Hednesford Town made it three home wins on the trot at Keys Park following this victory over Gloucester City, which saw the Pitmen move back into the top five of the Conference North.
Rob Smith’s side started the better of the two with Darren Campion fizzing an effort across the box before Marvin Robinson lifted another over the bar from six yards out inside, both inside the opening eight minutes.
It perhaps came as no surprise then that it was the home side that took the lead in the 25th minute as Ben Bailey looped a header over stranded City goalkeeper Paul White and into the net.
Gloucester responded well and had it not been for Darren Campion, who was making his 200th start for the club, they would have been level as he cleared a goalbound effort from Harry White off the line in the 31st minute.
This proved to be crucial as Town made it 2-0 soon afterwards when a through ball from Nick Rushton found Marvin Robinson who toe-poked home from 12 yards out.
With Hednesford continuing to dominate things as the half drew to a close, it was almost 3-0 after 43 minutes only for Richard Batchelor to be denied by a super save from White at his near post.
Although City had plenty of possession in the second period, home keeper Dan Crane was rarely called into the action.
They did, however, have one gilt-edged chance to reduce the arrears in the 67th minute when Charlie Griffin blazed over at the back post with an almost open goal in front of him.
It would be Town who would extend their lead in the 80th minute though as Steve Diggin fired home from the penalty spot after Glenn Walker had been fouled by White, with the goalkeeper being booked for his trouble.
City didn’t let their heads drop and pulled a goal back four minutes later through Sahr Kabba after Crane had made a good initial save from Adam Connolly’s driven effort.
The game certainly didn’t die out from there though as Town substitute George McGee was denied by another cracking save from White before City had a goal disallowed for offside at the other end.
Despite the inclusion of five added minutes there would be no more goals and Hednesford now prepare for a trip to Colwyn Bay on Saturday.
Hednesford Town: Crane, Hurst, Campion, Bailey, McCone, Thorley, Osborne (Walker 52), Thomas, Robinson (McGee 81), Rushton (Diggin 79), Batchelor
Subs not used: Melbourne, Westwood
Gloucester City: White, Green, Jones, Harris, Avery, Knowles, Orenuga (Diop 72), Webb, White (Griffin 57), Kabba, Hall (Connolly 57)
Subs not used: James, Rivers
Attendance: 401
Star Man: Marvin Robinson
Entertainment Rating: Four Stars
