Stamford 0 Hednesford Town 2

Hednesford warmed up for tonight’s home clash with Whitby with two goals in the final 15 minutes to complete a league double over their hosts.

Fresh from their midweek victory over Matlock Town, manager Phil Starbuck kept faith with the same starting line-up the only change being on the bench with Paul Robinson replacing the unlucky Reece Styche who is out for the remainder of the season with a broken fibia.

A strong wind and driving rain made playing conditions difficult, and it was the home side, with the conditions in their favour, who made the brightest start.

Home striker Garath Pritchard was always in the thick of the action for the home side and he went close on several occasions to putting his side into the lead.

However, the Pitmen defence held firm and as the half wore on they began to come more and more into the game.

A good passing move between Rob Davies and Dan McLeod set up a half chance for Anthony Maguire whose volley was blocked and then a good move involving Maguire and Alan Nagington ended with Ross Dyer’s shot being saved at the second attempt by home keeper Ian Pledger.

With the conditions in their favour it was the Pitmen who began the second half on the attack and they enjoyed some good spells of possession.

Just 13 minutes into the half David Brown came on for Anthony Maguire and the youngster was soon involved in the game. Nagington saw a shot blocked for a corner and Dyer saw another shot saved.

Hednesford were then awarded a free-kick, on the edge of the box, but Pledger made a good save to keep out an excellent attempt by Davies.

Wayne Dyer was next to go close when his shot was blocked.

Sixteen minutes from time came the goal that Hednesford had been threatening when an inch perfect cross from Ross Adams was headed home by David Brown.

It was a goal the Pitmen deserved and with Pedro and it was no surprise when they doubled their advantage five minutes from time when a shot from Rob Davies was deflected past the unlucky Pledger.

Overall this was a good result for the Pitmen and they can now look forward to tonight’s home clash at Keys Park against Whitby Town (kick off 7.45pm)

Hednesford:  Evans, McLeod, Adams, Sheppard (Pedro), Marshall, Brown (B), Davies, Dyer (W), Dyer R, Nagington, Maguire (Brown D)

Unused sub  Robinson

Referee:    T. Simmons  (Coalville)

Attendance: 262