'It would mean a lot' - Gavin Hurren's Hednesford aim for more FA Cup magic
Gavin Hurren says it would "mean a lot" to lead his Hednesford Town on a memorable FA Cup run.
The Pitmen visit Coleshill Town tomorrow - now managed by former Hednesford boss Harry Harris - looking to advance into the third qualifying round.
Prior to Hurren's appointment last year, Hednesford enjoyed a run to the first round of the prestigious competition - their best in 11 years.
But, after blowing a three goal lead inside half-an-hour, and then losing an extra-time advantage, they were knocked out on penalties.
Asked what it would mean to lead Hednesford on another run to the first round, boss Hurren said: "It would mean a lot.
"I have got a job to do within the league and to help build the football club to where the chairman wants it to be.
"It’s a lot deeper than just winning a game in the FA Cup, there is a lot that needs to be done. But, yes, this would mean a lot, but just leading the club out, I take immense pride in that.
"As a club, we have just got to keep building and progressing on and off the field, and something like an FA Cup run will help that.
"Last year, and in the past, we have had some fantastic FA Cup runs. It is the most historic and best football competition around.
"We are going to a club with a lot of players who are ex-Hednesford. It’s going to be a good day for the neutral and no doubt we will be taking big numbers.
"Hopefully we can succeed and get through."
The Pitmen overcame Basford United to reach this stage, and enter tomorrow's clash in good spirits following a dramatic comeback win against Ilkeston Town midweek, in the Northern Premier.
Dan Turner and Dom McHale netted stoppage time goals to earn the three points in front of more than 1,400 supporters at Keys Park.
"It was a feeling that nothing else can give you," said Hurren on Tuesday's dramatic finale.
"It wasn’t the prettiest game on the eye. We set up a bit differently, with a bit more physicality, and eventually the game plan came good.
"We have played a lot better in games and better football, but haven’t come away with three points. We are carrying a few niggles, there have been a few illnesses, and we had to adapt.
"I was really pleased with the boys with the character, and their will to carry on to the very end. It’s very easy to say we will fight to the final whistle, but when the boys are doing and showing it, you have to take your hat off to them.
"In the past two games, they haven’t known when they are beat."
Elsewhere, league rivals Rushall Olympic visit Gainsborough Trinity - who knocked out Hednesford in the first round last season.
Like Hednesford, Rushall enjoyed a run to the first round last year where they were beaten by Accrington Stanley.
Halesowen Town will look to bounce back from midweek defeat to Alvechurch at Grimsby Borough while Stourbridge travel to Sutton Coldfield Town.
And Kidderminster Harriers visit National League North rivals AFC Telford United. Harriers crashed out of the cup at the fourth qualifying round stage last season.
