A five-star performance from Hinckley saw them go some way to erasing the memory of that opening day defeat at Daventry.
Whilst the supporters who endured that horror show back in July will take a particular delight in this result, it’s a different set of players. Only Chandler Pegg started both games and its ironic that this was probably the best display we’ve seen yet from this group, solid at the back, they created numerous chances throughout and were good value for the win.
Victory was set up in the first half. Despite playing into the wind, Zach Tellyn’s brace gave them a two goal lead at the break and three further goals in the second half served to emphasise Hinckley’s superiority.
Early chances were traded as Brady Middleton headed Raj Palit’s cross wide and Divin Emmanuel pushed aside Merson Styles’ long range shot before Hinckley took control of the game. Visiting keeper Lewis Patching clawed away Palit’s inswinging, wind assisted corner before they went in front on the half hour, Luke Knight handled in the box under pressure from Middleton, and Tellyn converted the spot kick.
James Spruce then struck the post twice before Tellyn added a second, drilling home a precise shot leaving Patching grasping at thin air.
With the wind at their backs after the break, Hinckley kept their opponents pinned in their own half for long spells, Middleton blazed a couple of good chances over and Drew Kear was denied by Patching before Hinckley increased their lead just beyond the hour mark. Devonn O’Sullivan’s persistence saw him make ground on the left before delivering a low cross for Middleton who kept his composure to apply a cool finish.
Emmanuel preserved his clean sheet by racing off his line to deny Josh Yeboah on a isolated Daventry attack, but his opposite number Patching continued the busier keeper, saving well from Palit and Spruce as the game entered its closing stages.
Hinckley added a couple of further goals in time added on. Afonso Mvula set up Palit for a fine finish from the edge of the area before young Mvula scored his first senior goal with a tap in for a fifth.
That makes it three wins on the bounce for AFC as they make the short trip to Sheepy Road for Monday’s big Bank Holiday derby at title chasing Atherstone.
Hinckley: Divin Emmanuel, Drew Kear, Gabe Webster, Charlie Williams, Jacob Shilton, Chandler Pegg, Raj Palit, Devonn O’Sullivan (Afonso Mvula 73), Brady Middleton, James Spruce (Prince Ogbe 91), Zach Tellyn (Caleb Yeboah 84). Subs not used: Alex Lock, Jake Tullin.
Goals: Zach Tellyn (29, 36), Brady Middleton (60), Raj Palit (90), Afonso Mvula (93)
Daventry: Lewis Patching, Louis Linnell (Dan Childs 66), Merson Styles, Callum Westwood, Luke Knight, Joe Curtis (Jason Bedford 80), Michael Nketiah, Carter Price, Josh Yeboah, Archie May (Claston Gordon 72), Thomas Iaciofano. Sub not used: Iustin Cerga.
Attendance: 163
