Two of the Midland League First Division’s early-season top six meet in a local derby on Wednesday evening when Hinckley AFC visit unbeaten Nuneaton Griff, at the earlier kick off time of 7.30pm.
Hinckley put last midweek’s defeat behind them on Saturday with a fine win at fancied Bilston Town, despite playing the entire second half with ten men.
They were also boosted by the returns of Jack Edwards and Chandler Pegg following injuries, the latter netting inside three minutes of his first appearance of the season after coming on as a half-time substitute.
Ky Green was sent off in that one, but his suspension doesn’t kick in until Saturday and so he will be available to play against his former club, who have started the season well under their new manager, former Hinckley player Mitchell Thomson.
Indeed, a win for Griff could see them go top if leaders Heather St John’s drop points for the first time, while a Hinckley victory would see Joe Conneely and Courtney Hunter-Belford’s side rise to at least third.
The opposition
Griff lost boss Sam Belcher over the summer to take up the assistant’s role at Atherstone Town, but Thomson went the other away after retiring from playing to take up his first managerial job in the pyramid.
He brought former Adders teammates Alex Naughton and Nathan Haines with him – Haines still playing at centre-back – and the trio have overseen a strong start by the Heartlanders. They sit third and are one of only five teams still unbeaten.
A penalty by another former Hinckley man, Danny Harris, earned a 1-0 opening day win over OJM Black Country, while they held Sutton United to a 2-2 draw and then won 3-0 at Shawbury United. Other former Hinckley players there include Ashley Gray and Lewis Commins.
Previous meetings
The two meetings last season were contrasting – a stale goalless draw at the Pingles Stadium in September before a ten-goal thriller at Kirkby Road three months later as Hinckley won 7-3 despite a Belcher hat-trick. Isa Abraham and Chandler Pegg scored two each of Hinckley’s seven goals.
Key info
Nuneaton Griff play at The Pingles Stadium, Avenue Road, Nuneaton, CV11 4LX
Adults: £5
Concessions: £3
