> 25.9.2006

Hednesford Town supporters can enjoy, for twenty four hours at least, the satisfaction of sitting at the top of the UniBond Premier League tonight as the Pitmen continued their improvement at Keys Park with a narrow win over Staffordshire rivals Leek Town

 Following Saturday's win at Frickley Athletic, manager Phil Starbuck resisted the temptation to change a winning side, sticking with the same XI. For Leek, there was a familiar face returning to the Keys, with former Hednesford hero Lee Barrow turning out for the away side

 The Pitmen started with a real fizz about them, playing some great one-touch football with a real sense of urgency. Phil Hadland produced three or four mazy dribbles in the first ten minutes, but neither Darren Alexander or Dave Whittaker could get on the end of Hadland's crosses from the left

 Whittaker almost broke the deadlock on twenty minutes, beating both goalkeeper and defence to the ball following a cross from Ross Dyer, but his snap shot found the side netting

 Alexander was next to threaten picking the ball up inside the area, but his shot was blocked en route to goal. Leek offered very little as an attacking threat, with Ryan Young called upon only to clear the danger with his boot on two occasions

 It was perhaps fitting that the goal that turned out to be the winner was scored by a man who made his name at Leek, as former Town striker Whittaker snatched the all-important striker right on half-time. Chad Sheppard swung in a corner from the left, dropping the ball right onto the head of the big striker, who powerfully headed home from close range. In the melee, Whittaker took a whack on the head and left the pitch immediately after scoring, returning after half time with a bandage on his head

 He lasted only a few minutes of the restart before being replaced by midfield man Tom Franklin. Alexander will be kicking himself for missing a glorious opportunity just after the hour mark, latching on to a pass from the outstanding Hadland in the six-yard box, but somehow blasting over when it looked easier to score

Dyer, who had moved up front from his right-sided role in the first half to replace the injured Whittaker, was next to try his luck, but was denied by Leek keeper Martin Kearney

Leek offered little in the way of an attacking threat during the second half, with Dave Macpherson and Alan Nagington both having half chances that were easily fielded by Young

The larger-than-usual crowd will certainly be back for more if this run of form continues, with the Pitmen looking a good bet for a promotion challenge at this point   cds

Ossett Town (H)

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Walters

Franklin

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