Zach Tellyn’s goal with virtually the last kick of the game saw Hinckley make progress in the Leicestershire Challenge Cup as they recorded the club’s first ever win in the competition.
It was a superb effort by a valiant AFC side who came into the match with a threadbare squad that was further depleted by four more injuries during the game, and led to Chris Tullin forming an unlikely, and surely unique, central defensive pairing with his son Jake for the final 20 minutes.
Hinckley took the lead on the half hour, Chandler Pegg was fouled on the edge of the area and got up to convert the spot kick himself, and they almost increased their lead shortly after when Lucinee Donzo’s run took him into the box but his shot was cleared off the line by Courtney Lashley.
But Lutterworth levelled just before the break as Abdul Sunmonu rose highest in a crowded goalmouth to head home a left wing corner.
Hinckley regained their lead early in the second half, Tellyn produced a trademark inswinging cross from the right that eluded keeper Josh Wormleighton and found the net, but again Lutterworth levelled quickly as Jarred Acton rifled a 20-yard shot into the roof of the net.
Both sides sought to win the tie as chances came and went at both ends. Divin Emmanuel made a couple of excellent saves to deny Dom Brennan and Louis Samuels whilst Jordan Gray and Pegg missed gilt-edged chances for Hinckley.
The tie seemed destined to be settled by a penalty shoot-out, but deep into time added on, AFC nicked it. Tellyn’s industry in the area led to a handball, this time Wormleighton guessed correctly to keep out Pegg’s spot kick and in the frantic scramble that followed, a couple of shots were blocked before Tellyn eventually forced home the goal that sees Hinckley go through.
Lutterworth: Josh Wormleighton, Jarred Acton, Courtney Lashley, Pier Gyamfi (Lee Barratt 80) Justin Peace, Louie Gill, Louis Samuels, Dom Brennan, Tendai Daire, Liam Read, Abdul Sunmonu (Niall Prenderville 65). Subs not used: Sam Lockley, Dom Bolton, Callum Earls.
Goals: Abdul Sunmonu (43), Jarred Acton (52)
Hinckley: Divin Emmanuel, Charlie Williams, Luke Jones (Gabe Webster 56), Jake Tullin, Max Jemson (Chris Tullin 70), Shaun Watkins, George Dimmock, Lucinee Donzo (Jordan Gray 65), Chandler Pegg, Zach Tellyn, Afonso Mvula (Knox Ellis 56).
Goals: Chandler Pegg (33 pen), Zach Tellyn (49, 90+5)
Attendance: 53
