Hednesford Town return to league action on Saturday as they make the 400 mile round trip north to Workington AFC looking to build on Tuesday’s astonishing rearguard action in the FA Cup and stay at the top of The Skrill North.
Pitmen boss Rob Smith is aware that Tuesday’s exploits will have undoubtedly taken it out of the players, but believes their dramatic penalty win will spur them on.
‘It’s going to be really difficult, Tuesday’s journey and game will have taken a tremendous amount out of the players so to go to Workington now is not ideal to say the least.
It would have been a massive job to pick the players up for this game if we had lost on Tuesday, but now I’m sure they will be looking forward to talking about it all the way up there!’
Team news wise, The Pitmen are expected to make numerous changes to freshen up the squad after Tuesday’s energy sapping exploits, with Aaron Rey certain to miss out through injury. New signing Paul McCone will go straight into the squad and Smith stated he was happy with the capture of the Stourbridge defender.
‘When we lost Sam Barnes we obviously needed another centre half. We managed to get Matt Regan short term which bought us some time to source a permanent signing. Paul is young, can operate at centre-half or right back and is someone we have admired for a while. He will be another great signing for us, covering for Ben Bailey and will go straight into the squad tomorrow.’
Workington are struggling this season, currently languishing at rock bottom in the league but, as Smith has stressed all season, despite his sides near perfect start there are no easy games in the Skrill North.
‘I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there are only difficult games in this league. I’ve been to Workington many times before with Telford and very rarely come away with anything. I take them being at the foot of the table with as big a pinch of salt as us being at the top at this stage.’
The Pitmen, beaten only once in the league this season and currently level on points with old foes North Ferriby United, will be looking to get at least a draw but, after their heroic, nay legendary result in the week, the spirit and desire in this team could undoubtedly carry them to an 11th win in 13 matches this season.
Workington Form – WLLWLW
Previous Result – Guisborough Town 1 Workington 4 – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round – Saturday 12th October 2013
Next Fixture – Harrogate Town (A) – Tuesday 22nd October 2013
League Position – 22nd
Hednesford Town Form – WWWWDW
Previous Result – West Auckland Town 2 Hednesford Town 2 AET (Hednesford win 4-2 on penalties) – FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay – Tuesday 15th October 2013
Next Fixture – Stamford (A) – FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round – Saturday 26th October 2013
League Position – 1st
KO – 3pm
Address of Ground – Borough Park, Workington, Cumbria, CA14 2DT
Admission Prices
Adults: £12.00
Concessions: £7.00
Under 16s: £5
Travel Club Supporters Coach
Departure Time – 8am
Prices – £21 Adults / £18 Concessions
