Oxford Clinical As Football Finally Returns

 Hednesford fans first taste of live Zamaretto League football in a little over five weeks ended in The Pitmen, beset by managerial upheaval following the shock resignation of Simon Line last week, rueing a lack of clinical finishing in chilly Oxfordshire.

Despite eventually losing by two goals, Hednesford will feel a little aggrieved at their strike force not taking at least one of the several chances they created through the game.

It was Oxford who used the ball better in their opponents half and the home side looked very comfortable in possession. The Pitmen stood off the Oxford midfield and allowed a cross to come in too easily for Lee Steele to slam his shot through Stuart Brock for the opener on twenty-four minutes.

Elliott Durrell and Tyrone Barnett tested Will Puddy from distance in the first half but Oxford still threatened with the ball at their feet.

Jonathan Douglas missed a glorious header from four yards to double the lead after the break and Oxford capitalised again on some hesitant Hednesford defending when a long kick forward by Puddy sent Steele away; the striker coolly rounded Brock to put the game to bed.

The second goal forced The Pitmen into action and, following another quality save by Puddy from Durrell, new signing Cheyenne Dunkley missed a gilt-edged back post header after intricate build up by Ross Dyer and Steve Jagielka.

Dyer was then guilty of wasting a second superb chance but he stabbed wide when it looked easier to score with five minutes to go.

Both sides will be happy to be playing football again after the trouble of the last month but it will be Hednesford looking deeper for answers after this defeat.

Hednesford Town

Brock, Platt, Martin (Chapman 73), Bailey, Dunkley, Goodhead, Durrell (Brannan 70), Jagielka, Barnett, Dyer, Adkins,

Subs Not Used

Flynn, Overton, Osborne,

Oxford City

Puddy, Ballard, Peretuini, Savage, Clarke, Gunn, Bell (Brooks 66), Emery, Douglas, Steele (24,65), Janes,

Subs Not Used

Morris, Knight,

Bookings

Durrell

Attendance - 142

Words By Chris Brewerton