Hednesford Town comfortably put their near neighbours Heath Hayes to the sword on a humid day at the Coppice Colliery Ground, marked with a minute’s silence for the late George Roberts, a local supporter who followed both teams for many years.

Jamey Osborne made his first start of the campaign and, ably assisted by another encouraging performance from James Hurst and the metronomic Kris Taylor, the home side were never given any opportunity to settle into an attacking rhythm.

On another day The Pitmen could have had considerably more than the four goals scored, but credit must go to the Midland League Premier Division side for showing admirable battling qualities throughout.

Danny Glover, a constant threat in the Hednesford attack, had the ball in the net on the half hour mark after a swift passing move involving Osborne, but the linesman rightly flagged for offside before Marvin Robinson was hauled down in the area and then picked himself up to despatch the penalty on the stroke of half time.

Heath Hayes started the second half brightly and fashioned their best chance of the game when Andrew Davis hit a powerful shot straight at Ryan Price.

Lewis Taylor-Boyce, making his Hednesford debut after signing from Walsall Wood this week, got into the game and was a lively presence on the right wing in the second half, setting up Osborne at the back post to nod down to Robinson for his second but, as Heath Hayes began to tire, Taylor’s aptitude at set pieces came to the fore.

First, his 70th minute free kick curled straight past Dan Ware although Francino Francis looked to have got a slight touch and a minute later, Ben Bailey was given the freedom of the area to head home powerfully a left-footed corner.

The Pitmen make another short trip to Walsall Wood on Tuesday night before their opening home friendly next Saturday when Conference Premier outfit Kidderminster Harriers are welcomed to Keys Park.

Hednesford Town:
Price, Griffiths, Campion (c), Bailey (71), McCone, Taylor, Osborne, Hurst, Robinson (45 pen, 58,) Glover, Taylor-Boyce,

Subs: Francino Francis (70) for Paul McCone – 46 mins
Alex Melbourne for Sam Griffiths – 60 mins
Tom Thorley for Darren Campion – 60 mins
Kyle Thompson for Danny Glover – 68 mins
James Johnson for Lewis Taylor-Boyce – 68 mins
Charlie Anagho-Ntamark for Marvin Robinson – 81 mins

Heath Hayes:
Ware, Deville, Phillips, Davis, Wright, Arrowsmith, Brain, Langley, T Green, A Green, Geldart,

Subs: Scott, Jones, Winwood, Scragg, Reid, Partridge,