Hempnall FC

Facing East Harling, already at the top of the division, the last thing Hempnall needed was for East Harling’s first team not to have a match.

Due to non-availability and injuries,Hempnall were forced again to make 6 changes to their side; fortunately, the sole remaining fit and available keeper was able to take his place between the sticks, meaning the Manager could, for a change, manage!

Hempnall knew this was going to be a tough fixture, but for the first 20 minutes, the team matched Harling in all departments, and their football was easily the best seen from them this season, with a one touch passing game ensuring they pressed forward and looked as though they could score first, but it was not to be.

Harling showed why they are top, with incisive, thrusting football that eventually wore Hempnall down, and Hempnall found themselves 0-4 down at the break. This was no reflection of the overall game.

That said, the Hempnall goalkeeper pulled off several good saves, though the Harling keeper, whilst seeing plenty of the ball was not generally troubled as the Hempnall chances were mainly half chances.

The Hempnall players that caught the eye were Oliver Smith, normally a back four player was asked to lead the line, and he had a very good game, and looked as though he could settle into a more advanced role. He finished very well to score one of Hempnall’s 2 goals.

Other youngsters that look very promising were Keely Cleverly and substitute James Gilding, the latter scoring with a fine finish.

The 2-7 defeat was very harsh on Hempnall, whose second half performance was excellent – more performances like this results will undoubtedly improve.