Hempnall FC

In their final game of the season, Hempnall had to win to stand any chance of staying in senior football, but it was not to be, and they went down 0-1 to Loddon.

Hempnall will be very disapponted, as in so many games this season, not to come away with at least a point, as that would have been the least they deserved for a spirited performance.

The BRF said later that they thought it was probably one of the best performances of the season, and the team could have scored at least a couple of goals.

A call off by Cameron Mulley left them short of the firepower that would have seen them more potent up front, and with the skillful and energetic Billy Kelly delayed due to work commitments, Hempnall were perhaps not as thrusting and physical as they are when Mulley is around, and were also, for the first part of the game, missing Kelly’s weaving runs.

Goalkeeper Spillane was an enforced absentee due to a massive gash to his knee sustained at Foulsham in the previous game, needing stitches – for those with weak stomachs, don’t ask to view his photo of the injury!

However, Nobbs was back to add class to the midfield, and when they settled in, Hempnall matched Loddon in all departments.

Rob Kelly, former Hempnall keeper who has been with Loddon for a couple of seasons, looked dominant when called upon, and he did enough to keep Hempnall at bay.

The introduction of Kelly brought fresh impetus to Hempnall, his marauding runs creating a few headaches for Loddon, and more than once, Kelly in goal had to be quick to snuff out the Hempnall attack.

Etherington, Lambe, Slater, Nobbs, Kelly and Dimsey all went close with Lambe and Kelly looking particularly dangerous.

Late in the game, in the Hempnall twilight, a scorching free kick almost brought Hempnall level, but it skimmed the wrong side of the crossbar.

One set piece though brought Hempnall’s downfall. Best of luck to Loddon going forward, we hope to see them again in a season or two.

The best bit of the season has been the emergence of the ‘Hunnies’ supporters group, making Hempnall’s supporters arguably the loudest yet most attractive around – long may they attend matches.