The Lions were looking for a positive response in the first round proper of the FA Vase, after their unfortunate sudden-death penalty exit from the Derbyshire Cup in midweek. They made four changes to the starting line-up, giving debuts to Tom Eccleshall and Lewis Austin, who both arrived on loan from Belper Town just in time to make the team.

Coton Green, who are mid-table in the United Counties Premier Division South, had just had a managerial change prior to the game and had made the short trip from Tamworth.

The first half proved to be a competitive and evenly matched affair. Coton Green were the first to work an opening as early as the third minute, when Trea Bertie found himself in space down Coton Green’s left-hand side. He crossed low into the box, forcing Jordan Pierrepont to palm the ball clear. Then Giovani Dainty had a shot routinely dealt with by Pierrepont.

Heanor started to take more control of the game and their best of the opening half came after 23 minutes. Josh Timson had dropped deep to pick the ball up and sent a raking 50 yard ball into space on the left. John King ran onto the pass and crossed for Sacha Markelic to fire his shot straight at the Coton Green ‘keeper.

The two sides went into the break goalless with neither having a clear-cut opening in the first period.

Heanor started the second half the stronger of the two sides and opened the scoring after 53 minutes. Jamie Sleigh had battled to win possession down the right and after a couple of attempts, found Timson just inside the box. He got the ball out of his feet and drove a low shot inside the near post to give the Lions the advantage.

John King doubled the lead just six minutes later with what turned out to be the winning goal. He won possession just outside the penalty area, laid the ball off and continued his run into the box. He received the return pass and delightfully flicked the ball past the keeper and into the bottom far corner.

Unlike the last two fixtures, Heanor showed no sign of giving up this two-goal advantage, with Max Thornberry partnering Sam Brown at the centre of defence. The pair cleared away any Coton Green attacks and left Pierrepont untroubled throughout the second half.

Heanor saw out the game comfortably and put themselves into the hat for the second round of the FA Vase and will be hoping for another home tie to continue their run in this competition.

View our matchday photos captured by the wonderful Lesley Parker. Follow the link; Heanor Town vs. Coton Green Matchday Photos

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