Hempnall FC

Hempnall Res welcomed Gorleston Res to Bungay Road, expecting a very tough fixture against a team that remain unbeaten in the Division with a goal difference of +45, a team that has twice this season scored in excess of 10 goals, and in other games scored 5,6 (twice) and 7.

Again Hempnall were depleted due to injuries, call-offs and first team call-ups, and fielded the bare 11, including the Manager in goal in place of the injured first choice keeper, and this against the strongest team in the Division.

So, it would have been understood if the team capitulated, but for the first 35 minutes, despite Gorleston having most of the play, the excellent Hempnall defence, well marshalled by assistant Manager, Talbot, held firm, were crisp in the tackle, backed each other up and generally looked like a team up for the fight.

Indeed, Hempnall scored the first goal after 20 minutes, and Gorleston were clearly concerned.

However, then the class of the young Gorleston second string showed, and they scored in quick succession.

We thought it might turn into a rout, and whilst the 1-9 scoreline suggests it might have been, in fact, Hempnall held out well, and it was only the excellence of the Gorleston play, and tiring Hempnall legs, that finally allowed the opposition to stamp their authority.

In the end, class told, and it is clear to us that Groleston should not be in this division, but like other teams, they have to work their way through to the Premier.

If Hempnall could actually field a settled side, reuslts would clearly improve, and it is hoped that the injured players will return soon.