Non-league preview: Kelvin Davis explains what Hednesford Town award really represents

Kelvin Davis believes winning National League North manager of the month for October “shines a light” on the collective effort behind Hednesford Town’s recent impressive run.

Hednesford collected five wins from six games last month to climb from 15th to seventh, and have registered a further two wins in November to move up to fifth.

Davis said: “It shines a light on where we are at the minute. It’s a great opportunity to look back over the past month and as a group, both players and staff, to realise that we’ve reaped some reward this month with all of our hard work.

“It’s an individual accolade, but I’m definitely one of the guys who doesn’t see that as all of my hard work. It’s been a real big effort from the whole group and it’s nice to receive and share it with the staff, players and the owner.”

The Pitmen will turn their attentions to the FA Trophy when they host National League South outfit Hemel Hempstead in the second round on Saturday.

Xander Parke, Omari Sterling-James and Lenni Cirino will be away on international duty this weekend, but Davis trusts that the depth of his squad will come to the fore.

“We’re in a sticky spot at the minute because we’ve got a couple of lads away on international duty and more than enough injuries.

“So we are stretched for the weekend, but we go into the game with a good training week and understanding that we can rotate in a couple of positions.

“But ultimately the guys that will come in will have an opportunity to stake a claim and to contribute.

“Having that competition and belief that you’re helping and contributing is a big part of why we are where we are, and for the feel-good factor.”

Fresh from stunning League One side Doncaster Rovers with a 3-0 victory in the FA Cup, Kidderminster Harriers will be looking to get back on track in the National League when they welcome Halifax Town to Aggborough.

Kidderminster are winless in eight league games, drawing four and losing four, which has left them in 13th-place, while opponents Halifax sit three places and three points above them.

A four-match winless run (three losses, one draw) has seen Rushall Olympic fall out of the play-off places, but they will be aiming to issue a response at Bury Town in the Southern Premier Central.

Halesowen Town will be in FA Trophy action at home against Redditch United, after cruising to a 4-0 success at Evesham United in the previous round.

Stourbridge travel to King’s Lynn Town in the second round following back-to-back league defeats.

Stafford Rangers came to within a penalty shoot-out defeat away from pulling off a major upset against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup first round last weekend.

They return to league action on Saturday sitting third in the Northern One West, as they prepare for the visit of Clitheroe.

Elsewhere, strugglers Chasetown play host to Wythenshawe and Lichfield City travel to Runcorn Linnets.