Hednesford Town gained an impressive victory against Welsh Premier League side Rhyl thanks to a double strike from Adam Thomas and a further goal from Jake Heath.

Following his return from holiday, Rob Smith will have been heartened with what he saw from his side ahead of next weekend’s season opener against Stalybridge Celtic at Keys Park.

Despite suffering travel problems on the way to the game, which led to kick-off being delayed by 30 minutes, Hednesford made a lively start and took the lead in the 17th minute as Thomas cut inside and drilled a low shot home from just inside the box.

The Pitmen doubled their lead just before the half hour mark thanks to a well-placed effort from Heath after he had been picked out by Nathan Modest.

With both sides making changes in the second period the game took a slower pace, as is perhaps expected, and although John Disney saw his penalty saved Hednesford were able to extend their lead further with 15 minutes to go.

It was that man Thomas again who was on hand to slot home at the back post to score his third goal in two matches since returning to the club recently.

The Pitmen now just have one game left of their pre-season campaign as they travel to Stafford Rangers on Tuesday evening in the second leg of the Mike Hughes Memorial Trophy – where they currently hold a 2-0 lead.

Hednesford Town:
Parton, Disney, James, Bailey, Tilt, Digie, Thomas, Williams S, Robinson, Modest, Heath

Subs:
Sanders, Obeng, Ennis, Williams T, Todd