The only saving grace for Russ Wilcox’s men, have been the back to back wins picked up in the two games played so far. Wins against Cleethorpes Town & Morpeth Town (sixteen days apart) seeing Trinity keep successive clean sheets and right in touch with the play-off spots, despite an ever growing ‘games in hand’ column. And an ever congested fixture schedule that looks like seeing the Holy Blues play eleven times in 33 days (the Whitby postponement being squeezed into the already congested run of games that was supposed to begin with Hyde at home – and that one now likely to be added to the end)… who would be a fixture secretary?

In any case, looking ahead to the visit of the Pitmen, and all that the Holy Blues can do, is look at the next game: In their last ten games away from Keys Park, the Pitmen have won five, drawn three and lost two. In their 13 games away from home – in total - a return of 21 points from 13 games has kept them ticking along nicely. Conceding less than a goal a game has also helped their cause.

Defeats at Prescot, Morpeth, Whitby & Rushall show Hednesford can be undone away from home, but they have added quality in the middle of the park in the form of Liam Kinsella. The ex Walsall man, making his debut last Saturday against Leek Town. The Blues have added exciting youngster Henry Brown on a 28 day loan from Grimsby Town. He is likely to replace Charlie Carter, who returns to his parent club, Mansfield Town, in Wilcox’s matchday sixteen.

Previous Meetings

Last time out, at Keys Park, earlier this season: Hednesford recorded a 2-0 win over the Blues, who were without a recognised forward, with both Margetts & Mulhern missing for Trinity. Two early goals caught the Holy Blues cold & unlike that remarkable Emirates FA Cup clash between the two sides, last season, Trinity couldn't recover.

Speaking of that FA Cup tie, it still sends goosebumps down the spine 3-0 down with half an hour to play. Forcing extra time, through that Will Lancaster goal. Falling behind again in Extra Time, only for Javelle Clarke to send the game to spot kicks… and that seesaw shootout, that was packed with drama. Finally settled thanks to Dylan Wharton’s heroics between the sticks & ice cold Jordan Helliwell sealing the win.

The last time Hednesford visited, for a game at the Northolme, you have to stretch back further, to a 0-0 draw. All the way back to April 2019 in fact. Off the bat, I remember Danny Racchi, Ant Wilson & a headband, Alice band or hair clip...

Match Information

This is a segregated fixture at the Kal Group Stadium, with Hednesford supporters allocated the away terrace. A number of seats will be made available for visiting supporters upon request. Tickets can be purchased on the gate, on match day. Priced at Adults £13, Concessions £9 & Under 16s £4. Matchday Programmes, priced at £2.50 will be available in both ends in the build up to kick off. Please support the printed programme & grab your copy. Limited numbers available - so don't miss out!

Match Sponsors

We extend a warm welcome to our Match Sponsors for the day. It's great to have you along with us for the day. We hope you enjoy your day with us & come 5pm, the result is the one we are all hoping for. Please welcome:

Gold Match Sponsors: Go Green
Silver Match Sponsors: Clean Tech UK
Bronze Match Sponsors: North End Garage, Marton

Elsewhere

A busy round of fixtures are scheduled in this weekend. And with the division being so incredibly tight throughout… I wouldn’t like to be trying to predict the outcome in all ten games. Why not reply to the post on Facebook with your predictions for this afternoon’s fixtures? Here they are, in full:

Hebburn Town vs Stocksbridge Park Steels
Hyde United vs Warrington Rylands
Ilkeston Town vs Leek Town
Lancaster City vs Ashton United
Morpeth Town vs Guiseley
Prescot Cables vs Workington
Rushall Olympic vs FC United of Manchester
Stockton Town vs Cleethorpes Town
Warrington Town vs Bamber Bridge

Whitby Town not in action this time out, due to the resignation of Widnes, in the Summer.

Preview written by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Images by Tommy Cox's Hednesford Town Album