The hectic end to the season continued for the young Pitmen with a home match against Alvechurch FC. With the youths winning in the BCFA Semi-final at Tipton Town FC on the previous evening, it was the turn of the younger players to take centre stage.

The starting line up contained no less than seven Under 16 players and new signing Ben Smith.

The home side got off to an absolute flying start when debutant, Ben Smith, dribbled into the box showing fine ball skills and set up captain JAMES TRAVIS for a fine finish in the 6 yard box .

The first minute goal seemed to shock the visitors and for the next 15 minutes it was one way traffic with goal attempts from Tom O'Sullivan, a volley by Ben Smith in the 9^th minute and a couple of efforts from Chris Ward.

The impressive Tom O'Sullivan hit another powerful shot in the 16^th minute which was followed by a fine run from the former Walsall FC player to set up Chris Ward whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

After the initial onslaught, Alvechurch gradually began to regain some composure and in the 19^th minute had their first shot at goal although it was wide of the target.

As the visitors applied some pressure,  Hednesford's young defence, particularly Matt Morton in the centre of defence held firm.

As the second half got underway it was obvious that Morton was struggling with an injury and in the 48^th minute the centre back was replaced by the diminutive Chad Degville, causing Paul Casey to reshuffle his side.

The home side were still creating chances and in the 58^th minute a great cross from Ben Smith was almost converted by James Travis.

Two minutes later supersub CHAD DEGVILLE was put through on goal and, as he went one on one with the goalkeeper, he steadied himself and made no mistake.

Hednesford again came close when a Nathan Demonte cross was headed wide by Ben Smith but a minute later some slack marking by the depleted defence allowed Alvechurch to pull a goal back.

In the 73^rd minute a spectacular long range shot caught goalkeeper Jordan Willars in two minds and, as he elected to leave the ball go over, it cannoned back off the cross bar and the rebound was well converted to draw the visitors level.

At this moment it looked as though the young team would now succumb to the greater physical strength of the Alvechurch side but in the 75^th minute a great cross from Chad Degville was mishandled by the Alvechurch goalkeeper and JAMES TRAVIS was on hand to head home his second of the game to restore a slender lead.

Shortly after scoring the captain was withdrawn from the game and replaced by another Under 16, Jack Milgate. This was to keep James Travis fresh for the next match at Coventry Sphinx FC two days later

As this season draws to its conclusion Paul Casey can be sure that he has some excellent young players on to which to build his squad for next season's campaign.

Team: J Willars, N Demonte, C Burns, S Coles, M Morton, D Aiton,T O'Sullivan,

C Ward, J Travis (capt), J Skellern, B Smith.

Subs. C Degville, J Milgate, T Robinson, R Swetnam.

TerryMc