Hednesford Town finally emerged victorious against their ‘bogey’ side this season as they beat Matlock Town at the fourth attempt with a goal apiece from Jamey Osborne and Chris Clements.
Chris Shaw headed over the best chance of the half on thirty six minutes for The Pitmen before Osborne bundled in a Darren Campion corner on the stroke of half time.
A competitive game was interupted with a flash from the local substation as the ground was plunged into darkness by a power cut ten minutes into the second half.
Hednesford emerged from the darkness and doubled their lead on seventy minutes when Clements coolly converted a penalty after a handball by Kris Witcombe and substitute Lee Featherstone saw red for dissent following the decision.
Liam King hit a long range shot which cannoned off the inside off the post for Matlock but within sixty seconds Crane saw another King shot sail over his head to reduce the arrears with five minutes to go.
Despite a late push from the ten men of Matlock with the home side winning a succession of corners in the final minutes, Rob Smith’s side held out to move within a point of Northwich at the top of the table.
Cheyenne Dunkley and Pedro Monteiro were particuarly strong at the back as they bravely faced down the attacking threat of ex-Stafford Rangers striker Danny Davidson and we’re ably assisted by a hard working midfield five, who save from one or two set pieces restricted a much improved Matlock side.
The Pitmen have now won eight league matches from nine and successfully banished the memory of their surprise defeat against Stockbridge Park Steels last Saturday.
Matlock Town
Kennedy, Witcombe (Joynes 83), Bowler (Featherstone 61), King (85), Yates, Lukic (c), Bettney, Warne, Davidson, Morris (Nightingale 75), Algar,
Subs Not Used
Buxton,
Hednesford Town
Crane, Haynes, Shaw, Monteiro, Dunkley, Denny, Osborne (45) (Suckling 78), Clements (71), (Jevons 92), Robinson, Durrell (Danks 83), Campion (c),
Subs Not Used
Quinn, Bailey,
Bookings – Lukic, Davidson, Morrison, Algar, Haynes, Shaw, Osborn,
Sent Off – Featherstone
Star Man – Cheyenne Dunkley
Entertainment Rating – 3 Stars
