The third meeting between these two teams this season with Sporting completing the league double and firmly putting the FA Cup defeat behind them. However they had to work hard and concentrate for their win against a well-organised side who always looked capable going forward.
Playing on a cool evening with mercifully no rain and little wind, the healthy crowd of 226 were treated to some good end-to-end play for the first few minutes but with few chances as both back fours mopped up any danger.
With the mid-field getting crowded, Sporting attempted to open up the game and make more use of the flanks and the benefits were almost immediate. On 11 minutes Danny Morris moved forward from left-back putting over a delightful cross to the head of Joe Jakab whose glance looped over Tom Cross in the Hinckley goal to give the Rouslers the lead.
Hinckley were already playing well in particular former Rousler Darious Darkin controlling their centre of mid-field but going a goal down meant they needed to step up a gear.
There was no lack of commitment as they went for the equaliser and it nearly came on the 25th minute when another former Rousler Sean Williams received the ball just in front of the box. He passed to Luke Richards unmarked on the left whose shot beat Chris Jay between the sticks for Sporting only for the ball to hit the post and roll along the line allowing Jay to make amends and gather.
Cue for the Bromsgrove outfit to re-gain control and their efforts were rewarded seven minutes later after forcing a corner. Sam Wills floated over a well-aimed effort that met the head of Jakab who this time thundered the ball into the top corner giving Cross no chance.
Before the half-time refreshments Sean Brain's long-range shot was put wide by Cross and captain Craig Jones headed just over from another corner but both sides went in with the Rouslers two up.
Just four minutes after the interval, Sam Wills pretty much put the match beyond Hinckley when he found himself with plenty of space and time on the edge of the box to hit a low angled drive beyond the outstretched arm of Cross for Sporting's third.
Both sides used up their substitutes and the pace slowed down as the half went on and although not a physical game, tackles were becoming more assertive with the home side racking up three yellow cards and Sporting worryingly giving away too many free-kicks.
With 80 minutes gone Hinckley were still trying to rescue something from the game and a Richards screamer went just over the bar. Then three minutes later they finally made the scoresheet after a great run down the right by Javia Roberts who crossed to an unmarked Greg Pearson who easily tapped home from a few yards out.
Richards forced a late save from Jay but the goal was too little too late as referee Mr Moule blew for full-time after three added minutes and much to the relief of the contingent of travelling away fans behind the goal.
After the match Joe Jakab (aka the magic Magyar) said, "I was pleased with my two goals and I hope they help with the push for promotion".
Hinckley: Tom Cross, Isaac Cooper (Javia Roberts 64 mins), Lee Thomas, Mitchell Tomlinson, Adam Goodby, Lee Butler (Greg Pearson 55 mins), Sean Williams, Darious Darkin, Sam Agar, Ryan Seal (Jean Kalenda 55 mins), Luke Richards (Capt.).
Substitute not used: David Blenkinsopp
Goal: Pearson (83 mins)
Yellows: Darkin (68 mins), Richards (78 mins), Thomas (82 mins)
Sporting: Chris Jay, Aaron Roberts, Danny Morris, Simon Fitter, Craig Jones (Capt.), Luke Dugmore (Connor Collins 72 mins), 76 mins), Simon Fitter, Josh Westwood (Will Tibbetts 55 mins), Liam Spink, Jozsef Jakab (Kyle Turner 69 mins), Sean Brain.
Substitutes not used: Brendan Kelly, 'mit EminoÄŸlu.
Goals: Jakab (11, 32 mins), Wills (49 mins)
Cards: None
Referee: Mr T Moule (Leicester)
Assistants: Mr S Walker (Aylestone), Mr J Meadows (Kenilworth)
Crowd: 226
Weather: Cool, dry.
Sporting MoM: Danny Morris
Report: Phil Baker |