Hinckley AFC came from behind to win for the second time this season in a 2-1 success at Chelmsley Town.
Like their previous win at Nuneaton Griff, Hinckley found themselves behind at Chelmsley as Harry Sweeney gave the hosts a first half lead.
But Hinckley hit back through Josh Spencer’s debut goal, and were then indebted to Adam Harrison’s penalty save that ensured Louis Hamilton’s goal earned all three points.
James Jepson made four changes to the side that drew with Heather St John’s on Monday. Spencer, finally with international clearance and league registration approved, made his debut at centre back while Richard Hanslow also debuted up front. Hamilton and Sam Belcher came back in.
Assistant manager John Ramshaw felt the 3G pitch would suit the way his side played, but in truth they struggled to get going during the first half and the sides cancelled each other out for much of the half.
Goalmouth action was sparse, at least until Hinckley fell behind shortly before the interval. The defence didn’t deal with a cross from the right, which ran all the way through to Sweeney who fired home at the far post.
It meant Hinckley had an uphill battle after the break, but they hit back straight away and were level within a minute.
Half time substitute Matt Antcliff did well to earn his side a corner, from which Tom Maddison’s delivery was side-footed home by Spencer.
That gave the visitors the boost they needed, and Antcliff continued to pose a threat. Jepson’s men came within inches of taking the lead shortly afterwards, when Hamilton crashed an effort off the bar.
But Chelmsley still posed a threat, and they had the chance to restore their lead from the spot just after the hour. The referee pointed to the spot after a trip in the box, but Harrison guessed the right way from the penalty, diving away to his right to parry away Chris Gumery’s spot kick.
AFC broke immediately, and James Kelly had to be alert to deny Antcliff twice, a fine save at his near post and another from the rebound.
And that penalty save proved crucial from the resulting corner. Maddison’s set piece was only cleared to Hamilton, who bent a fine strike into the top corner from 20 yards to leave James Kelly with no chance.
That earned Hinckley all three points and, despite not being at their best, they remain unbeaten ahead of next week’s home game against Heath Hayes.
Chelmsley: James Kelly, Jordan Hall (Jamie Barrett 88), Harry Sweeney, Steve Sadler, Danny Brain, Richard Learnihan, Karl Douglas, Adam Keeley, Chris Gumery, Dominic Oliver (Sam Hulme 78), Danny Charlton (Kaine Williams 76). Subs not used: Jordan Wade, Peter Maguire
Goal: Harry Sweeney (41)
Hinckley: Adam Harrison, Kieran Harrison, Chris Hollist, Mahmoud Juma (Matt Antcliff 46), Josh Spencer, Jason Lee, Louis Hamilton, Sam Belcher, Jean Dakouri, Richard Hanslow (Nkosi Mzungwana 65), Tom Maddison. Subs not used: Steve Chaplin, Mussa Yussuf, James Jepson
Goals: Josh Spencer (46), Louis Hamilton (63)
Attendance: 107
