The Lions travelled to North Leicestershire to try and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games. They made three changes to their starting line-up, as Timson, Newnham and Bowley were all promoted from the bench.

Heanor made a dreadful start, however, conceding the first goal in the fifth minute. What appeared to be a harmless cross resulted in a terrible mix-up, as Sheena’s headed clearance skewed sideways across the area presenting Ogbe with an open goal to head into.

Hinckley then applied more early pressure as the Lions looked to re-group after their early setback. Max Thornberry’s diving headed clearance stopping another opportunity from the home side after 15 minutes.

After 20 minutes, Heanor started asking questions of the Hinckley backline. Tudgay made a great run and cross into the area, finding his opposite wing back, John King, at the back post. King’s shot was beaten away for a corner, from which the Lions skipper, Sam Brown, headed onto the bar, via the fingertips of the Hinckley ‘keeper.

The game was starting to resemble a basketball match, with each side attacking in turn. But it was Heanor who levelled it up on 26 minutes, when Timson crossed from the right, finding an unmarked King in the six-yard box, ready to apply a neat flicked finish.

Hinckley put together a slick passing move on 38 minutes, with Jones slamming the ball home to send the Tigers in leading at the break.

Cheetham was introduced for Sheena at half-time for the Lions, and Heanor seemed to have greater midfield control as the game wore on. And they were rewarded in the 55th minute when a long throw, initially cleared, was hooked back in by Thornberry. The ball looped over Bosworth in the Hinckley net, struck the inside of the post and bounced back towards Markelic, who applied the finishing touch from a yard out, equalising for Town.
Heanor now looked in the ascendancy and it was no surprise when Jamie Sleigh slammed home a volley in the 71st minute to put the Lions in front, after good work from Markelic in the build up.

Hinckley rallied and threw everything at Heanor in the final stages, forcing a great save from Pierrepont, who dived to his left to keep out a goal-bound effort. Then in the final minute a huge penalty appeal for Hinckley was denied by the referee, booking Ogbe for diving.

The Lions held on to take all three points and extend their unbeaten run to eight matches, moving to fourth place in the league table.

Upcoming Matches

Kimberley Miners Welfare FC

Heanor Town FC