There was an element of the walking wounded after Tuesday night’s late win. Hinckley were boosted with Sam Carroll, Josh King and Bruno Nasciemento passing fitness tests although Franks could only start from the bench whilst Sands was missing altogether. Max Geary came in for Franks in the only change. Into the squad came youth team players Jasper Clarke, Joe Marriott & Asa Weeks who had played the previous night in Tamworth and Assistant Head Coach Scott Hardy completed the bench.

Hinckley started the game well and almost went ahead when Josh King was put through on goal on 9 minutes however, he drag his shot wide. The game then completely turned on its head in the space of 10 minutes – Heavy rainfall started resulting in the playing surface becoming very quickly waterlogged. Hinckley were caught out playing in midfield as the ball got stuck in one of the many puddles leading to Lutterworth winning a corner. A deep corner was not cleared on 2/3 occasions and from the resulting scramble, the Lutterworth defender fired in from 8 yards out after 20 minutes.

The rainfall continued and the majority of the pitch was now underwater however the referee deemed the game should go on much to the surprise of most. Hinckley were struggling to find any rhythm as their passes were getting stuck in the puddles, Hinckley went to plan B to get their runners on the ball however this didn’t work either as the ball either ran out or was stuck in the water as they travelled with the ball. Lutterworth could sense the frustration kicking in and their direct play was causing Hinckley issues without really creating anything.

On the stroke of half time, excellent work down the right by Greenwood seen him cut inside the Lutterworth box before being brought down to win a penalty. Josh King stepped up but fired wide as he tried to lift his penalty off the ground, clearly conscious if he struck his shot low that it probably wouldn’t reach the target. This brought the half to a close as conversations went on with the referee on how the game was still being played.

The second half started and whilst the rain had stopped, the majority of the pitch was still heavily waterlogged. Hinckley started brightly and forced a couple of early corners but were still clearly struggling with the difficult surface. On 56 minutes Lutterworth doubled their lead – Jack Warner appeared to have been pushed in the back resulting in him missing his header and Lutterworth took full advantage as their winger picked up the ball before cutting in and firing home.

Hinckley looked shell shocked as Hall and Hardy made changes. On came Franks for Geary and Boyce for Minihane. As the pitch was starting to drain, Hinckley were now getting a foothold in the game with their passing. It came as no surprise when Hinckley did pull a goal back on 73 minutes, King holding the ball up on the edge of the box before sliding Franks in who neatly tucked into the far corner from a narrow angle.

Hinckley were now on the front foot as Jody Turner was introduced for Ben Martin who appeared to have a knock. Greenwood, Boyce and Carroll were causing problems as Lutterworth's defensive line were falling deeper and deeper. Hall introduced his management partner Scott Hardy who went and played alongside King which further pinned Lutterworth back.

On 85 minutes the scores were level and it was a beautifully taken goal – Sam Carroll picked up the ball on the left before beating two players and curling into the far corner.
The supporters and everyone in the ground could sense the game was there for the taking as Hinckley’s fitness had kicked in.

King was set free on 87 minutes however he fired against the post in agonising fashion. Just 2 minutes later a neat pass over the Lutterworth backline was met by King who beat the keeper to the ball however his lob went agonisingly over the bar and everyone in the ground sensed penalties were on their way.

On 93 minutes, more good work down the right-hand side set Greenwood free in the Lutterworth box, as he beat his man on the outside he was brought down, and the referee awarded a second penalty. Up stepped Josh King for a second time and this tie he fired low into the bottom corner to spark wild scenes both on the pitch and in the stands.

There was barely enough time to kick off as the full-time whistle went. Hinckley now play Division 1 leaders Ashby Ivanhoe Knights for a place in the final on 15th April at home. In the meantime, they need to 4 points to secure the league title.