> 27.8.2007

 It was back to winning ways for the Pitmen on Bank Holiday Monday, as they swept aside any nagging doubts following Saturday's defeat at Fleetwood Town. Gordon Simms and Keenan Meakin-Richards swapped places, with Northern Irishman Simms making his league debut for the Pitmen, with Meakin-Richards on the bench

The intention was clear from the home side's first minute attack that they were out to win this one against their Staffordshire rivals. Dave Macpherson's run from halfway found Ross Dyer, who forced Matthew Cooper, the Leek keeper, into a save

A minute later, and Peter Knox looked to add to his two goals in the last two games with a fierce shot that was deflected away - this following some neat link-up play involving Ross Adams and Dyer. Former Leek man Macpherson also got a shot in, but his effort sailed over the bar in what was a non-stop first five minutes

For Leek, former Pitman Steve Brannan tried his luck from well outside the penalty area, but his effort was off target

Knox was working hard in search of an opener, and his diving header from a Simms cross was testament to his efforts. Leek's  Gary Talbot almost put through his own net after slicing a Dyer cross narrowly over his own crossbar as the Pitmen turned the screw

Finally, the goal that the home side's efforts deserved arrived, courtesy of a fine move involving a number of players. Heath played the ball through to Dyer, who shot past the Leek keeper to put the hosts one up. Knox almost made it two goals in a minute, but his shot whilst off balance was saved by Cooper

Despite Knox's frustrations with his failure to score in the first half, the stocky striker more than made up for it with a brilliant goal four minutes into the restart. A ball played to him across the penalty area was dispatched in sensational style by Knox, firing from the corner of the box and into the roof of the net

A smart save from Rene Gilmartin, his only action so far in the game, denied Oliver Edwards as Leek looked for a way back into the game. However, it was all Hednesford at this point, with Ross Adams firing in a long range shot that was well saved

Dyer wanted to join Knox on three goals for the season, and headed an Adams cross narrowly wide of goal on sixty five minutes

On came Danny Blair for Knox, and his first action was an attempted lob over Cooper, which just dipped over. Simon Forsdick also tried his luck with a trademark curling shot, but he too missed the target

The final ten minutes saw the Pitmen enjoy themselves a bit, playing some neat football to feet. Tom Marshall headed over the bar from a corner, and new boy Chris Adam, on for Forsdick, fired wide following a run and pass from Blair. The signs look very, very positive at present for the Pitmen, who are growing in confidence every week, with their performances improving in both quality and authority cds

Kendal Town  (H)

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