Smith backs Pitmen duo

Hednesford Town manager Rob Smith is labelling his side's top five clash at Worksop on Saturday the 'Battle of the Strikers', writes Chris Brewerton.

The Pitmen manager is betting on his twin strike force of Aaron Rey and Neil Harvey to edge the battle of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's in-form forwards, despite calling Tigers front two Tom Denton and Leon Mettam the Premier Division's top partnership.

Smith's attackers put play-off chasers Chorley to the sword at Keys Park last weekend in a 3-1 victory and he said: "The Worksop strike force are as good as anything in this league and would grace teams in the league above but Harvey and Rey know each other inside out and have a great understanding."

Smith believes supporters of both sides will do their part at Sandy Lane for the second versus fifth clash. He added: "It should be a great atmosphere. I am sure we will take plenty of our own support because Saturday is one of those games fans and players alike really relish."