Hednesford have taken Sheffield United teenager Matthew Lawton on a ‘work experience’ loan to bolster their defence as they attempt to bounce back from successive defeats.
And the Pitmen, who travel to Gateshead tomorrow, have also been boosted by the availability of Rob Hawthorn, Alan Nagington and Sam Wood from injury as they seek to end a double surprise setback in the last six days.
Boss Phil Starbuck has added Lawton to his squad with Paul Robinson still a slight doubt with a knee ligament strain.
“Matthew is only 18, but they speak very highly of him at Sheffield United, so we aren’t doing ourselves any harm by having a look at him and it costs us nothing,” said Starbuck.
“He will sign forms to play in the Unibond because the boy needs games and we need to see him play.” Starbuck is anxious for Hednesford’s flowing football to start reaping its reward again.
“Against Ashton this week we lost 2-1 but it was the most embarrassingly one-sided game - it was unbelievable we didn’t win,” he said.
“We just have to be more ruthless in both penalty areas.”
Lawton trained last night along with Australian defender Danny Wells, who has just finished a trial with Walsall and has experience of playing in the A League down under.
Starbuck is also hopeful Robinson will be available after intensive physio last night.
“The physio dug his fingers in deep to break up scar tissue which made him sore, but he’s been running and worked hard and we’ll see how he is today,” said the boss.
“We’ve missed him really badly - after winning three and losing one which we shouldn’t have of our first four games, we’ve lost two in a row and conceded sloppy goals.”
Starbuck has warned his side getting back on track won’t be easy on Tyneside.
“It will be a tough game and we’ve got to go out and believe in our ability to get it right,” he said.
“They’re a good footballing team as well so it could boil down to who wants it the most.”
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