For non-league clubs across the country, the FA Cup represents the ultimate dream – a chance to capture the imagination of a town and etch their name into local folklore. For Hinckley Athletic, the 1954-55 season delivered precisely that, as the Leicestershire club, then plying their trade in the tough Birmingham Combination league, embarked on a captivating journey that saw them reach the Second Round Proper of the world’s most famous knockout competition. It was a run that united a community and remains a cherished memory in the annals of Hinckley football.
The Road to Glory: Clearing the Qualifiers
The path to the professional rounds of the FA Cup is always arduous for non-league sides, and Hinckley Athletic’s journey was a testament to their grit and resilience. They had to navigate five ties, including a dramatic replay, just to earn a place in the First Round Proper.
The run began with a spectacular display of attacking power, routing Long Eaton Town 7-1 at home in the First Qualifying Round. The visitors even had the audacity to score first, but Hinckley’s response was overwhelming, showcasing a dynamic forward line that included Riley, Perry, and Burnett.
The Second Qualifying Round saw them scrape through a tough away fixture, beating Brush Sports 4-3, a scoreline that hints at a spirited, end-to-end affair.
The Third Qualifying Round proved to be the sternest test of their non-league mettle. An initial 2-2 draw away at Whitwick Colliery was, according to reports, a tough battle on a heavy pitch. Whitwick were convinced they should have won, with a linesman’s offside call denying them a late goal. However, at the Middlefield Lane replay, in front of a reported crowd of 1,156, Hinckley were decisive, winning 4-1. The team, galvanised after Whitwick had brought the score to 2-1 and threatened an equaliser, pulled away thanks in part to a penalty converted by their “champion spot-kicker,” Brews, and a late strike from a free-kick.
Finally, the Fourth Qualifying Round brought old rivals Bromsgrove Rovers to Middlefield Lane. This tie, a grim duel described as typical cup-tie football with “ever-recurring thrills,” saw Hinckley emerge victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win. The winning goal, a spectacular effort from Riley, settled the matter, booking their place in the First Round Proper for the first time since the old Hinckley United achieved the feat 31 years prior. The match highlight was a heroic save by goalkeeper Langstone from a point-blank drive by Bromsgrove’s Deakin, which prevented a dreaded replay.
The First Round Proper: A Thrilling Seven-Goal Showdown
The draw for the First Round brought the glamour of the national competition. Hinckley Athletic were drawn at home against Newport (Isle of Wight) from the Southern League. While not a clash with a Football League club, reaching the First Round Proper was a significant achievement in its own right, placing them on the main stage of the FA Cup.
The match on November 20, 1954, was nothing short of a spectacle. In a nail-biting, seven-goal thriller at Middlefield Lane, Hinckley Athletic delivered a sensational performance to win 4-3. This thrilling victory over a strong non-league side secured their place in the Second Round for the first time in the club’s history, sending the local fans into raptures. The town buzzed with excitement as the dreams of a genuine giant-killing began to materialise.
Round 2: A Step Too Far, But Pride Intact
The triumph over Newport (IOW) set up the biggest game in the club’s history: an away clash with a professional Football League side, Rochdale, of the Third Division North. This was the ultimate challenge, a true ‘David vs. Goliath’ encounter.
Despite the odds, there was palpable excitement and quiet confidence within the Hinckley camp. The club’s chairman, Mr. Trevor Grove, noted that while 13 of 15 newspaper tipsters favoured Rochdale, he was confident Hinckley could justify the odd two who forecast a draw. The club knew they were in for a tough game on a very heavy, likely muddy ground at Spotland, and the plan was simple: “We must cut out the close-passing, fancy stuff.” At least 500 supporters made the journey north by coach to cheer on their local heroes.
The tie took place on Saturday, December 11, 1954. Hinckley Athletic, wearing the badge of their entire community, did not buckle under the pressure. The starting line-up, featuring heroes of the run like Langstone in goal, Shepherd and Howe in defence, and the forward line of Greet, Riley, Burnett, Grummett, and Perry, started brightly.
Hinckley caused “a lot of trouble in the opening stages” and, after 25 minutes, they took the lead! Perry met a first-time cross from Grant and “cracked the ball home with the Rochdale defence helpless.” The travelling support erupted.
However, the lead was short-lived. Two minutes later, Rochdale levelled the score. The match remained tense, and though Hinckley’s Riley came close, and goalkeeper Langstone made some superb saves in the second half, the sheer quality of the Football League side eventually told. After 67 minutes, following a fierce shot that Langstone saved, Rochdale’s Anders scored from the rebound, putting the home side in front.
Despite battling hard, Hinckley could not find a second equaliser. The match ended Rochdale 2, Hinckley Athletic 1. The Cup dream was over!
