A goal from prolific marksman Simon Cox has offered Swindon Town a narrow advantage over West rivals Hereford United at the County Ground this afternoon.

Cox pounced to convert a near-post header from an Anthony McNamee cross just before the half-hour mark to give Town a deserving lead in an opening period where Danny Wilson's side dominated proceedings.

Strike partner Billy Paynter also worked Hereford United goalkeeper Peter Gulasci with a vicious shot from the edge of the area just after Cox grabbed his 23rd goal of the season.

Paynter threatened with another couple of efforts while Cox also failed to guide a close-range volley on target when offered a presentable opportunity.

On-loan Manchester United man Fabien Brandy has been Hereford's most potent attacking threat but for all his intricate touches and clever movement, the Bulls have rarely managed to trouble Phil Smith in the Swindon goal as they look to halt a slide that has seen them suffer four straight defeats.

Wilson named an unchanged side from the one that secured an impressive victory over Southend United on Tuesday night – but Jamie Vincent hobbled off with a calf injury midway through the first-half to be replaced by Jack Smith.

Swindon Town (4-4-2): P Smith; Amankwaah, Morrison, Greer, Vincent (J Smith 26); Robson-Kanu, Timlin, Tudur Jones, McNamee; Paynter, Cox. Subs not used: Brezovan, Nalis, Marshall, Sturrock.

Hereford United (4-4-2): Gulasci; Jackson, Beckwith, Dennehy, Rose; MacLeod, Hewson, Diagouraga, Done; Guinan, Brandy. Subs not used: Viera, Smith, Gwynne, Broadhurst, Johnson.