Hinckley AFC make their return to the Emirates FA Cup with a home tie against fellow step five outfit Highgate United on Saturday.
AFC welcome Highgate to Kirkby Road just over three months after the sides last met in the League Cup semi-final. But that will hold little relevance for a much-changed Gate side who are also under new management heading into the new season.
The game sees a return to the world’s oldest cup competition for Hinckley after a year out, while Courtney Hunter-Belford will manage in the competition for the first time.
The opposition
After losing in the Midland League Cup final and Premier Division play-off semi-final last season, Highgate appointed a new management team over the summer – Terry Anderson stepped down, and Alfie Marsden and Malc Ward took over.
Few of the players that earned them a fifth placed finish remain, though forward pair Aaron Brown and Bassit Mandey are still registered with the club.
Previous meetings
The sides last met in late April, a goalless draw at The Coppice before Hinckley were beaten on penalties in the Midland League Cup semi-final.
Prior to that, the clubs’ only meetings came when Highgate won the Midland League Division One ten years ago. Highgate won the match at Hinckley’s former St John’s Park home, while the game at The Coppice ended 2-2.
From the dressing room
“It’s a game that’s exciting and important for us. It’s the first time I’ve managed in the FA Cup and it’s my favourite competition in the world. We want to have as much of a run as we can.
“We don’t know much about Highgate – they’ve got new management and lots of new players since we played them in April. But we’ve watched them a couple of times and Coton Green played them last week so we’ve had a rundown from Wealey! So we think we know what we can exploit but this is a free hit for both teams. Both sides will be thinking they can come and get a result.”
Courtney Hunter-Belford
Key information
If the match ends as a draw, then a replay will take place this coming Tuesday, 6th August, at Highgate’s The Coppice ground at 7.45pm. The winners of the tie will face either Malvern Town or Hereford Pegasus in a fortnight’s time.
Kirkby Road has a large on-site car park, and we have both cash and card turnstiles available. Season tickets are not valid for this game.
Adults: £8
Concessions: £6
Under 16s: £2
