Hednesford Town kept their end of the bargain yesterday, securing a vital three points against Buxton, but without the gargantuan efforts of a committed band of supporters in clearing tonnes of snow from the Keys Park pitch; the game would never have gone ahead.

Supporters worked tirelessly through Wednesday, Thursday and then, with one final seven hour push on Good Friday, over 25 fans wielded their shovels and filled their wheelbarrows to move what seemed like tonnes of snow to the sidelines.

Hednesford Town FC Supporters Association Joint-Chairman Scott Smith, who helped organise the volunteers, put out numerous requests for help via Twitter and was also interviewed on Radio WM on Thursday night, and was keen to thank those fans who did the Club proud.

‘It looked like a massive job on Wednesday morning but the volunteers on the first two days cleared a quarter of the pitch and then those fans who came out on Friday worked extremely hard to finish the job. I’m sure when the final whistle was blown on Saturday and the three points were won, all those volunteers felt their efforts were fully worthwhile so, on behalf of the SA and the Club, I would like to extend my thanks to all involved.’

Monday’s local derby against Rushall Olympic, a game which could prove pivotal in both teams’ quest for promotion, is expected to go ahead following a similar effort by Pics supporters in clearing their pitch of snow today.

Rushall, victorious over Hednesford twice in the space of a week at the turn of the year, have been on a superb run of form and, despite losing to Grantham Town yesterday, have won four of their last six matches and currently sit fourth in the league, eight points behind The Pitmen.

Supported by a no doubt vociferous and numerous following at Dale Lane tomorrow, Rob Smith’s side will be keen to record their first win over The Pics this season to keep pace with North Ferriby who travel to Blyth Spartans. The Pitmen faithful will once again be hoping for another maximum haul to keep the pressure on.