hamer with a penalty kick after Karleigh Osborne had fouled Dean Beckwith, but it had to be retaken because of encroachment, and Robinson’s second attempt was saved.

Yet within a minute he had scored. A poor back-pass by Kevin O’Connor was seized upon by the tall striker, who beat Hamer. A third goal was scored by Johnson, unmarked in the middle, from Trent McClenehan’s cross in the final minute.

Graham Turner, the Hereford manager, said: “This is a great day and a fantastic achievement.”

A remarkable second-half fightback ensured another season in the Football League for Dagenham & Redbridge. They won 3-2 at Darlington, who had Ben Parker sent off, after being two down. Mansfield must win their final match, at Dagenham, to have a chance of staying up after losing 1-0 at home to Rotherham.