Hednesford Town bowed out of the Isuzu FA Trophy at the first hurdle on a windy day at Harborough Town. The depleted Pitmen were only able to name two outfield substitutes, however, they started the stronger of the two sides with Niall Watson latching onto a long clearance from Tony Breeden, only to see his shot saved by Elliot Taylor. Following a slip in Harborough’s defence from the imposing Liam Dolman, Jonny Edwards was able to fire on goal, but his effort went wide of the post. Harborough Town went ahead in the 12th minute when Kieron Freeman bundled over former Pitman Riley O’Sullivan to give the home side a penalty, which was dispatched by Ben Stephens sending Breeden the wrong way. The Pitmen responded with some half chances; Dom McHale cleared the bar with a long-range effort before Jake Jervis tested Taylor from close range.
HT 1-0
The second half was similar to the first with the strong wind playing a huge part in proceedings, the home side went close to adding a second with full back Joe Walsh firing over after a strong run. Debutant Andre Changunda cut in from the left and shot wide as Harborough had the better of the opening stages of the half. In reply Hednesford had a couple of good chances, firstly Edwards had a long-range effort saved by Elliot before Jervis was unable to produce a finish after sliding in at the far post following a dangerous cross. The game was put beyond doubt in stoppage time when a pass from Walsh split the Hednesford defence allowing substitute Luis Rose to guide the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Harborough Town; Taylor, Carline, Walsh, Dolman, Kennedy, Morris (Williams 90+4), Kelly-Evans, Hickey (Rose 78), O’Sullivan (Taylor 89), Stephens (Newton 75), Changunda (Malone 83).
Hednesford Town; Breeden, Freeman, Morgan, Doyle-Charles, Harrison, Hussey, Watson (Turner 68), Trickett-Smith, Edwards, McHale, Jervis (Wilson 78). Sub not used; Brown.
Attendance; 501
