Non-league preview: Hednesford targeting three wins in a row after derby delight

The Pitmen enjoyed a 3-0 win away at local rivals Chasetown on New Year’s Day, adding to their Boxing Day victory over Stafford Rangers.

The win saw Hednesford to two points from the Northern One West play-offs and three points behind their opponents tomorrow, Nantwich Town.

Expecting another tough test at Keys Park, assistant manager, and former Kidderminster Harriers and AFC Telford star, Lee Vaughan is hoping for a repeat performance from his Pitmen who he says are buying into what he and manager Gavin Hurren want to implement. 

Asked if another win would be the best late festive present, he said: “It would be the perfect Christmas period.

“When we came in we said that we were looking for consistency. Early in our first games we had the 8-1 win and then went and lost to Bootle. 

“That is where we were at, we had a fantastic performance when things went well for us but when they didn’t it was like the end of the world.

“It’s a mentality thing, a culture thing that we are trying to change. We came into the building and players were offered blankets on the bench, and that summed up where we were at as a football club.

“Now, we are starting to trust the players to grind out performances and wear the badge with pride. 

“So as much as we are trying to get things right on the field it’s about off it too and culturally and having good people around us, which for us is very important.”

Vaughan also thanked Hednesford supporters for their “remarkable” support in both derby games.

And, the assistant manager is confident his team has what it takes to secure a play-off spot - or better - this season. 

“We are not looking too much at the league because we know if we get the performances right then results will follow and we will be there or about at the end of the season,” he added.

“We know we are not a million miles away, so it is pleasing on that aspect. 

“We will have to be competitive against Nantwich and stand up to what they throw at us and then our quality will shine through which is what has happened in the last two games.

“We have stood up and had to fight and battle, that is what you have to do in this division.

“We are expecting nothing less than that on Saturday.”

Elsewhere, Chasetown will look to bounce back from the defeat to Hednesford at high-flying Congleton Town while strugglers Stafford Rangers visit Newcastle Town after a 2-1 victory over Hanley Town that lifted them to two points from safety.

Loanees from Hednesford Zidan Sutherland and Abdulrasaq Alamu-Tajudeen netted Stafford’s goals, guiding Dale Belford’s side to their first victory after three losses in a row.

And, in the Northern One Midlands, fifth-placed Sporting Khalsa host Lye Town while play-off chasing Darlaston Town go to Worcester City.