Its elementary, as the return of Watson brings 3 points on the road for the Pitmen
In possibly their most complete performance of the season to date, Hednesford continued their fine run of form, taking three points on a chilly afternoon at Ilkeston Town.
With Dom McHale and Jermaine Hylton unavailable for selection, Niall Watson made an immediate return to the starting eleven following his recall from a fruitful loan spell at Warrington Town, whilst Max Sheaf also came into the line-up in place of Simeon Maye.
The Pitmen took immediate control of the game with the central triumvirate of Doyle-Charles, Sheaf and Trickett-Smith dominating possession in the middle of the park. Although Ilkeston did enjoy some possession on the right-hand side through the lively Youmbi, this was dealt with by Taylor and Hussey at the expense of nothing more than the occasional corner kick. It was from one such set piece that the Pitmen took the lead in the 25th minute. A measured clearance from the edge of the Hednesford 18-yard box by Joe Doyle-Charles allowed Niall Watson to put Ilkeston centre-half Okyere under pressure in the centre-circle and as the defender stumbled, Watson broke clear to place a delicate chip over the head of retreating goalkeeper Roberts. Three-minutes later the lead was doubled, with the impressive Max Sheaf opening his Pitman account. The ever-dominant Harrison headed a deep free kick from Tony Breeden back across the box, allowing Montel Gibson to lay the ball back to the penalty spot from where Sheaf struck a low shot into the bottom corner of the net. Hednesford were unlucky not to further extend their lead before half time, with Akheem Rose sending two acrobatic finishes narrowly over the Ilkeston cross bar.
HT 0-2
Hednesford maintained their control of the game from the start of the second half. Although the home side made their best endeavours to get back into the game, these foundered against an impenetrable Hednesford back four, with Ollie Harrison dominant once again. The afternoons scoring was completed in the 63rd minute. A fine ball from Rose in midfield released the lively Watson on the left-hand side and as he approached the penalty area, he crossed the ball in towards the on-rushing Gibson. Ilkeston’s Sam Parker made a last-ditch challenge which sent Gibson crashing to the ground, and despite his protestations he was the recipient of Ilkeston’s 8th red card of the season, brandished by referee Mr Karia. Akheem Rose registered his 13th goal of the season, dispatching the resultant penalty with aplomb.
With Hednesford three goals to the good and in complete control, Gavin Hurren was able to introduce all four substitutes to the field of play, including a welcome return to first team action for Ryan Wynter.
FT 0-3
Although Hebburn Town stretched their unbeaten run to 8 games with a late winner, meaning the Pitmen were unable to extend their lead at the top of the table, Hednesford can go into their busy Christmas schedule full of confidence after a comprehensive victory.
Ilkeston Town: Roberts, Bird, Daniel, Thornhill (Stevens), Okyere, Parker, Dixon (Whyle), Essien (Minkley), Youmbi, Kirby-Moore (Fox), Walker (Blaize).
Hednesford Town: Breeden, Morgan, Taylor (Edwards), Trickett-Smith, Harrison, Hussey, Watson, Doyle-Charles (Maye), Gibson (Wynter), Sheaf, Rose (Turner). Subs not used: Parke.
Attendance: 442
