Max Thornberry made his 250th appearance for the Lions in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Vase. He lined up in midfield alongside Charlie Cheetham, who was the only change to the starting line-up, replacing the suspended Tom Hilton.

Heanor were looking to make it seven games unbeaten in all competitions, but got off to the worst possible start as they fell behind in just the second minute. Joel Stevens broke in the penalty area down Clifton’s left-hand side, his initial shot was well parried by Pierrepont. However, he gathered the loose ball and crossed for Wiggins-Thomas to head home.

It took the Lions ten minutes to settle into the game, and Stevens was proving particularly tricky to deal with as he tested Pierrepont again with two long-range shots. However, Heanor won a corner in the 14th minute and Thornberry celebrated his 250th appearance with a headed goal, drawing the Lions level.

Just six minutes later Heanor almost went ahead as a ferocious Jamie Sleigh strike smacked the bar, bouncing down on the line before being cleared. But it was to be Clifton that went back ahead in the 27th minute as Maltby won a couple of challenges in the area before slotting home.

Heanor started to dominate possession and had a couple of long range free kicks from Markelic and King, but still went into the break trailing.

In the second half Timson and Newnham were brought on for Thompson and Hugenholtz as Heanor looked to get back on level terms for a second time. Timson proved influential in keeping possession in midfield and Tudgay, moved again to wing back, was looking dangerous.

In the 50th minute a Tudgay through-ball allowed Sleigh to get his shot off, but just flashed wide of the far post. Eventually the pressure told, though, and Markelic equalised with a wonder goal. He picked up a loose ball on the left corner of the box and curled a delicious shot into the top far corner of the net.

Heanor continued to press and look for a third, King striking the post and Markelic forcing the ‘keeper to tip his shot over the bar. Then in the 78th minute, with Clifton playing a loose pass across the area, Tudgay nipped between two defenders and finished with ease, putting Heanor 3-2 up.

This looked to be the winner as Clifton were reduced to ten men, with Matharu sent off in the 83rd minute. However, Stevens, who had been a thorn in Heanor’s side all game, equalised with an individual run and strike just two minutes later, sending the game into a penalty shoot-out.

Heanor showed great poise, scoring the first four of their spot-kicks, through Timson, Markelic, Newnham and Tudgay. Clifton had responded with three successful strikes of their own, before Stevens stepped up and blazed his penalty over the bar. This left Josh Bowley the task of scoring the final penalty and sending Heanor through to the First Round proper of the competition.

View our matchday photos captured by the wonderful Lesley Parker. Follow the link; Heanor Town vs. Clifton All Whites Matchday Photos

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