Hednesford boss wants two quick wins

Hednesford boss Rob Smith has targeted back-to-back wins in the next two games to put the pressure on Evo-Stik Northern Premier League leaders Chester.

The second-placed Pitmen, along with the table-toppers, were ruled out of action due to the weather last week with Smith's men losing two games, against Northwich and Burscough.

But Chester still have two games in hand over their nearest rivals and the Hednesford boss is looking to close the gap as soon as possible.

North Ferriby United and Marine visit Keys Park on successive Saturdays, with United up first and three points separate the top two going into play.

The Pitmen could even get be aided by local rivals Stafford Rangers, who go to Chester this weekend, and Smith has urged his side to do their bit.

He said: "We have trained throughout the bad weather and it has been nice to get some time on the training pitch after so many games.

"Anyone can beat anyone in this league and North Ferriby will be a tough test, especially with Gary Bradshaw and Wayne Brooksby in their squad."

An extended stay playing back at Keys Park will be a welcome relief for Smith and his players, after five successive away games in January.

The Pitmen boss also has Jermaine Johnson and Michael Ricketts waiting on home debuts, after they started at FC United of Manchester.

Johnson had been playing full-time in the Welsh Premier League this season, for the New Saints, before his release at the end of next month.

And Smith has earmarked the former Stafford Rangers defender as a key member of the squad for the rest of the season.

He said: "With the signing of Jermaine to bolster our defence, I have every faith in my players.

"I am fully confident that my squad will be involved in the promotion shake up at the end of the season.

"We would have preferred to play straight after the FC United game to get back to winning ways, but we have the ability to beat any side on our day."