Despite having picked up only one point from their opening four league games (away to Dereham Town 1-1), Hinckley have been unlucky in their three defeats, with the results not being what Neil Lyne’s side performances showed.

However, having not played since last Monday, Hinckley were fit and raring to go as they welcomed Cambridge to Leicester Road Stadium.

Hinckley got off to a flying start as in the 4th minute, Andre Williams played a cross into the box which was initially headed clear by a Cambridge defender but only to outside of the area, where Nick Reeves struck a beautiful strike on the half volley into the top left corner leaving the goalkeeper helpless to do anything as the striker recorded his first goal of the season to give Hinckley the lead.

There wasn’t much in terms of chances from both sides in either halves as both teams tried to control the game from the middle of the pitch. Cambridge did have a couple of half chances but all throughout the game Will Highland remained resolute in the Hinckley goal, commanding his area, and catching anything that came his way.

The next best chance for Hinckley came in the 40th minute when this time Dom Brennan played a ball over the top to Williams who drove into the box before firing his shot across goal, narrowly passing the post.

Following the restart, Hinckley had two chances immediately after each other in the 47th minute with both coming from corners.

The first one came when a headed clearance from a Cambridge defender fell to the feet of Joe Lyne outside the box who hit a lovely dipping ball over the defence and looking destined to nestle in the back of the net. However, the goalkeeper reacted well to the ball only just tipping it over.

The resulting corner following the save came straight back into the box where it found and unmarked Reeves at the back post who headed narrowly over the bar.

Hinckley then doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Reeves linked up with Williams once again as this time, he played through a ball to Williams who ran onto it into the box before firing his shot into the top left corner with another lovely finish.

The home side nearly got themselves a third goal eight minutes later when this time Brennan ran in behind the Cambridge defence, he looked to have slotted the ball past the keeper into the bottom right corner but was only denied by the post.

Neil Lyne’s side controlled the game from then on, with his side not being put under any real sort of pressure, as they held out to secure a valuable three points.

Having now secured their first three points of the campaign, Hinckley will be able to gain confidence and build on each result as they now look to push on further up the table.

Team: Will Highland, Jarred Acton, Pradeep Bahrey, Jordan Burrows, Danny Jenno (C), Ben Humphreys, Andre Williams, Joseph Lyne, Nick Reeves, Domonic Brennen, Jake Brown Subs: Lewis Jones, Yeagan Gore, Louie Gill, Domenico Rogerro

Next Match:
Saturday, 10th September 2022
FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round
Kidsgrove Athletic vs Hinckley LRFC
The Autonet Insurance Stadium
Hollinwood Road
Kidsgrove
Staffordshire
ST7 1DQ