Hempnall FC

Hempnall entertained third placed UEA at Bungay Road.

With Manager Greg Dimsey unusually able to select from a squad of 15, we were looking forward to a strong performance, and for the most part, that is exactly what we got. In my view, it was a really good game of football.

Hempnall started very well, looking sharp up front, and had the better of the very early play, but with UEA looking sprightly and skillful, they looked very good on the break.

It was after 5 minutes that Watt’s automatic reaction to handle the ball led to a penalty and the crowd on tenterhooks wondering whether the referee would send him off.

Fortunately, being one of the better refs around, he took the sensible decision to book Watts. Good on the UEA management who asked that the lad not be sent off, to keep the game alive. It makes a change to hear that.

Fortunately for Hempnall, keeper Hemmings, who had one of his best games, went the right way and kept the penalty out.

Both teams were pushing, both defences holding out fairly comfortably.

Rout again looked the part, and it was after 35 minutes that Hempnall’s attack was rewarded with a fine header into the corner, another excellent effort from Rout.

Unfortunately for Hempnall, with the refereee playing a couple of minutes added time, UEA broke with speed, their forward out-paced the Hempnall defence, and secured a half time equaliser with under 20 seconds to go.

Hempnall weren’t downhearted, and with the ablility to make substitutions, Dimsey brought on Kelly to add fresh legs, and Hempnall were still well in the game and with a bit more luck, a better final ball, a second goal would have been on the cards. Stevenson and Lambe up front looked dangerous, the midfield were probing, forcing the odd foul which gave Lambe the chance to shoot, or cross a good ball, though in fairness, the UEA defence looked very good and their keeper was largely untroubled.

It was the last 15 minutes that took it’s toll on Hempnall, UEA managing to score two decent goals to show why they are towards the top of the table and favourites to gain promotion.

A very enjoyable game against a very good team.

Hempnall players all gave decent performances, once again, Rout was excellent, but on this occasion, Secretary’s MOM is Ryan Hemmings.