Hempnall FC

Hempnall Reserves welcomed Scole to Bungay Road – the reverse fixture ended in an embarrasing 0-17 defeat. So it was with some trepidation that the supporters were anticipating this match.

Hempnall had to start without Billy Kelly, with the first team manager, Greg Dimsey, stepping in at the last minute, so Hempnall fielded three current Hempnall managers in one team, (Oakley, Talbot and Dimsey) – that must be a first for Hempnall and probably any local club.

As expected, Scole was the more fluent side, though Hempnall kept them at bay until a slick move left the defence stretched and Hempnall succumbed.

It was clear that Scole had the edge, but Hempnall did have several very decent, ultimately thwarted, chances, and a couple of very decent penalty shouts, though the referee decided against them – a pity, because a couple more Hempnall goals and we would have had a contest.

The one Hempnall goal was a miracle shot from Dimsey who did a Rooney and scored from the half way line, bemusing the cameraman who, like a few weeks before when Craske scored a ridiculous goal, was clearly not on the same wavelength but did manage to photograph the ball entering the net past an equally confused keeper. It is a pity the ‘Hempnall Hunnies’ were not there to witness it.

What is most impressive about the Hempnall team is their ‘never say die’ attitude. Despite heavy losses, often through first team callups, and work commitments of some players causing unavailability, the team spirit is admirable.

I have every admiration for Matt and Nick who have through every adversity thrown at them, maintained a side that, when at decent strength, can compete easily in this division.

Man of the match was, in my view, once again the young keeper, Alex Harvey, who despite conceding 7, pulled off a few decent saves, and intercepted a few dangerous crosses and through balls.