Neil Lyne's side travelled to Cambridge knowing a win would secure their spot in the playoffs, but could also qualify with a draw if either Quorn or Loughborough Dynamo failed to win.

And with Dynamo drawing 2-2 at home to Corby Town, there was a roar of emotion from the Hinckley faithful, as the club secured playoffs at Step Four for the first time in the clubs history and at only the second attempt with a game to spare.

A first half Ben Humphreys rocket was cancelled out early in the second half as Hinckley were frustrated by a Cambridge side who took a huge step towards safety in the division.

It was a scrappy affair with very little chances at both ends of the pitch as Hinckley struggled to break down a resolute Cambridge defence.

Hinckley's first chance came after 14 minutes when a lovely cross from Andre Williams on the right hand side found Dom Brennan who glanced a header inches wide of the post.

Humphreys opener came in the 21st minute when a loose clearance rolled to him on the edge of the area, releasing a thunderous effort first time into the top left corner, giving the Cambridge keeper no chance of saving it.

Hinckley dominated the first half with Cambridge failing to really have an effort, but in the second half Cambridge began to take charge of the game, with Hinckley really struggling to regain control of the game.

The equaliser came on the 63rd minute through Stan Leech when he picked up the ball around the penalty spot firing it past Will Highland.

Hinckley's best chance to regain the lead came in the 81st minute when a cross from the right found Humphreys who headed back across to Aaron Nuttall who was left unmarked in the area but his shot went over the bar as he failed to get it on target.

Cambridge had a chance to win it right at the end when a venomous first time volley inside the area was superbly tipped over by Highland in what could be one of the saves of the season.

With the playoffs now confirmed for Neil Lyne's side, he can prepare his side for the season finale next weekend when they welcome Coventry Sphinx to Leicester Road Stadium.