Hednesford welcomed Newcastle Town to Keys Park for their latest Northern Premier League West fixture, hoping not only for their first home league win of the season but also their first double following the 1-0 victory at The Red Industries Stadium back in August.

The Pitmen made their intent known early on when some trickery from Jai Verma following a corner forced a decent save from Newcastle keeper Daniel Harrison. It was Verma again in the 18th minute finding space in the box, however his shot went straight to Harrison. Max Martin was the next Hednesford player to go close, his header from Verma’s cross was well saved by the visiting goalkeeper. James McQuilkin was the next Pitmen player to get on the end of one of Verma’s crosses however his shot was high and wide of the target. With the Pitmen on top but seemingly unable to find the net the game drifted towards half term. In added on time at the end of the first half Josh Endall went close at the far post before Verma put the home side ahead with a stunning run and shot past Harrison.

The second half began with a flourish for the Pitmen as Daniel Gyasi combined with Verma in the box, Verma got a cross away which perhaps the Newcastle keeper could have done better with, however the ball found the net via debutant striker Will Mellors-Blair and Hednesford extended their deserved lead. The game was over a few minutes later when a movement down the left set up Mellors-Blair who finished with a clinical strike for the Pitmen’s third goal. The Pitmen were able to maintain possession for large parts of the remainder of the second half and nullified any threat that Newcastle had to offer. A solid performance from the Pitmen saw out the win and a valuable three points tightened the gap at the bottom of the table, putting Hednesford just one point from safety.

Hednesford Town; Boucher, Yeomans (Thompson 35), Kelly, Thorley, Williams, Endall, Verma, McQuilkin, Mellors-Blair (Niven 78), Gyasi, Martin (Gwilt 81). Subs not used; Boothe , Morley

Attendance 545