Hinckley AFC 1-2 Shepshed Dynamo

Hinckley AFC exited the Polymac Packaging League Cup at the Second Round stage with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Shepshed Dynamo.

For the second time in four days, Carl Abbott’s side pushed opponents from the league above hard, but were behind at half time thanks to Michael Reeve’s early header.

Ryan Seal levelled for Hinckley early in the second half, but Daniel Chapman’s fortuitous goal sixteen minutes from time sent Shepshed through as the effects of playing 120 minutes on Saturday were clear with Hinckley unable to force extra time.

As on Saturday, Hinckley were left to rue defensive errors and it was thanks to defensive uncertainty that Shepshed took the lead six minutes in. A high cross hung in the air for a long time, and Hinckley failed to put pressure on Reeve as he headed home.

Hinckley were unable to keep possession for long enough to cause Shepshed problems, and shortly before half time Lee Miveld should have doubled Dynamo’s lead but failed to hit the target with a free header.

Hinckley were much better after the break, though, and two minutes into the second half they were back on level terms. Darious Darkin found Seal, who found the net via the inside of the post.

Then, Luke Richards thought he’d given Hinckley the lead, but his goal after Rico Taylor’s shot was spilled was disallowed for offside.

At the other end, Sam Arnold had to be at his best to pull off a save in a one-on-one situation, but Shepshed too the lead for a second time on 74 minutes as a free kick fortuitously hit Chapman and nestled in the back of the net.

Hinckley came close to taking the game into extra time when Richards’ shot struck the post and Elikem Amenku’s follow up header hit the bar, but the visitors held on to progress to the next round.

Hinckley: Sam Arnold, Jean Kalenda (Ray Facey 19), Lee Thomas, Kristian Ramsey-Dickson, Liam Smith, Nathan Walker (Elikem Amenku 60), Sean Williams, Darious Darkin, Ryan Seal, Luke Richards, Rico Taylor. Sub not used: Tom Cross.

Goal: Ryan Seal (47).

Shepshed: Steven Morse, Thomas Rigby, Sam Craven, Lee Miveld, Adam Hohn, Jake Betts, Liam Read, Karl Whymark, Theo Smith (Zak Ginvert 81), Michael Reeve, Nathan Kelly (Daniel Chapman 46). Subs not used: Sam Young, Jack Green, Daniel Starbuck.

Goals: Michael Reeve (6), Daniel Chapman (73)

Attendance: 138