The Pitmen, with a surprisingly lacklustre performance, fell victim to two late goals against a well organised Barwell side, a result that will have Liam McDonald and his coaching staff looking carefully at both the tactics employed and performances of some of the players.
The game got off to a lively start and the home side almost took an early lead on seven minutes when Nathan Edgington pulled out a smart save low down from Lloyd Ransome.
George Carline came closest for the visitors in the 14th minute when a cross into the box was allowed to bounce but his header was unable to clear the goalkeeper.
More misfortune struck for Hednesford soon after when stalwart defender James Mutton had to retire with a head injury with the player looking decidedly unsteady as he left the field to be replaced by Lewis Wright.
It was Wright who almost broke the deadlock just before half time with a fine ball into the box for Gurjit Singh but the striker miscontrolled and the opportunity was lost.
Half Time: 0-0
The Pitmen started the second half a little better and on 58 minutes Gurjit Singh made some space as he wriggled into the Barwell area but instead of pulling the trigger he elected to pass to an offside Tristian Dunkley when a shot was the better option.
In a tight contest there were few goalscoring chances at either end but on 82 minutes a loose ball was pounced on by Nigel Julien to slot home the opening goal for the home side.
As the clocked ticked on to 90 minutes and the Pitmen pressed forward to try to salvage a point the Barwell skipper, Brady Hicky, hit a beautiful cross shot from 20 yards which flew into the top left corner giving Lloyd Ransome no chance and giving an unflattering look to the final score.
Barwell: Smith-Varnam, Taylor, Nisevic, Towers, Kay, Julien, Gibson (Story 64), Stanley, Cobourne (Rowe 93), Hickey ©, Edgington (Ballinger 76).
Subs (not used) Castle, Morris.
Hednesford Town: Ransome, Williams, Bramall, Maye (Sammons 75), Mutton (Wright 29), Flanagan, Logan, Thorley ©, Dunkley (Matthews 63), Singh, Carline.
Subs (not used) Crane, Glover.
Attendance: 237
Star Man: Calum Flanagan
Entertainment Rating: Two Stars
