Venue: The Town Ground, Heanor, Derbyshire
Competition: NCEL Premier Division
Scorers:
Heanor - Adrian Hawes (21)
Worksop - Jonathan Wafula (44)
Referee: Mr. Abbas Khan
Line-ups (Heanor had to withdraw Ross Henshaw before kick off - his place in the Lions defence was taken by Marc Strzyzewski)
It's usually fairly easy to find a parking space outside the Town Ground - not for this game though. Ended up parking a long way from the entrance, but with an attendance of 300 this was to be expected. Greeted inside the ground by the Lions' General Manager Scott Ward - thanks for the programme and team sheet, Scott.
Our usual spot in the stand behind the top goal was occupied by Worksop Town supporters, so spent the first half in the stand behind the dugouts, in the company of Heanor Press Officer Tony Squires. Kev couldn't make the game, and I can't take pics to save my life, so I only have a couple of phone camera shots and a video of the handshake to offer....
Kieren Wells was making his home debut for Heanor after he signed recently from Belper Town, and the striker had the home team's first real chance in the 10th minute but headed Nick Hall's cross well over the bar.
Courey Grantham had a shot well blocked by Ben Gathecole just a few seconds later as Heanor kept up the pressure on their visitors' goal. Gathercole did well to save again from Grantham after Gary Ricketts used his strength to win the ball and pick his strike partner.
Andre Johnson broke the Heanor defensive line on 20, and fired in a low drive that Ian Deakin collected comfortably. A minute later the home team took the lead after Worksop conceded a free-kick on the right, some 25 yards from goal. Chris Shaw fired the ball to the back stick, and Ricketts headed back across the goal onto the head of Grantham - and his header was met at the near post by ADRIAN HAWES, and the central defender had the simple task of nodding home.
Worksop almost levelled four minutes later after Johnson once again beat Hawes to the ball. On this occasion Deakin raced out of his area and somehow managed to divert the ball over the bar for a corner.
The away team were now looking dangerous with every attack, and were level with just one minute of the first half remaining. Heanor failed to clear their penalty area after a sustained spell of pressure, and when the ball fell invitingly to JONATHAN WAFULA on the bye-line, he managed to steer it home at the near post, despite Deakin getting a hand to the shot. H-T 1-1
Finger in the way...come back soon, Kev!!
Both teams had decent chances as the second half progressed, but both Gathercole and Deakin were determined not to be beaten again. Heanor replaced Shaw with Paulo Piliero and Ricketts with Nathan Benger as the looked to try and take the game to their visitors.
Deakin pilled off a superb diving save to tip over one Worksop effort, then when Connor Sellars played in Chris Winchup on 89, Deakin spread himself well to block the substitutes goal-bound effort. F-T 1-1
Admission: £5.00
Programme: Thank you, Scott.
Attendance: 300
Charity: £1.50
