Pitmen fightback too little, too late
Hednesford Town were made to pay after conceding goals at the start of each half as they slumped to a 3-2 defeat against Harrogate Town at Keys Park.
Frank Sinclair's men made the worst possible start to the game though as they conceded in the fourth minute. Harrogate's Paul Clayton found himself through on goal and although Hednesford goalkeeper Dan Crane saved his initial shot, the ball rebounded off the striker and into the net.
Four minutes later it was 2-0 as Clayton saw his header saved by Crane but winger Jack Emmett was on hand to fire home at the back post.
The Pitmen's task of gaining anything from the game was handed a further blow inside the opening 60 seconds of the second period as Clayton got his second of the game with a fine overhead kick on the edge of the six-yard box.
The Pitmen were able to give themselves hope with 15 minutes remaining through one of their debutants.
Midfielder Stephane Ngamvoulou was able to play a neat one-two with Kyle Perry and after progressing into the box he fired home from 12 yards.
Another debutant, Shelton Payne, fired in a low shot in injury time to get another goal back for Hednesford.
