DOM McHale says Hednesford have a ‘target on their back’ this season after he sealed an opening day win.
The big spending Pitmen are newly-promoted to the Northern Premier League.
And they announced their arrival with a 1-0 win at Hebburn.
McHale grabbed the only goal five minutes into the second half.
But he says this season will not be plain sailing for Hednesford.
He told the club’s official YouTube channel: “Scoring the first goal and it ended up being the winner, it was a great feeling.
“It’s massive because we’ve got a big target on our back.
“Everyone’s coming out saying we’re favourites and it’s not like that.
“This league’s really tough. There are some really big teams in here, but winning the first game of the season is huge, it gets you going.
“Thanks to the supporters who came all the way up there, iut really pushes you on. Hopefully they stick by us for the rest of the season.”
Pitmen No2 Lee Vaughan said things went to plan in the North East.
He added: “We pride ourselves on clean sheets. And we know we had the quality to win the game So yeah, the boss will be able to move just like me.
“It was a long way to come for the fans,and they come in their numbers. We could hear them. It doesn’t surprise me anymore.
“I think they’ve started to believe in us and know that we can get results.”
The Pitmen are back in action on Tuesday night against Warrington – and will play on their new pitch at Keys Park.
Vaughan added: “The owners have worked fantastically to get us the best pitch in the division. I can’t wait, but it’ll be another very tough game.”
