Smith issues reality check

Hednesford Town boss Rob Smith has used the old football cliché of 'taking one game at a time' to play down title talk at Keys Park as the Pitmen prepare to host FC United of Manchester on Saturday, writes Chris Brewerton.

Hednesford are just three points behind Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division leaders North Ferriby United following their 3-2 victory against the Humberside outfit last weekend. Smith's in-form side could cut the deficit further, but only if they can break their five game hoodoo against The Red Rebels. The visitors are in seventh spot with ambitions of their own having won their last two away matches.

Smith was keen to play down all talk of promotion and titles until the New Year and stressed that at such an early stage of the season his team simply need to look at what's in front of them on a weekly basis.

He said: "We don’t talk about the title because it’s ridiculous at this stage. We simply talk about individual games and how we can best try and get three points. Nothing is ever won before Christmas and we now enter a very busy schedule where we need to remain very focused."

On The Pitmen's opponents on Saturday, Smith was full of praise for their style of football and prefers to remember their last meeting instead of previous struggles which have seen FC United win three of their last five meetings.

"This year we gave a good account of ourselves at their place and deservedly got a draw, so my last memory is the best after being well beaten in our last two games before that. They are the best footballing team in the league and I admire the way they play.

"FC United have players that cause problems for the opposition all over the park and it is just a massive fixture whenever you play them. They have superb support and so it is always a big occasion, but I am confident that our players and fans will give a strong performance."

With two vociferous sets of fans congregating at both ends of Keys Park, Saturday's game will be watched by a larger crowd than normal and the atmosphere will no doubt add to what is a vital game for both sides.