It was a case of “All’s Wells that ends Wells” as Hednesford overtake Matlock in mid-table with a goal each for Kieron and Brad Wells …
The Pitmen looked to extend their unbeaten run to half a dozen games, as manager Nicky Eaden’s evolution continued with four recent additions; Jacob Weaver, Bradley Wells, Andre Wright and Izak Reid, included in the match day squad.
The Pitmen set off at a flying pace with Reece King causing problems in the visitors’ area when he flicked on a Ben Bailey throw. Although the danger was cleared on this occasion, Matlock did not heed the warning and when Dan Sweeney won a throw in the 6th minute, Kieron Wells was on hand to finish another long throw from Bailey.
Following the goal, the first half descended into a rather scrappy midfield battle with few clear-cut chances created by either side. Matlock had shout for a penalty turned down by the referee, despite repeated protestations from Jonathan Margetts, who was fortunate to escape a booking.
The Pitmen largely controlled the first half with Dan Sweeney looking the most likely to double the lead before the break, twice powerfully cutting into the visitors’ area from the left to be denied firstly by keeper Ross Durrant on the line and then by defender Bradley Beatson at the far post.
HT 1-0
The Pitmen remained on top during the opening exchanges of the second half. The visitors made a double substitution just before the hour mark in a bid to get back into the game. The second goal came in 60th minute, somewhat predictably, when Matlock failed to deal with another long throw from Bailey, this time with Bradley Wells applying a neat finish to add a shine to his impressive Hednesford Town debut. Moments later Matlock seemed to have no answer to Bailey’s aerial bombardment, with Kieron Wells heading against the crossbar.
The Pitmen had the chance to put the result beyond doubt in the 85th minute when Sweeney cleverly stole possession from the visitors but dragged his shot wide after combining well with substitute Andre Wright.
A tireless performance from King in midfield with Danny Racchi also influencing the game, it never seemed likely that a two-goal lead would be lost for the third week running. With a solid performance from the back four and Jacob Weaver having a steady debut in goal, The Pitmen comfortably survived some late pressure from the visitors to move closer to safety and strengthen their mid table position in Evo Stik Premier League.
Hednesford Town: Weaver, Vidal (Curley 46), O’Hanlon, Harvey, Gatter, Bailey, Racchi, King, K Wells (Wright 68), Sweeney (Reid 88), B Wells. Subs not used; Hallahan, Veiga
Matlock Town: Durrant, Beevers, Beatson, Hollingsworth, Wiley, Yates, Blake (Tempest 59) Chettle, Margetts, Williams, Morley (Marshall 59) Subs; Westcarr, Chapell, Taylor
Attendance: 391 (+2 dogs)
