Positives for Hednesford Town despite end of winning run

The fourth-placed Pitmen were aiming for a sixth consecutive win but could find no way past the stubborn visitors.

Dom McHale came closest to making the breakthrough when he hit the post yet Vaughan was keen to focus on the positives, after Hednesford extended their unbeaten run to nine matches.

“I thought there was only one team that came to win the game and it was us,” he said.

“We started how we wanted to start, on the front foot. We did everything but score and threw the kitchen sink at them at the end.

“But fair play to the lads. We just fell short but I could not be prouder of them.

“We have come a long way to playing the league leaders and completely dominated.

“We are still unbeaten. We look a good side. We will never set up to draw a game.” 

Stafford Rangers boss Neil Kitching was also happy with a point after watching his team draw 1-1 at Atherton Collieries.

The result ended Kitching’s perfect start in the Rangers hotseat after four straight wins but he was full of praise for his players.

Ackeme Francis-Burrell’s goal 11 minutes from time cancelled out Matty Bryan’s opener for the hosts and ensured Stafford got something for their efforts, after Kaiman Anderson had earlier seen a penalty saved.

“I thought we were excellent. Really, really good. It was a real performance today,” said Kitching.

“To come here and play against an Atherton side who are in really good form.

“We got here late due to motorway traffic which did not help our preparation but I thought the performance from the first minute to the last was outstanding. How we have not won the game I do not know. Our winning run has come to an end but that was probably our best performance.”

Rangers now host Bootle in a relegation six-pointer on Tuesday night and Kitching added: “The only thing I’ve said to the lads is don’t let yourselves down on Tuesday, make sure you follow this up.

“If we get four points in the week it is a good return. If we don’t get three points on Tuesday all this hard work goes to waste.”

Chasetown remain fifth in the table after a 0-0 draw at Mossley.

In the Midlands Division, Darlaston Town boosted their hopes of a top-five finish with a 1-0 win away at Sutton Coldfield Town, Lewis Gill getting the only goal midway through the first half.

But there was disappointment for Sporting Khalsa, who were beaten 2-1 at home by AFC Rushden and Diamonds.

Goals from Jamal Adams and Calvin Green put the visitors in command and though Kieron Whittaker struck late on for Khalsa, they could not find a leveller.

Lye Town remain rooted deep in relegation danger after going down 4-0 at home to Loughborough Students.