Hinckley AFC take a break from league action as they look to extend their run in this season’s FA Vase against higher level Stone Old Alleynians on Friday.
AFC’s reward for beating Bewdley Town last month is another home tie against another Midland League Premier Division side, with Stone making the journey to Kirkby Road for a first round tie under the lights on a Friday night.
For Hinckley, a win will mean they at least match last season’s run to the second round proper, and they could welcome Harry Walker-Donovan and Isa Abraham back into the squad after their recent absences.
Stone, meanwhile, also reached the second round last season before they were beaten by an Atherstone Town side that featured Joe Obi, Brady Middleton and Jamie Hood in the starting line-up.
The opposition
Stone have lost their last two games 2-1, having previously gone seven unbeaten in all competitions in a run that included a win over Premier Division leaders Studley.
After those narrow defeats to play-off chasers Lichfield City and Darlaston Town, Stone sit 11th in the table with 14 points from their 13 games. But they have scored the most goals of any side outside the top eight, their biggest win coming against Bewdley earlier this month when they hit six without reply. Hinckley hit nine against the same opposition in the last round of the Vase, while Stone had an impressive away win at another Premier Division club in Shifnal Town.
Jack Tomlinson is their leading scorer with six, while player-manager Luke Askey is among those to have three goals so far. 15 different players have scored for Stone already this season.
From the dressing room
“I’ve always said that the Vase is a fantastic competition, and one I’ve always wanted a run in as a player or a manager. That carrot of Wembley, although it’s incredibly difficult to get to, makes it a competition that everyone wants to go as far as they can in. There’s no bigger carrot for anyone at this level.
“We’ve watched a little bit of Stone and spoken to a few managers in that league. They’re a strong and direct side who put things on top of you. It’ll be a test for us, and there’s no pressure with us being in the league below so we’ll have a free hit and see if we can cause an upset.”
Courtney Hunter-Belford
Key info
There is no extra time or replays in the FA Vase this season, so the tie will be decided by a penalty shoot-out if the scores are level after 90 minutes. The winners of the match will progress to the second round, the draw for which is on Monday lunchtime, and receive £825 from the FA’s prize pool. The losing club will pick up £250.
Adults: £6
Concessions: £4
