FA Cup Classic Hednesford Town v Gainsborough Trinity 2nd November 24

McCoolToTalk

Martin Price lives nearby to Hednesford Town in Rugeley, a season ticket holder at Wolverhampton Wanderers and had never been to a non-league football match. So, I took him along to Hednesford Town for his non-league debut and my word, what a game. One of the best entertaining football matches I can ever recall seeing live or being involved in. The game included some terrific goals that would be applauded in the Premier League and Champions League. Manny Duku put the home team ahead after fine work on the counter attack by Dan Trickett-Smith in just 4 minutes which produced a huge roar from the home majority of 3800 fans. Some neat work from a throw got Omar Holness able to chop inside from the right and curl a left footer into the top corner in brilliant style. After the break Hednesford seem to put the game to bed going 3.0 up after 5 minutes when Dominic McHale smashed one home.

Gainsborough had made changes to bolster the midfield and reduce the threat down the left from Joel Taylor and Jack Bearne who were terrific in the first half. I felt that Hednesford could have had a penalty for handball first half and second half there was another similar and stronger shout for handball, it wasn't given and Gainsborough escaped the threat with a super driving run by Javelle Clarke who went box to box to lay up Declan Howe to finish well and bring the large amount of Gainsborough fans to the party. 3-1 and quickly after they made it a 2nd. This time a great move started by Dylan Cogill with quick tidy forward passing through Fraser Preston, Clarke and finished by Howe to make it 3.2. Jack Rose had made two terrific saves to keep Hednesford ahead well into extra time but there was nothing he could do against the absolute rocket that Will Lancaster produced with his laces and standing foot off he belted one in off the crossbar and in and the away fans celebrated which spilled onto the pitch. As is a representation of general society, most people are great, but a small proportion of people lose control at football matches. Home fans reacted by also entering the pitch and some scuffles broke out which meant the players had to leave the pitch. Not the sort of behaviour to make anyone proud.

Once the game was able to continue it went to extra time and McHale struck again for Hednesford and in Gainsborough spirit again they came back with Declan Howe to take the game to penalties.

In line with the game the penalties produced more drama with several incredible saves from the keepers who acknowledged each others work. This terrific football match finished with Gainsborough progressing into Round 2 and both clubs, coaches and players should be very proud of this spectacle.

Martin Price will now be back! I just hope he doesn't expect that every week!

I also spoke to Martin Hunter after the game.

Tony McCool