Newark and Sherwood United win 3-1 against Heanor Town in the United Counties League Premier Division North football competition at Collingham, Nottinghamshire

The sidelines at Station Road Collingham were full of beaming faces after a surprising 3-1 victory to Newark and Sherwood United against Heanor Town in the United Counties League Premier Division North match.

The defeat was the first one in five games for The Lions.

Tenth place Heanor opened the scoring in the 16th minute as Max Thornberry got the visitors on the board in front of a crowd of 143.

A reply came less than 15 minutes later as a recent signing to The Highwaymen, Ben Henderson slotted one in across the goal in the 30th minute of the match.

Henderson capitalised on a lovely ball from teammate Toby White as he beat the keeper.

Liam Moran struck the home side’s second in the dying stages of the first-half to put The Highwaymen up 2-1 at the break.

A Tom Jones cross which was deflected provided the opportunity for Moran to follow up and score his goal.

The second-half saw a lot of back and forth before the last minutes of the game provided the most action.

Heanor’s James Sleigh was sent off in the 89th minute after receiving a red card.

Substitute Renaldo Smith took advantage of the reduced opposition and scored in added time, chipping the ball into the net in the 93rd minute.

The interim manager of Newark and Sherwood United Romaine Graham said he was overwhelmed by the result as his side made Heanor look average in the contest.

“The lads gave me everything, it shows what we can do,” said Graham.

“When we are able to manage those moments and control games like that, it is really impressive.

“Heanor are a good team but we made them look average in the game.

“We went and watched them win 5-2 against Lincoln United and they were magnificent.

“I am trying to install confidence in the team.

“When I see these lads in training knocking it about in training, I think why can’t we bring it on Saturday?

“We always encourage them to do the right things, we will build from this now and we know what we can do, onto the next one.

“I am looking forward to it.”