Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Guiseley, Pitmen boss Rob Smith has sent out a warning to his players that, such is the quality of The Skrill North, the moment they let their standards slip a defeat will be on the cards, despite a superb start to the campaign.
Hednesford have taken to life in a higher league like fish to water, winning six of their opening eight games, but Smith is fully aware that established sides such as the Guiseley outfit they take on at Nethermoor on Saturday afternoon pose a substantial risk to their positive start.
‘Despite currently being top of the league we are not the sort of management team who will let the players get carried away. Guiseley are in a false position. They will push on despite losing the last three and have been up there in the play offs for the last few years. The moment we let our guard down we will get beat, it’s as simple as that.’
Since being well beaten by North Ferriby two weeks ago, The Pitmen have emerged victorious against both Vauxhall Motors and Histon without conceding a goal but Smith believes the fact that both defeated sides still tested his players, despite being reduced to ten men before half time, proves the quality of opposition they are up against.
‘Teams in this league are well capable of beating you even with ten men so it’s about being professional and seeing out games. Last Saturday was a prime example of us not going mad and trying to score more goals. I was very happy to be content with 2-0 and on Tuesday credit must go to Histon, they were superb and did not let us impose ourselves.’
The whole team have worked hard for the clean sheets in both games but the full backs in Hednesford’s mean back four have been particularly impressive with Smith handing out special praise to John Disney, a player who has been superb on the right side of defence all season.
‘I think John is playing his best football since he came here, on Tuesday he was my man of the match by a mile. He came in for some criticism last season at times, which I thought was scandalous when we all know he endured a very tough time off the field but I knew with patience he would come through it. Darren Campion is Mr Reliable and always has been, he is a real leader on the pitch for me and both are top lads to have around the dressing room too.’
Team news wise, Hednesford are boosted by the return to the squad of Michael Lennon, fresh from a loan spell at arch rivals Stafford Rangers, with Wayne Riley still a doubt after missing the last four matches with a groin injury.
The last meeting between the two teams in 2009 saw a Dean Edwards-led side overcome Guiseley 2-1 with the freak occurrence of the home side having both their first choice and substitute goalkeepers sent off.
The Lions will no doubt hope for some rather more helpful luck to ensure they do not lose four on the bounce while, should The Pitmen heed the advice of their focused manager, the travelling support for Hednesford will see no reason why their in-form team cannot make it seven wins from nine matches.
Hednesford Town Form – WDWLWW
Previous Result – Histon 0 Hednesford Town 1 – The Skrill North – Tuesday 17th September 2013
Next Fixture – AFC Telford United (A) – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round – Saturday 28th September 2013
League Position – 1st
Guiseley AFC Form – DWDLLL
Previous Result – Guiseley AFC 0 Bradford Park Avenue 2 – The Skrill North – Tuesday 17th September 2013
Next Fixture – Bradford Park Avenue (H) – FA Cup Second Qualifying Round – Saturday 28th September 2013
League Position – 15th
KO – 3pm
Address of Ground – Nethermoor Park, Otley Road, Guiseley, Leeds, LS20 8BT
Travel Coach Information
Departure Time from Keys Park – 10am
Adults – £18
Concessions – £15
Contact Ken Leese on 07935 723290
Admission Prices
Adults: £12
Concessions: £7
12-16 Year-Olds: £4
Accompanied Under-12s: FREE
