Underdogs hunt FA Cup reward

The Pitmen travel as underdogs to Southern Central leaders Kettering Town tomorrow for an FA Cup third qualifying round tie – with £15,000 on offer to the winners.

Rob Smith’s charges – who play at the same level – have had to regroup after being moved twice during the summer non-league restructure, but are three points off the Northern Premier play-off places heading back into Cup action.

“I would say we are probably the underdogs given their start to the season,” said Smith.

“But it’s Cup football, so league form goes out the window.

“We’ve been doing well on our travels, but we have been pretty inconsistent overall so we are trying to get on a run of games.

“There’s going to be a good atmosphere (at Kettering) – it’s a big game for both clubs.”

While Kettering have streaked to the top of their league with seven wins from eight matches, the inconsistent Pitmen have won as many as they have lost in the Northern Premier – though four of their five victories have come away from Keys Park.

And after being messed about through the summer – being switched to Southern Central then back again – Smith is happy how his much-changed squad have coped.

“Credit to the players, they have really knuckled down,” he said. “On our day we have a decent side and I know we are capable of getting a result (at Kettering).”

Hednesford travel with some availability issues – Charlie Gatter (ribs), Josh Craddock (hamstring), Jed Davies (suspended) and Sam Griffiths (hamstring) are all out. However, striker Lewis Archer is available. The 20-year-old was linked with a trial at Albion last month that was turned down because he is under contract at Hednesford.

“There hasn’t been any concrete interest at all,” added Smith. “Lewis is just stepping up to this level so he has a lot to work on.

“He just wants to keep on working hard and if he keeps on improving he can get to whatever level he belongs at.”