Tommo on Opening Day Win

Hinckley AFC assistant manager Paul Tomlinson said it was key for his side to three points on the board with their first game of the season.

Marco Adaggio scored the only goal of the game in first half stoppage time, heading home the rebound after Luke Richards’ shot was parried, and Tomlinson said it was a difficult start to the season, but one which holds them in good stead for the upcoming fixtures.

He said: ‘It was a tough start to the season, with the pitch not being in the greatest condition: it was very bobbly, very hard and very firm.

‘But it was a great first game for us. It’s nice to get a win under our belts because they are a tough side, they worked hard and stuck at it.

‘They gave a lot of possession up for us to go and play, and I don’t think we really hurt them that much at times. We huffed and puffed a little bit, but for me it was important we got three points on the board in the first game of the season, and from there you can start to get some momentum going.’

Tomlinson also reserved praise for goalkeeper Jack Hartopp, who pulled off a terrific save to deny Ryan Spink in the second half and ensure AFC took all three points.

‘How he got across to save that I really don’t know! What disappointed me was the manner that he (Spink) got there, there were a couple of mistakes along the way, and Jack really had to pull us out of the fire with that.

‘He had nothing really to do all game, he tipped one over the bar from a corner which was just a floater, but that was an exceptional save and for me that’s what’s won us the game.’