> 26.12.2002

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It may be the season of goodwill to all men, but Hednesford gave their fans no Christmas cheer with a sluggish display against Moor Green at Keys Park this afternoon. Derek Rae returned to the starting line up for the first time in nearly two months, in place of the injured Les Robinson - Chris Brindley assumed the captain's responsibilities in 'Robbo's' absence. Big Kevin Francis also returned, after Paul Kiely's loan spell ended with the former Stafford man deciding against staying at Hednesford

 Other than that, it was as you were for the Pitmen, who were looking for their third win on the trot. However, they were forced onto the back foot early on, with the likes of Moors striker Nathan Lamey controlling the game for the visitors with some neat link-up play

 Despite their domination in possession, the Moors were finding it difficult to make any inroads into a solid Hednesford defence, well marshalled by Brindley

 When they did strike a shot on goal midway through the half, they found Michael Bingham in outstanding form, turning one Lamey shot brilliantly onto the bar when it looked certain to go in after twenty six minutes

Hednesford got more of a foothold into the game later on in the half, forcing a handful of corners, but finding a very whistle-happy referee pulling up any physical contact in the box. Indeed, none of the officials endeared themselves to the Hednesford fans with a series of somewhat baffling offside and free-kick decisions that at times enraged the crowd. Brindley was the only one to offer any attacking threat, heading wide of goal from a Bryan Small set-piece five minutes from half time

Into the second half, and with a light drizzle falling, the pitch became slippery and slick. Passes went astray and Hednesford reverted to the old 'hoof it up to Kev' routine that some supporters became very vocal about, such was the lack of success with it

 Rae was the only man to have a clear cut opportunity during the half, firing over from a similar position to where he scored last week against Hastings

At the other end, Bingham continued to stay solid, turning away a Lamey shot and generally keeping the away side at bay with his well-marshalled defence in front of him sniffing out any dangerous balls over the top

 So one point gained, the unbeaten home record intact, and no goals conceded now in three games - it's not as bad as everyone says, is it? cds

Havant & W'ville (A) 

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Maguire

Lancashire

Francis

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Charie

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