A midweek trip to Clay Cross, who have had a decent start to the season, stood in front of the Lions as they went in search of their fifth straight win. Josh Timson returned to Heanor’s starting line-up, as Charlie Cheetham dropped to the bench.

The game started off explosively as the Millers had a shot on goal as early as the third minute when Litchfield jinked into the area and forced a great save from Pierrepont. However, it was the Lions who drew first blood after six minutes. Some patient build-up play on the right wing, resulted in a cross landing at the feet of Markelic, who swivelled and planted a low shot past Wharton.

Although Clay Cross had the majority of possession, it was Heanor who had the lion’s share of clear-cut chances. After 29 minutes a long diagonal ball found Tudgay on the right. He burst into the area but his shot was parried away. Sleigh, following up, tried to guide it home, but was unable to convert.

Markelic was the man again after 36 minutes, breaking the offside trap and also forcing a save from Wharton. Then in the 44th minute, after a long clearance from Pierrepont, a low cross just evaded King at the far post.

A contentious decision arrived just on the half-time whistle as a long ball was played over the Heanor back line. Pierrepont came charging out of his area to clear, but mistimed his challenge and took out the Clay Cross forward. All eyes were on the official to see what colour card he produced - but fortunately for Heanor it was only a yellow.

So at half time, the Lions had a goal lead and a full complement of players.

Timson was forced off injured at half time and Cheetham came into midfield. Clay Cross continued to exert pressure, looking for the equalising goal, but the turning point came after 65 minutes. Tom Hilton went into a challenge which the Clay Cross forward seemed to leap over. However, his exaggerated fall led to the referee producing a straight red card.
Just six minutes later, Clay Cross forced home a cross from the right wing, Zottos firing past Pierrepont.

Heanor brought on Josh Bowley for his 100th appearance for the club to help shore up their defence, and although Clay Cross continued to press, they stood firm - throwing themselves in front of any goal-bound efforts.

In fact, it was Heanor who had a chance to win the game after 82 minutes, when Markelic broke and played in Sleigh. His ferocious shot was brilliantly tipped away by Wharton.

And so Heanor came away with a valiant point and a five game unbeaten record intact. They are back at the Town Ground next, taking on Hucknall Town.