Hednesford Town were looking to bounce back following the disappointment of last weekend’s narrow defeat as they made the journey to Alvechurch FC. The Church were struggling in 20th place in the BetVictor Southern Premier Central League, losing their last two games against Barwell and Royston Town. The Pitmen had slipped to ninth place following the 1-0 loss to Coalville Town.
Hednesford gave new goalkeeper Shaun Rowley an immediate debut after joining on loan from Solihull Moors to replace Andy Wycherley who had signed for the Moors at the start of the week.
A cagey opening sprung into life after quarter of an hour when Nehemic Zazi dispossessed Ben Bailey and homed in on the Pitmen goal, Rowley kept his nerve saving the shot with an outstretched leg. Seconds later at the other end Elliot Hodge had an effort deflected over the bar. From the corner Danny Glover arrived at the far post and although it appeared that his shot was handled by a defender, no penalty was given.
Despite Zazi looking lively up front for the home side, the only two other chances of the half fell to the Pitmen. Firstly Reece King fired just wide from a Bailey throw before a timely block prevented Ethan Jones opening the scoring.
HT 0-0
The home side made a strong start to the second half with Monteiro’s shot charged down by Charlie Gatter. When Izak Reid’s shot was deflected behind, Danny Glover arrived at the far post to finish the corner with a low drive in the 53rd minute.
The visitors looked to double their lead as the home side fought back. Elliot Hodge forced a good save from Joe Slinn, before Reid volleyed wide after King flicked on Bailey’s long throw.
The Pitmen had to defend for long spells in the final 15 minutes of the game as Alvechurch pushed for an equaliser, with Rowley making a couple of eye catching saves. Substitute Kyle Perry hit the deck to give the home side a late penalty claim which was waved away by the referee. Hednesford Town held out to take all three points back to Keys Park in a hard fought win played in difficult conditions.
Alvechurch FC; Slinn, Dovey (Brennan 76), Foster, Wollacot, Morrison (C), Hull, Wright, Birch, Zazi (Perry 67), Scott (Bailey-Nicholls 57) Monteiro. Subs not used; Sargent, Monaghan.
Hednesford Town; Rowley, Curley, Griffiths, Bailey, Gatter, Hurst, Hodge (Fry 84), King, D Glover, Jones (Abadaki 63) Reid. Subs not used; M Glover, Bath, Veiga.
