Liam Loughlan scored his first goal of the 2024-25 campaign to see The Blues lead at the break and after the restart an own-goal from Dom Brennan doubled our advantage.

A headed effort James Taylor made it three before Hinckley were awarded a controversial penalty in the 90th minute which Harry Wakefield tucked away for a consolation.

Brad Munn was forced to make one change to the side that started at the weekend. Callum Cocks returned to the midfield and replaced Danny Gordon who picked up a knock in the FA Trophy against Stafford Rangers.

After a promising start to the match Long Eaton United took the lead in the 17th minute. The hosts put bodies on the line to stop Evan Garnett’s initial effort on goal but Loughlan was on the scene to score the rebound at the back post.

In the build-up to the break Garnett had a chance to double our advantage after a well-timed run in behind the Hinckley defence but Jake Laban was quickly off his line to deny United’s number nine.

The hosts piled on the pressure in first-half injury time but could not find a reply and Long Eaton United went into half-time with a deserved one-goal lead.

Despite a momentum-fuelled start to the second-half from Hinckley, an own goal from Hinckley’s Brennan extended Long Eaton United's lead after a dangerous corner kick from Archie White.

As the half progressed Taylor scored his second goal is as many games to make it three - the forward nodded the ball past Laban with a deft header after an in-swinging free kick from Cocks.

With time almost up the referee awarded the hosts a controversial last-minute penalty after a coming together in The Blues' box. Second-half substitute Harry Wakefield stepped up and dispatched the spot kick to give his a side a consolation goal.