Smith backs Pitmen spirit

Hednesford Town manager, Rob Smith, has spoken of his belief that the team spirit and togetherness of his squad will be the key aspect in recovering from their surprise 4-0 loss to Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday.

The Pitmen had goalkeeper Dan Crane and striker Marvin Robinson sent off and, having won seven straight league games, fell to a hurtful defeat. Smith however is confident his side can recover when they face Matlock Town on Wednesday.

'We have solid team ethic and spirit and have had knock backs before and always bounced back, we must believe we can do this again.

'There will be no hiding place at Matlock so we have to be back at our best immediately if we are to get anything, but a result up there and Saturday would soon be forgotten.'

The Pitmen, lying third, four points off the top of the league, go into an important run of fixtures with suspensions totting up as Nick Wellecomme, Pedro Monteiro, Robinson and Crane all face differing lengths of bans in the next four weeks.

Smith is frustrated but knows his squad must buckle down and deal with the missing players.

'Its going to be very difficult with them all coming at the same time, we may have to go and sign some short term players, but we have no choice, we just have to get on with it. '

Utilising the Club's successful youth policy is an option open to Smith with Ben Grice, Amani Allen and another player who made his debut on Saturday, Lewis Suckling, all keen to impress in the first team.

'It's good to see and very helpful with the injury and suspension issues we have. The main thing is that I have full confidence in the young players and have no problems throwing them into the first team.'

Prior to Saturday's game it was announced that fan-favourite Decio Gomes has moved on to Rushall Olympic to secure more regular starting opportunities. In a statement, the Club wished Decio all the best in his future career.