This Saturday, 20th September, Hednesford make their eagerly awaited return to home league action at Keys Park, with the visit of Northern Premier League Premier Division high fliers Gainsborough Trinity, for a tie which could see the victor end the day at the top of the league.
It is ‘The Holy Blues’ first visit to Keys Park since our epic FA Cup 1st Round game last season, when despite Hednesford taking at 3-0 lead early in the second half, Gainsborough responded with a stoppage time equaliser and eventually went on to win the tie 5-4 on a penalty shootout.
After finishing just outside the play-offs last season Gainsborough are surely one of the favourites for promotion and Russ Wilcox’s side currently lie in second place in the table on 19 points, two points and two league places above ‘The Pitmen’, with both teams having played 9 games to date. Despite losing their top scorer last season Declan Howe to Scunthorpe in the summer, they have made an impressive start to the season securing 6 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats, with their leading scorer Jonny Margetts hitting the target 5 times so far across all competitions. They also boast a strong defence, having not conceded a goal in the last six league games. Their form on the road has been impressive, having won three of four games with only a 4-2 reverse to Warrington Rylands blotting their copy book.
Hednesford Town meanwhile, go into this game with confidence high after two consecutive away victories over Coleshill in the FA Cup and Leek in the league, respectively. Having scored an aggregate of 9 goals over both games without reply, the Pitmen will be looking to extend their current unbeaten run to seven games, whilst top scorer Ahkeem Rose will be keen to add to his five-goal tally for the week.
Kick off on Saturday afternoon is at 3.00pm with admission being £13 adults, £10 concessions, 17-18, and disabled (non-wheelchair access), £5 U16 and free 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.
Supporters should note that this fixture is segregated:
• Home supporters – please use turnstiles 2A,2B,3A,3B and the self-scan turnstiles located at the back of the scoreboard.
• Away supporters – please use turnstiles 1A and 1B, with access to a hot food van and mobile bar within the segregated area.
