Ten-man AFC score late to take victory

LATE goals by James Jepson and Grant Ryan gave ten man Hinckley AFC a hard-fought 2-0 win at bottom side Littleton, writes Liam Gibbs.

It wasn’t pretty, but AFC got back to winning ways after backto-back defeats with a late show at Five Acres, in which it took 88 minutes for the game’s first goal.

Having played most of the game with ten men after goalkeeper Adam Harrison was sent off in the first half, Hinckley snatched a late win through Jepson’s free kick and Ryan’s close range finish.

Hinckley came within inches of breaking the deadlock just eight minutes in, and may have had a more comfortable afternoon had Ryan’s header from Tom Maddison’s cross gone in instead of hitting the bar.

But their lowly hosts battled, and came within a whisker when Ryan Reeves crashed a shot against the bar.

Hinckley had the greater share of the ball but struggled to create too many clear cut chances, even though they struck the woodwork again when Ryan clipped the post.

But the complexion of the game changed just after the half hour. Jordan Wilson was denied by Josh Rogers, allowing Littleton to break.

Sam Beddoes’ touch took him towards the corner flag before he was brought down by goalkeeper Harrison just outside the box. Referee Ashley Devonport brandished red at the Hinckley ‘keeper.

It meant 16-year-old goalkeeper George Warren came off the bench for his first team debut, but he looked assured in diving to his right to hold Matt Irons’ strike from range.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Hinckley still looked the more likely to break the deadlock. Ryan nodded wide from Jean Dakouri’s cross, before Maddison bent a free kick straight at Rogers.

Littleton grew in belief that they could pick up their first point of the season, and should have taken the lead with 12 minutes to play but Harry Jacobs scooped his effort over from close range.

And that proved crucial with two minutes left. Hinckley were awarded a free kick 20 yards out and Jepson took the responsibility upon himself, bending it beyond Rogers’ reach to put his side ahead.

And in the final minute of normal time, the visitors secured the points. Wilson looked to be heading for the corner, but darted goalbound and went on a mazy run before squaring for Ryan to convert his 10th of the season from close range and wrap up the win.

Be patient says Jepson on Page 61