Smith keen to return to return to league action

Hednesford Town Manager Rob Smith was in contentful mood prior to a rare Tuesday night training session as his side, fresh from three cup games inside a week, were able to convene at Keys Park ready for a return to league action on Saturday.

The Pitmen, currently sitting in fourth position in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division with an impressive nine wins from thirteen matches, welcome Whitby Town to Keys Park who are struggling just two points from the foot of the table; a fact not lost on Smith as he looks for a positive result to keep the pressure on the top three.

'The cups are nice but the league is our bread and butter. We have to take advantage of this game and keep the points tally ticking over and will only do that with a focused performance.'

There are three sides above Hednesford in the shape of Northwich, Chester and Chorley, all of whom have set a blistering early pace but Smith is confident that his side, with the right attitude, can push them all the way.

'We are looking to stay with the top three but we have tough league fixtures coming up. I'm certain they will stay the course so I am happy with our start. Our objective is to be in the top six at Christmas and we are on course to achieve that.'

Smith was also keen to put the spotlight on two of his key first team players who have been heavily involved in Hednesford's results of late.

Goalkeeper Dan Crane, guilty of two mistakes in the FA Cup, made amends on Saturday with an acrobatic game saving stop in the final minute to deny Bedworth an FA Trophy replay and Smith made clear his support for the Pitmen stopper.

'Overall Dan has had an excellent season, he has made a couple of mistakes, but he works hard in training and I think he had a superb game at Bedworth, I have no concerns with him at all.'

In-form midfielder Chris Clements, scorer of seven goals in eight matches, was another player to receive glowing praise from his manager, a fact all Hednesford supporters will no doubt agree with.

'Chris's attitude is second to none; a joy to work with. I don’t say this lightly that he is the best talent I have worked with in my management career, the future is very bright for him.’

Clements and Crane will be looking to lead The Pitmen to victory in Saturday's 3pm kick off before they prepare to welcome League One side Walsall FC to Keys Park next Tuesday 1st November for what should be a bumper crowd in the Birmingham Senior Cup.