> 28.9.2002

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Shot-shy Hednesford now face a tricky replay at UniBond Premier League Hucknall Town this Tuesday night after a poor spectacle for the F.A. Cup at Keys Park this afternoon

Manager Ian Painter changed the starting line-up, playing Chris Brindley up front to add some aerial presence to the Hednesford forward line in the absence of Kevin Francis. On the bench, there was plenty of experience, with the returning Graham Lancashire making his first appearance of the season on the subs bench

 Brindley was put on a tremendous show, but could not find a way past 'keeper Ryan Young, the former Chasetown and Nuneaton Borough 'keeper who lives behind Keys Park in Heath Hayes

 It was striker Steve Piearce who was first to register a shot for the home side, firing straight at Young after being put clear after just five minutes

Paul Ware created a great chance for Piearce on twenty minutes, but the former Wolves man blazed over from twelve yards

Emergency striker Brindley powered in a header that flew just over before the break, adding to a shot that he skied a couple of minutes earlier as the Pitmen pressed Hucknall during the first period

 Painter had also given wingers Shaun Wray and Stewart Airdrie starts in the same team for the first time, but their lack of creativity may have ended Painter's experimentation for now, as neither seemed to be able to get the ball down and play 

 It was Brindley who continued to cause problems into the second half, winning headers and flick-ons for his fellow forward players. However, none of them - including Lancashire - could turn them into a serious attempt on goal during the second half

Every time Hednesford looked threatening during the second period,  it was snuffed out by competent defending or the goalkeeping of Young, who was enjoying his 'home' tie for Hucknall

 Indeed, it could have been a shock defeat had former Hinckley United striker Scott Huckerby been more accurate with a shot with ten minutes remaining

 So the Pitmen must travel to Watnall Road on Tuesday night in another attempt to claim the prize money and a shot at Southern League high-flyers Worcester City or Stamford in the next round  cds

Hucknall Town (A) FAC

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Lancashire

Piearce

Lake

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Jones

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