Tomlinson Excited by Cup Final Prospect

Hinckley AFC defender Mitchell Tomlinson says he is ‘really excited’ about the prospect of playing in the club’s first cup final.

AFC beat Barlestone St Giles 2-1 on Tuesday night to give themselves the opportunity for a first piece of silverware, and speaking after the match, Tomlinson said the squad are delighted to have made the final. He said: ‘I’m really excited. I made my debut in this competition and went on from there, so it’s nice to have gone all the way through, get to the final and hopefully play well and win it.

‘It’s the first cup final for the club and hopefully we can get our first trophy.’

Tomlinson has made the majority of his appearances for the club at right back, but partnered Jordan Rushton at the heart of AFC’s defence against Barlestone.

‘I have come up as a centre half, and slipped in at right back here, but I felt comfortable going in there. I just wanted to show what I can do going in there (to centre back).

‘It shows I’ve got a couple of positions, and playing with Jord (Jordan Rushton) and Isaac (Cooper) I know what I’m doing with those two, so I felt alright in there.’

The young defender also praised club captain JJ Melligan’s contribution. The Irishman slotted in at right back on Tuesday, and Tomlinson says the fomer professional’s experience helped an otherwise young back five: the next oldest player being Rushton at 22.

‘Definitely (his presence helps). He helps me through games, giving options and he can command a back four from there (right back) even though he’s a midfielder generally.

‘It’s good to have his experience because it was a young back four tonight.’