Hinckley AFC’s second game in two days saw Steve Hart’s penalty separate themselves and Lichfield City in a 1-0 win at St John’s Park.
The game was always likely to be tough after playing just 24 hours previously, but AFC prevailed with a hard-fought win thanks to Hart’s penalty just after the hour.
Richard Lavery made three changes to the side that played the day before, with Mitchell Tomlinson and Jonathan Bukasa returning while Matt Jelfs made his first start.
Both sides had chances in a first half that ended goalless despite both going close. Hart twice went close for Hinckley, with visiting ‘keeper Dan Morgan blocking his efforts when one-on-one, while Max Black had Lichfield’s closest effort of the half as he struck the post.
But despite AFC’s heavy legs, their second game in two days ended in victory – Hart was fouled by Morgan in the box, and Hinckley’s leading scorer stepped up to convert from the spot and secure a valuable three points for Hinckley as they ended their run of three straight defeats.
Hinckley: Carl O’Neill, Chad Timson, Mitchell Tomlinson, James Jepson, James Williams, Richard Munday, Kai Tonge, Josh Burniston, Jonathan Bukasa, Steve Hart, Matt Jelfs. Subs not used: Richard Lavery, Josh Willis, Nick Goold
Goal: Steve Hart (64 pen)
Lichfield: Dan Morgan, Josh Mansell, Jordan Hunt, Alex Forde, Anthony Juxon, Max Black (Jake Allen 80), Tom Howard, Danny Thurstance, Tom Green, Wes Streete, Scott Cooper (Max Chauvell 14)
Attendance: 68