After another weather-enforced two-week break, Hinckley AFC go into tonight’s A5 derby against Atherstone Town having played just twice in more than six weeks.
But three points from their short trip up the A5 would provide the perfect early Christmas present for Courtney Belford and his Hinckley side as they look to regain some time on the pitch.
In that time, Atherstone have played seven games and are unbeaten in them as new manager Scott Rickards stamps his influence on his new side.
The former Hinckley midfielder Sam Belcher has been influential in their recent run, including scoring a brace in their 2-0 win over Brocton last week – and he is just one of a number of player connections between two sides who know each other well.
Former AFC ‘keeper Carl O’Neill is also at Atherstone now, while for Hinckley, George Brindley, Ryan Ball, Ky Green and Mark Williams have all featured for the Adders – with Mikkel Hirst and Mitch Thomson plying their trace at Sheepy Road as recently as a couple of months ago.
No side has played fewer league games than Atherstone this season, partly owing to their success in the FA Vase, and they sit sixth, one place above AFC, with 30 points from their 15 games.
A home win would put them up to fifth, while a win for Hinckley would put Belford’s side within a point of their hosts.
