Hednesford Town welcome Blyth Spartans to Keys Park on Saturday with The Pitmen on a real high after cutting the deficit at the top of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division to four points last Saturday and then following up victory against Grantham Town with an outstanding win in the Staffordshire Senior Cup Semi-Final against Port Vale in midweek.
Rob Smith’s side turned in a memorable performance and overcame a 2-0 deficit in the last half hour against a strong Vale line up but, whilst the manager admits the squad was on a massive high after the match, all attention must now turn to their ultimate quest for the title.
‘The players were buzzing about the way they had performed. They knew it was a good performance and obviously we look forward to the final, but I can only re-iterate what every manager says about this league, that simply anyone can beat anyone and we must be consistent.’
The one blot on Tuesday evening’s otherwise clean copybook was a nasty looking injury to John Disney’s leg, but he looks to have shaken off what was only a heavy knock and is expected to deputise for the suspended Alex Melbourne at right back, with a clean bill of health across the rest of the squad.
The visitors, although languishing in 17th place, thrashed Ashton United 4-1 on Wednesday night and, much like Stocksbridge and Frickley before them, will be looking to cause a surprise as they battle to avoid a relegation battle. However, the statistic that The Pitmen have lost only six matches from 42 played this season proves how impressive a campaign Smith’s charges have had so far.
The Keys Park faithful will no doubt be all too aware that only a continuation of that form will do if Hednesford are to reel in North Ferriby.
Pitmen Form – WWWDWW
Previous Result – Hednesford Town 3 Port Vale 2 – Staffordshire Senior Cup Semi Final – Tuesday 19th February 2013
Next Fixture – Witton Albion (A) – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division – Saturday 2nd March 2013
League Position – 2nd
Blyth Spartans Form – WLLDLW
Previous Result – Blyth Spartans 4 Ashton United 1 – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division – Wednesday 20th February 2013
Next Fixture – AFC Fylde (H) – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division – Saturday March 2nd 2013
League Position – 17th
