Hednesford Town, fresh from a quite outstanding 2-1 victory against second-placed Northwich Victoria on Friday evening, will be looking to further cement their play-off position against a North Ferriby side sitting firmly in mid-table with two games remaining.
Following FC United of Manchester’s 2-1 defeat away to Matlock Town on Saturday, The Pitmen are now three points clear of the Red Rebels and could conceivably be six points ahead if they win at Keys Park on Tuesday night, before FC’s game against Burscough on Wednesday.
North Ferriby, due to contest the Doodson League Cup Final against Rushall Olympic on Saturday 28th, will still pose a threat to a rejuvanated Pitmen side who will be sweating on the fitness of at least three first team players.
Sam Craven, superb in difficult circumstances against Chasetown, will not kick a ball again this season after injuring ligaments on Friday night, Chris Clements and Nick Wellecomme may also struggle to be fit for Tuesday night but should then be fit for next Saturday at home to Worksop Town.
Centre back Ben Bailey, in the crowd at Leek Town on Friday to support his parent club, has been recalled from his loan spell at Sutton Coldfield Town to cover for the continuing fitness worry of Jermaine Johnson who will face a late fitness test on the injury which has kept him out of the last two matches.
Manager Rob Smith stressed his sadness about Craven’s injury but is fully confident that his squad can cope with an injury list which is growing as the season finale approaches,
‘The season is over for Sam and we are all gutted for him, he has been a great lad to have around and was just showing what a good player he is. Chris Clements and Nick Wellecomme are again very doubtful, and Jermaine will have a late fitness test but I have faith in my squad that we can focus and secure two wins to end the season.’
The last meeting between North Ferriby and Hednesford ended with a 2-1 victory for The Pitmen after Gary Bradshaw had scored his two-hundreth goal for the Humberside outfit before Chris Clements and Chris Shaw won the game for The Pitmen.
Following the last couple of nervous weeks spent worrying about this result or that result it is now very simple for The Pitmen tomorrow night – win against North Ferriby and watch what an under pressure FC United can do on Wednesday night against bottom-placed but resurgent Burscough.
Pitmen Form – WLDLWW
Previous Result – Northwich Victoria 1 Hednesford Town 2 – Friday 13th April
Next Fixture – Worksop Town (H) Sat 21st April 3pm KO
League Position – 5th
North Ferriby United Form – LWLDWD
Previous Result – Chasetown 2 North Ferriby United 2 – Monday 9th April
Next Fixture – Nantwich Town (H) – Saturday 21st April
League Position – 10th
KO – 7.45pm
Address of Ground – Keys Park, Keys Park Road, Hednesford, WS12 5DW
Admission Prices –
Adult (Terraced): £9.00
Adult (Main Stand): £10.00
Child/OAP (Terraced): £5.00
Child/OAP (Main Stand): £6.00
Family Prices (Terraced):
Adult + Child (U16): £10
Adult + 2 Children: £12
2 Adults + 2 Children: £18
