Hempnall FC

After losing to the same team two weeks previously in the league, Hempnall again welcomed Hemsby to Bungay Road, this time in the Cup.

With players back from injury, and work commitments easing, the Hempnall squad looked strionger than of late, and the managers were able to field three substitutes, also welcoming the new goalkeeper, Taylor Davis – thanks to Easton for being so helpful with his transfer.

As has become standard practice, whilst Hempnall started brightly, Kelly going close after only a few minutes, they allowed the opposition into it, being caught out, the age old problem of letting the ball bounce giving the opposition the front foot, this occurred on a number of occasions.

Whilst looking competitive, something was lacking, and the team were again caught out allowing Hemsby to go 1-0 up.

Nothing the keeper could do about it, though he at least started securely, and looks to be a real asset to the team.

Hempnall huffed and puffed and tried hard, but for the first part of the match, never really looked like scoring, the final ball went astray, or the wrong decision made.

That said, a number of players individually looked good, the midfield being bossed by Bennett and Bellingham, and defensively, with the ball in front of them, Hempnall were coping well, it was the quick through ball doing the damage.

Hempnall did put the ball into the net through Griffiths but the goal was rightly disallowed due to offside.

Still Hemsby were pressing, their breaks dangerous, and Taylor had to make one very good save, and a few well timed interceptions at the edge of the box to keep Hempnall in it.

Things started to get better, the Hempnall football became more dangerous and threatening, Bennett, Griffiths and Kelly all having shots, but it was end to end stuff thrilling the crowd, Hemsby still pressurising.

On came Collins to add guile to the midfield, and his dribbling and running skills saw the Hempnall threat increasing, and a shot saw the opposition crossbar rattle, then as we were thinking it might be one of those games, good play saw a foul outside the opposition penalty area, and up stepped James Bennett to plant a superb free-kick into the net for 1-1.

That’s how it remained at half time.

A few choice words saw the team come out in more determined mood, and though Hemsby still attacked, Hempnall’s play saw them gradually get on top. Hemsby, though, went 2-1 up, again dallying caused Hempnall’s downfall.

Hempnall kept fighting, getting better and better, the opposition keeper was called into action, making decent saves from Watts and Bennett.

The introduction of Edwards was perhaps the turning point, his forceful play was something Hempnall had missed, and suddenly, the team looked more secure defensively, and better going forward.

Kelly had a shot which sailed over, but with about 15 minutes to go, a Hempnall breakway saw Griffiths finally get his reward, a fine finish made it 2-2.

Still end to end, both teams had half chances, but again, Davis pulled off a super point blank save, and the opposition keeper pulled off an equally fine saves from Collins and Bennett plus a more routine stop from Kelly to ensure the scores were level at full-time, so the pizzas would have to wait.

Young Jamie Bennett had been introduced to add youth and skill to the right hand side, and into extra time we went.

After a few minutes, Bellingham forced a save, and Hempnall were looking the team most likely but it wasn’t until the second 15 minutes that another foul outside the opposition goal mouth saw Bennett again step up Beckham-esqe, to leave the keeper groping at thin air; the telling goal.

With bit more luck, Hempnall could have gone further ahead through Edwards and Kelly, but it wasn’t to be, and the Hempnall support had to settle for 3-2.

All in all, a good result, well deserved, many players gave good performances, shouts for MOM were clearly Bennett, Kelly(s), Edwards and Collins, but for his crucial saves and general excellence all game, Secretary’s MOM is keeperTaylor Davis.

Photos will be on the website shortly.