Hednesford maintain pressure on the league leaders

The Pitmen got a comprehensive win over the City of Liverpool with an easy 4-0 triumph in the Northern Premier League West Division. 

Ollie Harrison gave them the lead in the 10th minute when he converted from close range, and then Dominic McHale doubled that advantage 14 minutes later when his free-kick from distance nestled into the back of the net. 

The game then stayed at 2-0 until the 89th minute when Simeon Maye scored for the visitors - McHale was this time the provider. 

Just moments later, Niall Watson made it four to put the icing on top of the cake for his side - they trail Widnes by seven points. 

Chasetown are five points off the Pitmen, and they maintained that gap with back-to-back victories. 

They got the better of Bootle at The Scholars Ground with a 3-0 win. 

The home side had to wait until after the hour mark until they broke the deadlock - Kieran Fenton getting the goal in the 64th minute. 

Sam Unitt then added a second 11 minutes from time after he got on the end of a through ball before slotting home. 

Joey Butlin then capped off a fine day for the home side with the third of the afternoon just five minutes later. 

The win means they have responded with two victories since the defeat against Widnes two weeks ago - they are fifth in the table. 

Elsewhere, Stafford Rangers continued their upward momentum as James O’Neil grabbed a 90th-minute winner in their 2-1 victory at Trafford. Joe Thomas had cancelled out Cian Donohue’s opener. Relegation-threatened when Neil Kitching took over, Boro are now up to 13th.

In the Midlands Division, Darlaston Town, who are seventh, were beaten 2-0 by third-placed Long Eaton United.

James Shaw gave the home side the lead just before the hour mark, and then Evan Garnett doubled their advantage 16 minutes from time in what was a disappointing afternoon for Darlaston.  

At the other end of the table, Lye Town are in terrible form, and they are still yet to win in 2025 - their last league victory came on December 21 against AFC Rushden & Diamonds. 

Fellow strugglers Bedworth United were the side to get the better of them this time out. 

Second-half goals from Luke Rowe and Leo Stone - within two minutes of each other - was enough for the home side to get the three points. 

Things do not get any easier for Lye as they take on high-flying Corby on Wednesday night when they are next in league action.