An away trip to county rivals Ingles provides Hinckley AFC’s Boxing Day test in a Leicestershire derby that kicks off at midday.
AFC’s last gasp winner against Wolves Sporting on Saturday thanks to Riley Davoile’s stoppage-time goal keeps them top of the tree at Christmas.
The test now is to remain there as they face a trip to an Ingles side who occupy the final play-off spot around the halfway stage of the season – and they will be without Matt Dawson who will be suspended following his late red card at OJM Black Country last weekend.
The opposition
Ingles were beaten 4-1 by Droitwich Spa on Saturday to mean they remain in fifth in the table following their heaviest defeat of the season so far.
It was a rare bad day defensively, the first time they’ve conceded four since the opening day of the season, with a strong back line and strong home form providing the backbone of their impressive start.
They have lost just once at home all season and conceded nine goals in ten games at Homestead Road, keeping five clean sheets in the process.
Their only home defeat this season came at the hands of Wednesfield in September, while Cradley Town and Bilston Town have failed to win there.
Jack Allen is their leading scorer with eight goals, while Kieran Oakes has four.
Previous meetings
These will be familiar surroundings for Hinckley – they played at Homestead Road twice last season and their last visit came just three weeks ago in the Leicestershire Senior Cup.
That night, the hosts grabbed a late equaliser through Billy Blackshaw before winning the quarter-final tie on penalties- the only blot on what would otherwise be a 12-match winning run for Hinckley.
AFC won all three meetings last season, including in the league and League Cup in Thringstone.
Key information
Ingles play at Homestead Road, Thringstone, Leicestershire, LE67 8LL.
Adults: £5
Concessions: £3
