The Pitmen made the short trip to the Queen Street Stadium to take on Bilston Town in the second round of the Staffordshire Senior Cup. Both teams entered the tie in fine form, with Bilston lying fourth in the Capelli Sport Midland League Division One (step six) and Hednesford having moved to the top of the Northern Premier league on Saturday, with a hard-fought win against Cleethorpes at Keys Park. Mindful of some up-coming key league fixtures, Gavin Hurren used the opportunity rotate the squad with Jacob Gwilt returning to first team action after injury alongside starts for recent signings Xander Parke and Alfie White. Several members of the academy squad were also given a chance to impress from the bench, with Harley Barlow also starting the game at right-back.
Due to a combination of a difficult surface and early evening rain, neither team were able to play flowing football and the opening phase of the game was competitive but somewhat scrappy, bringing little in the way of chances. However, as both teams began to come to terms with the conditions, Bilston sent two shots from distance over the Hednesford bar, whilst Jonny Edwards forced a good save from the Bilston keeper at his near post. Unfortunately following a heavy challenge Jacob Gwilt’s return came to a premature end mid-way through the first half, when he limped from the field to be replaced by youngster Lennon Brown. As the first half drew to close The Pitmen came closest to breaking the deadlock. Max Sheaf hit a curling free-kick from 25-yards, which forced a diving save from goalkeeper Cooper and from the resultant corner, a strong Alfie White header was cleared off the line.
HT 0-0
The second-half started in much the same vein, with neither side able to take control of the game. Bilston had a good chance to score however, when a hopeful cross dropped to Callum White who shot from the edge of the six-yard box. Xander Parke did well to take the pace off the ball however, allowing Elliot Johnson to clear as the ball bobbled towards goal. As the game progressed, both sides made a number of substitutions. Gavin Hurren removed Joel Taylor, Elliot Johnson, Akheem Rose and Max Sheaf from the fray, to be replaced by Dawson Smith, Josh Mabbley, Alfie Gibson and Tom Roskell, respectively. Following a good one-on-one save from Xander Parke, Hednesford finally broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute in the most spectacular fashion. Having received the ball on the halfway line Lennon Brown attempted a long pass to the hard-working Alfie Gibson on the edge of the 18-yard box. The ball however, eluded not only Gibson and his Bilston marker, but also goalkeeper Cooper who had ventured off his line, and it bounced into the Bilston net. Two minutes later a fine through ball from Mabbley sent Jonny Edwards clear and he made no mistake to double The Pitmen’s lead and ensure it was Hednesford who progressed to next round.
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