Hednesford’s new-look side tasted defeat for the first time as National League side Chester FC narrowly edged a well-fought match thanks to ex Pitmen Loanee Tom Peers, as the forward’s clinical strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The early stages of the match saw Chester comfortably in control of possession, albeit without really harming the Hednesford goal. John Rooney came closest for the visitors but blazed his effort over the bar, before Jordan Chapell’s attempt went straight into the arms of Dave Parton.
The deadlock however was soon broken in the 38th minute when Craig Hobson headed home for the visitors via a cross from the left by Ross Hannah.
It didn’t take the Pitmen long to respond as a minute later Ahmed Obeng fired home the equaliser from the edge of the Chester penalty box to send the sides into the half-time break on level terms.
Immediately after the interval Hednesford had the chance to take the lead, but Obeng saw his looping effort land the wrong side of the crossbar. Town would ultimately rue this missed opportunity as five minutes later Chester once again took the lead, clever work from Mahon set up Tom Peers who emphatically struck the ball into the top corner of the net.
The visitors could have gone on to make it three, but Bailey cleared off the line and Parton saved well from a George Thomson header. Hednesford’s efforts to find a second equaliser of the match came closest through a Stan Mugisha header which fell wide of the far post.
Despite the scoreline, it would prove to be another useful run out for Rob Smith’s men who now look forward to welcoming National League side Wrexham FC to Keys Park this Saturday afternoon.
Hednesford Town: Parton, France (Ennis 68), James (Todd 45), Morrison (Bailey 25), Mills, Tilt, Craddock (Heath 45), Birch (S Williams 58), Perry (Robinson 68), Obeng (Mugisha 68), Sanders (Trainer 58)
Subs not used: T Williams
Chester FC: Worsnop (Forth 45), Tonge (Higgins 45), Kay, Sharps, Hunt, Shaw (Thomas 45), George (Mahon 45), Chapell (Hughes 45), Rooney (Peers 45), Hannah (Thomson 45), Hobson (Richards 45)
Star man – Ahmed Obeng
Match Entertainment – Three Stars
Attendance – 275
