Hinckley AFC manager Carl Abbott said fitness in the final ten minutes was the difference as his side were beaten 4-2 by Nuneaton Town on Tuesday.
AFC were level at 2-2 going into the final stages before two late goals secured victory for Boro.
But Abbott was encouraged by his side’s display. He said: “I think fitness told in the last ten minutes, but that’s the way it should have been. You often see that in FA Cup games when minnows are involved, and that’s what cost us tonight.
“Up until then we played really well. We made a good account of ourselves and our good preparation for the season continues.”
In particular, the former Wolves Casuals boss has been impressed with his side’s solid defending so far in the pre-season campaign after admitting AFC conceded too many soft goals last term.
“For most of pre-season we’ve been in two banks of four and have defended well in open play. We looked quite solid tonight against a really good Nuneaton side, who I thought were fantastic.
“They moved the ball really well and I thought we did too. It was a really good game on a lovely pitch and a nice evening. Tommy (Wright, Nuneaton manager) will have taken plenty out of it for his boys and I certainly have for mine.”
Abbott admitted being frustrated about the number of injuries in his squad, meaning he hasn’t yet seen his full line-up play together. George Bowerman,Sam Agar, Sean Geddes and Dom Smith all have injury niggles plaguing the group.
But one man settling into his stride nicely is Darious Darkin. The former Aston Villa man scored Hinckley’s first goal against Nuneaton and was the subject of high praise from his manager.
“He (Darkin) is like a man possessed this pre-season. He’s working really hard in training and he looks as fit and focussed as I’ve seen him.
“The Alex Penny move has given him a kick up the backside and so it should. Darious is that good and it will be an interesting season for him. He’s certainly got me and Tommo in his corner, we’ll help him where we can.
“A fit and motivated Darious Darkin will make rapid movements through the leagues.”
To see the full video interview with Abbo after the Nuneaton Town defeat, visit our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/slTrN30QfrQ
