To mark Hinckley AFC’s century of wins, we’re taking a look back at some of our favourites from the last three seasons plus one match.
Following on from yesterday, the second part of our ‘century of wins’ feature looks at the most memorable between 51 and 100…
Win 61: Leicester Road (a) – 26th April 2016
Coming into the game off the back of a heavy defeat, AFC went into the final week of the season looking to put that to the back of their minds and finish on a high. They certainly did that. Seal bundled home in the first half to put AFC ahead, and although the hosts equalised with 12 minutes left, a handball in the box allowed Seal the chance to win it from the spot. He put the penalty into the corner to spark jubilation on the terraces.
Win 63: Oakham United – 3rd May 2016
Hinckley’s second straight Jelson Homes Senior Cup final, but one they hoped would produce a different result to the defeat against Bardon Hill twelve months earlier. Seal’s hat-trick was the backbone of a five-start final performance, with Isaac Cooper and Javia Roberts also finding the net to ensure AFC lifted their first piece of silverware. The highlights are on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/lzlnGWWdsEs.
Win 72: Wolves Sporting (h) – 22nd October 2016
You may have noticed that the FA Cup featured heavily in yesterday’s look back at wins 1-50. You may also notice that the FA Vase features similarly in today’s! The tie had a big game feel before kick off, with the two sides unbeaten in 25 games combined. Haydn Whitcombe saved a penalty but was powerless to stop Wolves taking the lead shortly after. The thrilling first half saw the woodwork struck five times but Agar equalised to take the tie to extra time. Paul Sullivan put Hinckley ahead, but AFc were indebted to Mark Williams’ fabulous goalline clearance in the last minute which allowed Agar to break and add a third to secure progression (above)
Win 79: Quorn (h) – 3rd December 2016
After the wins over Holbrook Sports, Greenwood Meadows, Wolves Sporting and Paget Rangers, a Leicestershire derby was next up against Quorn – a game remembered for Kristian Ramsey-Dickson’s extra time header that won it for Hinckley. Earlier, Peter Williams looked to have scored the only goal in normal time but Jack Farmer’s own goal took the tie to extra time.
Win 82: Leicester Road (h) – 26th December 2016
A win that gave us one of the club’s most iconic photos from Matt Buchan. The game itself was nothing to write home about, with chances few and far between in the first half. Andy Westwood’s precise finish put AFC on course for victory before Luke Richards slotted home late on to secure it, leading to the above celebration. You can re-live the best of the action at https://youtu.be/S9mZnFLY5u4
Win 84: Berkhamsted (h) – 7th January 2017
Our first game against a side from outside the Midlands was one to remember. Berkhamsted had reached the last 16 of the Vase the season before and were going for the same again until they were shellshocked by a rapid Hinckley start. Lee Butler’s postage stamp free kick was followed up by a Richards brace to put AFC three up after just nine minutes (above). Roberts and Seal secured progression in the second half, with the highlights available at https://youtu.be/bgeOWbbu6L8
Win 100: Worksop Town (a) – 5th August 2017
There aren’t too many better ways to kick off the 2017-18 season than with an FA Cup win away at a higher level side in front of more than 400 people. Sean Williams gave AFC a first half lead, and although Worksop equalised early in the second half, Isaac Cooper’s late strike secured progression. Hinckley face a Leicestershire derby against Aylestone Park at St John’s Park in the next round in ten days’ time.
