MATCH REPORT | Hednesford Town 1-0 Hemel Town

Written by Chris Wheeldon

An agonising last second penalty sends Hemel Hempstead Town out of the FA Trophy against the full time outfit of Hednesford Town.

The game started solidly with neither side having many chances to grab an early goal.

A miss timed challenge by Josh Green saw the referee have no choice but to give a penalty to the Pitmen. William Merry stepped up and sent his shot wide past the post and the score stayed level. Just ten minutes after the penalty miss, Marshall Francis finds himself on the edge of the box, where he shoots and sees his attempt deflected and out for a corner as Hemel looked to take control of the game.

As the first half went on, Hednesford looked to be on top which they proved as David Abimbola found himself in a goalscoring position twice, but Michael Johnson kept him out. A few small chances for the visitors didn’t amount to much, but Hednesford Town saw themselves go 1-0 up from a free kick that ended up being disallowed after the referee deemed David Abimbola offside.

Half time score: 0-0

The second half started in favour of the home side as Johnson stood up again with a crucial double save to keep the score level. Hednesford Town stayed on top throughout the second 45 with multiple chances that were defended well by the backline. One of these chances saw Dylan Mottley-Henry in the box with a clear sight of goal, but his shot was seen wide.

A golden opportunity in the 89th minute saw Jesse Effa through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but he couldn’t get the shot off in time with Sam Hornby smothering the ball. Just as the game was looking like it was going to penalties, Marshall Francis gives away Hednesford Town’s second penalty, which was converted well by George Langston. There wasn’t enough time left for the Tudors to grab an equaliser as we exit the FA Trophy.

Full-time score: 1-0