Hednesford Town played out an entertaining goalless draw with Football League Two side Mansfield Town in the first home pre-season fixture of the summer.
Stefan Galinski and Tom Hill, who had both put pen to paper in the week, continued in the starting line-up which saw nine of the 11 being signed, along with two trialist’s.
The opening exchanges of the game were fairly even, with the visitors forcing two dead-ball positions while the Pitmen saw a period of pressure after 15 minutes come to nothing.
In the 26th minute Joe Fitzpatrick forced Conrad Logan in the Mansfield goal into a reaction save after his looping shot was tipped just over.
A minute later, when a corner had only been half cleared, Hill found half a yard of space but his effort was saved onto the post.
The game was stopped a couple of times in the next 15 minutes in order for both sides have a talking to – although there would be subsequent yellow cards handed out to both.
HT: 0-0
Although there were a flurry of Pitmen subs at halftime the pace continued at the start of the second half with Hill heading onto the roof of the net while the visitors fired wide when well placed at the back post.
Hednesford’s Charlie Gatter and a Trialist were called into action to make goal-saving blocks as the League Two side pressed for an opener.
Another flare up in the 57th minute saw the Mansfield captain perhaps fortunate to escape a red card after he butted Jed Davies following a late tackle.
More substitutes from the Pitmen saw the pace slowing down somewhat although James Wren had to be alert to make a smart saves in the 71st and 88th minutes.
Overall it was another pleasing result for the Pitmen who kept their second shutout inside a week and now turn attentions towards AFC Wulfrunians on Tuesday evening.
Hednesford Town: Wren, Curley, Fox, Fitzpatrick, Galinski, Gatter, Trialist A, Craddock, Hill, Hollis, Trialist B
Subs: King, Trialist C, Davies, Griffiths, Trialist D, Trialist E, Trialist F, Turner
Mansfield Town: Logan, White, Cameron, Preston, Benning, Hamilton, MacDonald, Mellis, Khan, Walker, Davies
Subs: Hakeem, Wilder
Attendance: 212
