Chasetown 2-2 Hinckley AFC

Four first half goals were equally shared between Hinckley AFC and Chasetown as Carl Abbott’s side rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw.

The real business starts on Saturday with a visit to Cadbury Athletic, but AFC equipped themselves well against a side from two levels higher in the non-league pyramid.

They went behind early on, but responded instantly through former Chasetown forward Marco Adaggio.

A frantic first half continued to present chances to both sides, and after Jamie Newton’s own goal gave Chasetown the lead for a second time, Luke Richards levelled again.

Fewer than three minutes were on the clock when The Scholars took the lead. Hinckley lost out on the corner on their own box, and after Alex Morris blocked a couple of shots, the rebound was converted by Quinn.

Hinckley were not to be deterred, though, and responded instantly. Simon Johnson slid a through ball to Adaggio, who took one touch and buried below the goalkeeper.

The clock read sixteen minutes when Chasetown took the lead for the second time, in bizarre circumstances as Newton headed Sullivan’s deep cross into his own net from inside the six yard box.

Hinckley still continued to threaten their higher level opposition, and deservedly equalised on 26 minutes. Neil MacKenzie’s fine cross field ball found Richards, who beat his man and lofted the ball home over the on rushing ‘keeper.

The second half was a goalless affair, but both sides came close to finding the net. For Chasetown, Quinn and a trialist both struck shot narrowly wide of Jack Hartopp’s goal, while at the other end Javia Roberts saw a shot tipped just over before Ryan Taylor’s powerful effort was well saved.

The winning goal was elusive, but Hinckley will be encouraged by their display ahead of Saturday’s trip to Cadbury.