A FIRST minute goal Ahkeem Rose proved enough for Hednesford to seal a victory which puts them in sight of Northern Premier League West leaders Widnes.
Rose struck early at Bootle and Gav Hurren’s side did not need to find the net again to take the points back down the M6.
The Pitmen are now third in the table, just six points behind Widnes. Until now, Hednesford had been looking to wrap up a place in the play-offs, but with the leaders losing 4-0 at Ciltheroe, the top spot does not look impossible.
Hednesford are now 10 unbeaten – including seven wins.
Pitmen manager Hurren told the club’s official YouTube channel: “I thought we owed Bootle after we played them before, they don’t drop many points here.
“It’s another clean sheet, another 1-0 and it’s made my weekend.
“There’s a lot of experience in the team, and it was all about game management.
“Our keeper Tony didn’t have a save to make, it was a proper performance and we’re in form.
“The lads are also working really hard and covering the metres. The standards are brilliant, but it’s taken a few weeks to get in and implement what we’re trying to do.
“When they perform the way they do, and with their work ethic and application, they can beat anyone in this division.”
Jack Langston scored twice for Chasetown, but the Scholars went down 3-2 at home to Runcorn Linnets.
Lewis Doyle put Linnets ahead after 14 minutes with Langston levelling nine minutes later.
Luke Wall regained the lead for Runcorn, but Langston came up with a second equaliser from the penalty spot.
It was agony for Chasetown though as Lewis Crane produced an 89th minute winner.
The result saw the Scholars drop out of the play-off places, they are now sixth, a point behind Stalybridge Celtic.
