Hempnall FC

Hempnall Reserves took on Easton A in the semi-final of the League Cup at Mattishall, hoping to get into their second final in two years.

The pitch was flat but soft and sticky, but in good condition and would allow good football to be played. 

Easton though are riding high in the division with Hempnall struggling to hit their normal form, though Cup matches are different, and this game was no exception. 

From the off, Hempnall looked generally the better team, playing good football and, apart from a break or two from Easton, Hempnall were looking the more likely to score.

 With the support enjoying end to end entertainment, the first real chance came from Hempnall, with Keane firing in an angled shot which was defended on the line with Simon Cullabine just unable to intercept the clearance. 

The Hempnall defence was looking solid, and generally able to withstand anything that Easton had to throw at them.

Hempnall’s second chance came again from Keane who was just unable to convert a cross, but managed to centre the ball which again Simon Cullabine couldn’t convert.

 Hempnall continued to look the more likely to score, but just unable to provide the killer final ball or last ditch defending keeping them out, but it was Easton who came closest on the break, Davis making a fine save to tip the ball over the crossbar. 

Half time 0-0

Hempnall started the second half slowly and rather let Easton back in, but we continued the end to end football, and it was Hempnall who scored the first goal, a fine finish from Ryan Cullabine seeing Hempnall take a deserved lead.

Easton responded though, and a lapse by Hempnall saw Easton score the equaliser through a very soft penalty, a Hempnall player adjudged to have handled. 

Hempnall went to sleep a little, but plenty of half chances came and went. In fact, Hempnall asked for a penalty but the referee adjudged the ball had hit the shoulder, so Hempnall were disappointed.

Hempnall went close on a couple of occasions again through Ryan Cullabine, and with Davis having two make two fine saves, one with his feet, the game could have gone either way. 

Easton took the initiative and made the score 2-1 with a good finish. 

Still Hempnall fought, and in the final minute another attack finally paid dividends with a close range finish from Ross Joy made the score 2-2. 

The game then went straight to penalties, and both teams scored all 5, with Easton converting their sixth, but Hempnall missing their’s.

The spoils went to Easton though overall, Hempnall covered themselves well and should be proud of their effort.

 Whilst there were a number of good performances, to me, the stand out performance was from centre half Danny Cramp.