Hinckley AFC wrapped up their unbeaten pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw at fellow step six side Chelmsley Town.
After three straight wins over higher level opposition, AFC’s trip to Pack Meadow provided a different kind of test against an ever-resolute Chelmsley side.
The home side, staying in the Midland League Division One this season, started brightly and took the lead after just four minutes. Their forward latched onto a short backpass and calmly finished past Matt Hill.
But Hinckley quickly hit back. It was a scruffy goal, but after Lewis Padmore scuffed one and Lewis Rankin’s effort was tipped onto the bar, Tom Weale bundled home from close range.
Weale then stung the palms of the home ‘keeper before AFC took the lead on the stroke of half time. Good work by Isa Abraham in the build up set Padmore through, and he finished into the corner.
Again, though, the lead lasted barely five minutes of playing time. Shortly after the break, Chelmsley equalised again with a free header glanced inside the far corner.
Hinckley were then indebted to Nick Brandish’s goalline clearance while Rankin saw a fierce volley fly over.
But goalmouth action was few and far between after that, and with plenty of second half changes the game fizzled out into a draw.
It gives plenty of food for thought for AFC manager Courtney Belford ahead of next Tuesday’s season opener against Saffron Dynamo.
