A clinical hat-trick from Sam Agar helped Hinckley AFC win their fifth game on the bounce with a 4-1 success over Bolehall Swifts.
On a wet afternoon at St John’s Park, a dominant first half put Carl Abbott’s side three goals to the good by the break courtesy of Agar and Ryan Seal, and well on the way to all three points.
Hinckley’s second half showing was more nervy, especially after Dave Yonwin pulled one back for the visitors, but Agar completed his first treble of the season late on as Hinckley comfortably extended their unbeaten run.
Abbott made three changes to the side that beat Greenwood Meadows in the FA Vase last week. Both full backs were changed with James Williams and Isaac Cooper coming into the side, while Paul Sullivan replaced Sean Williams up front.
The damp conditions didn’t make for a purist’s game, but Hinckley moved the ball well in the first half and went ahead shortly after the quarter hour mark. Seal’s fine cross picked out Agar at the far post, who skipped past a challenge and buried into the net to give his side the lead.
At the other end, Benn Minshull had a shot deflected wide and Cameron Knight fired narrowly over as Bolehall sought an equaliser.
With the game approaching the interval, it looked as though Hinckley would take a slender advantage into the dressing rooms but two goals on the stroke of half time made it more comfortable.
First, unselfish play from Sullivan saw him square for Seal, who became the first player to reach 50 goals for the club with one of the easiest of his half century – a simple finish from inside the six yard box.
And not long afterwards, substitute Peter Williams picked the ball up inside his own half from a Bolehall corner and broke at pace, setting up Agar for his second of the afternoon and Hinckley’s third.
At this point, Hinckley looked to be well on the way to all three points but they were made to work for them after the break, especially after Yonwin pulled one back for Bolehall from close range after Jordan Francis’ good work down the right.
Hinckley still had chances after the break despite not being at their best, and visiting ‘keeper Tom McNulty had to tip a long range effort around the post, before Sullivan had an effort cleared off the line.
For Bolehall, Yonwin volleyed Chris Sockett’s lofted ball narrowly wide, and then headed Knight’s cross over the bar as Bolehall looked to make the closing stages nervous for the hosts.
But the visitors couldn’t take advantage, and after Agar was denied a third goal by a goalline clearance, he did complete his hat-trick late on by stroking home after more good work from Williams.
That extends Hinckley’s unbeaten run to seven games, and Abbott’s rampant men have now scored 27 goals in their last seven games as they take a Saturday off next weekend.
Hinckley: Haydn Whitcombe, James Williams, Isaac Cooper, Mike Harvey, Jamal Clarke, Mark Williams, Lee Butler, Ryan Seal, Sam Agar, Paul Sullivan, Darious Darkin (Peter Williams 13). Subs not used: Lewis Riley, Kian Jackson, Lee Thomas
Goals: Sam Agar (16, 45, 88), Ryan Seal (42)
Bolehall: Tom McNulty, Cameron Knight, Kyle Bache, Joe Obi, Chris Sockett, Benn Minshull, Jordan Francis, Liam Rowley, Dave Yonwin, Ryan Ball, Chris Cowley. Substitutes: Keegan Butler, Tom Howard, Tom Lapworth, Craig Haywood, Lee Waters
Goal: Dave Yonwin (50)
Attendance: 135
