Six goal thriller as Hednesford beat Stafford Rangers
Hednesford Town completed a remarkable comeback against fierce rivals Stafford Rangers to claim victory in a pulsating ‘El Staffico’ derby that lived up to all expectations.
The Pitmen came from behind twice to earn the bragging rights and supply their supporters with a late Christmas present and go three points from the Northern One West play-off places.
In the first league meeting between the sides since 2018, more than 2,500 supporters packed inside a foggy Keys Park for the much anticipated derby Boxing Day clash.
The low lying mist certainly added extra spice to proceedings, with members from both dugouts struggling to see their men on the opposite side.
Just moments after the 10-minute mark, the home crowd thought their side had gained an early lead through Jake Jervis’ thunderous effort, but they were deceived by the side netting and celebrations were halted.
Growing into the game past the 20-minute mark, the Rangers had boss Dale Belford excited and sensing an opener as Ashley Fallon struck wide and Kaiman Anderson forced a great save from Ryan Brown.
And, just a matter of seconds later the Rangers boss was celebrating as Callum King-Harmes’ curling effort from the resulting corner deflected off John Atherton and crashed into the back of the net.
Hednesford stunned, and Stafford delighted, Dale Belford roamed around his dugout with joy, but overstepped the mark and entered the field of play before being shown a red card by the referee.
His son, Cameron in net then had a nightmare of his own and gifted Dominic McHale a scoring chance, but the Pitmen forward spared his blushes and struck wide.
However, moments from the break, Stafford faltered, and Daniel Trickett-Smith sumptuously chipped Cameron Belford to equalise.
Weather conditions worsened throughout the second half, and it took less than 15-minutes for in-form captain Jimmy O’Neill to restore Stafford’s lead.
The defender was well positioned to turn home Jack Burgess’ free-kick and net his fourth goal of December.
But, the drama continued and their lead did not last long as Pitmen frontman Jervis volleyed to level again, and sparked an altercation between boss Hurren and Stafford’s Graham Deakin.
Shortly after on the 73rd-minute, the Hednesford fans were sent into raptures again as Dominic McHale raced from midfield and completed the superb comeback.
And, to inclift further woes on the Rangers who dropped to five points from safety, a late penalty from Manny Duku added a fourth and sealed the memorable win.
