Match Preview: Southam United (a)

Hinckley AFC’s first league fixture awaits as Carl Abbott’s side face a trip to Southam United tomorrow, kick off 3pm.
After a ‘testing’ pre-season, Abbott hopes that the experiences his side gained facing higher level opposition will hold them in good stead going into the league campaign. He said: ‘I’m very much looking forward to Saturday’s game, and settling back into our own level.
‘During a very testing pre-season, I felt we equipped ourselves well against sides from higher levels, and we have shown the ability we have in our squad.
‘We have also been punished for every mistake, and whilst we have looked exposed defensively at times I don’t expect this to be as prevalent competing back at step six.’
However, Abbott expects the attacking forces within his squad to be more powerful in the Midland League First Division.
‘I also expect us to be twice as devastating in our attacking scenarios. I hope we will be able to find the right balance to allow for a successful season in what promises to be a tightly contested division.’
Abbott finds himself stretched in the goalkeeping department, though, after injuries sustained in pre-season. ‘We lost a second goalkeeper of pre-season in the game against AFC Rushden and Diamonds, when Ben Astley sustained a horrific shin injury.
‘Matty Martin is still a couple of weeks away from being able to return from his concussion, and Steve Taylor is unavailable through work. We now have to work to draft in some more cover.
‘Up front, Marco Adaggio is still in Australia, and will be until the end of the month, but James Bennett-Tindall returns to the squad after missing out on Wednesday.’
Southam play at Banbury Road, Southam, Warwickshire, CV47 2BJ. The ground is on the main road, the A423 Banbury Road.
Adults: £5
Concessions: £1