The new campaign may only be a month old but attentions move away from the league for at least one weekend as the Emirates FA Cup takes centre stage.
This Saturday sees the Pitmen playing host to Belper Town, who play just one level below in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South, in the first qualifying round.
Among their ranks they have a number of Hednesford Town connections with former centre-half Lee Barrow the current assistant manager, while defender Louis Keenan will be among the players looking to make the starting XI.
For the Pitmen it will be the first time in three years that we have entered at this stage of the competition – having previously received an exemption until the second qualifying round.
Liam McDonald will be sending his side out onto the pitch this weekend hoping to avoid being added to the giant killing list.
He said:
“Looking at this weekend we know that it will be a difficult game for us. Belper Town come here with nothing really to lose and will prove to be a threat to us.
“As much as we are a young side we will handle that pressure. All I can ask is that we go out there and play the way that we know we can and at the end of it we will end with a positive result.”
The manager is set to be without striker Jamie Matthews due to suspension. For Matthews it is his final game of a three match suspension after being dismissed two weeks ago against Ashton United.
Tristian Dunkley will return to the first team squad though having served a one game suspension last time out against Halesowen Town – although he does still have a slightly tight hamstring.
Cohen Bramall and Dan Crane have also received knocks in the last week but both, along with Dunkley, are expected to be fit. Lewis Wright has now recovered from a hamstring problem which had kept him out of the last five games.
The game kicks off at the usual time of 3pm with Strikers Bar being open before and after the fixture.
Admission Prices:
£12 Adult Main Stand
£11 Adult Terrace
£8 Concession Main Stand
£7 Concession Terrace
£3 Under 16s
Let’s hope this programme is the first of a few more FA Cup specials!
