> 16.9.2006

 If the truth be told, this actually wasn't a bad performance from the Pitmen, despite their inability to beat a side two divisions lower at home in an F.A. Cup tie. Plain old bad luck contrived to count against the the home side, who had all of the play and chances, but very little fell for the men in white in what was a frustrating afternoon against their Northern Counties East League opponents

 Tom Franklin made a return to the starting line-up after his goal in midweek against Prescot Cables, replacing Marlon Walters in midfield

 The Pitmen set their stall out immediately, getting in a number of crosses through the exciting Mario Pedro and Phil Hadland, but the scene was set from the early stages, with Ross Dyer just missing out on a Hadland cross from the left

 Mario Pedro was next to attempt a shot, but his run and subsequent effort came to nothing as he blazed well over the bar. Pedro was again in action soon after, flicking the ball cleverly into the path of the ever-willing Darren Alexander, but he could not apply the finish from an angle

The chances were coming thick and fast for the home side, with Alexander again failing to get the goal he was looking for following a Mario Pedro corner

 Gedling were offering little in the way of attacking presence, with former Pitman Matt Turner playing up front for them. However, they took a shock lead when a quick move saw the ball fall to Lee Mellon, who scrambled the ball home from close in to give Gedling the advantage at the break

Hednesford's dominance continued after half time, but not after two scares at the Hednesford end with Ryan Young having to deny Turner on two occasions

The Pitmen were throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser, with Pedro forcing Gedling keeper Nick Scaife into a save. Ross Dyer's shot was blocked, before Alexander headed the ball over from Franklin's cross. You felt as though there was to be a goal in it for the Pitmen somewhere, even as the game drew to a close, and it finally arrived with two minutes to go, with Franklin scoring late on for the second game in succession

His turn and flick gave him the room to get into a shooting position, before guiding the ball past Scaife to the obvious delight and relief of everyone connected with the Pitmen. Young had to be alert to keep out a late shot from Jimmy Spiers to ensure a replay at Gedling on Tuesday night  cds

Gedling Town (A) FAC

Walters

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