With Brentford's season all but over, they fell to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Hereford United at Griffin Park on Saturday, a result that saw the Bulls clinch automatic promotion, writes Simon Webster.

Needing a win, coupled with a Stockport loss at Barnet, Hereford made no mistake as they raced into a two goal lead in the first half, before wrapping things up in stoppage time.

Despite competing well for large stages of the match, Brentford lacked opportunities up front and were naive at times at the back.

Fresh from signing a five year contract as manager, Andy Scott was disappointed to see his side concede so easily.

"Yet again three goals have come from when we were in possession of the ball," he said.

"They haven't had to win the game, we've given it to them - again. We've probably got the third or fourth worst defensive record in this division.

With Nathan Elder out following surgery on his knee, Scott started with Ricky Shakes up front alongside Alan Connell. Two other changes saw the recall of Ben Hamer in goal following Simon Brown's errors at Lincoln and Karleigh Osborne at centre half in place of Matt Heywood.

Chances were few and far between during the opening quarter of the game, before Hereford took the lead with a well taken goal on the break midway through the first half.

A neat piece of skill from Gary Hooper saw him flick the ball into his own path as he burst into the box and calmly slotted the ball past Hamer with a right foot shot.

Hamer became the busier keeper as the Bulls began to create a number of chances, and he pulled off a wonderful save when he palmed a Clint Easton shot onto the post.

Hereford doubled their lead during a frantic couple of minutes which began with the award of a dubious penalty when Alan Bennett was adjudged to have fouled Dean Beckwith. Theo Robinson put the penalty away with a low shot into the bottom right hand corner, only for referee Scott Mathieson to call for a re-take following encroachment into the box.

Robinson went the same way from the spot, but this time Hamer was equal to him and palmed the ball away.

Brentford's joy was short-lived, however, when Bennett failed to control a back pass from Kevin O'Connor and allowed Robinson to burst into the box, carry the ball around Hamer and slot home from a tight angle.

The Bees enjoyed more possession during the second half but were unable to make it count. Connell saw an overhead kick from the edge of the box sail just inches over, while Ricky Shakes shot over from the edge of the box and Glen Poole blazed over following a good knockdown from Connell.

Hereford wrapped up promotion in style in injury time when Trent McClenehan broke down the right wing and crossed for Simon Johnson to slot home from ten yards out.

It promises to be a summer of upheaval at Griffin Park as Scott re-shapes his squad into one capable of competing for promotion.

"We're not solid enough. We don't react well enough when things go against us," he said.

"We need more leadership on the pitch. We need to find players who will make us stronger and have an influence on the younger or less experienced players."

Brentford: Hamer, Pead (sub Heywood 78), Bennett, Osborne, Dickson; Wayne Brown, Smith (sub Mousinho 55), O'Connor, Poole; Shakes, Connell

Subs (not used): Seb Brown, Sankofa, ReidAttendance: 6246Man of the Match: Wayne BrownGoals: NoneMatch Rating: 3/6.