Hednesford made the 100 mile trip to Lincolnshire in good spirits following last weekends home victory over Leek Town. With news from Hebburn that their home fixture with Stocksbridge Park Steels had succumbed to the weather, the Pitmen knew that a victory would take them back to the top of the table, albeit that the Hornets would have a game in hand. Gavin Hurren made one change to his starting line-up, with Elliott Johnson making his long-awaited return to league action in place of Ollie Harrison who had picked up a slight knock in training earlier in the week.
Lying 9th in the table, but with games in hand, The Pitmen were aware that ‘The Holy Blues’ would pose a stern test and so it proved as the home side dominated the first 15 minutes of the game. Chris Hussey, stepping across into the middle of a back three marshalled his defence expertly however, and despite their pressure the home side were unable to manufacture a clear opportunity of note. As Gainsborough laboured, Hednesford grew into the game and the experienced triumvirate of Sheaf, Kinsella and Sterling-James began to control the midfield, aided and abetted by the energetic Taylor and Morgan offering width. It was Hednesford who had the first opportunity of note when Montel Gibson was put through on goal. With just keeper Robson to beat however, his attempt was uncharacteristically timid, allowing the goalkeeper to turn the ball aside. Hednesford continued to press and on 28 minutes Kinsella picked the ball up right on the edge of the penalty area. Although seemingly heading away from goal, he was pushed to the ground by Jordan Helliwell and referee Morris deemed contact to have been made within the penalty area and had no hesitation pointing to the spot. After a short delay, Ahkeem Rose planted the penalty firmly to Robson’s left to register his 16th goal in all competitions. From that point forward The Pitmen controlled the remainder of the first half and were unlucky not to extend their lead with Ahkeem Rose having two successive shots blocked on the edge of the six-yard box.
HT: 0-1
Hednesford regained control from the off. Despite some impressive play on the left from Taylor however, the Pitmen were unable to manufacture much in the way of clear chances, although Jamie Morgan cutting in from the right had an opportunity blocked and also curled an effort narrowly over the bar. Gainsborough made several substitutions to try and regain a foothold in the game, amongst which they introduced Harry Brown a recent loanee from Grimsby. No stranger to the big occasion, having scored for Grimsby in a Caribou Cup penalty shoot-out against Manchester United, Brown immediately showed attacking threat with his youthful pace. Despite this Hednesford remained in control and seemed destined for a characteristic 1-0 victory. However, on 80mins Hednesford were dispossessed in the Gainsborough half and quick off the mark, Brown was able to trigger the offside trap, taking Margetts through ball in his stride and finishing coolly past the advancing Breeden. Although Hednesford made a valiant attempt to regain the lead, introducing Dan Turner to the attack, Gainsborough held firm to ensure their share of the spoils, despite having Ashley Jackson dismissed for a second yellow card. Following the final whistle Max Sheaf was also the recipient of a second yellow card, having let his frustrations get the better of him.
FT: 1-1
Gainsborough Trinity: Robson, Parks, Jackson, Mcloughghlin, Leckie, Hornshaw, Butroid, Helliwell (Preston), Tuntulwana (Mulhern), Clarke (Margetts), Williams (Brown).
Hednesford Town: Breeden, Morgan, Taylor, Hussey, Johnson, Wynter, Sheaf (Turner), Kinsella, Gibson, Sterling-James, Rose (Trickett-Smith). Subs not used; Maye, Labadie, Parke.
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