Hinckley AFC 2-1 AEI Rugby (AET)

Hinckley AFC progressed to the Semi Finals of the Coventry Charity Cup, but they needed extra time to overcome AEI Rugby 2-1 at St John’s Park.

In their first game since Boxing Day, AFC were laboured at times despite having the majority of possession throughout, taking the lead through Marco Adaggio shortly before half time.

But they failed to make the most of their possession after the break and the Coventry Alliance outfit pegged them back late on as Josh Banton sent the game into extra time, during which Alex Penny netted Hinckley’s winner.

The extended break allowed several members of Carl Abbott’s squad the chance to return to full fitness. Mitchell Tomlinson returned to the starting line up to make his 50th appearance for the club, along with Penny and Kristian Ramsey-Dickson. Fit again Sean Williams was joined by new signing Tom Bates on the substitutes’ bench

Hinckley should have taken the lead as early as the fourth minute, but Luke Richards scuffed his shot with the goal gaping after good work by Darious Darkin.

Despite some good passages of play, Hinckley couldn’t break the deadlock. Richards and Ryan Seal both struck efforts narrowly wide, while Greg Pearson was denied one on one.

But six minutes before half time, AFC finally found the breakthrough. Richards’ corner was met by Ramsey-Dickson’s goalbound header, and Adaggio nipped in to apply the finishing touch.

Despite three of the four floodlights on one side of the ground going out at half time, the light was deemed playable and the game continued with AFC enjoying prolonged spells of possession.

But with only one goal separating the sides, extra time was always a possibility and it became reality when AEI scored with their first real chance of the game. Banton took advantage of the static Hinckley backline, finishing neatly when he was left in space.

In the end, it was Penny’s moment of quality in the additional half hour that sent Hinckley through to the semi finals. He weaved through three defenders before unleashing a shot from the edge of the box that nestled in the corner.

That goal ultimately condemned Rugby to defeat, and Hinckley can be satisfied with their evening; progressing to the semi finals while shaking off some of the rust after an enforced break.

Hinckley: Tom Cross, Mitchell Tomlinson, Lee Thomas, Kristian Ramsey-Dickson, Alex Morris (Mason Hirst 65), Alex Penny, Darious Darkin, Ryan Seal (Tom Bates 54), Greg Pearson (Sean Williams 54), Marco Adaggio, Luke Richards. Subs not used: Sam Arnold, Marcus Jackson.