Hinckley AFC scored twice in the final 10 minutes to turn their top-of-the-table clash at Droitwich Spa on its head and complete a 3-2 victory to extend their lead at the summit.
One of the standout fixtures in the Midlands on Non-League Day, leaders Hinckley’s game at a Droitwich side who will be second if they win their games in hand had all the hallmarks of a classic.
And though the game never truly exhibited the quality of two title contenders, it was hard-fought and full of endeavour on a sticky pitch and gave a grand finale to keep neutrals entertained and send the strong contingent of visiting supporters home happy.
It was a match where neither side will feel they deserved to lose, but Hinckley had the better chances and Dec Somel’s poke home from a yard out proved the difference.
Hinckley went into the game with a patched-up backline. James Bryson signed from Coventry Sphinx yesterday and made a debut alongside Ky Green, who was thrust back into the starting line-up after a month out injured.
And AFC raced out of the blocks, hitting the bar inside two minutes when Green flicked on Tom Weale’s long throw to Jack Edwards, whose shot rebounded off the woodwork.
Just two minutes later, they were at it again – Weale’s free kick was touched onto the post and Green, attempting to slide the initial set piece home, was on all fours when the ball rebounded back to him, and he headed his side into an early lead from close range.
Edwards then headed straight at Oliver Sayer after Isa Abraham’s good work as Hinckley look to build on their rapid start.
Quickly, though, Droitwich got more into their stride and, having had a goal from a corner disallowed for a foul, they equalised through another wide set piece. A free kick from nearly on the byline caused problems, and the ball eventually rebounded in off Charlie Tilley a yard out.
Just two minutes later, the home side had turned the game on its head. Tilley went down under the challenge of Matt Dawson in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot to continue Droitwich’s record of winning a penalty in every game they’ve played against Hinckley. As on the opening day of this season and in last season’s play-off semi-final, Connor Collins scored from 12 yards.
Though the home side had more of the play for the remainder of the half, they rarely threatened and Hinckley had the best two chances before the break. Both fell for Edwards – firstly heading over when well-placed, before forcing Sayer into a fine save on the stroke of half-time when he got across his man to meet Dawson’s cross.
Sayer made another smart save early in the second half, getting down well to tip wide from Danny Fraser as Hinckley, with the wind at their backs, looked to level again.
And it looked like they had spurned their best opening when Edwards’ cross ran through to the unmarked Fraser 12 yards out, but he blasted his effort way off target.
Substitute Lucas Edmonds had Droitwich’s best chance of putting the game to bed, heading over from close range at the far post, but instead it was Hinckley’s replacements who made all the difference in the final 10 minutes.
With six to play, Harry Walker-Donovan floated a ball into the box which looked to be routine for Sayer – but on a windy day, he lost his whereabouts and fumbled the ball into the net.
And the cheers from the equaliser had barely died down when Hinckley bagged a chaotic winner. Another long throw caused issues in the home defence, Dawson’s shot was deflected and Somel raced through to prod home on the line and spark jubilant scenes among the visitors’ players and fans.
It could have got even better for AFC – Edwards went close again on the break when he lobbed Sayer but saw the ball trickle inches wide of the post.
The game ticked into stoppage time and with Green taken off with cramp, Hinckley were forced to patch up their backline even more. They put Weale back at centre-half where he, alongside Bryson, snuffed out any further chances and AFC managed stoppage time well to see home memorable away day win.
Droitwich: Oliver Sayer, Jack Brighton, Matt Jackson, Cory Rudd, Alex Dugmore, Scott Braiden-Smith, Perry Moss (Josh Hurdman 53), Charlie Tilley, Connor Collins (Lucas Edmonds 68), James Lemon, Luke Molloy (Archie Woodall 61). Subs not used: Lewis Phillips, Woody Hawkett.
Goals: Charlie Tilley (19), Connor Collins (22 pen)
Hinckley: Matt Hill, Matt Dawson, Danny Fraser (Harry Walker-Donovan 79), Preston Bitemo (Riley Davoile 75), Ky Green (Dec Somel 83), James Bryson, Lewis Rankin (Brady Middleton 61), Tom Weale, Jack Edwards, Zaki Evans, Isa Abraham (Adam Barber 61).
Goals: Ky Green (4), Harry Walker-Donovan (84), Dec Somel (86)
Attendance: 331
