Romulus 2-1 Hinckley AFC
Romulus scored a goal at either end of the match to consign Hinckley AFC to a pre-season defeat at Coles Lane.
Joel Grandison opened the scoring for the Roms before a minute of the match had been played, and after Marco Adaggio’s penalty levelled affairs in the second half, Liam Holt’s free kick with two minutes to go gave Romulus the win.
But Hinckley acquitted themselves well against a side from two levels higher in the football pyramid, and will take positives from their fourth pre-season outing.
Grandison opened the scoring within sixty seconds, striking past Hinckley ‘keeper Jack Hartopp before many spectators had taken their places on the terraces.
Not to be deterred by the early setback, Hinckley were on the front foot for large spells of the half, and came close to levelling when Jacob Snape hit the post. They also felt that they should have had a penalty for a challenge on Justin Nisbett.
The referee didn’t point to the spot on that occasion, but did ten minutes into the second half when Adaggio was hauled down. The striker dusted himself down and converted the spot kick by firing into the top corner.
The equalising goal seemed to give AFC confidence, and they went close to taking the lead when Nathan Walker’s free kick flew narrowly over the bar.
The Roms took the lead for the second time in the match late on, when Holt curled a fine free kick home from 25 yards, and Hinckley had no time to respond.