Hempnall FC

Manager Greg Dimsey managed to assemble a good looking squad despite the absence of Kelly, Bellingham and Talbot, and he welcomed back Radvilas from holiday, adding to the mobility up front, with Watts taking his customary right back slot after a one game absence.

The acquistion of Ryan Hemmings in goal has also been a great bonus for the side, as his dominance of his area and good shot stopping adds to the solid feel of the defence, and whilst he didn’t have many saves to make, we aways felt that his presence between the sticks gave his fellow defenders great confidence.

Talisman Nobbs managed to take his place in midfield despite his long-standing injury, and in stepped Matt Barber to fill the centre half space alongside Everard.

Dimsey’s instruction to his side was to not give the opposition early chances, and they took his advice, keeping things tight, and going forward well, so well in fact that Radvilas was causing immense problems for the opposition with his direct running, ably supported by a back to form Lambe, and a strong running Etherington.

Whilst Hempnall were generally on top, a slip up in defence left the Thetford forward a good chance to score, but Hemmings was up to the task, saving with his feet.

Hempnall were on the front foot, and after 20 minutes, Radvilas took on the defence and finished superbly for 1-0.

Soon after, Bliss saw a good effort sail over, then Etherington was clipped in the box, but the referee didn’t see it as a penalty.

The game continued in this vein, Hempnall looking confident but always the chance of Thetford hitting on the break, though Hemmings was always aware of the danger.

Just before half time, Radvilas again stepped up to the mark and slotted home his and Hempnall’s second making the half time talk of ‘more of the same’ pleasing for the manager.

Bliss, Lambe and Etherington all came close to scoring, Nobbs had a good header just not strong enough to trouble the keeper, Bliss had a super effort just clear the bar, before Radvilas secured his hat trick with a cracking shot that soared into the corner.

Hempnall were clearly on top, Lambe almost scoring with a great left-footed effort.

The referee awarded Thetford a penalty which the Hempnall contingent thought harsh, but no matter, on came sub Puttock to continue on where Radvilas left off, harrying the defence, to allow Lambe to secure his well deserved goal, and Hempnall’s fourth.

All in all, a very good Hempnall performance and a well deserved ‘must win’, hopefully to act as a springboard.

Well done to Greg and all the lads.