PREVIEW: Hinckley AFC (H)
The Reds take on Hinckley AFC at The Stotto Stadium, in their 3rd Pre-season game as life in step three grows ever closer.
With just one day between the last fixture, Quorn FC return to The Sotto stadium to continue their preparation for the upcoming season. This will be the third game of the pre-season campaign with the Reds yet to lose in the build-up to the challenge that is step three.
With the league fast approaching Beswick will be pleased with how his squad have performed in pre-season so far. With six games to go before the competitive season starts, the squad continues to regain fitness and sharpness to be ready to give it their all in the new season.
A well fought 1-1 against Tamworth on Tuesday night provided Beswick and his squad another chance to get minutes in the tank against a tough opposition. The Stotto Stadium saw an amazing attendance of 238 on what proved to be a competitive evening.
The Opposition:
58pts saw Hinkley A.F.C finish 9th place in the Premier Division South, of the GCE Hire Ltd United Counties League last season. Having played three matches prior to Thursday night’s meeting, Hinckley come into the game having won their last two. A free kick from Sam Lockley and a first goal since his return for Matt Dawson saw Joe Conneely’s side win 2-1 away from home to Chelmsey town.
Young manager, Joe Conneely joined Hinckley A.F.C as an assistant coach in July 2020. After former head coach Courtney Belford’s departure, Conneely took charge of the squad in May 2022. He was delt a rough hand after losing a managerial team as well as 13 players! However, Joe managed to guide Hinckley to a 3rd place finish in the league as well as earning some silverware. The team managed to win the league cup trophy with a win over Whitchurch Alport. Belford has since re-joined the managerial team as assistant manager.
Conneely will be hoping new, double defensive signing, Ethan Flaig and Will Harris will be starting to settle into the squad as they build up to the new season. The pair will be hoping to keep Quorn’s forwards quiet on Thursday night.
Last Game:
The Reds last game was against national league, Tamworth FC. Beswick’s side managed to come away with a 1-1 draw against a big opponent. Quorn went 1-0 up after a scrappy free kick led to a bundled header from new signing, Joe Lyne.
The Reds came out to the second half as the rightful leaders. Unfortunately, the Lambs found a way through in the 62nd minute with a neat finish from Jordan Ponticelli.
It was an excellent display from Ryan Beswick’s side and is a great sign of things to come as the squad prepares for life in step 3.
Head-to-Head:
Quorn faced opponents Hinckley in the County Cup last season. The full-time score ended 2-2 with Quorn’s goals coming from Leo Farruch and an own goal from Alex Vineall.
And so, to penalties. Quorn managed to score all four of their penalties and it was a superb display from goalkeeper Tom Allsopp who made two outstanding saves.
Ticket Prices:
Adults £8.00
Concessions £5.00
Under 16s Free