Express & Star

Pitmen keeping it tight on a decent run

Hednesford Town will continue to play a reserved style of football that is serving them well, according to manager Bernard McNally.

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The Pitmen go to Bradford Park Avenue tomorrow as 16th host 14th, after the former Albion man enjoyed his best week since his return to the club.

An encouraging point against Solihull Moors was followed up by a Staffs Senior Cup win over rivals Chasetown.

McNally, who is in charge in his second spell at Keys Park, claims a tinker with the side's set-up may have produced the promising form.

He said: "We played an intentionally tighter game. One part of that was to not let our full-backs bomb on and just letting the players in front of them create.

"We play with two up front and wingers. It's the old adage to let the forward players attack. It's working for us.

"The back five were magnificent in the week. In goal, Dan Crane made four tremendous saves to keep the clean sheet against Chasetown.

"That's two clean sheets in a row for us and if you're keeping clean sheets you've got half a chance."

McNally also noted that tomorrow's trip to the Horsfall Stadium, home of Park Avenue, is about as bog standard as it gets.

The Pitmen boss said: "It's widely known as not a very nice place to go. It's not the most enticing place to go to play a football match, but you have to deal with it."

Midfielder Tom Thorley is still six weeks away after knee surgery but has praised 36-year-old Andy Todd, who scored twice against Chasetown, as his replacement.

McNally said: "Andy has been tremendous. His enthusiasm is great and he's always put a shift in for me. He shows the youngsters exactly what's required."

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