Hinckley AFC made it five away league games unbeaten as three first half goals earned a 3-2 win at Rocester.
AFC came into the game having not played a league match for two weeks, but were quickly into their stride as Jordan Wilson, James Jepson and Louis Hamilton put them in control at the break.
But Rocester made things difficult after the break, pulling one back through Jordan Godfrey before Jordon Dodd ensured a nervy finish for the visitors.
But AFC held out for a valuable three points and a second straight away win.
Missing regulars Jean Dakouri and Sam Belcher through other commitments, a depleted AFC made three changes to the side that started the last league game a fortnight ago. Dan Mullarkey and Liam Cross both made league debuts, while Jason Lee returned at the heart of defence.
But they started brightly, and were ahead within five minutes. From Jepson’s corner, the ball fell nicely for Wilson who calmly put his side ahead from close range.
Ten minutes later, they added a second. Jepson turned from provider to scorer, beating the ‘keeper from 25 yards for his second goal for the club.
And AFC’s assertive display in the first half continued with a third goal just before the half hour. Wilson was sent through on goal, but was denied by Lewis Bullock. The rebound, though, fell for Hamilton who picked up the loose ball and coolly slotted into the corner for a third.
But Hinckley missed the experience of Dakouri and Belcher in the middle of the park after half time, and Rocester took the game to their visitors after half time in an attempt to get back into the game.
Midway through the half, they pulled one back – when Godfrey latched onto a long ball over the top, beating the advancing George Warren to the ball and lofting over him to give the Romans hope.
That gave the home side belief, and they grew in confidence that they could get something from the game when Dodd slotted home a penalty with ten minutes to play.
In truth, AFC were hanging on at the end having let the hosts back into the game after a dominant first half.
But they held out for a second straight away win as they now take another break from the league with next week’s trip to Coventry United in the Buildbase FA Vase.
Rocester: Lewis Bullock, Matt Butt (Jack Jeffery 33), Ollie Marsh, Josh Sedgley, Luke Tandy, Carl Allen, Jordan Godfrey, Tom Brown (Sam Golden 76), Jordon Dodd, Jack Dundas, Luca Sorrentino. Subs not used: Kallum Whale, Derry Creighton, Micah Jebbison
Goals: Jordan Godfrey (66), Jordon Dodd (80 pen)
Hinckley: George Warren, Dan Mullarkey, Chris Hollist (Matt Jelfs 60), Liam Cross, Joe McLaughlin, Jason Lee, Louis Hamilton, Callum Willimont (Jaydn Kettle 88), Jordan Wilson, James Jepson, Nkosi Nzungwana (Will Dunlop 70). Subs not used: Chad Timson
Goals: Jordan Wilson (5), James Jepson (18), Louis Hamilton (27)
