A debut goal from Nathan Blissett got the Pitmen off to a flying start in the second minute as he produced a finish from close range. Ten minutes later Dom McHale almost doubled the home advantage seeing a goal bound effort blocked by a Witton defender. Isaac Graham shot wide for the visitors as the Pitmen largely controlled the game during the first period. The Pitmen continued their dominance as Jack Bearne cut back the ball for Niall Watson, whose effort was again blocked by the Witton defence. A looping header from Mamadou Djabi was claimed by Tony Breeden, before a crunching tackle from Ollie Harrison prevented Michael Koral from getting a shot away.
HT 1-0
Witton were back in the game in the 57th minute when a handball gave the visitors a penalty which Ben Harrison slotted home into the bottom corner of the net with Breeden diving the opposite way. With the score even the game became a cagey affair with both sides seeking a winner, McHale shot inches wide from Manny Duku’s cross, before Duku forced a save from Louie Fallon. The result was decided in the 93rd minute, the home side had a good shout for a penalty but were awarded with a corner instead. Chris Hussey took the corner, finding Harrison who headed the ball goalward, allowing 90th minute substitute Sion Spence to nod the ball into the net from close range, sparking jubilant scenes at Keys Park.
Hednesford Town; Breeden, Morgan, Taylor, Maye, Harrison, Hussey, Watson, Trickett-Smith (Spence 90), Blissett (Duku 60), McHale, Bearne. Subs not used; Gwilt, Roberts, Brown
Witton Albion; Fallon, Koral (Ballie 50), Jackson, Harrison, Hitchcox, Bailey, Lawrie, Graham, Hepple, Djabi (Watson 83), Brazel (Sotana 63). Subs not used Harrop, Woods
Attendance 1005
