Match report
In front of a packed Keys Park crowd Hednesford hosted the play-off semi final against a Stockton Town side who for the 5th time in a row had made it to the play-offs.
The Pitmen were assertive from the first whistle. Just 3 minutes in, a Chris Hussey cross was met by Ollie Harrison who looked certain to score, but was denied by Stockton keeper, Nathan Harker, who made a phenomenal reaction save to his right. Hednesford remained in control and may have felt unfortunate to not be 1-0 up after Ahkeem Rose was adjudged to be offside after 19 minutes. Stockton did force their way back into the game, but that all changed after 40 minutes. A brilliant bit of football set Omari Sterling-James on his way with just the goalkeeper to beat, but before getting his shot off, he was fouled by Arjun Purewal who was quickly given his marching orders. It didn’t take long for the Pitmen to take advantage. Two minutes later, Hednesford took the lead through Montel Gibson, as the striker diverted the ball home from an Ahkeem Rose shot, scoring his 14th goal of the season and giving the home faithful the perfect end to what was a strong first half display from the Pitmen.
HT: 1-0
After the second half kicked off, Hednesford began much like they did the first as Ahkeem Rose hit the woodwork 53 minutes in. With the Pitmen using their one player advantage, Stockton were kept to minimal chances. Hednesford had opportunities to finish the game, but Harker in the Stockton Town goal was imperious on the night. Eventually though the second goal came in the 75th minute. After a Chris Hussey corner, the ball ricocheted in and around the box before eventually finding its way to Ollie Harrison who pulled out a remarkable strike on the half volley, leaving Harker flat footed. Harrison’s goal was the final nail in the coffin. Stockton couldn’t find a way back into the game, nor could Hednesford pick up a third goal.
2-0 was the final scoreline and the Pitmen now look forward to hosting Warrington Rylands in the play-off final on Monday, 4th May.
Hednesford Town; Breeden, Morgan, Hussey, Kinsella (Trickett-Smith 86’), Harrison, Williams, Hylton (Winter 80’), Doyle-Charles, Gibson (Jervis 61’), Sterling-James (Sheaf 84’), Rose
Stockton Town; Harker, Purewal, Steels (Barrett 77’), King, Nicholson, Coulthard, Hayes, Painter (Unigwe 89’), Purewal (Birtles 89’), Petitjean (Bramwell 77’), Scott (Thompson 67’)
Attendance: 3535
