As with all FA Cup games from the First Round onwards, if the scores are level at ninety minutes, the game will go to extra time, and then to penalties, if the scores are still level after 120 minutes of football, to decide which team will progress on the day. Bearing that in mind, Russ and the boys will need you more than ever. Speaking after the weekend’s game at Clitheroe, Russ commented:

"Our attention moves to the biggest game for the club in seven years. After our amazing 4-0 win away at Boston United, we now move on to the First Round Proper of the Emirates FA Cup, with another away game against Hednesford Town. This will be our sixth game in the competition, and great credit must go to everyone involved."

"For me form goes out of the window. It’s an opportunity for both clubs to get a step closer to the magical Third Round, where Premiership and Championship clubs enter the competition. Your support at Boston was incredible. We really need the same, if not more on Saturday. Be loud and proud and give your full support to the team, and let’s hopefully get through into Round Two, for the 1st time since 1952."

"We are all looking forward to the game. Bring your family and friends and hopefully we can give you another special day, that we will all remember for years to come."

Run So Far

The two sides have enjoyed remarkable Emirates FA Cup runs already to get to the First Round Proper. The game between the sides represents Trinity's sixth game in the competition. Defeating local rivals Boston United 4-0 away from home in the Fourth Qualifying Round Replay, the highlight for many of the Trinity faithful, but impressive victories against AFC Telford United and Darlington, and a derby win, this time against Grantham, have seen Russ Wilcox's men visibly grow in confidence.

Hednesford’s progress has been a longer run to the First Round Proper, including the lights and razzmatazz of a televised game at QR4. Way back at the beginning of August, Hednesford started against Racing Club Warwick, winning 4-1 away from home. A late Dom McHale winner was enough to see off Worcester Raiders in the Preliminary Round, before they hit six past Melton Town in a 6-1 hammering, Rob Stevenson bagged a brace with McHale (2) again featuring on the scoresheet.

Rugby Town drew with Hednesford, losing out in the replay at Keys Park, Manny Duku grabbing a pair in the original tie, and getting two more in the replay that the Pitmen ran out 4-1 victors in. Shropshire side Shifnal were the Third Qualifying Round opponents, in a local game that saw both games attract over 1,000 attendance-wise. Shifnal held Hednesford to a goal-less draw at Phoenix Park, before Hednesford edged a narrow 1-0 win, to set up the tie against National League North play-off chasers, Gateshead. A draw at Keys Park Stadium, in front of the cameras, set up their memorable night in the North East, to set up their tenth game in the 2024/25 Emirates FA Cup, the Holy Blues.

Matchday

Gainsborough have been allocated the Hednesford end, which is situated behind the goal and boasts 301 seats, plus standing area to the sides of the seated stand. A section of the impressive Wimblebury Terrace has also been sectioned off. See the map of Keys Park Stadium aside or above. Trinity supporters are to enter the ground through turnstiles 1A and 1B. There is also a Fan Zone in the car park (top left of image) which will include access for alcoholic drinks, refreshments and a Papa John's pizzeria.

A reminder though, that alcoholic drinks are not to be consumed in view of the pitch, due to this game being a designated sporting fixture in line with the Sporting Events Act of 1985. Tickets remain on sale, but we advise our supporters to buy early to avoid disappointment, and not to travel without a ticket for the game. Car Parking is at the nearby Hednesford Hills Raceway (WS12 1BF), priced at £5 per vehicle.

Hednesford operate a Park and Ride with a shuttle bus to and from the stadium. The car park opens at 12.30pm, with shuttles running every 20 minutes until 2.30pm to allow fans plenty of time to enter the stadium. Return shuttles will start from 5pm (subject to extra time and/or penalties). The parking fee of £5 per car, includes the shuttle service for up to five people.

Elsewhere

The Holy Blues and The Pitmen are joined by just the one other side from the Northern Premier League, and that’s play-off chasing Guiseley. The Lions facing Stevenage away, as their reward for knocking out Ashton United, 1874 Northwich, Scunthorpe United and Kidderminster Harriers. Who will be representing the NPL come 5pm on Saturday 2nd November 2024? League fixtures on Saturday include:

Bamber Bridge vs Morpeth Town
Hebburn Town vs FC United of Manchester
Hyde United vs Ashton United
Ilkeston Town vs Blyth Spartans
Macclesfield vs Lancaster City
Stockton Town vs Matlock Town
Warrington Rylands vs Basford United
Whitby Town vs Prescot Cables
Workington vs Worksop Town

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)