Hednesford Town claimed local bragging rights as they progressed into the semi-finals of the Staffordshire Senior Cup thanks to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Stafford Rangers.
The Pitmen should have been ahead after just three minutes when Ahmed Obeng burst through the Stafford back line, but he fired wide from the edge of the box.
Lloyd Ransome was called into action in the 13th minute to deny Levi Reid, while seconds later Paul Ennis saw a shot saved by Adam Whitehouse in the Rangers goal.
Ransome made another smart save in the 19th minute but it would be Hednesford that would take the lead in the 23rd minute. Following a quick forward move Ennis saw his shot blocked but the ball fell to Sean Williams who fired into the top corner of the net from 30 yards.
Three minutes before the break the Pitmen doubled their lead when Adam Thomas got to the byline and picked out Kyle Perry who headed the ball down to Obeng and he found the bottom corner with his low shot.
Stafford almost responded straight away, only for Christian Dacres to see his header chalked off for offside.
The home side started the second half on the front foot but could only fire well over the bar in the opening exchanges.
At the other end Shelton Payne was denied by a smart save before Williams couldn’t quite get his shot away.
Hednesford managed to soak up the small amount of pressure exerted by Rangers and they then added a third goal in the 73rd minute. After good link-up play by Obeng, he fed Williams who fired home another great effort into the top corner.
Stafford did grab a goal back with 10 minutes to go when Sam Griffiths found the back of the net via the post from 20 yards.
Two minutes later it was game over though when player/coach Kyle Patterson raced clear and slotted home from the edge of the box.
The Pitmen will now be hoping to take this form on to Saturday’s league game at Boston United.
Stafford Rangers: Whitehouse; Melbourne, Johnson, Miles, Griffiths, Thomas (Till 70), Reid, Rooney, Cater, Robinson (Haseley 70), Dacres
Subs not used: Wood, White, Daniel
Hednesford Town: Ransome, Thomas, Truelove, Bailey, Regan, Digie, Obeng, Williams, Perry (Patterson 70), Ennis, Payne
Subs not used: Crane, James, Thorley, Fitzwater
Attendance: 404
Star Man: Sean Williams
Entertainment Rating: Four Stars
