Hednesford Town 1, Bradford Park Avenue 1

Tom Greaves returned to Bradford Park Avenue from his loan spell, was named in the starting line-up and was back on the scoresheet as he helped his club gain a point from a tough away game.

Avenue were sixth while their hosts were third and just two points off the Evo-Stik League Premier Division summit.

It was not so much a ‘must win’ but a ‘must not lose’ game as they headed to the midlands – and John Deacey’s men came closer to winning than they did to losing after turning in a strong performance.

The day had started badly as Avenue lost Adam Clayton with a suspected hamstring strain just eight minutes into the match. But they soon recovered, with the ever-dependable James Riley replacing the injured player at centre half.

Skipper Rob O’Brien and Michael Duckworth both had chances before Chris Clements fired the home side’s first effort of note wide of John Lamb’s goal.

Ross Daly and Jordan Deacey were bossing the midfield and further openings for the visitors were created.

Richard Marshall fired over, James Knowles headed wide from a set-piece and Duckworth also shot over the target after good work from O’Brien.

Avenue did finally make the breakthrough just after the half-hour mark. Having forced a throw-in, the ball was worked forward to Marshall and he did well to get a cross in for Greaves, who was in the right place to nod in from close range.

Nicky Boshell put a half-volley just over the bar before Avenue keeper Lamb was put to work again, blocking a Clements shot with his legs.

Town almost levelled just before half-time when a Darren Campion cross flashed across the face of Lamb’s goal and just eluded three home attackers.

A corner by Deacey found the head of Riley early in the second half home keeper Dan Crane somehow scooped the ball away.

Minutes later a Greaves shot was blocked in the area and when Marshall struck the rebound it was deflected by a defender’s hand but the vociferous penalty claims were waved away by the referee.

Hednesford got their equaliser with just 22 minutes remaining following a needlessly conceded free-kick.

Despite there being no argument about the award, it was still a fortuitous strike as Campion’s 22-yard shot took a deflection that wrong-footed Lamb.

*** Clayton will be doubtful for tonight’s Doodson Sports Cup fourth-round tie against Loughborough Dynamo at Horsfall Stadium.