Saturday 27th April sees the last game of Hednesford’s Northern Premier League West Division campaign when they entertain Bootle in a fixture that, not for the first time this season sees both teams needing the points but for different reasons.
Bootle are in fifth place in the league table and will be looking to confirm a play-off spot. Runcorn Linnets and Prescot Cables are already certain of their participation courtesy of fourth placed City of Liverpool playing at sixth placed Witton Albion on Saturday and Bootle know that a point will ensure that they join them regardless of the result at Wincham Park although a win could secure them home advantage in the season’s extension.
Although unable to finish outside the bottom two a win for Hednesford could see them earn a reprieve on points per game as the number of clubs competing at Step 4 next season is to be increased to 22 per division. This will also depend on the results of Winterton Rangers, Brighouse Town and Bridlington Town in the Northern Premier League East Division on Saturday. Should both Brighouse and Winterton lose then a draw would be sufficient for the Pitmen.
Bootle like our last visitors Avro have a better away record than that at home. Of their 62 points, 33 have been gained on their travels thanks to 10 wins, three draws and four defeats. The defeats have come at the hands of City of Liverpool (0-2), Prescot Cables (0-2), Chasetown (2-3) and Widnes (0-2). Their leading scorer is Ben Hodkinson who has 18 goals, 17 in the league and in their squad will be Ritchie Sutton who had a spell with us earlier in the season. The previous game between the two clubs back in November saw Hednesford return from Merseyside with all three points thanks to a Joe Morley hattrick in a 3-1 win.
Hednesford welcomed Ryan Brown and Blaine Rowe back into the squad last week but it is expected that Nathan Delfouneso and Josh Endall will still be missing along with long term injury Lucas Yeomans.
Don’t forget that reduced admission prices will apply on Saturday at £6 adults, £3 concessions and £1 U16s. Gates and bars open at 1pm for a 3pm kick off and after the game there will be the Player of the Season awards taking place in front of the main stand.
