Hinckley AFC start a run of three consecutive away games with the short trip down the M69 to Coventry United.
After a run of home games, AFC are back on the road for the next couple of weeks and start that run with a trip to a Coventry United side whose last game mirrors Hinckley’s.
Hinckley could hand debuts to new pair Lucinee Donzo and Christian Ngueusseu while Callum Martin also returned this week from Coventry Sphinx.
But Joe Conneely continues to have a number of injury concerns – Zaki Evans and Lewis Rankin are close to fitness after recent issues but Jack Edwards (ankle) and Ky Green (knee) are doubts, with Isa Abraham, Alex Vineall and Fionn O’Brien all still out.
The opposition
After Hinckley beat Leicester Nirvana 5-1 last weekend, Coventry United did the exact same on Wednesday for their first win in six.
Their results since the end of August have born remarkable similarities – in seven games, they have had two 5-1 wins (Oadby Town the other side to fall by that scoreline), two 5-4 defeats and three 1-1 draws.
Conceding to Nirvana continued their record of both scoring and conceding in every league game this season, and with Hinckley still looking for their first clean sheet of the season too, it suggests 0-0 is an unlikely scoreline!
Former Sphinx and Rugby Town forward Dylan Parker is their leading scorer with eight, while ex-Lichfield man Cameron Dunn has seven. They also have former Hinckley pair Riley Davoile and Joe Cairns in their squad.
Previous meetings
The sides haven’t met in a league match since 2016, when United won the Midland League Division One, but of the four previous meetings, three of them have ended 4-0 with United grabbing two wins and Hinckley one.
The other, the last league match between the sides, ended 2-2 when United grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser in February 2016.
From the dressing room
“They were there watching us beat Nirvana last week, and we watched them beat Nirvana on Wednesday! They’re a good side, another team who are probably in a false position. Ellis (Alleyne, manager) went in at a difficult time, he’s trying to build things his own way which he likes to do and he’s been there long enough to do that.
“It’ll be a tough game on what is a massive pitch, so we’ll try and exploit that. They’re a decent side but we’ll go there full of confidence after last week and hopefully finish the month in a good way.”
Joe Conneely
Key information
United play at the Butts Park Arena, Butts Road, Coventry, CV1 3GE. Supporters need to park in the car park at the front of the ground, which is pay and display. Alternatively, Earlsdon Car Park, is a two minute walk away from the ground and may be cheaper.
Hinckley will be in our purple away kit for this match.
Adults: £4
Concessions: £2
Under 16s: £1
