Manager Joe Conneely said Hinckley AFC’s win at Bilston Town this weekend is “right up there” among the best of the season.
Hinckley put a run of defeats behind them with a confident display at Queen Street as three first-half goals earned them a 3-0 win.
It also saw AFC keep a first clean sheet since September against a side who started the day as the league’s second-highest scorers, and sitting second in the table.
Conneely said the manner of the win, and the reaction from recent defeats, makes it one of the best wins of the campaign so far.
He said: “It would have to be up there. When you’re at a big club, it’s unusual to lose four on the bounce.
“We couldn’t afford to lose (at Bilston) and the reaction was superb. It was a good performance. Bilston had a spell for ten minutes in each half but we managed to get through them without looking under threat.
“To kill the game before half time, then it was all about managing the second half. They barely had a chance.
“I’m really pleased, that was a big win against a team who will be up and around it towards the end of the season.”
Having hit the woodwork seven times in their last three matches, the manager was pleased with Hinckley’s finishing when the chances came.
It also saw a first clean sheet since September as Conneely said a tactical shift saw them look more balanced.
“We were clinical in both boxes. That was our instruction before the game and we’ve managed to do that. We changed it up a bit and we wanted a bit more pace at the back. That protected us a bit more.
“They score a lot of goals but we know they concede a lot too so we knew they’d be expansive. Lewis and Tom worked well together, they caused problems all day. We knew if we could cope with their attacking play then we’d be able to create chances.
“This was about managing the game and it’s a good win against a team who aren’t second for no reason.”
The win was Courtney Belford’s first victory back at the club since re-joining as assistant manager.
He admitted the heavy pitch dictated the way they had to play and praised how they adapted to the conditions.
“We said to strip it back a bit. It wasn’t the best pitch so we had to go a bit of a different way and we deserved the win. If you work that hard, nine times out of ten you get on the right end of results.
“They’re a great group of lads, I’ve really enjoyed their company early doors and it’s fantastic to be back. I’m enjoying it.”
