With the young Pitmen now involved in their third match of the week, Paul Casey again fielded a much changed side from the team that beat Alvechurch 3-2 two days earlier.

Coventry Sphinx FC, when at full strength, are one of the better sides in the League and it would be necessary to play more experienced, physically stronger players. Hednesford started well with Oliver casey having a shot from 20 yards which just missed the post and in the 5^th minute the much improved Mark Bandurak came close with a header which the home goalkeeper dealt with well.

In the 9^th minute, somewhat against the early run of play, the home side broke away and the speed of the break caught the young Pitmen flat footed and Dale Faultless was beaten on his near post.

 Hednesford were not going to be behind for long as, within three minutes, a fine run from Oliver Casey saw him beat two players in the penalty area and fire in a low cross which in-form striker JAMES TRAVIS converted with ease.

The visitors were having the better of the possession but chances were being created at both ends of the pitch and Dale Faultless was soon in action to tip over a certain goal in the 23^rd minute.

James Travis,  Ben Farrall and Jordan Nadat all had good opportunities as half time approached but right on the stroke of half time an uncharacteristic error from Oliver Casey allowed another quick break by Sphinx but the player shot powerfully into the side netting.

At the start of the second half a spell of Pitmen pressure saw opportunities for Rhys Swetnam and James Travis and a long range speculative shot by Jordan Nadat.

In the 62^nd minute some good competitive play in the home sides penalty box saw substitute Drew Aiton hit the post and a couple of minutes later the speedy Leon Weller also came close to putting the young Pitmen ahead.

Oliver Casey had a good opportunity in the 69^th minute but could not quite reach the cross even though at full stretch.

In the 82^nd minute a tired tackle in the Hednesford penalty area saw a penalty kick awarded which was converted well, sending Dale Faultless the wrong way.

With the exertions of the last few weeks starting to take their toll it looked as though the young Pitmen would struggle to get back into the game but after a goalmouth scramble MARK BANDURAK showed strength and finesse to force a well deserved equalising goal in the 84^th minute.

This was a good result against very good opposition and the team can be pleased with the point.    

Team: D Faultless, R Swetnam, T Howard, J Hulin, R Dunleavy (capt), C Cresser,

O Casey, M Bandurak, J Travis, J Nadat, B Farrall.

Subs. L Weller, M Carroll, C Ward, D Aiton.

Terry Mc