Lichfield City 0-2 Hinckley AFC

Hinckley AFC strengthened their grip on second place in the Midland League First Division with a 2-0 win at Lichfield City.

Goals from Nathan Walker and Marco Adaggio either side of half time ensured that Carl Abbott’s side are now nineteen unbeaten in all competitions, while defeats for fourth placed Bromsgrove Sporting and top of the table Highgate United bolstered AFC’s position.

Hinckley named the same side that beat Nuneaton Griff last week, but both sides struggled to create chances early on as playing football became increasingly more difficult following a sleet storm in the first twenty minutes.

The home side felt they should have had a penalty shortly afterwards, when Kyle Minto was brought down amongst a melee of players, but referee Andy Parker waved the appeals away.

The second half was similarly difficult to play football, as the play got bogged down in a muddy midfield.

But Hinckley, kicking down the slope, created the better of the few chances and Adaggio doubled their lead with twenty minutes remaining.

Receiving the ball thirty yards from goal, Adaggio twisted and turned past two Lichfield defenders and slotted the ball past the advancing Clough to light up the game again.

After this, Lichfield created little in the final third, and Hinckley comfortably held out for another three points.

Lichfield: Jon Clough, Andre Francis, Lee Osborne, Gavin Hurrin, Dan McLeod, Danny Haynes, Luke Himson, Danny Worrall, Kyle Minto, Liam Holt, Louis Downes. Substitutes: Lewis Hayden, Jordan Hunt, Chris Bull, Joe Parkes, Ashley Bennett

Hinckley: Sam Arnold, Danny Kavanagh, Isaac Cooper, Dominic Smith, Alex Morris, Nathan Walker, Justin Nisbett (Luke Richards 43), Ross Clarke, Rob Millington (JJ Melligan 67), Marco Adaggio, Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell (Avun Jephcott 62). Subs not used: Oli Basham, Yoann Tsamas.

Goals: Nathan Walker (31), Marco Adaggio (70).