AFC show they have a big Hart as they fightback
STEVE Hart scored four times in a stunning second half turnaround as Hinckley AFC came from 2-0 down to beat Ilkeston Town 4-2, writes Liam Gibbs.
In a perfect example of the proverbial game of two halves, not many saw that result coming when Tim Hopkinson’s first half brace gave Ilkeston a two goal cushion at half time.
But Hinckley came flying out of the blocks after the break, and Hart scored each of AFC’s four goals as Richard Lavery’s men returned to winning ways in thrilling fashion.
Hinckley were slow to get going, but while Ilkeston had the lions’ share of the ball, AFC ‘keeper Carl O’Neill was rarely called upon.
The sides would have a golden chance apiece around the midway point of the half, and after Luke Richards volleyed over from Josh Burniston’s cross, Ilkeston took the lead.
Tom Marshall’s fizzed cross from the right found Hopkinson at the far post, and he prodded home the rebound after O’Neill’s fine save from his initial header.
And with Hinckley struggling to keep possession, the visitors doubled their lead eight minutes before the break. Marshall’s deflected free kick fell to Hopkinson, who stabbed home despite Hinckley’s protestations of offside.
After a flat first half, Lavery had harsh words at half time - and they did the trick. Hinckley came flying out of the blocks after the break, and just over a minute had been played when Luke Richards’ deflected shot found Hart, who coolly slotted home.
Just four minutes later, the scores were level. Ilkeston had penalty shouts turned down and Hinckley broke, Hart cutting back onto his left before sliding home the equaliser.
With Ilkeston shellshocked it was now they who were on the back foot - even though O’Neill had to be alert to deny Hopkinson.
The comeback was completed with 20 minutes to play. Josh Willis fed Hart, who forced a fine save from Ian Deakin, but the rebound fell straight back to the striker who put Hinckley ahead for the first time.
Ilkeston had an immediate opportunity to reply through Shaw’s free kick, but O’Neill did well to deny his well-struck effort.
But AFC continued to attack, and Hart nearly had a fourth when Deakin touched his long range strike onto the bar.
O’Neill wasn’t forced into any more work as Hinckley defended resolutely, and that allowed Hart, and Hinckley, to secure the win in the final minute of normal time when Hart slammed into the roof of the net after Kai Tonge’s cross was parried.
It was fitting that Hart had the final say on an afternoon that saw jubilant scenes from Hinckley’s fans and players alike at full time.