Defensive action proves key in big win

Sherwood Colliery 2-3 Heanor Town

Strong rearguard action was the key for the Lions as they moved into the top ten of the East Midlands Counties League with a 3-2 win away at second-placed Sherwood Colliery.

Heanor started the game the brighter of the two teams and were ahead after just two minutes. Stuart Baker rose unopposed from a corner to power home the game’s opening goal.

The Lions survived a scare after ten minutes when Tim Gregory failed to convert from two yards after Heanor failed to deal with a corner.

Despite this, Heanor were able to double their advantage through Kyle Daley. A cross into the box was headed only to the edge of the area, where Daley was waiting to volley into the bottom corner.

Sherwood almost got one back shortly before half-time. Oliver Pratt’s free-kick was intercepted and Tim Gregory was set free but he failed to find the target when one-on-one with Ben Gough.

The Lions seemingly secured the game five minutes into the second half. The referee adjudged that Sherwood defender Jordan Harris handled the ball and Jamie Sleigh slammed the spot kick down the middle to make it 3-0.

Seconds later, it was game on again. Jake Shaw found the back of the net from a corner to pull the hosts closer.

Just after hour mark, it became 3-2. Lewis Weaver’s cross was tapped in by Lewis Theakstone.

Sherwood pressed for an equaliser and if it wasn’t for some god last-ditch defending they probably would have got one. But the Lions held on the claim all three points to continue their march up the table.