Pitmen held to a Stalemate at Stratford.
Hednesford Town travelled to Stratford Town in their second pre-season fixture following Saturdays 6-0 victory at Chasetown.
Following a flurry of goals in the Pitmen’s opening pre season proceedings, their second fixture featured a stark contrast.
Five minutes in, Jay Fitzmartin managed to win a threatening set piece after being upended on the edge of the box.
His effort curled towards the back post but was easily dealt with by the Stratford defence.
After a cagey opening 20 minutes, Xander Parke remained untested with the hosts only opportunities coming from speculative long range efforts.
As half-time beckoned, both sides struggled to create any clear cut chances in what was a very even opening 45 minutes.
Kelvin Davis’ side grew into the game after the break as the hosts took their foot off the gas and relinquished possession.
Hednesford’s best opportunity came after 72 minutes as Omari Sterling-James found Dylan Mottley-Henry with a fantastic cross; though his header looped over the crossbar.
Minutes later, the Pitmen would have another opportunity to test Jake Weaver as they won a dangerous free kick on the edge of the area.
Sterling-James’ effort would be the only shot on goal during the match as his free kick was gathered comfortably by the Stratford shot stopper.
After a cagey final ten minutes, the referee blew the final whistle as the Pitmen maintained their unbeaten start to Pre-Season.
Hednesford Town’s next pre-season test will see the Pitmen take on Solihull Moors at Keys Park on Saturday 18th July.
Lineups
Stratford Town; Weaver, Trialist A, Brennan, Jellow, Vann, Roberts, Bastos, Trialist B, Trialist C, Lafferty, Hall
Hednesford Town;
First half: Parke, Morgan, Fitzmartin, Lomax, Hayden, Kinsella, Maher, Gorman, Turner, Mabbley, Rose.
Second half: Hornby, Hayden, Cooke, Sterling-James, Morley-Henry, Cirino, Curran-Nichols, Sharples, Teesdale, Maher
