Deacon Pattison’s equalising goal at Hinckley back in September was one of the stand-out moments of the season so far for Histon. Despite a superb Histon performance, in-form Hinckley had fought back from two goals down to snatch a 3-2 lead in the 91st minute, but young Deacon came on from the bench to score a close-range goal with the last kick of the game to rescue a point after a truly magnificent game of football. The two sides meet again on Saturday at Bridge Road, and if we get just half the level of excitement we had the last time the teams met we will still be in for a thrilling afternoon.
When we met four months ago, Hinckley were fourth in the table and looking like strong contenders for a top five finish. The Stutes, meanwhile, were floundering in 14th place and with a new management team still looking for their first point away from home. How things have changed! We now sit third in the table and looking to extend a run of six wins in our last seven games while Hinckley have fallen into a mid-table position after five consecutive defeats and 19 points adrift of our tally as it stands.
Hinckley have picked up just six points in the last three months, but sometimes these stats can be misleading. Seven of Hinckley’s last nine games have been against teams that are challenging for promotion, so despite their slip down the table since the Autumn, it would be foolish to think that they will not pose us some real problems on Saturday.
Deacon Pattison may not be available to add to his goal in the reverse fixture as he and Luke Kenny are still affected by the injuries that kept them out of last weekend’s game. But their possible absences mean we may again see new signings Ben Netherclift and Harry Hurst take to the field. Harry joined us in January from Eynesbury Rovers where he has already made 30 United Counties League appearances this season, including as a substitute against us last December. The 20-year-old left sided midfielder arrived at Eynesbury in 2024 via Peterborough United, Aldershot and Real Bedford and is a signing that Matt and Mark are particularly excited to have on board for the remainder of the season.
Fellow midfielder Theo Goddard is back at Bridge Road after representing England Schoolboys in their win over Wales Schoolboys on penalties in midweek. More on that story to follow so watch this space!
In our three previous meetings with AFC Hinckley we have yet to come out on top, but weirdly, we have seen six goals scored on each occasion. We could therefore be in for a real corker on Saturday. The last time we beat a side from Hinckley was 13 years ago when we beat the now defunct Hinckley United in the Conference League North. Your support on Saturday could make all the difference in what we can expect to be a tight game, so get down to Bridge Road to help cheer the Stutes on to another three points. The usual admission prices will apply, i.e. £10 for adults, £6 for concessions £2 for under-17s and accompanied under-12s admitted for free. Kick-off is at 2pm with the bar open from 12.30pm.
Despite Cambridgeshire being in the driest region in the UK, the weather is again threatening to throw a spanner in the works. If a pitch inspection is required, which currently looks likely, you will find the latest information on this website as well as other Histon FC social media outlets.
Finally, our thanks go to Carlo’s Ice Cream and SRP Accounting Services Ltd who are this week’s Match Sponsors and Match Ball Sponsors respectively.
