A pair of second half goals saw Hinckley AFC progress in the League Cup with a 2-0 win over Coventry Copsewood on a Baltic night at Kirkby Road.
In a game played in sub zero temperatures throughout, AFC were made to work hard for their victory by a spirited Copsewood side who were much improved from the earlier league meeting between the two sides.
The first half was a pretty even affair, full of honest endeavour but good chances were scarce.
Copsewood threatened first when Ryan Pedley’s angled drive was pushed aside at full stretch by Brandon Bache whilst at the other end, Danny Fraser’s long range effort clipped the bar before Lewis Collins was sent through on goal but Nathan Pearce raced off his line to block well.
The deadlock was broken on the hour, Isa Abraham was brought down by Pearce in the area, and Tom Weale sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Almost immediately, Copsewood could have levelled, Sean Quirke was unmarked on the edge of the area but shot tamely at Bache, and that proved to be the visitors’ final chance to get back in the tie.
And Hinckley sealed their progress fifteen minutes from time. Lewis Rankin sent Matt Dawson clear down the right flank and his probing ball into the box was converted by Chandler Pegg to ensure Hinckley’s progress to round three.
Hinckley: Brandon Bache, Matt Dawson, Danny Fraser, Ben Newport (Lewis Rankin 60), Joe McNulty, Jack Beasley, Harry Walker-Donovan (Fortune Sibanda 80), Tom Weale, Lewis Collins, Ryan Slinn (Chandler Pegg 60), Isa Abraham (Lewis Padmore 74). Sub not used: Luke Wilson.
Goals: Tom Weale (60 pen), Chandler Pegg (75).
Copsewood: Nathan Pearce, Brandon Patterson, Bradley Taylor, Elwalid Elhaghany, Jamie Tiff (Ben Ellis 73), Chris Wilson-King, Jean Patrik Gomes, Sean Quirke, Jake Upton (Charlie Gordon 67), Ryan Pedley, Jordan King. Subs not used: Danny Lole, Sam Ellis, Jack Archer.
Attendance: 105
