Hednesford duo are Pitmen star men

Hednesford duo Cheyenne Dunkley and Chris Clements have confirmed their status as the Pitmen's star men after picking up two of the division's awards.

The talented pair go into Saturday's visit of Nantwich to Keys Park basking in the glory of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's annual event.

Defender Dunkley, who was on trial at Championship club Birmingham in January, picked up the Facebook Fans Player of the Year award.

Midfielder Clements, the club's top scorer with 13 goals, took home the league's Young Player of the Year award.

The 22-year-old and his 20-year-old team-mate have found a home to Keys Park, after falling out of the pro game upon leaving Crewe in 2010.

They had previously enjoyed fruitful loan spells with the Pitmen and, it appears, are their first port of call while they are part-time footballers.

And Hednesford manager Rob Smith has expressed his pride that the impact of his top two hasn't gone un-noticed by the league.

He said: "I was a proud man on Sunday to see two of our players in the 'Team of the Year' and watch them collect two major awards.

"It shows what we have done has got recognition and the two lads thoroughly deserve it."

His pride replaced the anger of a 5-1 defeat at Chorley last Saturday, which dumped them out of the play-off places for the first time since September.

Nantwich is followed by another home game against Kendal next Saturday and a West Midlands derby at Chasetown on Easter Monday.

Smith said: "With regards to the Chorley game, I thought, in general play, it was even.

"The difference was clear for all to see, though, as Chorley were ruthless. We weren't and haven't been for a while now.

"In some ways the pressure is off us now, we know we have to win five out of our last six games.

"I can assure all of our supporters that we will be giving it our all and will go all out to win."

That said, the team's inconsistent form has done nothing to dampen the enthusiasm for events off the pitch.

Keys Park will be hosting two big events taking place in the next few weeks, starting with a casino night in the Chase Suite on Saturday.

Entrance to the event is £10 and includes a buffet meal and £10,000 of game money for the evening. Dress code is smart casual.

Then, the first two weeks of April will see the return of Soccer Schools, run by the club's community co-ordinator Michael McMahon.

McMahon's first Soccer School in February went well despite bad weather and there will be another two-week session during the Easter break.

Prices are the same as the previous course at £40 per week or £10 per day. For more information, call 07881 458 827.

Tickets for the casino night are available by contacting the club on 01543 422 870.