Hednesford defender lands Blues trial

Hednesford defender Cheyenne Dunkley was today preparing to go on trial to Championship club Birmingham and figure for Blues in a reserve game.

Dunkley will train and play for their second-string in a fixture against Coventry next Tuesday night, with permission from the Pitmen.

The centre-back, who turned 20 last week, will be hoping for a second chance at pro football after he was released from Crewe in May 2010.

Along with midfielder Chris Clements, they found a home back at Keys Park after successful loan spells and have played at semi-pro level ever since.

Pedro Monteiro's departure to Hayes & Yeading last month saw Dunkley lead the Pitmen defence and boss Rob Smith would be loathe to lose him.

But all Smith can do is wait as his side prepare to head to Frickley on Saturday, where Dunkley could be involved ahead of his game with Blues.

And the manager wants to arrest a slide that has seen Hednesford win just two out of nine games this year, the latest a 1-1 draw with Marine.

He said: "Looking at the fixtures we have had, it's been a very difficult time, with the majority being away as well.

"I don't think its necessarily a dip in form, it has just been a hard time in terms of fixtures.

"This coincides with suspensions to key players and losing a couple of key members of the squad to other teams.

"'We have had an ambitious target all season and, if we achieve it, we will certainly make the play-offs.

"Realistically, we will need to win half of those games remaining, at least, and I am confident my players can do that."