Smith praises Pitmen character

Hednesford Town manager Rob Smith has hailed is young side for the character they showed on Tuesday night in their 6-2 victory at Willenhall Town in the Birmingham Senior Cup, following their potentially demoralising exit from the FA Cup last Saturday.

The Pitmen, unbeaten at home for almost twelve months, surrendered a two goal lead in the second half against Conference North outfit Corby Town to crash out of the Cup at the Third Qualifying Round.

Smith was encouraged however by the way in which his side 'got back on the bike' on Tuesday night and responded to their disappointment well.

'Saturday was a real kick in the teeth, the events in the second half hurt us all but it was good we had a game so quickly. Just playing football again erases the memory and I was happy with how we responded.'

Smith used the game to blood three youth prospects in the form of Ajay Chohan, Bradley Grice and Amani Allen and also looked at returning Elliot Durrell and Mark Danks to fitness. The Hednesford boss was happy with the performances, 'It was a good workout for both Danksy and Elliott, both have the qualities we need in our side. As for the youngsters I thought all three did very well, they will have learnt a great deal from Tuesday night and integrated well into the squad.'

The Pitmen face another tough test on Saturday, this time in the FA Trophy First Qualifying Round versus Bedworth United and Smith says his side will be well prepared for a tough test.

'I know the manager, Steve Farmer, very well and he has a young, hungry side who, with a one hundred percent home record, will really test us. We will have to be at our very best to get a positive result.'

The game on Saturday is a 3pm kick off and Hednesford will be looking to continue their proud history in the competition as the Keys Park outfit won the Trophy at Villa Park in 2004, famously beating a well-fancied Canvey Island 3-2 in the final.

In other news from the club, Ben Jevons has signed this week from local rivals Chasetown, the player primarily plays in midfield and is seen as a big signing by Smith, 'Ben is a proven player at this level, he will be a very good acquisition for the club.'