A festive local derby against Nuneaton Griff awaits Hinckley AFC in their final match of 2022 on Tuesday night.
In their 49th competitive game of the calendar year, Hinckley will be hoping to end 2022 with their 34th win when Nuneaton Griff make the short journey down the A5.
AFC fell to a first defeat in six games last time out at home to Coton Green, missing the chance to be third in the league at Christmas.
But they still occupy the final play-off spot with Griff, managed by former Hinckley favourite Sam Belcher, one of the sides chasing them down. They sit seventh, seven points behind AFC with a game in hand, and have the third-best defensive record in the league.
And manager Joe Conneely knows the challenge that awaits his side. He said: “Sam Belcher has done an unbelievable job there.
“It’s no surprise to me where they are in the league because they’re really difficult to beat, especially at home. They work really hard for each other, with a good and honest group of lads.
“The game at home will hopefully be a different type of game than it was away, where they stopped us playing on a very difficult pitch in a game without too many chances.”
That game ended goalless back in September and was one of a number of clean sheets Griff have kept this season.
And given the close proximity of the sides geographically, it’s unsurprising the number of players who have featured for both sides.
AFC’s Lewis Collins, Harry Walker-Donovan, Adam Barber, Lewis Padmore, Ryan Slinn, and Fortune Sibanda have all pulled on the blue and white of Nuneaton – while the visitors have former Hinckley players Scott Smith and Liam Cross, as well as Belcher, in their ranks. AFC assistant manager Courtney Belford has also managed both clubs.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under 16s: £2 (FREE with HAFC Junior membership card)
