Manager Joe Conneely wants Hinckley AFC to embrace their underdog status ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final local derby at Atherstone Town.
Hinckley and A5 rivals Atherstone face off in a competitive game for the first time in four years for the chance to reach the Midland League Cup final.
The long-awaited renewal of the A5 rivalry comes in an encounter with a cup final, visit to an EFL ground and chance to win a trophy at stake.
And Conneely says the game is a free hit for his side. He said: “We have absolutely nothing to lose. They’re the higher ranked side and are at home so we know we’re second-favourites, but we’ll go and enjoy the night.
“We’ll do all we can. It’s an added bonus game for us, if we can make a final then all the better.
“They’ve been on a brilliant run since losing in the Vase (on penalties to holders Newport Pagnell). Adam (Davies) and Ross (Innes, joint managers) have done a great job and they’re good people.
“It’s a shame that both of us can’t be in the final but nonetheless a semi will be a great occasion with a great crowd.”
The Adders’ superb recent run of just one normal-time defeat in 13 games has lifted them to ninth in the Premier Division table, the latest a 4-0 win over Market Drayton Town yesterday.
Among that run was the win at Stone Old Alleynians to put them into the last four, while they have also beaten Premier Division leaders Walsall Wood and Chelmsley Town in this competition.
Hinckley, meanwhile, have overcome Coventry Copsewood, Ingles and Stapenhill in their run to the semi-finals.
The reward for the winners is a trip to Walsall’s Bescot Stadium, where Whitchurch Alport await. They beat Lye Town on penalties last night after a goalless draw over 90 minutes.
Despite being in the same league for both covid-hit seasons, Hinckley and Atherstone never faced each other before lockdowns struck. As such, the last meeting came in March 2019 when the Adders won 2-0 in Ibstock.
Despite that, the squads know each other well with plenty of familiarity between the squads. Ex-AFC quartet Alec Hill, Tom Smith, Jake Brown and Carl O’Neill are all with Atherstone now, while Connor Gudger and Jamie Hood both played for Hinckley United. For AFC, Tom Weale, Joe McNulty, Jack Edwards, Harry Walker-Donovan, Isa Abraham and Lewis Collins could all play against their former side.
Conneely says that gives the tie a unique feel: “When you get two big clubs at the level, people want to play for them. You’ll get that, with players moving and good relationships between the staff.
“We’ve got a good relationship with the players and staff, Ross and Adam are Courtney’s cousin and best man!
“So it’s different, but it won’t be for 90 minutes. These are two teams who will go right at it, some will have things to prove, and they’ll do all they can to win a game.”
The Adders play at Sheepy Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 3AD. The tie will go straight to penalties if level after 90 minutes.
Adults: £7
Concessions: £5
