Hinckley AFC manager Courtney Belford called their 18-0 win over St Martins “a freak result” and doesn’t think he’ll ever see a game like it again.
AFC set a new FA Vase record with the victory that also set a new club record win.
And Belford said his players did exactly what was asked of them.
He said: “They’re going through a bit of turmoil but we drilled home that we needed a professional performance. From minute one to 90 they gave exactly that.
“They never let up, which is exactly what I asked of them. Once we got to ten we knew the existing club record was 13, so to break that was great.
“You’re never going to get that scoreline again, it was a total one-off but we’re in the next round and that’s all we wanted.”
Belford admitted his side weren’t at their best for a spell before half time, despite already leading by seven at the break.
So what did he say to his players at half time with the game already won?
“Towards the end of the half lads should be squaring but instead were shooting from angles they wouldn’t normally.
“We said at half time that we needed to be more ruthless. We said to get as many bodies forward as possible. Drew Kear was unbelievable and probably got nine or ten assists.
“We were much more ruthless in the second half and it’s really pleasing.”
Meanwhile captain for the day Jack Edwards said the clean sheet was as nice for the team as the glut of goals at the other end.
Edwards wore the armband for the first time in the record-breaking win, leading the side out despite his teenage years himself.
Edwards admitted those sorts of games aren’t easy from a human perspective – but was proud of the side’s clinical finishing in front of goal.
He said: “It was hard for the lads to not think of the other team, but you’ve got to win and be ruthless in these games.
“It’s good to lead into the next game with a win like this. It’s a nice day out for the lads too and we’re already looking forward to the next round.
“In those games, you don’t want it to be 18-1. It takes the shine off the result a bit. It’s not easy to keep going to the very end but you don’t want that level to drop. They had a few chances but we closed them down early so it was a good day.”
Hinckley’s last ten goals in the match were all scored by teenagers. Joel Heeley and Kai Gibbs helped themselves to four each, while Ben Whitehead notched his first for the club and Edwards also got on the scoresheet.
“It’s good for the young lads to get goals under their belt at this level, and it’s all confidence for the next one.
“I just got the ball and shot to be honest! But it’s nice to get another one to the tally.”
