The Pitmen were back at Keys Park this week for an early rematch with struggling Ilkeston FC after the 0-2 away win a few weeks ago.
The visitors made it difficult in the opening exchanges with plenty of bodies behind the ball, denying the Hednesford forwards any space to operate in. Then on 17 minutes Ilkeston took a surprise lead on the break, with the impressive Dexter Atkinson running on to a diagonal pass and his low cross into the box was knocked in on the far post by Tavahn Tyrell.
For the next 20 minutes it was the Pitmen that dominated possession but they struggled to make any clear cut scoring chances, except for a succession of well delivered corner kicks from Thorley and Danquah which perhaps should have yielded more.
Finally, on 42 minutes, Jordan Nadat turned onto a loose ball in the box and rifled a glorious shot into the top corner giving the keeper no chance. As half time approached, in stoppage time, some more good work by Nadat gave substitute Tony Clarke a chance and as his shot rebounded to Stuart McNaught, the midfielder took a touch and finished with style to turn the game on its head.
HT: 2-1
As the second half got underway the Pitmen started to play much higher up the pitch, squeezing play into the visitor’s half and starting to create opportunities.
Nadat was now showing some good touches to bring in the wide players, with McDermott the main beneficiary putting a number of dangerous balls into the box.
Tom Thorley was having an excellent game in midfield and was rewarded for his efforts in the 78th minute when Nadat played him in to score with a nice left foot finish.
As the game drew towards a close, substitute George Cater burst into the box with a fine run along the goal line which perhaps deserved a better finish in the end.
Overall a good result for the Pitmen against a side fighting hard for their survival
Hednesford Town: Crane, Wright, Danquah, Thompson (Washbourne 87), Peace-McDonald, Ballinger, McNaught, Thorley ©, Glover (Clarke 43), Nadat, McDermott (Cater 78)
Subs (not used) Ransome, Brenan.
Ilkeston: Hannis, Thornberry, Scanlon, Leverock, Baker ©, Bather, Head, Gordon , Tyrell (Dwyer 63), Gamblen (Morris 71), Atkinson (Paine 84).
Subs (not used) Horne, Tonge.
Attendance: 275
Star Man: Thorley
Entertainment Rating: Three Stars
