It was a top of the table clash at Keys Park as third placed Hednesford Town faced fourth placed Congleton Town.
The game was a very cagey affair in the opening stages, both sides traded corners and freekicks without creating any obvious clear cut opportunities. It took until the 28th minute for the first opening of the game when Congleton keeper Craig Ellison made a finger-tipped save from Nathan Blissett’s header. In reply George Sankey shot wide for the visitors before Dominic McHale had a good shout for a penalty for the hosts. In the 39th minute Chris Hussey took a freekick short to Dan Trickett-Smith whose shot was just inches wide. Two minutes into first half injury time, Trickett-Smith sent a corner into the far post for Blissett to head home.
HT 1-0
The second half began with both Blissett and half time substitute Jack Bearne seeing shots blocked as the Pitmen looked to extend their league. Peter Williams fired high and wide for Congleton, before the visitors were reduced to ten men after Owen Morris received a second booking for a foul on McHale. Hussey took the resulting freekick and set up Trickett-Smith whose effort was blocked at the near post. Bearne did well to play a dangerous ball into the area for Trickett-Smith who this time put his effort narrowly wide. McHale went closest to doubling the lead forcing a good save from Ellison at the near post. Ellison was on hand again to collect a Trickett-Smith cross while under pressure from Blissett. The game drifted into added time with the Pitmen making the most of their numerical advantage and limiting Congleton’s attacking options effectively. The Pitmen held strong to claim all three points and strengthen their place in the play-offs.
Hednesford Town; Breeden, Morgan, Taylor, Maye, Johnson, Hussey, Rose (Bearne 46), Doyle-Charles (Sutherland 83), Blissett, McHale, Trickett-Smith. Subs not used Roberts, Watson, Brown.
Congleton Town; Ellison, Arnold, Morris, Williams, Brisley, Duffy, Sankey, Hartshorn, Gillam (Mccarthy 65), Garner-Knapper (Porter 86), Needham. Subs not used Barton, Hall.
Attendance 1356
