South Shields 4 Hednesford Town 1 - Report

The Pitmen were without defenders Javan Vidal and Jon Moran for the fixture as the two form sides clashed on a first ever visit to Mariners Park for Hednesford.

It was the hosts who made the livelier start though and they took the lead in the eighth minute when a ball across midfield was given away and Nathan Lowe was able to fire a low shot into the net from 20 yards.

Despite this poor start the Pitmen grew into the half and Kieran Wells saw a flicked header hit the side netting in the 29th minute.

Wells went close again four minutes later before the best chance of the half fell to Town’s Reece King in the 33rd minute as the ball landed at his feet 15 yards out but his left footed effort was superbly saved

In the 42nd minute Danny Racchi drove forward from midfield but his low effort from 20 yards fizzed wide of the upright.

These wayward chances being missed would prove to be crucial as seven minutes into the second half the hosts doubled their lead as a long ball down the middle caught the Pitmen backline out and Connor Bell raced forward to finish past Jake Weaver.

The hosts were now well on top and Weaver was forced into action again two minutes later to deny Robert Briggs after the midfielder had broken into the penalty area.

It would become 3-0 in the 58th minute though when another period of pressure saw the Pitmen unable to clear their lines and a low ball back across the box found Briggs who prodded home from six yards out.

Hednesford would gain a lifeline in the 67th minute when a corner was headed back across goal and Brad Wells was able to force the ball home despite the best efforts of the goalkeeper.

Three minutes later Weaver was forced to make a low save with his legs from Luke Daly before also denying Briggs once again.

The game would be put to bed by he home side in the 77th minute though when they were awarded a penalty. Briggs stepped up to confidently fire the ball low into the bottom corner to restore his sides three goal lead.

Hednesford didn’t let their heads drop though and they rallied late on with King and Racchi both firing chances wide.

The Pitmen now must get ready to go again in their last home game of the season when Stalybridge Celtic visit on Saturday.

Attendance: 1214