Smith challenges Pitmen to beat the best

Hednesford Town manager Rob Smith is challenging his Pitmen to add quality performances to their impressive points tally on the eve of their biggest game of the season in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division, writes Chris Brewerton.

Smith threw down the gauntlet to his squad ahead of their trip to league leaders North Ferriby United on Saturday as they look to cut the gap at the top to just three points.

North Ferriby currently hold a six point lead but the Keys Park outfit have two games in hand. Smith is fully aware of the quality of their North Yorkshire opposition but insists his players have the tools to build on their strong start to the campaign.

He said: "North Ferriby's overall strength as a unit impresses me and they are unbeaten at home but we have had a fantastic start to the season without hitting massive heights with our performances. That is the challenge for my players now."

North Ferriby are the league’s leading scorers as well fielding the meanest defence but Smith believes his squad is strong enough for the job, and especially so after the addition of Sam Craven, signed from Boston United in midweek and the current form of Alex Melbourne.

Smith added: “Sam Craven will give us good cover in defence and on the left and the fitness of Alex is as good as I've ever known it.'