Two of the form teams in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division meet on Tuesday night as The Pitmen look to make amends for Saturday’s frustrating result at Stocksbridge with a victory over a Matlock Town side who have won four in a row.
Hednesford boss Rob Smith gave an honest appraisal of the Stocksbridge draw and was keen to stress that a trip to Matlock is one of the most difficult away games of the season.
‘It was a very frustrating result. We just completely went to sleep for ten minutes and they got a very lucky second and then an equaliser. It woke us up but by then it was too late.
‘Matlock had a poor start to the season because they had a terrible injury list but now they have got their team back they are on a very good unbeaten run and are as good as any team in this division. I always think Matlock away is one of the fixtures you identify at the start of the season as being one of the hardest all year.’
Despite winning the last meeting Hednesford have struggled historically at the picturesque surroundings on Causeway Lane, having lost an FA Trophy replay last year and, during Dean Edwards’ tenure, seeing their fading play off hopes finally dashed with a 2-0 defeat in April 2009.
Smith will be looking to emerge victorious over his Club’s ‘bogey’ side and preserve his side’s unbeaten away record ahead of Saturday’s big FA Trophy First Round tie against Solihull Moors; hopeful no doubt that The Gladiators have one eye on their local derby versus Conference outfit Mansfield Town in the same competition.
Pitmen Form – WWWWWD
Previous Result – Stocksbridge Park Steels 3 Hednesford Town 3 – Saturday 17th November – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division
Next Fixture – Solihull Moors (H) – FA Trophy First Round – Saturday 24th November
League Position – 4th
Matlock Form – WDWWWW
Previous Result – Ilkeston 0 Matlock Town 2 – Saturday 17th November – Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division
Next Fixture – Mansfield Town .v. Matlock Town – Saturday 24th November – FA Trophy First Round
League Position – 14th
Travel Club Coach Prices
Coach Leaves Keys Park – 5.30pm
Adults – £12.50
Concessions – £9.50
KO – 7.45pm
Address of Ground – Causeway Lane, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AR
