Manager Courtney Belford says he couldn’t wish for a better game to welcome back Hinckley AFC supporters than Saturday’s trip to Atherstone.
The day of the match will have been exactly 200 days since AFC last played in front of fans. That was way back on 3rd November.
But after two lockdowns and more than six months, fans are now allowed back into grounds.
And a match away to our A5 rivals was one Belford was keen to arrange – especially given the sides haven’t met in the league since he took charge.
“It’s a big shame we haven’t played them for the last two seasons,” he said.
“On a personal level it’s a club I’ve got a lot of fond memories of. I’ve played there and I’ve got a lot of friends there who I’ve played with or under.
“They’re not just one of the better sides in the league, but our fans have missed days out like these. I’m sure for our fans, Atherstone is one of the first fixtures you look for and vice-versa for them. Hopefully we can take a few fans over and enjoy the day.
“We’re looking forward to Saturday and hopefully we can take some local bragging rights. Both sets of players know each other well and we couldn’t ask for a better game to get fans back.”
He also thanked the Adders for donating a share of the gate receipts to charity in memory of Simon Blyth – and says it’s testament to the club and to local non-league football.
“It’s a really nice gesture. Atherstone are a fantastic club, they made a donation to Adam Green, the Nuneaton Griff manager, when he did a charity run and they’ve always been helpful.
“They’ve got an excellent fan base and this is a really good gesture. Hopefully it can also be a good game.”
Admission at Sheepy Road is £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, with drinks and hot food available. All these will be cash only payments.
Supporters will also need to adhere to social distancing rules inside the ground, and use Track and Trace on entrance to the stadium.
