Boxing Day derby defeat for Hinckley AFC
HINCKLEY AFC suffered a last gasp Boxing Day defeat as Simeon Cobourne’s hat-trick sealed a win for Heather St John’s, writes Liam Gibbs,
Entertainment was expected going into the game with both sides fluent going forward but flaky defensively, and that’s how it proved with seven goals, a missed penalty and a red card in front of a bumper festive crowd of 265.
Hinckley had the better of the first half but both sides had chances early on.
Steve Hart twice tested Heather ‘keeper Ben Allsop from range before the same player gave AFC the lead midway through the half, heading home from Harry Harris’ cross.
Heather responded well and Cobourne spurned a chance to level when he scuffed in space in the box, but Hinckley quickly regained control and should have extended their lead before half time.
Luke Richards had a second ruled out when he ran through on goal only for referee Ian Croston to bring play back for an earlier foul, leaving Hinckley furious.
Then, Hart struck the post from a penalty on the stroke of half time after Richards was held down in the box.
And those missed opportunities cost Hinckley when Heather came out firing after half time.
That said, Hinckley had the first chance after the break and Allsop had to be alert to deny Hart’s far post effort with a fine reflex save.
But Heather weren’t behind for much longer. Cobourne was their biggest threat throughout and he levelled when he cut inside and bent into the far corner.
They then turned the game on its head when Tom Weale’s 20 yarder snuk into the corner, and looked destined for all three points when Cobourne repeated his earlier trick, latching onto a long ball to net a third.
But Hinckley wouldn’t lie down and Hart’s fine finish on the angle brought them back within a goal again.
Hinckley then took control and forced Allsop into a series of fine saves from Hart and Dominic Perkins, while Cobourne wasted a golden chance at the other end.
Heather’s Matt Hill saw red for a high challenge on Josh Willis, and it looked as though Hinckley had taken full advantage when Fraser Doyle deflected Richards’ cross into his own net.
But with AFC seeking a winner, they left themselves open at the back and Cobourne took advantage of a fortuitous bounce off Mitchell Tomlinson to find the top corner and cap off a dramatic Heather win.