Debutant strike sets Hednesford on way to big win
New boy Ahkeem Rose made an instant impact as he set Hednesford Town on their way to a precious win in their promotion fight.
The 26-year-old, who played in the EFL for Grimsby Town earlier in his career, completed a move to Keys Park from Hereford FC earlier in the week.
And he wasted little time getting to work, scoring the opening goal just before the hour mark in Tuesday’s 2-0 win at Wythenshawe.
Jack Bearne then netted to seal a win which moved the Pitmen above rivals Chasetown up to fourth in the Northern Premier League West.
“Ahkeem is a player I’ve admired for a while—he’s a strong, powerful centre forward who brings real presence to the front line,” said boss Gavin Hurren.
“He has the versatility to play across the front three but is most effective as a No. 9, where his qualities really shine.
“His pedigree speaks for itself, having played at a high level throughout his career, and as soon as the opportunity arose to bring him to Hednesford, it was an easy decision.”
Stourbridge left it late to beat Lichfield City and advance to the semi-finals of the Walsall Senior Cup.
Ethan Freemantle decided a competitive tie when he netted with two minutes remaining. Tyrone Barnett had earlier fired a youthful Glassboys team in front, before John Mills levelled for the Midland League Premier visitors.
Elsewhere, there has been change at the top at Stafford Rangers, where chairman John Bromley has stepped down after 10 years with the club.
Bromley explained he was moving aside to take better care of his wife, who has been suffering from ill health. The 79-year-old will remain a director, with John Haynes moving into the chairman role.
“It was always a dream of mine to be chairman of Stafford Rangers,” said Bromley. “As a young six-year-old lad I used to watch the club sitting on my dad’s shoulders with gates of 6,000 fans.
“I feel I have fulfilled my dream, but my main priority now is to concentrate on looking after my wife from this point forwards. It is time for a change and a new chairman is a positive change for the club.”
