Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup win at Worksop Town was Hinckley AFC’s 100th victory since our formation back in 2014.
To mark the century of successes, we take a look back at some of the most memorable that have come over the last three seasons plus one match.
There are so many great moments that we’ve had to split this feature into two so, to start, here are some of the best moments from wins 1-50, with 51-100 to follow tomorrow…
Win One: Southam United (a) – 2nd August 2014
Our first competitive game and our first ever win. Luke Richards, JJ Melligan and Mark Bellingham all netted second half goals to get Hinckley off to a winning start in Midland League action.
Win 25: Bromsgrove Sporting (a) – 21st March 2015
On the Tuesday, AFC salvaged a 22-game unbeaten run by scoring twice in stoppage time to draw at Bolehall Swifts. Four days later Abbo’s men were on the road again, with another challenging away trip to another high flyer in Bromsgrove Sporting. AFC were a goal down heading into the last eleven minutes but Tyrone Clarke-O’Connell and a Jake Bedford own goal turned the game around. Bromsgrove equalised with four minutes to play but big Dom Smith popped up with one of his crucial late goals (above) and won it two minutes later.
Win 29: Walsall Wood (a) – 18th August 2015
Our first ever FA Cup tie went to a replay after a 0-0 draw (incidentally our only goalless match) in the original tie. Nathan Walker gave AFC the lead but the tie was level heading into the final five minutes. Cue goals from Justin Nisbett (above) and Marco Adaggio to send Hinckley through
Win 32: Bromsgrove Sporting (a) – 29th August 2015
After Walsall Wood, the next stop on the FA Cup trail was Bromsgrove. After a goal apiece early on, Nathan Walker and Jean Kalenda put Hinckley in dreamland just 20 minutes in. The only problem? Most AFC fans weren’t there to witness it after the supporters’ coach broke down on the way! Richards and Adaggio both scored twice as Hinckley put six past their league rivals on a memorable day for those fans who eventually made it!
Win 35: Redditch United (h) – 12th September 2015
Sense a theme developing here? The next stop on our first FA Cup journey was a home game against Redditch United – a side from three levels and 62 places higher in the pyramid. Adaggio and Sean Williams gave Hinckley a two-goal cushion in the first half and although Redditch pulled one back, Abbo’s men held on for jubilant scenes (above) at the end.
Win 45: Leicester Road (h) – 21st November 2015
Arguably the most memorable of them all. A sluggish first half saw AFC two down at the break and the writing looked to be on the wall after Adaggio missed a penalty with 20 minutes left. The comeback came with Richards halving the deficit and Williams levelling with ten to play. Deep into stoppage time a draw looked on the cards. Cue Richards nodding home at the far post 94 minutes in to spark wild scenes for the vast majority of the 290 in attendance. If you’re feeling down this rainy Tuesday, watch the highlights on our YouTube channel to cheer you up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbbI13Y4GQo
Win 46: Leicester Road (h) – 8th December 2015
A pair of league losses followed that dramatic late victory and an injury-hit AFC were struggling going into the Jelson Homes Senior Cup quarter final. Richards’ double put AFC in control but the visitors pulled it back to send the game into extra time. Hinckley fell behind in extra time but goalkeeper Sam Arnold, playing up front due to the number of injuries, headed home an equaliser and Ryan Seal slotted home a penalty to win it for Hinckley. Highlights from this can also be found on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Zfpoi0e8cFQ
