Five star AFC hit ground running in new era
HINCKLEY AFC’s new era started in fine style as Dean Thomas led his side to a 5-0 win over Chelmsley Town at Pack Meadow.
Nearly five years to the day after resigning as manager of Hinckley United, Thomas returned to the dugout to take interim charge of AFC after Carl Abbott’s departure in the week. And his reign started with a bang.
Steve Hart’s brace was supported by goals from Lee Butler, Richard Munday and Isaac Cooper as AFC cemented their place as the league’s leading scorers writes Liam Gibbs.
Tuesday marked five years since the end of Thomas’ reign at United, but within minutes he was barking orders from his technical area like he hadn’t been away and it worked, his side taking the lead within ten minutes.
Hart was brought down on the edge of the box, and Butler bent the resulting 20-yard free kick into the bottom corner.
Two minutes later, the club captain turned from scorer to provider, pinging in a corner which Munday attacked and powerfully headed home from six yards.
Hinckley continued to move the ball well but chances were few and far between.
Chelmsley were restricted to speculative efforts and nine minutes before the break Hinckley extended their lead.
Marcus Jackson recycled a cross, and delivered for Mitchell Tomlinson to knock down as Hart took one touch on his chest before firing past home ‘keeper James Kelly.
Tomlinson, Munday and Richard Lavery all went close as Hinckley sought a fourth, which came less than 30 seconds after the break.
Kyle Minto was set free down the right and got to the byline before pulling back for Cooper, in acres of space, to pick his spot and find the bottom corner.
The cheers had barely died down when Hart’s stunner had the supporters up again, a fierce strike lashed home from the corner of the box via the inside of the post made it five.
With the result beyond doubt, Hinckley were relaxed in their play and still moved the ball well, taking full advantage of the 3G surface.
Minto missed a pair of chances to net his first goal for the club, and Butler curled wide from 20 yards.
Chelmsley continued to battle in their search for a goal and had chances but Haydn Whitcomeb preserved his clean sheet as the game meandered towards a comfortable three points for the visitors.