Hempnall FC

With Billy Kelly and George Watts not available, and others missing through work commitments, Manager Dimsey was at least able to welcome back Matthew Nobbs after a very lengthy injury absence to hopefully play a part as a sub, and also undertake the second most important job on the pitch, that of assistant Ref!!

Yelverton, from the start, looked a strong outfit, and they started the better of the two sides, though Hempnall grew into the game and were hitting Yelverton on the break with Lambe, Etherington and Puttock looking dangerous, but in fairness, Yelverton generally held their attacks comfortably.

It looked odds on a draw until Hempnall’s committed centre back Talbot was injured and had to leave the field, leaving his partner, Browne, more exposed, as in recent weeks, they had forged a great partnership.

The re-organisation, and losing one of their best players undoubtedly had an effect, and though Hempnall went close on a few occasions through Etherington, Lambe, Puttock and Bliss, it never quite happened.

Yelverton looked at their most dangerous from set pieces, and from a very good corner, the Yelverton number 9 powered in an unstoppable header.

Puttock had put in a great shift, and the fresh legs of Nobbs replaced him midway through the second half, it was so good to see him back – if he can keep his injury at bay and play a few more games, Hempnall will look stronger and without question create more chances.

Hempnall were still well in the game even when Yelverton scored a second, perhaps if Lambe’s half chance late on had gone in, we might have been treated to an exciting last few minutes, but as it was, Yelverton deserved their victory.

On this showing, Yelverton looked at least as good as recent teams visiting Bungay Road, and will most likely be challenging for promotion come the end of the season.

Well done to the referee, a very decent performance, keeping what was a rather spicy game well under control.