Hinckley AFC and Droitwich Spa face off in a Bank Holiday play-off semi-final on Monday afternoon for the right to contest next week’s final.
Both sides come into the back of similar runs in the last couple of months – long unbeaten stretches ended with away defeats on 22nd April.
Droitwich were unbeaten in ten league games until losing their final game of the regular season to Cradley Town, while AFC were 14 without defeat until losing to Coventry Copsewood on the same day.
The game also sees the meeting of the league’s two best-supported sides and manager Joe Conneely wants a bumper crowd at Kirkby Road to savour the occasion.
Last season’s semi-final against Hucknall Town drew an attendance of 502, and the manager wants to better that.
“This game definitely has the potential to get 500+ fans watching on. With it being a Bank Holiday afternoon, people will be off work and hopefully will be able to come down and support the boys.
“Droitwich will probably bring a few with them as well and it’s all set up for a great occasion.
“It will be a really difficult game. Droitwich are a bit like ourselves – they score plenty and are good attacking side. But it’s one we’re looking forward to and we have to back ourselves.”
You can read more from the manager in the matchday programme, available for £1.50 from just inside the turnstiles.
The two regular-season games between the sides were evenly split – a win each and four goals each across the two matches.
Hinckley won 4-2 at Kirkby Road, while Droitwich won the reverse fixture 2-0. James Lemon netted in both fixtures for Spa and is their leading scorer with 24, while Connor Collins has 20.
Hinckley, meanwhile, are hopeful over the fitness of leading scorer Chandler Pegg who hasn’t played since 15th April due to a knock.
Should the tie remain level after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided by penalty kicks. The FA have ruled there is to be no extra time this season.
The winners of the tie will either be away to Ashby Ivanhoe or at home to OJM Black Country in the final. They play their semi-final later this week – with the date of the final provisionally set at Saturday 6th May but subject to change once both finalists are known.
Cash and card turnstiles will both be in operation for the match – and season tickets are not valid. Please arrive in plenty of time with a good crowd expected.
We would also ask supporters to park courteously to residents if parking on the street. Should the car park at the ground become full, the other nearest public car parks are on Stanley Street and Dovecote Way.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
Under 16s: £2
