Hinckley AFC unveil plans for new home

HINCKLEY AFC moved up to fourth in the Midland League Division One with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Coventry Copsewood at St John’s Park.

Josh Burniston and Kai Tonge twice put Hinckley ahead, only for the visitors to twice pull them back, before Luke Richards scored what proved to be the decisive goal just before half time.

And with both sides having played on Thursday, the action caught up with them in the second half as both sides looked leggy and AFC comfortably held out for all three points.

Not looking deterred by conceding a late equaliser on Thursday, Hinckley had the better of the early chances and the opening goal wasn’t long coming. Steve Hart fed Burniston on the left, with the midfielder in space to finish neatly beyond Jack Hartopp.

The Coventry outfit fought back ten minutes later though, and levelled with their first opportunity.

Lawrence Rawlings, cut inside and slammed home the rebound despite Carl O’Neill’s fine save from the initial effort.

But they weren’t level for long. Just four minutes afterwards, Hart’s neat turn on halfway allowed him the space to free Tonge, who raced through on goal and netted with a delicate loft over the advancing Hartopp.

As Hinckley sought to extend their lead, Hartopp pushed Hart’s 20-yarder wide of the post.

But though they had more of the play, Hinckley didn’t fashion too many chances in this period and their visitors equalised for a second time eight minutes before the break. George Whitelaw kept the ball in play before crossing for Andre Yerou to fire them level for a second time.

But once again Hinckley restored their lead quickly.

Tonge was involved again as he did well to get to the byline before crossing low for Richards to fire home from six yards.

Hinckley should have scored again before the break but Tonge’s indecision allowed Hartopp to smother.

Copsewood’s Danny Fraser came closest for the visitors before half time, but O’Neill held his long range free kick.

But while the first half saw chances for both sides, both sides looked tired in the second as 90 minutes on Thursday caught up with them.

Neither goalkeeper was forced into action for large spells but Hinckley would have been content with that as they managed the game well.

Richards had Hinckley’s best chance of the half but sliced wide from six yards when he should have put the game to bed.

But it didn’t cost them,and Hinckley held on for the win that sees them leapfrog Atherstone Town in the table.

the pitch AFC have announced they will play home matches at Ibstock Miners Welfare Sports and Social Club next season.

The club signed an agreement with Ibstock Parish Council, the owners of the land, last week as the club brings to an end a four year association with Heather St John’s.

The deal has been lodged with the Total Motion Midland Football League, with the ground already having passed the grading to host step six football.

Hinckley AFC director Gerry Abbott said: “We’re excited about this new chapter for the club. Whilst our aim of returning to Hinckley is still a priority for us, the move to Ibstock will allow the club to attain a more stable financial footing.”

Councillor Stuart Farmer, Chairman of Ibstock Parish Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Hinckley AFC to Ibstock. Their tenancy will breathe new life into the ground.”

In a statement, the club thanked Heather St John’s for their hospitality since the creation of the club, and their willingness to share their ground gave AFC a place to call home while the club found its feet.