As we start the countdown to this years #CountyChristmas, we’ll be looking back at some of our favourite moments of what’s been a truly memorable 2019 for County fans.
On day number 1, it seemed only fitting to start with County’s very own big #1, Ben Hinchliffe, as we look back at four of his very best saves since the start of the year!
Now in his fourth season at Edgeley Park, Ben has firmly established himself as a fan favourite, and one of the finest goalkeepers in non-league, capable of extraordinary saves like the ones below!
Dagenham (H)
Looking for a first home clean-sheet since August, Ben had to be at his very best in the first-half to deny the Daggers an opener, springing to his left to palm away a snapshot after a clever corner-kick routine. It proved to be vital, as County went on to win the game 1-0 in the dying stages through Nyal Bell.
Wrexham (A)
Perhaps his greatest save in a County shirt to date – protecting a 1-0 lead, Luke Summerfield unleashed a rocket that looked destined for the top corner. Until, that is, Hinchliffe somehow flung himself across goal to get the slightest fingertip to the effort, turning it onto the post. A stunning save.
Hartlepool (H)
Another match-winning save from County’s #1, with Hartlepool desperate for an equaliser late on, Gime Toure bent one goalwards, only for Hinchliffe to somehow palm it over the bar – a save made to look all the better with the BT cameras in town!
Telford (H)
Arguably the most important save of his County career – with County desperately chasing down Chorley in the National League North title race, Ben Hinchliffe prevented what looked to be a certain stoppage time equaliser from Telford, spreading himself big to deny the Telford striker what looked all the world to be a simple tap-in. Come the end of the season, that save proved to be vital.
You can see all those stunning saves in the video below!
Can you think of better saves? Head over to our social media pages and let us know, and be sure to use #CountyChristmas!
