Following FC United’s failure to beat bottom-placed Burscough on Wednesday night at Gigg Lane Hednesford Town know their task is simple on Saturday to confirm a play off spot, regardless of the Northwich Victoria situation – avoid defeat.
The Pitmen have managed to avoid losing in thirty league matches from forty-one this season, and as ironic as it is, their problem at Keys Park this year – drawing with teams in the lower echelons of the Evo-Stik Premier Division, would be enough.
Their opponents, Worksop Town, currently sit in 16th place, but, earlier in the season, inflicted a surprise defeat on The Pitmen. They looked a dangerous and hard working team during a 1-0 win on December 16th and had beaten Conference outfit Tamworth in the FA Trophy the previous week; many expected the Nottinghamshire outfit to kick on and challenge.
Three wins from sixteen in the league since and Worksop have only pride and league position to play for. However Rob Smith will warn his team that sometimes, a team playing without pressure can spring a surprise.
‘Burscough have proved in recent weeks that once the pressure comes off, teams can improve vastly on their form and Worksop will be no different. We will go for the win; I will be sending the players out to win the match because anything else would be suicidal.’
Nick Wellecomme is still struggling with a heel injury but Smith expects the striker to be fit and Elliott Durrell is serving his one match suspension for his red card against Kendal.
The other fixtures in the Evo Stik may have an effect on The Pitmen, dependent purely on their result first. FC United play host to second-placed Northwich Victoria in a game they simply must win and Bradford Park Avenue and Chorley go head to head in Lancashire to decide third and fourth place.
Unfortunately due to the farcical situation with crisis hit Northwich this weekends excitement will turn to waiting as the Cheshire sides appeal against financial irregularity is yet to be heard.
According to Club Secretary, Terry McMahon, the play off semi-final will now be played on Saturday 28th April with a possible final the following Saturday 5th May.
Pitmen fans, however tempting it may be, will no doubt want to be able to make plans for a Saturday play off semi final at 5.01pm on Saturday evening as opposed to nervously waiting for the result of any appeal by The Vics.
Pitmen Form – LDLWWD
Previous Result – Hednesford Town 0 North Ferriby 0 – Tuesday 17th April
Next Fixture – Possible Play-Off Semi Final (Due to Northwich Appeal, date TBC)
League Position – 5th
Worksop Town Form – WLWDLD
Previous Result – Worksop Town 1 Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 – Saturday 14th April
Next Fixture – Penistone Church (A) Sheffield Cup Final – Wednesday 23rd April
League Position – 16th
KO – 3pm
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
