Goals either side of half time enough to end AFC’s away run

DROITWICH SPA 2 HINCKLEY AFC 0 Midland Football League Division One

HINCKLEY AFC’s unbeaten away league run came to an end as a goal in each half gave Droitwich Spa a 2-0 win.

Hinckley had won every league game on the road since defeat to Ashby in early October but Alex Dugmore and James Lemon struck either side of half time to end that run and extend Droitwich’s fine home sequence.

Hinckley were missing Chandler Pegg through an ankle problem as Lewis Collins started in place of him up front despite illness – and they lacked a spark through much of the afternoon.

It could have been worse from early on when Brandon Bache fouled Connor Collins in the box after just five minutes – but the ‘keeper made amends with a smart save from the same player’s penalty.

But they couldn’t capitalise on that and much of the game, on a heavy pitch, was lacking in chances at either end. Hinckley’s closest chance came through Jack Beasley’s header from Josh Clews’ corner, which was cleared off the line.

The home side took the lead after half an hour, a wide free kick met by Dugmore who powerfully headed home.

Tom Weale shot tamely at Dom Rogerson as Hinckley looked to respond before half-time, but their best spell came immediately after the break.

Sam Walton’s curler was comfortably saved, Collins blasted over and Jack Edwards’ strike was well blocked with Weale’s follow up saved as Hinckley looked like getting back on terms.

But they couldn’t keep that intensity up and, after Bache pushed away Perry Moss’ goalbound strike, Droitwich added a second 20 minutes into the half.

It was a goal far too easy from Hinckley’s perspective as one long ball set Spa’s leading scorer James Lemon through on goal, and he made no mistake with a coolly-taken finish.

The hosts managed the game well after that, led by Dugmore and Matt Hunt at the heart of their defence.

Defeat leaves Hinckley leading a pack of four sides separated by just five points, with a two-week gap for Joe Conneely’s side until a visit to Haughmond in a fortnight.