Superb Pitmen Fightback Secures Maximum Return Again
A late Pedro Monteiro winner seven minutes from time secured Hednesford Town’s fourth win in a row following a gallant second half fightback against Mickleover Sports.
The Pitmen always looked a threat at set-pieces, especially as Rob Smith’s side piled on the pressure after the break.
Following Chris Shaw’s flicked header from a Darren Campion free-kick on fifty-six minutes which equalled the scores, the away side looked almost destined to continue their superb start to the season.
An energetic Mickleover were the better side in the opening period as they flooded the middle of the park and pressurised Hednesford’s midfield trio.
The opening goal came when Karl Ashton was left in too much space twelve yards out following slick build up play and the Mickleover striker swept his shot past Dan Crane on thirty-five minutes.
Both sides had threatened before the goal with Danny Quinn seeing a shot smothered by Ali Baccherini for Hednesford and Crane blocking a shot from Ashton after Rob Smith’s side struggled in possession.
The home side came close to adding to their lead on the stroke of half time as an attractive passing move set up Kieran O’Connell who should have hit the target from twelve yards.
The Pitmen showed real purpose and character in chasing the winner and Monteiro headed inches wide before the pressure tolled and the ex-West Bromich Albion defender scrambled in the winner from a deep Campion corner.
Crane still had to be alert as a stoppage time scramble almost saw Mickleover grab a late equaliser but The Pitmen march on towards the Bank Holiday weekend with their fans in dreamland.
Hednesford Town
Crane, Monteiro (84), Campion (c), Shaw (56), Dunkley, Denny, Haynes (Bailey 85), Clements, Wellecomme (Robinson 84), Danks (Quinn 18), Clarke,
Subs Not Used
Gomes, Osborne
Mickleover Sports
Baccherini, Leigh (Roulston 55), Guy, Walshe (c), Beardsley, Stryswski, Graves (Bryant 85), Martin, Ashton (35), O’Connell, Simpson
Subs Not Used
Hoyle, Farthing, Smythe,
Bookings
Clarke, Clements,
Star Man – Danny Quinn
Attendance – 280
