For the second time in consecutive weeks, Hinckley AFC take on Stapenhill in Division One with Saturday’s reverse fixture at Maple Grove.
Just a week after facing at Kirkby Road, Hinckley and Stapenhill meet again in the reverse fixture with AFC looking to maintain their lead with another three points.
The opposition
Like Hinckley, Stapenhill had their match on Tuesday evening postponed due to a waterlogged pitch – they were due to host Wolves Sporting.
Last week’s defeat for the Swans came after back-to-back home wins, over Smethwick Rangers and Paget Rangers, and their home form has been good throughout the season.
They have won seven of their 12 matches at Maple Grove, and only Droitwich Spa and Shawbury United have come away from there with three points. Among their scalps at home have been OJM Black Country and Bilston Town, while they also beat Ingles in the League Cup.
Previous meetings
Hinckley scored three second-half goals last week in the 4-0 win at Kirkby Road, but the game was more closely fought than the scoreline suggests, especially after half-time.
Hinckley won both league meetings last season 3-2 – coming from 2-0 down on a swelteringly hot August day at Kirkby Road before winning by the same scoreline at Maple Grove. Zaki Evans was on the scoresheet for Stapenhill in the first of those matches, before joining Hinckley this summer.
The first match between the clubs, in August 2018, ended in a 2-2 draw while Stapenhill won in Ibstock back in 2019.
From the dressing room
“They’re very good from set pieces, the delivery really good (last week). That’s where a few of their chances came from. I’m guessing they’ll have a couple of players back too. They’re willing, they’re honest and you’ve got to try and take them out of a game. That’s what we did last week but it will be a different game away from home.”
Joe Conneely
Key information
Stapenhill play at Edge Hill, Maple Grove, Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent, DE15 9NN.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
