It was an excellent evening’s work for Hinckley as a sparkling first half display saw them take a four goal lead into the interval to secure the points against Bugbrooke St Michaels.
It was the best performance to date under the new regime as recent additions look more settled and systems began to gel – and whilst sterner tests lie ahead, this was an encouraging night for AFC fans.
Hinckley made three changes from Saturday, Jordan Clement and Louis Baker came back into the starting line up whilst Zach Tellyn returned to the club and all three played their part.
There was a slight autumnal chill in the air for the first time this season as Hinckley got on top of the game from the off. The tempo was good and their passing crisp as they came close in the early stages when Jared Bradshaw’s shot struck a post with the rebound falling to Zaki Evans, whose shot cannoned to safety off the crossbar.
After Baker dragged a shot wide, the inevitable goal arrived just beyond the quarter hour mark. Clement received the ball in the area and showed great presence of mind to spot the keeper off his line and execute a delightful chip to open his account for the club.
Not long after, the lead was doubled. A smart move along their right flank ended with Matt Dawson fizzing in a low cross from the bye-line for the on rushing Evans to convert from close range.
AFC went further in front after thirty minutes, Baker too scoring his first goal for the club as his surging run took him into the box before applying a neat finish.
Bugbrooke briefly threatened when Dylan Wilson’s well struck shot was beaten away at his near post by Keelan Fallows but the half ended with another Hinckley goal – Bradshaw’s left wing corner into a crowded goalmouth was headed into his own net by Jamie Mastropiero.
To their credit, Bugbrooke were much improved after the break and it became a more even affair. It was a half of few opportunities, the result was a foregone conclusion and both sides made a number of substitutions that disrupted the flow.
Though chances were scarce, both keepers impressed. John Meadows did well to parry a long range shot from the ever industrious Bradshaw before Fallows again frustrated Wilson with a breathtaking one handed save from a powerful shot.
Late in the day, Meadows pushed aside Clement’s long range effort and the resulting corner was headed against the frame of the goal by Jacob Shilton.
The only blemish on Hinckley’s night came deep into time added on when Silvano Obeng grabbed a consolation for Bugbrooke to deny AFC a clean sheet.
But it couldn’t take the gloss off the evening as the players left the field to a rousing ovation.
Hinckley: Keelan Fallows, Matt Dawson (Jake Tullin 66), James Sanderson (Will Harris 57), Zaki Evans (Caleb Yeboah 57), Chandler Pegg, Jacob Shilton, Jared Bradshaw, Reece Massey, Louis Baker (Kevin Hemagou 57), Jordan Clement, Zach Tellyn (Henley Hadley 66).
Goals: Jordan Clement (17), Zaki Evans (20), Louis Baker (30), Jamie Mastropiero (44 OG)
Bugbrooke: John Meadows, Earl Atat, Joe Malkin, Jamie Mastropiero (Ronnie Gibbon 67), Tom Smyth, Bradley Ilunga, Kyle Hutchison, Tom Walton, Dylan Wilson (Silvano Obeng 74), Jake Webster (Harry Slaymaker 57), Jamari Hart. Sub not used Reece Irwin.
Goal: Silvano Obeng (90+4)
Attendance: 218
Picture: Phil Passingham
