Central Midlands League Supreme Division
FOREST TOWN 0

HEANOR TOWN 1

MARVIN Hudson's sumptuous lob into the top corner just about two minutes in gave Heanor Town their first opening day win since 2000.
But they had to survive second half pressure from newly-promoted Forest Town to preserve their precious advantage.
With Richard Groves and Danny O'Donnell suspended, Chris Davis and Chris Green injured and Steve Travis unavailable it was a strange looking starting line-up which had player-manager Danny Brant in goal and six new signings included.
Forest Town included two of their four close season recruits in Matt Fletcher and Mark Hurst.
Heanor made an impressive start and Forest Town had not transgressed into the visitors half by the time Danny Love supplied a deep cross from the right and Marvin Hudson moved in beyond the line of static defenders to send a 15-yard lob into the top corner for the first Supreme Division goal of the season.
With the heat slowing down the pace of the game and the large and noisy Heanor contingent of supporters cheering every move, the Lions almost made it two on seven minutes, but Eley's flick cleared the bar after Wakelin and skipper Martin Smith had carved out the chance.
A spell of home pressure in which player-manager Castledine was prominent ended with Robinson crossing behind, and in the 23rd minute Castledine's shrewd pass saw Elliot hit a first time shot which Bryant saved.
A minute later Barrie was comprehensively beaten by Fletcher's header which sent Elliot away but he shot wide across the face of goal.
Forest Town began to ask questions of the Heanor defence, but with George and Barrie commanding they stood firm.
The irrepressible Hudson went on a searing run in the 35th minute and set up the supporting Smith, but the skipper's shot was rather wastefully wide when it should, at least, have tested Boot in the home goal.
Following Jackson's free kick, Brant saved at point blank range McCann's header for a corner at the other end, and when the Heanor custodian missed the resulting flag kick Bowler put his 41st minute header wide of a gaping goal.
But Heanor's Hudson had the last of the first half action, shooting narrowly wide on the break as the Lions ended the half good value for their slender lead.
Forest Town came out with renewed vigour in the second half and the game's first booking fell to Elliot for a needless challenge on Bryant.
Castledine's 59th minute free kick was headed behind by Barrie as Forest Town tested the Heanor defence with some teasing crosses, and Robinson, under pressure from Vincent, shot over the bar from the edge of the area.
Vincent was booked for bringing down Robinson on a run towards goal but Castledine put the free kick over the bar, and such was Heanor's well-drilled defending that the home side were forced to shoot mostly from distance.
There were ironic cheers from the Heanor contingent when the Lions were awarded a free kick after a number of decisions had appeared to go against them, but referee Scott Fisher deserves a mention for his exemplary handling of the game which included extending genuine treatment injuries into much-needed water breaks.
Love won some respite for Heanor with a corner but the ball was soon back at the other end with Castledine shooting wide and both Jackson and substitute Dillon failing to find the target.
And as time ran out Bryant saved a point blank header from Bowler whilst a frustrated shot from McCann flew high over the top.
Forest Town: Boot, Shatwell, Batty (Gregory 90), Castledine, Bowler, Jackson, Robinson, Fletcher, Elliot (Dillon 74), Carter (Hurst 70), McCann.
Heanor Town: Bryant, Vardy, Biggs, George, Barrie, Vincent, Love, Smith (M), Wakelin, Eley (Kirk 74), Hudson, Substitutes not used - Smith (W), Barker.
Referee: S Fisher (Huthwaite)
Yellow cards: Forest Town: Elliot (foul) 51 minutes. Heanor Town: Vincent (foul) 69 minutes, Martin Smith (kicking ball away) 90+3 minutes.
Star Lion: Dave Barrie.
Next in action
Saturday August 18
Supreme Division
Hatfield Main v Heanor Town (3pm)
Tuesday August 21
Supreme Division
Dunkirk v Heanor Town (7.30pm