Hinckley AFC 1-2 Bromsgrove Sporting

Hinckley AFC slipped to their second successive 2-1 defeat; this one at the hands of Bromsgrove Sporting on Saturday.
Josh McKenzie’s double, either side of Luke Richards’ leveller, ensured the points went back to Worcestershire as The Rouslers recorded a win in Paul Smith’s first match in charge.
It will arguably be a case of three points dropped for Hinckley, who had a foothold throughout the game, but they will be encouraged by a good second half display in which they felt they should not have had a late equaliser disallowed.
Bromsgrove took the lead after eighteen minutes, when McKenzie converted a chance from close range.
Against his former club, Sean Williams was looking threatening for Hinckley, but the visitors defended resolutely, and Bromsgrove ‘keeper Jake Bedford was rarely tested.
It took only seven minutes of the second half for Hinckley to level the scores. JJ Melligan’s shot was parried by Bedford, and Richards could hardly miss from inside the six yard box.
But Hinckley couldn’t keep the scoreline level, and Bromsgrove retook the lead immediately. McKenzie was allowed in behind the Hinckley defence, and despite Arnold making a good save from his initial attempt, he couldn’t hold on and McKenzie converted a simple chance.
Hinckley thought they had equalised for a second time late on, when substitute Craig Bannister’s shot found Bedford’s bottom corner, but they were bemused to find the assistant referee’s flag raised for offside.
But despite their late rally, Hinckley couldn’t find the goal to earn them a point, and Bromsgrove held on for the win.
Hinckley, however, will take the positives from their second half display ahead of the match against landlords Heather St John’s on Monday, kick off 3pm.
Hinckley: Sam Arnold, Bekir Halil, Chris Sockett (Mark Bellingham 66), Nathan Walker, Dominic Smith, George Williams, JJ Melligan, Matt Bailey (James Bennett-Tindall 71), Luke Richards (Craig Bannister 76), Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell, Sean Williams. Subs not used: Richard Robinson, Isaac Cooper.
Goal: Luke Richards (52)
Attendance: 214