> 18.1.2003

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A poor, poor performance from the Pitmen, with manager Ian Painter promising changes following one of Hednesford's worst performances this season. Ilkeston beat the Pitmen 3-1 in the F.A. Trophy two months ago, and repeated the scoreline today at the New Manor to record their first victory in the league for four months

 New signing, midfielder David Berks, was given a debut by boss Painter, whilst fellow midfielder Stuart Lake started a game for the first time since Tiverton Town in September

 It was top scorer Steve Piearce who was quickest into the game, latching on to a Paul Ware pass, before firing narrowly over the bar after just five minutes of play

 The home side responded three minutes later when former Pitman Tony Hemmings whipped in a dangerous free kick that was well saved by Michael Bingham, despite a deflection off the wall

 Former West Bromwich Albion  striker Carl Heggs was next to be frustrated by Bingham, who turned his effort away for a corner as the home side pressed for a goal in the first fifteen minutes

 For Hednesford, Bryan Small somehow managed to head wide when presented with a glorious opportunity thanks to an Ashley Williams cross

 Only two minutes later, two former Pitmen joined forces to create an opening for Heggs. Another ex-Hednesford man, Ian Robinson, robbed Lake and fed Hemmings, whose cross was perfect for Heggs, who headed past Bingham from close range

 Bingham was in action again soon after, saving well from the onrushing Leon Kelly by smothering the ball at the speedy forward's feet after he had got away from the Hednesford defence

 The half time team talk must have worked wonders, as the Pitmen appeared more focused and sharp. Indeed, it was that man Piearce who snatched an equaliser on fifty minutes, playing a one-two with Lancashire before firing home from close range. Game on

But this was as good as it got for Hednesford, with Ilkeston regaining the lead on sixty three minutes. Chris Freestone was allowed time and space to run at the Hednesford defence, before dispatching a shot low into the bottom corner of the net

Lake's curling free kick only just missed the target on the hour mark, before substitute Kevin Francis had a header deflected away by an Ilkeston defender

 That was it from the Pitmen in terms of an attacking threat, and it was the home side who wrapped things up in the closing stages. Heggs headed home at the back post from another handy Hemmings cross to seal another miserable afternoon for Painter and co.  cds

Welling United (H) 

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