After three weeks away, Hinckley AFC return to Kirkby Road for the first of four consecutive home games as they take on Northampton ON Chenecks on Saturday.
Having not played a home game since 7th September, Hinckley are back on home turf for the next four matches in three different competitions.
First up is the visit of Northampton ON Chenecks in the United Counties Premier South, with Joe Conneely’s side hoping they can overtake the visitors in the table with a win.
The opposition
Hinckley and Chenecks have had remarkably similar journeys in the past three seasons. Both lost home play-off ties in 2022/23, before winning their respective step six divisions last season.
And this time around, just three points separate the sides in the United Counties Premier South table after the opening nine games.
Chenecks sit one win above Hinckley – they’re sixth with 14 points, ahead of AFC who have 11.
But that means a win for Hinckley will see them move level on points with their Northampton-based visitors, and potentially above them on goal difference depending on the margin of victory.
To do that, Hinckley will have to inflict a first league defeat in six on Chenecks, who lost three of their first four games this season but have since picked up a further three wins and two draws. They looked set to make that four wins, but conceded in stoppage time to draw 2-2 with St Neots Town on Tuesday.
Lewis Irwin, who top-scored with 32 in their title charge last season, has 13 goals already while Raymond Poku has six.
From the dressing room
“We watched Chenecks against St Neots on Tuesday and they’re lively, a good team who will fancy their chances. They’re on a decent enough run, albeit conceded late on Tuesday to draw against a good side.
“We do need a bit of a spark and hopefully that will come this weekend. We’ve got a chance to go ahead of them with a win so that’s an incentive to keep on the tails of the play-offs.”
Joe Conneely
Key information
Hinckley AFC’s Supporters’ Group will be holding a collection for local foodbank, Hinckley Community Fridge, at the game. You can donate items at the club shop throughout the afternoon. Club partner Wood Street Optical will be conducting free hearing tests inside the club shop from 2.15pm up until kick off.
Kirkby Road has a large, free on-site car park, and we have both cash and card turnstiles available.
Adults: £7 members, £8 non-members
Concessions: £5 members, £6 non-members
Under 16s: Members go free, £2 non-members
