THE GAME
Hednesford Town v Coventry United
Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Keys Park Stadium, Keys Park Road, Hednesford WS12 2DZ
Saturday 19th September 2026, kick off 3pm.
THE PITMEN
Following last week’s defeat at Hebburn which, Hednesford turn their attention to this season’s FA Cup hoping to emulate their form of two seasons ago when they reached the First Round Proper.
In a cup classic, The Pitmen eventually went out of the competition 4-5 on penalties after a 4-4 draw after extra-time against Gainsborough Trinity.
Hednesford had taken a 2-0 lead into half-time thanks to goals from Manny Duku and Omar Holness.
Then, when Dom McHale grabbed a third after 49 minutes it looked all over for the visitors.
However, two goals for Declan Howe and another from Will Lancaster in the fourth minute of added on time took the game into another 30 minutes.
McHale got his second on 95 minutes only for Javelle Clarke to equalise on 109 minutes and force a shoot-out.
Trinity keeper Dylan Wharton made three penalty saves to enable Jordan Helliwell to fire home the winning spot-kick.
Their best ever FA Cup run came of course in 1996/7 when they reached the Fourth Round Proper, going out 2-3 at then Premier League side Middlesbrough in front of a crowd of 27,511.
On Saturday Hednesford will be without the services of midfielders Dale Gorman and Sonny Sharples who are both suspended.
THE OPPOSITION
Coventry United’s appearance in today’s Second Qualifying Round game is the furthest they have progressed in the FA Cup since they first entered in 2016/17.
The club ply their trade in the Northern Premier League Division One Midland, their first season at step 4 after promotion from the United Counties League Premier Division South.
They currently sit in ninth spot with 11 points from eight games and a GD of -2, only out of the play-off places on goal difference.
They have played just three league games at home and have yet to taste victory, losing to Mickleover and drawing with Grantham and Boston Town. Away from home they have won 1-0 at both Belper and Long Eaton and 2-1 at Corby, losing 0-2 at Bedworth and 1-3 at Boldmere St Michaels last Tuesday.
The Green and Reds exited the FA Trophy at the first hurdle against Kidsgrove Athletic but have beaten Sutton Coldfield, Whitchurch Alport and Bedworth in this season’s FA Cup.
Their leading scorer is the much travelled Simeon Cobourne who has five goals in all competitions.
FORM
HTFC: L W L D W D = 8 points
CUFC: L W D L L W = 7 points
MATCHDAY DETAILS
Reduced admission prices apply for Saturday’s game.
Seating: £12 adults, £9 concessions, £5 13-17 years old, £3 under 13s.
Standing: £10 adults, £7 concessions, £3 13-17 years old, £1 under 13s.
All juniors aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets can be bought in advance via Fanbase or from the ticket office on the day.
Turnstiles 9 & 10 and Chase Suite open at 12pm with the Tottenham v Aston Villa Premier League game being shown.
Other turnstiles, club shop and the ticket office open at 1pm.
Smoking and vaping is only allowed in the Fanzones behind the Hednesford End and Heath Hayes End. As this is not a designated game, all Boltbars will be open.
Please remember that due to building work there is no parking at Keys Park so please park responsibly elsewhere.
The matchday programme will be on sale from the programme sellers and the club shop and features an in-depth look at the FA Cup.
