Hednesford Town prepare to turn their attentions towards FA Cup action this weekend as we make the journey down the M6 to take on Rugby Town in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round.

Rugby ply their trade in the United Counties League Premier Division, some two leagues below the Pitmen, sitting in sixth place having picked up nine points from their opening five league games. They have already seen off opposition from our level though having defeated Redditch United 4-2 in the previous round.

The Valley, as they are known, are managed by former Hednesford player Carl Adams and it has been some eight years since we last met in a competitive game when we triumphed 6-1 at Rugby. Meanwhile we have met in the FA Cup once before when we staged two late shows to defeat our hosts on Saturday in a replay at Keys Park.

Manager Rob Smith knows that there will be pressure on both sides going into the game with £9,000 at stake for the winners and a place in the Third Qualifying Round.

He said:

“This is a massive game for everyone at the club. Rugby are having a fantastic season and with them being at home they will obviously fancy their chances of an upset.

“We must have the right mentality going into the game tomorrow, and if we do I am confident of a positive result. It is an opportunity for us and one that we all really want to grasp.”

The Pitmen will be without defender Charlie Gatter who has a cracked rib and has been forced to miss the last two fixtures, while late fitness tests will also have to be conducted on Joe Fitzpatrick and Jed Davies to see if they can be part of the squad on Saturday.

The game kicks off at the usual time of 3pm and we’d like to thank those Hednesford supporters who are making the journey to Rugby as we look to make further cup progression.

Admission Prices
Adults £8
Concessions £4

Ground Address
Butlin Road
Rugby
CV21 3SD