> 7.10.2006

 Hednesford climbed up one place in the UniBond Premier League following a hard-fought victory over Kendal Town at Keys Park this afternoon.  There were no changes to the starting line-up from Tuesday night's draw at Lincoln as the Pitmen started with their usual verve and commitment

Darren Alexander continued where he left off in previous games by putting himself about, almost sneaking through the Kendal after six minutes, until a defender intervened. The Pitmen had pressed Kendal back, with Mario Pedro producing a number of party pieces in an attempt to get the home side going

But it was the visitors who took a shock lead on seventeen minutes; Pedro appeared to be fouled in the build-up to the goal, but the referee ignored Hednesford's pleas, allowing the ball to end up with Kendal marksman David Foster scoring from close range unmarked

 The Pitmen rallied, and should have snatched an equaliser within sixty seconds, but somehow Tom Franklin failed to hit the target from close in

 Kendal could have snatched a second goal on twenty minutes, but Ryan Young denied Scott Redhead after the Kendal player had stole in on the Pitmen's defence. The hosts continued to have the better of the play, and Alexander could have scored on twenty four minutes, attempting to bundle home a Ross Adams cross but found Kendal keeper Ben Hinchciffe equal to his effort

 Hednesford did get their deserved leveller just after the half hour mark, with a cross from the right fumbled by Hinchcliffe, allowing Alexander to fire home

The Pitmen continued to have the better of the play in the second half, with Ross Dyer missing a glorious opportunity on fifty four minutes. Pedro's cross from the right found Dyer at the back post, but the youngster could not divert his header goalwards and headed wide of the target

 Tom Franklin was replaced by the speedy Phil Hadland just before the hour mark, which gave the Pitmen more width to their game. Soon after, Kendal were reduced to ten men after defender Nigel Taylor was shown his second yellow card for a foul in the centre of the park

Visibly lifted, the Pitmen stepped up their game, and their persistence paid off on sixty eight minutes when Terry Henshaw's burst into the area was checked, resulting in a spot kick. New signing Chad Sheppard stepped up and confidently dispatched the kick straight down the middle for his first goal for the club. A minute later, and the rampant Pitmen could have had third, but Alexander's drive was saved by Hinchcliffe. Alexander was removed from action late on after picking up a nasty gash on his leg, but the Pitmen had done enough to continue their impressive unbeaten run  cds

Ilkeston Town (H)

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Action from Keys Park: 1. Darren Alexander beats his man   2. loan signing Terry Henshaw watches his marker  3. Goal! Chad Sheppard celebrates his winner with Alexander

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