AFC boss urges fans to turn out in force for play-off semi final
HINCKLEY AFC Manager Joe Conneely wants to break last season’s play-off semi-final attendance when Hinckley AFC take on Droitwich Spa on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon at 3pm.
Hinckley’s third-place finish in the Midland League Division One means they have a shot at earning promotion via the play-offs, with the semi-final against Droitwich and then a final against either Ashby Ivanhoe or OJM Black Country.
AFC fell at the final hurdle last season, narrowly beaten 1-0 in the final after beating Hucknall Town 3-0 in the semi.
A crowd of more than 500 watched on that day and, with this match pitting the league’s two bestsupported sides against each other, Conneely wants another bumper attendance to cheer his side on as they look to go one better than last season.
He said: “This game definitely has the potential to get 500+ fans watching on. With it being a Bank Holiday afternoon, people will be off work and hopefully will be able to come down and support the boys.
“Droitwich will probably bring a few with them as well and it’s all set up for a great occasion.
“Hopefully we can beat the semifinals attendance last season and give everyone something to go home smiling about.”
The game sees the league’s two leading goalscorers go head-to-head - with Hinckley racking up 118 goals in their regular league season and Droitwich 109.
And the fact both sides have attacking intent and prowess means Conneely thinks it will be a game to savour.
He said: “It will be a really difficult game. Droitwich are a bit like ourselves - they score plenty and are good attacking side,
“We won the regular season game at home but made it difficult for ourselves after being 3-0 up. At the stage we’re at now, whoever you play will be tough, we know that, but we’re glad to be at home.
“It’s one we’re looking forward to and have to back ourselves. We have a chance to make this a really special ending to the season and it’s one we’ll relish.”
The game is at Kirkby Road in Barwell and kicks off at 3pm on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1.