‘Brave’ AFC bow out of the FA cup
GEORGE Bowerman’s header wasn’t enough to keep Hinckley AFC in the Emirates FA Cup as they bowed out at the hands of Mickleover Sports despite a valiant effort.
Against a side from three levels and 55 places above them in the non-league pyramid, Hinckley were competitive throughout and could easily have snatched a draw to bring Mickleover back to St John’s Park for a replay.
It looked that way when Bowerman headed Hinckley level on the stroke of half time, after Zeph Thomas had put the home side ahead, but Mickleover player-manager John McGrath sent his side into the second qualifying round.
As expected for a side from considerably higher, Mickleover had the lions’ share of the ball in the opening stages but chances at either end were few and far between.
That was until the hosts were awarded a free kick 25 yards out, which Thomas bent expertly into the top corner.
As Hinckley re-grouped after the goal, Sam Agar almost ran onto Haines’ through ball but Lewis King raced out to deny him.
And after Andy Dales was denied by Haydn Whitcombe, Hinckley levelled a minute before the break. Lee Butler’s free kick from the left was headed back across goal by Dom Smith, and Bowerman was on hand to convert from close range and send the travelling support into raptures.
That sent the sides in level at the break, and if Hinckley felt they had a chance at this point, those sentiments increased eight minutes after the break.
Dales, arguably Mickleover’s biggest threat during the first half, thrust his head in the direction of Lee Miveld in front of the referee and was shown a straight red card.
That saw much of the next stage of the game played in the middle of the park with little goalmouth action - until the 71st minute when Mickleover took the lead again with another moment of quality.
This time it came from the foot of former Burton Albion man McGrath who picked his spot with a fine finish from 25 yards.
Now leading, Mickleover adjusted well to being down to ten and retained possession well, but Hinckley pressed when they had the chance.
Butler’s wicked corner was palmed away from under the bar, and substitute Jake Healy had strong penalty claims turned down as Hinckley sought an equaliser.
AFC’s last chance came in stoppage time, but Agar’s header was easily held by King, who gratefully dropped on the ball as the home side advanced to the next round.
Following the defeat, manager Carl Abbott said his team held their own against higher opposition.
He said: “We’ve given a great account of ourselves.
“The lads have worked their socks off and represented our club, our league and our level really well.
“We said we’d have a little bit of the game in the middle but the beginning would be tough and the end would be tough. That’s how it proved.
“We’ve been brave enough to risk failing badly in order to try and get something from the game.”