The inconsistency that has dogged Hednesford Town’s season raised its head again on Tuesday night when Gavin Hurren’s three match unbeaten run came to an end as they went down to a home defeat against Bootle.
Hednesford brought in Blaine Rowe, Omar Holness and Manny Duku for Kory Roberts, Sion Spence and Jake Jervis but it was the visitors who were straight out of the traps and on four minutes Elliott Johnson was forced to clear off the line after a Jack Rose stop and the custodian made another save four minutes later from ex-Pitman Sean Williams. Dan Sparkes earned himself a booking after 25 minutes and could consider himself lucky not to receive a second a few minutes later before Ben Hodkinson put Bootle ahead in the 32nd minute after breaking down the right hand side.
On 40 minutes Joe Wooley was booked for a foul on the lively Jack Bearne who had caused the visitors a few problems down the left and after another foul on Bearne Dan Trickett-Smith’s free kick was headed in at the far post by skipper Elliott Johnson to equalise.
HT 1-1
At the interval Sparkes was replaced by Joel Taylor and Hednesford started the second period on the front foot. There was a shout for a penalty following Thompson’s challenge on Bearne, but nothing was given before Dan Trickett-Smith forced a save from the goalkeeper. This would be Trickett-Smith’s last involvement as he was replaced by Jake Jervis. Bootle replied by retaking the lead, Andy Scarisbrick slotting home in the 52nd minute. Sion Spence then came on for Blaine Rowe as Hednesford changed formation to try and force their way back into the game but soon after it was 3-1 to the visitors when Jack Rose’s punch from a cross landed at the feet of Kenzie O’Neil who scored an easy goal.
Dom McHale dragged Hednesford back into the game with a great finish past a flat footed Thompson to pull a goal back. Bootle then brought on Connor Harwood and Jack Lenehan for Danny Mitchley and Joe Wooley and a minute into the six added on, Kenzie O’Neil put the game to bed as he cut inside and smashed the ball home into the far corner off the post before being replaced by Courtney Duffus.
FT 2-4
Hednesford Town: Jack Rose, Blaine Rowe (Sion Spence 72), Dan Sparkes (Joel Taylor 45), Joe Doyle-Charles, Oliver Harrison, Elliott Johnson ©, Dan Trickett-Smith (Jake Jervis 53), Omar Holness, Manny Duku, Dom McHale, Jack Bearne. Subs not used: Jacob Gwilt, Ryan Brown.
Bootle: Tony Thompson ©, Sam Hughes, James Cooper, Thomas Hannigan, Will Bell, Sean Williams, Kenzie O’Neil (Courtney Duffus 90+), Andy Scarisbrick, Danny Mitchley (Connor Harwood 84), Joe Wooley (Jack Lenehan 87), Ben Hodkinson. Subs not used: Jay Roberts, Sean Smith.
ATT: 777
