AFC end year on a high

HINCKLEY AFC made it four wins on the bounce as they waved goodbye to 2016 with three points in a 3-1 win over landlords Heather St John’s, writes Liam Gibbs.

In a game where Hinckley didn’t truly hit their stride, only James Williams’ third goal in four games separated the sides at the break.

But Hinckley added further goals in the second half through Lee Butler’s fine 25 yard freekick and Javia Roberts’ contrastingly scrappy effort, before 10 man

Heather grabbed a consolation through Mitchell Woodbine.

The game was by no means a classic on a pitch that became heavy, but it was Hinckley who came closest early on as Paul Sullivan’s 30 yard free-kick clipped the bar.

But chances were few and far between until Hinckley took the lead on 24 minutes.

A left wing corner was taken short, and Butler whipped in a cross which Mark Williams flicked on. A brief scramble ensued before James Williams swung a left boot to convert from six yards.

And on the half hour, Hinckley had the chance to double their lead from the spot.

Butler played a free-kick into the right channel where Sullivan’s expert hold up play drew a foul from Jordan Burrows.

Ryan Seal stepped up but saw his effort saved by Ben Allsop in the home goal.

Hinckley keeper Haydn Whitcombe was rarely called into action before the break, but had to be alert shortly after it to deny Eddie Wilson from close range.

And Hinckley were grateful for that save when they doubled their lead shortly before the hour mark when Butler curled home a superb free-kick from 25 yards.

As Hinckley looked to secure all three points, substitute Luke Richards saw a sweetly struck volley fly wide, while at the other end, Ryan Nesbitt sliced

comfortably wide on break for Heather.

And the home side’s task was made even more difficult with a quarter of an hour remaining, the when Callum Rudd handled Seal’s through ball and saw a second booking.

And the win was secured not long after, when James Williams headed goalwards and Roberts caught his shot far from cleanly but sliced over the line from barely a yard out.

Two minutes later, Heather gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Woodbine nearly found the bottom corner from the edge of the box, but the Hinckley backline didn’t give them another sight of goal as AFC held out for the win.