A competitive draw was played out at Keys Park, with each side dominating a half in turn. The visitors had the better of the opening period with Niall Towle narrowly offside before Revenell James was beaten to the ball by home keeper Andy Wycherley when through on goal. Basford skipper Matthew Thornhill guided the ball into the top corner of the net to put the visitors ahead. George Cater had a decent chance deflected behind with Danny Glover heading narrowly wide from the subsequent corner. A freekick from the edge of the box was driven into Basford’s wall as the Pitmen tried to even the score before the break.

HT 0-1

The Pitmen came out for the second half fired up in search of the equaliser with Turner having a shot blocked inside the box, before shooting wide from Dan Preston’s delivery. Glover and Cater came close to levelling the score during a much more composed period of play which saw the Pitmen take control of the game. Basford’s defence seemed to be standing up to the test and just as the game appeared to be heading towards a home defeat, John Dodd delivered a cross from the right to Dan Turner who powerfully headed past Jordan Pierponn at the near post for a well earned draw.

After the game Pitmen manager Andy Morrell commented; “Today was a tough challenge and I am pleased that we came through it with so many positives. It was a game that we did not deserve to lose and I thought we were the better team. We got in some good positions and made some good chances, we took one but could have taken two or three. No-one has done their chances for next week any harm today.”

Hednesford Town; Wycherley, Dawes (Kilford 87) Lycett, Bailey, Mendez-Jones (Preston 46), Thompson (Dodd 84), Cater (Norcross 71), Hallahan (Smith 84), Glover (Triallist 86), Davies, Turner. Sub not used Veiga.

Basford United; Pierpepon, Romia, Wilson, Thornhill, Galinski, Carr (Gatter 71), Clifton (Dixon 78), Chettle, Towle (Carvell 64), James, Howes (Richard 64). Subs not used; Wines, Preston