Hednesford Town fell to a narrow defeat against Staffordshire rivals Tamworth, thanks to a second half goal from a former Pitman.

Town started the better of the two sides and almost edged ahead in the third minute through Lee Smith before Ryan Wynter saw an effort cleared off the line four minutes later.

Tamworth almost made the breakthrough in the 16th minute when former Hednesford man Reece Styche saw his effort hit the crossbar.

Wynter had a header easily saved in the 25th minute before Tom Thorley fired a free kick on target eight minutes later that was easily saved.

HT: 0-0

The second half saw the game being very even once again although Thorley went close in the 71st minute.

Then just 60 seconds later Tamworth were ahead as Styche fired home from close range.

The Pitmen didn’t let this deter them though and should really have equalised in the last minute when Thorley set up Jordan Nadat, but he headed over from eight yards out.

Hednesford now prepare for the visit of Boston United to Keys Park on Saturday.

TEAM: James Wren, Alex Melbourne, Joe Ballinger, Ben Bailey, James Mutton, Kris Taylor, Matt Dodd, Tom Thorley (Captain), Ryan Wynter, James Lawrie, Lee Smith.
Subs: Jordan Wheatley, Jordan Nadat, Lewis Wright, Triallist, Jose Veiga, Triallist.