A point apiece was the outcome on the opening day of the season at Hednesford’s Keys Park ground. With Richard Smith and Tom Eckersley injured, Max Cartwright was brought into the defence following his return from Stockport County as the Robins started with a 3-5-2 formation. After Matty Chadwick (pictured) had almost played in strike partner Jack Dyche the Pitmen came agonisingly close to opening the scoring as a right wing cross evaded Aaron Chalmers allowing Lawrie to put his volley against the post with Carnell nowhere.

Wheatley’s cross was then headed over by Glover under challenge from Carnell but the opening goal arrived at the other end as Liam Tomsett played a 1-2 which took him into the area, Wren in the home goal pushing the ball away only for Chadwick to be on hand to knock home the loose ball. Ballinger then put a free header well wide from Taylor’s free kick before a long ball from the back sent Dyche running clear from where he fired too high. Glover then won a long ball in the air and the dropping ball saw Mark Lees foul Lawrie with Glover converting the resulting penalty and after Glover had volleyed Bailey’s header right across the area the centre forward should have scored again as a ricochet saw him run clear on goal but only able to find the side netting.

After the break Carnell’s unconvincing clearance led to Glover chipping his shot over the bar and right winger Dodd was then sent running into the area but could only side foot straight at the Ashton keeper. Chadwick then went down in the opposite penalty box with Mr Wilding unmoved and sub Dom Smalley’s cross was just missed at the far post by Pritchard. The Pitmen then had their own shout for a spot kick as Chalmers cut across Dodd’s path with nothing being given before the winger’s next cross reached Jordan Nadat who fired over after a good turn. The final attempt to find a winner fell to the hosts as Bailey’s lofted ball back into the area saw Glover glance his header wide of the target.

Team; Carnell, Coo (Smalley), Pritchard, Cartwright (Woodford), Lees, Chalmers, Platt (Roberts), Tomsett, Chadwick, Dyche, Stachini. SNU: Durnin, Johnson.