Hednesford Town go into tomorrow’s game against Altrincham looking for a fifth straight victory against the second highest scorers in the league this season, but without their talisman Elliott Durrell who made a shock move to Wrexham earlier this week.
Pitmen boss Rob Smith has backed the players remaining in his squad to make up for their talisman’s departure, stressing his side are far from a one man team and that the togetherness in his camp can continue their quest for promotion to the Skrill Conference.
‘We are not a one man team, we have a lot of talent in the squad and the togetherness they have shown in recent weeks will hold us in good stead. Obviously we need goals to be scored from all areas of the team to make up for the loss of Elliott, but I’m really pleased with our current form. We had slipped to sixth in the league at one point but it just shows in this league that a few back to back wins can make all the difference.’
The Keys Park outfit ran out 3-1 winners in their previous meeting with the Robins earlier this season but Smith still believes the visitors on Saturday are a dangerous team with revenge a likely motivation.
‘Altrincham have the most potent strike force in the division and I honestly feel they are one of the top sides in the league. They have quality all over the pitch and will obviously be looking for revenge, so we will have to be very strong tomorrow.’
A week off following last Saturday’s outstanding comeback win against Solihull Moors has eased the worries around injury news slightly for The Pitmen, with Smith admitting he may have struggled to reach 11 fit players had there been a game on Tuesday, but Darren Campion (ankle) has not trained all week and has a 50/50 chance and Jamey Osborne (hamstring) is also doubtful.
Neil Harvey and Marvin Robinson should be fit to be considered in attack with loanee Nathan Blissett recalled by his parent club and no longer available.
Hednesford’s opponents have lost their last two league matches, including a surprise home defeat against lowly Worcester City and another victory for The Pitmen would give them a chance to go top of the tree as current leaders North Ferriby are in FA Trophy Fourth Round action against Gosport Borough.
The Keys Park faithful proudly seeing their team at the summit of the Skrill North come 5pm tomorrow would undoubtedly ease the pain of Durrell’s exit and stand as a clear reminder that, despite Hednesford’s festive dip in form, they still have every chance to mount a fairy tale challenge for a second promotion on the spin.
Hednesford Town Form – LLWWWW
Previous Result – Solihull Moors 2 Hednesford Town 3 – The Skrill North – Saturday 25th January 2014
Next Fixture – Harrogate Town (A) – The Skrill North – Saturday 8th February 2014
League Position – 2nd
Altrincham Form – WDWWLL
Previous Result – Altrincham 1 Worcester City 2 – The Skrill North – Tuesday 21st January 2014
Next Fixture – AFC Telford Utd (H) – The Skrill North – Tuesday 4th February 2014
League Position – 6th
KO – 3pm
Address of Ground – Keys Park, Keys Park Road, Hednesford, Staffordshire, WS12 2DZ
Admission Prices
Adult Main Stand: £12
Adult Terrace: £11
Concessions Main Stand: £7
Concessions Terrace: £6
Adult/1 Child* Terrace Ticket: £12
Adult/2 Children* Terrace Ticket: £13
Family** Terrace Ticket: £22
* Child under 16
** 2 Adults & 2 Children (under 16)
