Hednesford Town made a quick return to The PRG Stadium at Keys Park, looking to get back on track in the BetVictor Central League against Redditch United. The Pitmen had slipped to fourth place in the table, a point behind leaders Coalville Town. The Reds were struggling in 20th place in the league after Saturday’s 0-1 home defeat at the hands of Barwell.
In an uneven contest, which highlighted the difference between the top and bottom of the league table, The Pitmen dominated from the start. A couple of early corners threatened the Redditch goal, before the hosts took a third minute lead when the familiar sight of Reece King flicking on Ben Bailey’s throw-in, set up Andre Brown to head home at the far post.
Reece King doubled the lead in the tenth minute, again using his aerial prowess to finish Osebi Abadaki’s inviting cross from the left. The Pitmen controlled the remainder of the half with Redditch keeper Kieran Boucher working hard to deny Izak Reid and James Hurst from adding to the score. A headed goal-line clearance kept Danny Glover’s chipped shot out of the net with Boucher stranded.
Chances for the visitors were few and far between, with the Redditch bench incensed at a turned down penalty appeal. Former Pitman Liam Truslove won a free kick on the edge of the Hednesford area, but Andy Wycherley was equal to the shot, making a comfortable save.
HT 2-0
With the home side in complete control and moving the ball around at will, there seemed little chance of Redditch getting back into the game. Two excellent team moves from Hednesford in the space of a minute just before the hour mark put the result beyond doubt. Firstly Glover and Tom Fry combined to play in Tom Elliott on the left of the Redditch area, with the midfielder striking a low finish past Boucher.
Almost from the re-start Elliott dispossessed Paul Douglas, with Fry picking up the loose ball and supplying Andre Brown in the left side channel, whose pile driver emphatically found the back of the net. Bailey forced another great save from the busy keeper; while Hurst’s desire to get on the score sheet saw him stay on his feet when going to ground would have surely won a penalty.
With Coalville Town losing on Monday night, The Pitmen returned to the top of the league, leapfrogging Tamworth on goal difference.
Hednesford Town; Wycherley, Hurst, Curley, Bailey ©, Morris (Gatter 64), King, Reid, Abadaki (Fry 39), Glover (Scott 64), Elliott, Brown. Subs not used; Hallahan, Lycett.
Redditch United; Boucher, Moore, Bushaj, Mulders (R Martin 46), J Martin ©, Endall, Coyle, Douglas (Hilton 59), Monaghan (Clarke 79), Truslove, McLean. Subs not used; Beardmore.
Attendance 310
