Reborn Blues target Hednesford win

Whitby Town player-manager Darren Williams has paid tribute to his players' work-rate as the Blues look to extend an impressive run of seven victories from ten games when they host Hednesford on Saturday, writes Andrew Snaith.

The Seasiders, who were bottom of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier a month ago, have risen seven places after a sudden upturn in form and a glut of goals.

Williams told the Whitby Town Podcast: "I think it was only a matter of time before it turned around for us. We're scoring a lot of goals, which is a main factor. I just think the lads have stuck at the task, at what we want them to do, how we want them to be and it's starting to pay off."

Back-to-back 4-2 victories have seen Williams' men past Ilkeston and Kendal despite trailing in both games. The 35-year-old former Sunderland and Bradford City defender thinks it's down to hard work and confidence.

"Early on in the season, that wouldn't have happened for us, but lads are digging in," he said. "We can compete now and when we go a goal down, it isn't the end of the world. Against Kendal the game was still there for us. We looked perfectly strong and finished the game off in style."

Town face fourth-placed Hednesford without 15-goal leading marksman Nathan Mulligan as the 26-year-old is serving a one-match suspension.

Williams admitted: "It's a disappointing thing to lose Nathan and it'll be a tough game. Steven Snaith's come in and done very well and Graeme Armstrong's playing very well for us. So yes, it's disappointing to lose your top scorer, but we'll be OK.

"I'm confident in what we have in reserve - the people who can come off the bench are quality players. We're looking forward to it as it comes off the back of some decent results for us."

The Pitmen, unbeaten on their league travels this term, did the double over the Blues last season and have five wins to Whitby's four, from past meetings.

Kick-off at the Turnbull Ground is 3.00pm with admission set at £9 for Adults, £5 Concessions and just £2 for Under 16s.