Atletico opened the 2018-19 MFL1 season with a score draw away at League newcomers Stapenhill,
Grant Ryan giving Hinckley the lead and Sam Belcher equalising in the second half.
Being a complete new side under Manager James Jepson every player, other than the manager, was
making their competitive debut for AFC, and on a bone hard surface was difficult to keep a
flowing game of football and create many goal chances. Hinckley took the lead just before half
time when Louis Hamilton raced into the area chasing a through ball, reaching it just before
Larkins did and the Stapenhill keeper took down Hamilton resulting in a penalty. Grant Ryan
stepped up and sent Larkin the wrong way from the penalty spot, giving Hinckley a slim first
half lead.
That lead was cancelled out within 10 minutes of the restart when a deep cross from the left wing
saw Sam Grice unmarked on the back post to blast into goal despite Adam Harrison getting a hand to
the ball. This lifted Stapenhill and they enjoyed a spell of pressure for the next 20 minutes
culminating in an excellent goal for Richard Hanslow after the hour when he received the ball
with his back to goal on the edge of the area and a neat turn and shot saw him beat Harrison
giving Stapenhill the lead. This stung Hinckley back into action from their second half slumber
and AFC finished the brighter team, though goal chances were few. With 10 minutes remaining a
lovely through ball released Sam Belcher one on one with Larkin, and the former Hinckley United
midfielder coolly slotted the ball inside the post for the equaliser.
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