Match Preview: Bardon Hill

Hinckley AFC will have the opportunity to win their first piece of silverware when they take on Bardon Hill at Holmes Park tomorrow night, kick off 7pm.

Carl Abbott’s side will aim to cap off a fine inaugural season by triumphing over the East Midland Counties League promotion chasers and lifting the Jelson Homes Senior Cup trophy ahead of their season finale against Southam United on Saturday.

But Bardon will provide a strong challenge to Hinckley’s 27 match unbeaten run – they are second in the East Midlands Counties League and will be crowned champions should they win their final game against Ellistown and Ibstock United on Friday evening.

Their main threat is likely to be Stephen Hart – he has scored 34 league goals this season and has been ably supported by 22-goal Richard Hanslow.

AFC will be buoyed by their guarantee of FA Cup football next season after their victory over Studley on Saturday secured fourth place in the Midland League First Division.

And Abbott is looking forward to the challenge of leading the team in it’s first cup final. He said: ‘It’s a massive game for the club.

‘There can be no guarantees – Bardon Hill are very good, I’ve been and watched them and they’re very lively and dangerous up top. We’ve got a game plan that we’ll look to execute to cater for their forwards, I’ll look for our midfield to control the game and we have a goal threat.

‘We’ll be at it and that fatigue that the lads are feeling right now; they won’t feel that on Tuesday. They’ll be firing, working on adrenaline and everyone will be doing everything that they can to secure the club’s first trophy. I fancy us to do it’

The game will be played at Leicestershire and Rutland FA Headquarters, Holmes Park, Dog and Gun Lane, Whetstone, LE8 6FA. Please note the early kick off time of 7pm.