Hinckley AFC’s pre-season campaign ended with a 3-1 defeat to Barwell at the Welfare Ground.
On a wet evening in Ibstock, it was a good workout for Hinckley and a competitive game in which Barwell took the spoils.
The visitors took the lead early when Alex Tomkinson’s free kick went through the wall and was deflected past the wrong-footed Zack Stretton.
And they doubled their lead when Jake Whitmore’s cross from the right was flicked home neatly at the near post by Sam Hollis.
But Hinckley hit back just before the break, when good work by Mark Williams allowed Ryan Ball to spread the play and find Jake Healy, who drove home from the edge of the box.
The second half was played at a quick pace, with both sides threatening. Both sides missed good chances when Brady Hickey put a rebound wide from six yards, while Alex Lock blazed over for Hinckley after a good move down the right.
Jamie Towers scored the only goal of the half to make it 3-1 to Barwell, when he calmly slotted home after a shot was deflected into his path.
Hinckley nearly had the last laugh when Lewis Commins’ brave header was cleared off the line, as Courtney Belford’s side now turn their attention to the season proper with the visit of Heath Hayes on Saturday.
