A late winner from Luke Jones edged a keenly fought, five goal encounter in Hinckley’s favour as they move into the Second Round of the FA Vase.
Although the quality of the game was spoilt by a strong wind, it was an intriguing encounter. Goals in each half from Chandler Pegg saw Hinckley take the lead on two occasions, but each time Eccleshall levelled to keep the tie in the balance.
As a penalty shoot-out loomed, substitute Jones crept in at the far post to head home Zach Tellyn’s cross to finally settle the tie in Hinckley’s favour.
Hinckley made the brighter start, Danny Fraser whipped in a cross from the left that Prince Ogbe headed wide before Tellyn’s snap shot from 20 yards was beaten away by visiting keeper Adam Whitehouse.
They took the lead midway through the half, Fraser’s long throw from the right was flicked on by Ky Green for Pegg to convert on the far post.
Eccleshall quickly responded as Matt Barnes levelled with a well taken goal. Finding himself some space on the left hand corner of the area, he drilled home his cross shot.
The game became scrappy as the sides battled against the wind as much as each other before Hinckley almost went in front again just before the break, Tellyn twisted and turned his man on the right flank before delivering a deep cross for Pegg who’s goalbound header was superbly saved at full stretch by Whitehouse.
Hinckley did regain their lead a couple of minutes into the second half, Pegg was fouled in the box by Levi Hunter and got up to convert the spot kick emphatically into the top corner.
The dogged visitors fought back and levelled again on the hour, a Hinckley move broke down and they were caught square defensively by a long ball over the top that Nicky Parker ran on to and showed great composure to beat Max Goodwin.
When these two teams met in the Vase three seasons ago, the tie was settled on penalties and that looked the likely outcome as the game entered its closing stages. But Hinckley weren’t to be denied and with just a couple of minutes on the clock, they scored the game’s fifth and decisive goal.
Tellyn delivered a delicious inswinging cross from the right and Jones stole in at the far post to head home amid jubilant scenes to see Hinckley through as they completed back to back wins for the first time this season
Hinckley: Max Goodwin, Drew Kear, Danny Fraser, Jake Tullin, Ky Green, Shaun Watkins (Charlie Williams 65), Najeem Oriola (Max Kirby 77), Gabe Webster, Chandler Pegg (Max Jemson 93), Zach Tellyn, Prince Ogbe (Luke Jones 61). Sub not used: Chris Tullin.
Goals: Chandler Pegg (26, 49 pen), Luke Jones (89)
Eccleshall: Adam Whitehouse, Archie Elsdon, Matt Barnes (Mick Dempsey 79), Phil McKerdy, Levi Hunter, Matt Jones, Sol Ashworth (Joe Drakeley 74), Esse Fabruary, Nicky Parker, Dylan Bath, Danny Glover (Braden Barlow 62). Subs not used: Theo Wilshaw, Will Silvester.
Goals: Matt Barnes (29), Nicky Parker (59)
Attendance: 144
