Pictures: Hednesford 2 AFC Telford 0

First-half goals from former Bucks man Kyle Perry and Adam Thomas were enough to seal the points and move Town clear of the National League North drop zone.

Smith and assistant Larry Chambers were returning to their old stomping ground for the first time but it was new Pitmen boss Frank Sinclair, in charge of his first home game, that came out on top.

After a series of early stoppages, culminating in visiting shot-stopper James Montgomery going down the tunnel for 10 minutes to fix a dislocated finger, a football match of sorts finally broke out.

But the visiting Bucks, themselves in all sorts of trouble rooted to the bottom of the table under Smith, had a huge opportunity to take the lead on 38 minutes.

A loose header allowed Dave Hibbert to play in Sean Clancy, who lifted his finish over goalkeeper Dan Crane but the effort dropped narrowly wide

Moments later, the hosts made them pay, Pitmen left-back Matt Regan was the creator-in-chief.

He beat the challenge of Tom Tonks to bend a delicious cross towards the penalty spot which Perry met with a thumping header which nestled in via the crossbar.

With lengthy stoppage time, Sinclair's men took full advantage and doubled their lead just before the break.

Paul Ennis had moved over to the right wing with Thomas switching to the left and it instantly paid dividends.

Ennis rode a challenge before lofting a cross to the former Stoke City youngster who belted a first-time half-volley beyond Montgomery.

With the 962-strong Keys Park crowd buoyed by goals, the second period struggled to match up. The visitors' lack of real creativity left Crane without a save to make.

Hednesford could have extended their advantage through Perry and former Bucks player-coach Andy Todd, who headed a late sitter over the top.

In added time, a 20-man brawl broke out and ex-Telford midfielder Phil Trainer was dismissed for his part in the melee in the only blot on Town's day.