Hempnall FC

Hempnall Sunday had what was bound to be a tough match against Mad Moose, who sat a couple of places but 15 points ahead in the league.

From the sidelines, it was clear that the teams were pretty well matched, and in the first few minutes, both teams had half chances.

Hempnall though went one up after a lovely sweeping move and great cross for James Bennett to head in.

Mad Moose were not to be denied though, and came back with two quick goals which caused a bit of panic in the Hempnall ranks, and scoring a third by half time, Hempnall disappointingly went into the break 3-1 down.

A few words of encouragement by Manager Nick Talbot, and the team came out fighting, reducing the deficit to one with a well taken second.

We thought perhaps it was going to be a step too far for Hempnall after Mad Moose scored a breakway goal to make it 2-4, but Hempnall battled hard and got two back to make it 4-4 with a few minutes to go.

Neither team were finished with the goal scoring attempts, though, and Hempnall missed a good opportunity to go 5-4 up.

Then towards end of game, an awesome block, one on one, by Declan Leigh ensured the match finished all square, probably a fair result on the day.

Manager Talbot, before the game, would have taken a 4-4 scoreline but was a little disappointed with only a draw given the way his team played. The supporters were, though, treated to a very good game, and a great advertisement for Sunday football.

For his all round excellence, MOM was Billy Kelly.

Hempnall scorers were James Bennett x 2; Brad Cullum & Ali Harvey, another header.

A word for the referee, Matt Carpenter, who was, according to all, excellent.