Moore and Barnett At The Double As Scores End Level

Hednesford Town continued their resurgance under Simon Line with a hard earned point against a Halesowen side who are yet to lose at home this season.

In a real blood and thunder contest both sides served up a treat of a non league football match which no doubt warmed the cockles of a crowd chilled by an icy autumnal wind.

The Pitmen twice recovered from a goal down and could have nicked the win at the death.

Halesowen started with real intent and the prolific Stefan Moore showed his Premier League pedigree with a superb individual effort. With three minutes gone he danced past The Pitmen defence and finished well to open the scoring.

David Blennkinsopp spurned a golden opportunity to double the lead when he nicked a poor backpass but fell over with the ball at his feet and the goal gaping wide.

The home side had the ball in the net again eleven minutes in as Moore followed up a spilled Simon Johnson shot but the ex-Aston Villa striker was ruled offside.

Tyrone Barnett headed The Pitmen level on twenty-seven minutes after his sides first period of pressure when Nick Bussey failed to deal with a deflected cross.

Following the equaliser both teams struggled to find their attacking edge and the five-hundred and four hardy souls were left to consider a hot bovril at half time while the action on the pitch took place largely in midfield.

The second half came alive on the hour mark as Hednesford turned the screw and Sam Aiston was at the forefront of the action. Ross Dyer miskicked in front of goal and Bussey saved well from Aiston.

A tired Halesowen mustered a swift counter attack with Moore beating the Hednesford defence for pace and arrowing a left shot past Gavin Ward on seventy-six minutes.

Two minutes later Barnett sent the travelling hoards wild as he swept in a deserved equaliser for The Pitmen from an Aiston cross.

Elliott Durrell scuffed a good chance wide and Grant Goodhead took his eye off the ball at the crucial moment as Hednesford threatened a famous winner.

Halesowen hung on and will feel confident that a good season lies ahead providing Moore continues his electric form and Hednesford can be safe in the knowledge that continued improvement will reap play off rewards.

The Pitmen will look to build on their three match unbeaten run when they face Clevedon Town at Keys Park on Saturday 14th November.

Halesowen Town

Dussey, Smith (Connor 71), Morley, Eze, Hood, Breward (Griffiths 57), Johnson, Denny, Moore (3,76), Blennkinsopp (Agbor 57), Rickards

Subs Not Used

Pearce, O'Brien,

Hednesford Town

Ward, Platt, Martin, Jagielka, Bailey, Goodhead, Durrell, Aiston, Barnett (27,78), Dyer, Horrocks,

Subs Not Used

Nisbett, Carvey, Chapman, Walker, Flynn,

Attendance - 504

Bookings

Horrocks, Rickards,

Star Man - Sam Aiston

Words by Chris Brewerton