Hednesford Town will be looking to recover from Saturday’s frustrating defeat against Ashton United as they make the relatively short journey up the M6 to face Nantwich Town in a game which sees two of Hednesford’s current squad return to their former stomping ground.

Both Dave MacPherson and Michael Lennon moved from Nantwich to Keys Park in the close season and both players will be returning to a Club where they were successful, especially Lennon.

The striker scored over one-hundred goals and was top scorer four seasons in succession for The Dabbers and Hednesford boss Rob Smith stated on Monday how excited both players are to return.

‘They are looking forward to it a lot. Lenny was a bit of a cult hero and Macca had a good time there too, the two lads have a lot of friends at the club so it will be nice for them going back.’

Reacting to the Ashton result, Smith was keen to stress that his side must tighten up at the back, with both goals conceded on Saturday coming from defensive lapses, a situation that cannot continue if his team are to realise their aim of promotion.

‘Rather than look at individuals I would say our defending needs to improve across the board. We are giving ourselves too much to do in games and it puts panic into our play. We start going route one which is not our style and certainly not suitable to the players we have on the pitch.’

The Pitmen manager will have to deal with a depleted squad after a busy fortnight with injuries to Alex Melbourne (Knee) and Darren Campion (Ankle) again keeping them out of the reckoning and a knock after Saturday’s game threatening Dave MacPherson’s involvement against his former team.

Neil Harvey is also nursing a slight injury following the Ashton game but one player who will be considered is right-back John Disney.

The player showed real determination and outstanding class in the way he gave his all on Saturday, including scoring his team’s only goal, after the sudden death of his father last week, a fact not lost on his manager.

‘The goal was a special moment for him and he showed tremendous character in his performance. He is one of ours so we hurt with him, it’s been tough for John and will remain so, but he showed what a good character he is.’

The Dabbers currently sit in 5th place but have played three games more than The Pitmen and have won only one of five at The Weaver Stadium this season.

The last meeting between the two sides came in January this year when, in an astonishing game, Jamey Osborne and Darren Campion saw red for Hednesford but The Pitmen very nearly won 2-1 until a late Nantwich equaliser levelled the scores.

Lennon scored against his current club in that match but whether it be the ex-Nantwich striker or anybody else, The Pitmen supporters will no doubt be looking for a positive reaction, especially in defence, following Saturday’s result.

Pitmen Form – WWWDLL
Previous Result – Hednesford Town 1 Ashton United 2 – Saturday 13th October
Next Fixture – Grantham Town (A) – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division – Saturday 20th October
League Position – 9th

Nantwich Town Form – LWWLDW
Previous Result – Whitby Town 1 Nantwich Town 2 – Saturday 13th October – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division
Next Fixture – Eastwood Town (A) – Saturday 20th October – Evo-Stik Northern Premier DIvision
League Position – 6th

KO – 7.45pm
Address of Ground – The Weaver Stadium, Waterlode, Nantwich, CW5 5BS