The Chris Tullin era starts for Hinckley AFC this weekend as he takes his side to visit Belper United in the United Counties Premier North.
Buoyed by Monday’s home win against Blackstones, Hinckley make a trip into Derbyshire aiming to back that up with another positive result on the road in the first game since Tullin took over as manager.
Tullin will begin with a trip to one of only five sides above AFC in the early-season table, with Belper having stabilised at step five since beating Hinckley in the Division One play-off final four years ago.
He will go there a slightly depleted squad – skipper Zaki Evans picked up a knock on Monday night, while Zach Tellyn, Gabe Webster and Matt Brown are all away.
But Chandler Pegg could make a landmark appearance – if he features, it will be his 100th game for the club and he will become our 10th centurion, hoping to add to the 55 goals that is bettered only by Ryan Seal, Luke Richards and Lewis Rankin.
The opposition
Belper reached the play-off semi-finals last season, losing to eventual winners Grantham Town, and have started this season in a similar fashion.
They have won three of their opening four league games from what looked a tough opening on paper, progressed in the FA Vase and were only just edged out of an FA Cup tie against step four Bedworth United.
They’ve beaten Sherwood Colliery at home, as well as Newark Town and Heanor Town away to set them up well for the campaign ahead – losing only to Clay Cross Town.
Suleiman Nassor, who’s previously played against Hinckley for Kirby Muxloe and Oadby Town, is their top scorer with four.
From the dressing room
“I played for most local non-league clubs but never for Hinckley, so to be in the dugout and be the manager will be an honour. I’ve had a couple already in the last year but that’ll be another moment that will stick with me.
“Belper will be a difficult one, they’ll be a strong team, and I know the history against them from the play-off final. We’ll go out there and try to start implementing our philosophy to excite people. We won’t turn into Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City overnight but we’ll certainly have a style we want to implement on other teams. If we do our jobs correctly, we’ll get our rewards.”
Chris Tullin
Key information
Belper have just moved into a groundshare at Mickleover this season, after spending the last couple of seasons at league rivals Eastwood. Like Kirkby Road, their ground has an artificial pitch.
Supporters please be aware that there is a £3 charge for on-site car parking.
Adults: £8
Concessions & Students: £6
12-16s: £3
Under 12s: £3 or free with paying adult
