After midweek disappointment at Whitby, The Pitmen hit the road again for a clash with league leaders Lancaster City. Although not amongst the favourites for the title at the start of the season and losing their first two games, Lancaster had subsequently gone unbeaten in the league since 12th August topping the division with 24 points. After a steady, but mixed start to the league season, Hednesford went into the game sat in the play-off places, with 20 points from 11 games. With three new signings coming into Keys Park, Gavin Hurren gave a debut start to Max Sheaf in midfield, whilst Jermaine Hylton and Xander Parke took their places on the bench. Ryan Wynter also returned to the starting 11 after missing recent games.
Given the respective league positions of the two sides, it was no surprise that the first half was a tight affair with clear chances hard to come by. After several shots from distance in the opening stages, Lancaster were the first side to actually test a goalkeeper in the 17th minute, with Tony Breeden getting down well to his right to save a low shot from Lawson. Seven minutes later, Hednesford had the first opportunity to open their account. Starting the game on the left-hand side, Ahkeem Rose beat the full-back and whipped the ball across the six-yard box, but sliding in unmarked at the back post Dom McHale was only able to divert the ball high over the bar. In the closing stages of the first-half Ollie Harrison had a further opportunity to put The Pitmen in front from a corner, but placed his header straight at the goalkeeper, who held the ball at the second time of asking.
HT 0-0
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with both teams striving for a breakthrough, but unable to find that clinical edge. Approaching the hour mark Gavin Hurren bought on Jermaine Hylton for his debut in place of Max Sheaf and later Dan Turner for Montel Gibson. Immediately, Hylton showed quick feet and awareness, dovetailing well on the left with the overlapping Hussey on several occasions. Unfortunately for Hednesford however, the final ball lacked the quality to fashion any direct opportunities. With both sides continuing to press, the impressive Sam Bailey set up a headed chance for Lancaster, whilst on 70 minutes Dom McHale sent a shot from distance narrowly wide for The Pitmen. Perhaps the two best chances of the game came in the closing stages. On the 80th minute impressive Lancaster debutant, substitute Adam Fairclough used his pace to cut in from the left forcing a fine diving stop from Breeden to turn the ball round his left-hand post, whilst moments later Akheem Rose cut in towards the left of the Lancaster six-yard box, but could only hit the side netting from a tight angle. Despite both sides continuing to ask questions of each other well into added time, neither were able to find a decisive breakthrough to take all 3 points.
After match comments of both management teams acknowledged that the game had been a tight battle between two sides at the top end of the table and although each side had their opportunities, a point apiece was agreed to be a fair reflection of the game.
Whilst Hednesford have no fixture this coming Saturday, they then move into a busy period of seven league games before the end of November. As five of these are at Keys Park they will hope to continue to put pressure on the league leaders over the coming weeks.
Lancaster City: Kelly, Bailey, Thompson, Amison, Oliver, Bailey (Clarke 29′), Moonan, Bjork (Cox 88′). Lawson (Fairclough 65′), Craig (Mansell 65′), Yawson.
Hednesford Town: Breeden, Morgan, Hussey, Maye, Harrison, Wynter, Rose, Doyle-Charles, Gibson (Turner 68′), McHale, Sheaf (Hylton 55′).
Attendance: 1003
