Hinckley AFC will hope to bounce back from last week’s defeat and continue their 100% home record this season when Paget Rangers visit the Welfare Ground.
Courtney Belford’s men suffered their first defeat of the new season late on at Stafford Town last week, to end their perfect record in Division One.
But the former Nuneaton Griff boss wants a reaction when his side welcome Paget this afternoon.
He said: “Though it’s always disappointing when you lose, it was doubly disappointing to lose to two late goals. Truth be told, we looked a bit leggy in the second half, and although we had a few missing that’s never an excuse and we still should have had enough to win the game.
“We now need to turn that into a blessing in disguise in a double header against Paget and Chelmsley, and use that to spur us on to better things. As long as we learn from these mistakes we’ll move forward.”
He says his side have made the most of having a midweek without a game, and after a good session on Tuesday is raring to get back on the pitch.
“August is a month where things come thick and fast and you don’t often have a full squad with lads on holiday or with niggles.
“We need to take as many points as we can from these next four games, as well as the FA Vase at the end of the month which is hugely important for us, and be in a really strong position come September.”
AFC could welcome back Jake Healy from injury for the visit of the Bears, who have started well in front of goal netting eight times already.
But they have won just once, and after a 5-1 opening day win they have suffered back-to-back defeats against GNP Sports and Uttoxeter Town.
Belford says they’re a dangerous side.
“We know they will be well up for this and they’re an exciting side who have scored a lot of goals to start the season.
“They’ll come here thinking they can beat us and that’s what we’ve got to be prepared for.”
The Bears won both meetings between the sides last season, including a 3-1 success at the Welfare Ground in April.
But Hinckley are after a third straight home win and a return to winning ways this afternoon.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under 16s: £2 (FREE with HAFC Junior membership card)
