Hot-on-the-heels of last weekends fine league victory over Gainsborough Trinity, Gavin Hurrens men return to cup action on Saturday. As a reward for ‘The Pitmen’s’ emphatic 7-0 victory over Coleshill in the previous round, Keys Park will play host to Isthmian Premier Division side Billericay Town, who make the long journey from Essex for an enticing FA Cup Third Round Qualifying tie between two teams who compete at the same level in the non-league pyramid. The two sides have met before in the competition in October 2000, when John Baldwin’s Pitmen triumphed 2-1 at Keys Park in a 4th Qualifying Round Replay, after a 0-0 draw at New Lodge.
Hednesford’s confidence will be sky-high, as they come into the game on a seven-match unbeaten run, with three successive clean-sheets which have taken them to second place in the league. “Red-hot” Ahkeem Rose will again hope to be the main man, having hit the target seven times in the last three games.
Although amongst the early-season favourites for promotion, having narrowly missed out on goal difference last season, Billericay Town FC have had a mixed start to the season and currently sit in 15th place in the league, winning two of their eight games to date. “The Blues” have however, recently made a managerial change with former Aveley FC manager Danny Scopes taking the reins from Gary McCann. Under his stewardship they have so far, recorded one draw and one defeat in the league. The FA Cup has however, proved a positive distraction, with comprehensive victories over Barton Rovers (4-1) and Berkhampstead (3-0), respectively. The Pitmen defence will have to be mindful of Frankie Merrifield and Liam Nash who have scored 3 goals a-piece this season, whilst Femi Akinwande hit the target 15 times last season.
Looking forward to Saturday’s game, Hednesford Town Manager Gavin Hurren said “Billericay have made good progress in the Cup already this year and sit mid-table in the Isthmian Premier, but we know they’ll be looking to make their mark here today. As a manager, these are the kind of ties you look forward to – two proud clubs meeting with the aim of reaching the next round.”
Kick off on Saturday is at 3.00pm with admission being £10 – adults, £7 – concessions and disabled (non-wheelchair access), £3 – 10-16, £5 U16 and £1 for U10s, but all U16s must be accompanied by a paying adult. Supporters are advised to use the FanBase app to purchase tickets although cash or card payments can be made at the ticket office up to 30 minutes before kick-off.
