lineup

Robert Beckwith

Gary Moran

Jamie Williams

Adam Hart

Craig Herbert

Andy Commander

Danny Hall

Craig Dutton

Jon Douglas

Jon Nicholls

Rory Squire

subs used

Justin Marsden

Tom Berwick

Robbie Beard

Two errors at the back cost Rugby United dear at playoff contenders Hednesford Town on Easter Monday. 

With injury and unavailability affecting the squad, Valley boss Tony Dobson made a change to his normal formation by filling up the mid-field and asking Jon Douglas to play up front as the lone striker.

Early on the tactic seemed to cause problems for the home side who had goalkeeper Ryan Young to thank for parrying away a good effort from Douglas in the 6th minute. However, United also needed to keep things tight, a plan that fell apart in the 17th minute when Andy Commander - starting in place of the injured Gary Redgate - sent Leon McSweeney sprawling in the box with a reckless challenge.

Referee Mellor immediately pointed to the spot and Lee Barrow stepped up to convert via the inside of the post. 

The situation got worse for Rugby on the half hour as skipper Craig Herbert totally missed his kick attempting to clear. The ball continued on to hit forward Andy Bell before flying into the roof of the net. United had a chance to reduce the arrears from a 32nd minute penalty awarded against Grant Beckett for bringing down Rory Squire. But, Young easily saved a weak kick from Danny Hall.

However, Rugby won a free kick a minute later that the Hednesford defence failed to clear, Herbert making himself room before picking his spot from close range. Hednesford might have grabbed another, but Bell could only find the side netting after beating goalkeeper Robert Beckwith to the ball on the edge of the box. 

During the second half the visitors lost their way as the Pitmen seemed content to sit back and protect their lead. Chances were few and far between at both ends. On 48 minutes Young came out quickly to deny Douglas after Dutton dinked the ball over the top of the Hednesford defence. Anthony Maguire forced a save from Beckwith while back at the other end Jamie Williams and Young seemed to put each other off as a teasing delivery from Gary Moran went between them as it travelled across the face of the Hednesford goal. The keeper tipped over a cross-cum-shot from United substitute Justin Marsden. 

And, with time running out McSweeney shot just wide for the home side. United's hopes of finding the equaliser evaporated as Young saved from substitute Robbie Beard at the near post in the final minute. Dobson said, "We were the better side in the first half, but two elementary mistakes gifted them the goals. Commander should have whipped the ball away, but tried to take a touch and ended up giving away a needless penalty. Herbert made a complete air shot. The ball could have gone anywhere but hit their player and went in. I don't think he knew much about it. When you're at the bottom all the luck seems to go against you."