After all the confusion and eventual disappointment with other results the last time Hinckley played, which meant they hadn’t actually won the Division Two title, matters then changed in the meantime. Dunton & Broughton United, needing to win all their remaining games to be in with a shout of the Division title lost at home to Stoneygate, who by all account dominated the game for a 1-0 victory.

So Hinckley could finally celebrate as Division Two winners and look forward to their last game of the season away at Ibstock United U18. Played at the Ibstock Minors Welfare Site, Hinckley arrived to see an immaculate looking pitch, clearly well-tended and something the local team set up can be proud of. Glorious sunny conditions warmed the bumper crown in attendance and the only issue being the hardness of the surface which did have an impact on the game.

Hinckley determined not to mess up their last fixture walked onto the pitch unsure what sort of Ibstock team would turn up with nothing to play for now. Winning the toss, choosing to put Ibstock up the slight slope and into the blazing sun, the referee blew for kick off.

With only around 15-20 seconds on the clock, the first ball played into the Ibstock box a mistake from their defender gifted the ball to Dickens who not messing around buried the ball past the despairing Ibstock keeper for a crazy 1-0 Hinckley lead. So quick it was difficult to be exact on the timings.

Not long later Ibstock had their first free kick, then corner, but all defended well and the game became an end to end affair with Ibstock always looking a threat down their right and Hinckley more their left. Half chance after half chance followed with Hinckley offering the better quality play, particularly through their Captain Nicholson ©, but neither side could find that finishing touch. Bennett in goal for Hinckley forced to make several clearances and Hinckley tested with Szulz bursting run and shot, followed by Bee’s header just past the post. Wilkinson had a shot at goal, straight at the keeper but ironically Hinckley’s best move didn’t threaten the goal with a fantastic interchange of passing between Bee, Nicholson © and ending with a Suddais ur Rehman shot wide of the goal.

Both sides went in pleased with how the first half unfolded with Ibstock far from pushovers and looked up for the game.

As the sun slightly lost its glare the second half kicked off with Hinckley looking at 45 minutes of their season left to get the result. Its fair the say this is where the heat and conditions overall started to have an impact. Drinks breaks included, the pitch was hard and bouncy which as the minutes passed seemed to suck the energy from the players unlike the entertaining first half. The quality dropped as subs rotated and half chances becoming scarce. Several players from both sides went down with cramp and it required some gutsy performances from players on both sides to keep the energy levels remotely close to that of the first 45. Hinckley marshalled extremely well at the back with Vincent, Rollins and Ward all impressing with Ward in particular having another great game.

As the clock ticked by nearing full time Ibstock did hit the crossbar, but it only skimmed it and went over for a goal kick. The conditions clearly draining away the first half excellent energy from the players, the final whistle arrived with relief and the game ended as a slightly damp squib, Hinckley 1-0 victory. A game with the fastest goal scored all season was as good as a 0-0 fixture over 90 minutes, with both side cancelling each other out . Credit to Ibstock, playing with passion and desire from the off, no doubt encourage by the sizable crowd for this level, didn’t let their club down. Hinckley, tired, hot, some players still suffering with cramp then went off to celebrate with family, friends and a few bottles of “non-alcoholic” bubbly as a collective group.

All the lads making a great contribution across the season, from those unexpected moments, to reliable contributions, its been a memorable end to Junior/Youth football for this group.

A fantastic season, unbeaten since November, Hinckley U18 Sunday are proud winners of the 2024/25 Leicestershire Youth League U18 Division Two Title.