Hinckley AFC moved up to third in the table as two second half goals broke down West Bridgford’s stubborn resistance at Kirkby Road.
Patience was the key for Hinckley. They weren’t at their best, especially in the first half as the well organised visitors frustrated them.
But once the deadlock was broken by Lewis Rankin, victory was never in doubt.
Kicking into a stiff breeze, AFC lacked fluency early on, and the first half hour was a drab affair with chances scarce.
But towards the break, Hinckley began to threaten. Their best move of the half released Jack Edwards on the left flank, his cross found Ryan Harkin whose low shot was well pushed aside for a corner by Archie Corrall. Moments later Edwards hit the bar and Ryan Slinn dragged the rebound narrowly wide but the half ended goalless.
With the wind at their backs in the second half, AFC upped the tempo and started to put the visitors under pressure. Lewis Rankin came off the bench and quickly became a key figure. His pass sent Harkin through on goal but keeper Corrall blocked well with his legs before the deadlock was broken just beyond the hour mark when Rankin’s 15 yard shot squirmed under Corrall into the net.
The goal was critical for as well as West Bridgford defended, they lacked a cutting edge in the final third and AFC’s defence never looked like being breached.
And after Corrall denied Rankin, the points were secured with ten minutes remaining. Hinckley broke quickly on their left, as referee Dominic Chambers played a good advantage after Isa Abraham was clattered. Mikkel Hirst raced down the flank and drilled in a low ball that was converted by Dom Alleyne.
Job done by Hinckley who return to winning ways after Saturday’s blip.
Hinckley: Matt Hill, Ben Whitehead, Mikkel Hirst, Jack Edwards, Luke Wilson, Ben Vallance, Drew Kear, Tom Weale, Ryan Harkin (Dom Alleyne 65), Ryan Slinn (Lewis Rankin 52), Isa Abraham (Lewis Padmore 81). Subs not used: Nick Brandish, Dan Hoskins
Goals: Lewis Rankin (61), Dom Alleyne (80)
West Bridgford: Archie Corrall, Lee Stevenson, Oliver Whaley, Kyle Wrenn (Imoleoluwa Adebyao 60), Connor Wrenn, Cole Maule, Ethan Knowles, Devontae Gibson (Thomas Benoke 86), Euan Sweeting, Josh Lawe (Zac Hill 75), Cameron Smith
Attendance: 193
