New coach and stopper for Pitmen

Hednesford Town will have new coach Steve Pope on the touchline and new signing Asa Charlton in defence as they entertain Matlock Town.

Steve Pope is joining as coach, after leaving Colwyn Bay where he was playe/ manager. A former Kidderminster and Halesowen defender, he is currently unable to play as he is recovering from a serious injury.

He takes over from Mick Bayley, who has left the Pitmen to take up a two-year contract in Dubai.

The Pitmen have also signed former Mansfield Town left-back Charlton from AFC Telford.

Charlton, aged 31, has also played for Stourbridge and Shifnal Town. The 31-year-old will go straight into the squad for the match.

There will also be a new goalkeeper in the team, with first choice Stuart Brock is sidelined with a groin injury.

Boss Dean Edwards is hoping his side can get back to winning ways, after throwing away the lead in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Cammell Laird.

He said: "We just can't seem to hold on to a lead which is something we have got to work on. All we had to do was keep the ball in the corner but one of our players decided he wanted to try and play like David Beckham - and gave it to one of their players.

"We are playing well in patches but we have got to try and sustain it for 90 minutes."