Hednesford Town hoping to reach FA Cup second round for the first time in 25 years
There is a buzz at Hednesford Town as they seek to reach the FA Cup second round for the first time in more than 25 years.
The Pitmen remain the lowest-ranked team in the competition and welcome Gainsborough Trinity of the Northern Premier League to Keys Park tomorrow. Steve King’s side dramatically saw off Gateshead of the National League via a replay to reach the first round for the first time in 11 years.
The last time Hednesford appeared in the second round was during the 1998/99 season where they were beaten by Cardiff City. And, after playing in each round of the competition this year, the club don’t want their run to end here.
Operations manager Jack Bevan said: “The town is alive with football fever and it's something that as a club we are very proud of.
“To get to the first round proper is a staggering achievement, especially when you factor in that we started our FA Cup campaign back on August 3 and have played nine games to get here. It really hammers home what great run its been.
“We are also the top scorers in the whole competition with 22 goals and with an expected attendance of 3,000 plus we are incredibly excited to get to kick-off and cheer the boys on to hopefully another historic victory.
“Gainsborough will feel the same, they are the bookies' favourites and rightfully so, as they are the league above and have had some stand out results themselves including beating Boston Utd 4-0 in the last round.
“I myself am a traditionalist who revels in football of bygone eras so this FA Cup run is personally very special to me, my uncle Steve Essex was part of the 1997 side that faced Middlesbrough in the first round so it feels fitting that we are here again trying to create history for our proud football club.”
The operations manager has been busy this week as Football Focus and BBC Breakfast have shone a light on the side.
However, despite their FA Cup success, the Pitmen have won just once in their last seven Northern One West games, and were beaten in the 89th-minute by Atherton Collieries last Tuesday.
Elsewhere, in Northern One West, Stafford Rangers welcome Wythenshawe Town while Chasetown visit Runcorn Linnets.
In the Northern One West, fourth-placed Darlaston Town go to Wellingborough Town, Sporting Khalsa travel to Coventry Sphinx, and Lye Town entertain Rugby Town.
Walsall Wood were due to face AFC Rushden and Diamonds, however have withdrawn from the league this week amid troubles off the pitch.
