After last week’s FA Cup win, Hinckley AFC return to United Counties Premier South action this weekend with a visit to Newport Pagnell Town.
A confidence-boosting downing of Highgate United lifted Hinckley’s spirits after a tough opening week, and they now travel to Buckinghamshire hoping to get some league points on the board.
And with Hinckley welcoming Aylestone on Monday, this marks the first of two games in three days as Joe Conneely hopes to build on the momentum from the Cup seven days ago.
The opposition
Like Hinckley, Newport Pagnell put together a play-off charge towards the back end of last season but ultimately fell short – narrowly so, as they were edged out only on goal difference. And, like AFC, they have had a trickier start to this campaign, having lost their opening two games – both at home to Nuneaton Town and ON Chenecks. They were also beaten in the FA Cup last week, losing to Biggleswade United.
Both games last season ended in late 2-1 home wins – Hinckley came from behind to win in stoppage time at Kirkby Road in October, while Pagnell broke the deadlock in the 87th minute at Willen Road in February.
From the dressing room
“We went to their opening game against Nuneaton, and until they went down to 10 men after an hour, they were good. They move the ball well, the wingers are a threat and they’ve got good midfielders. They’re solid at the back and don’t give a lot away. We had a difficult day there last year, where we were robbed really.
“But we’ll go there in good spirits. We trained well this week to get ready for what will be a tough game. They’ll fancy themselves at home but we’ve got to go there and try to pick up a positive result. We’re only two games in, so we’re not panicking, but we need to start getting on the board.”
Joe Conneely
Key information
Newport Pagnell play at Willen Road, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, MK16 0DF. Our hosts have a matchday guide for away supporters, available on their website here.
Hinckley will be playing in our purple away kit for this match.
Adults: £9
Concessions: £7
Under 16s: £3
