It was another top six clash at Keys Park as sixth placed Stalybridge Celtic were the visitors taking on Hednesford Town who were sat in third place before kick off.
The Pitmen continued their knack of scoring early goals and again saw themselves go ahead in the 6th minute when Nathan Blissett played a through ball for Ahkeem Rose to race onto, with the Hednesford striker slotting the ball past Charlie Monks. Unfortunately goal scorer Rose was injured in the 14th minute, and replaced by Zidan Sutherland. With the Pitmen controlling the first half, Dominic McHale shot high and wide. An exchange of corners saw no chances created before Jack Irlam sent a volley high and wide for the visitors in the 45th minute.
HT 1-0
A midfield battle in the second half saw very little created by either side in the way of goalscoring opportunities. Charlie Doyle was booked for Celtic and Chris Hussey took the resulting freekick, the ball worked its way to McHale who shot straight at Monks giving him an easy save to make. Liam Tongue shot over for Stalybridge before Hednesford skipper Elliott Johnson shot narrowly over the bar from Jack Bearne’s corner. The result was put beyond doubt in the 76th minute when Blissett got on the end of Bearne’s cross and was able to produce a neat finish at the near post to double the Pitmen’s advantage. Tony Breeden made a decent save late on but the points were secure as the Pitmen stretched their unbeaten run to twelve games.
Hednesford Town; Breeden, Morgan, Roberts, Maye, Johnson, Hussey, Rose (Sutherland 14), Doyle-Charles (Gwilt 79), Blissett, McHale, Watson (Bearne 57). Sub not used, Brown.
Stalybridge Celtic; Monks, Butterworth, Brownhill, Meppen-Walters, Tse, Doyle, Newell (Burton 79), Tongue, Rawsthorn (Rokka 79), Irlam (Smales-Braithwaite 63), Leonard (Duckworth 63) Sub not used; Anuniru
Attendance 1152
