Hempnall FC

After games where the rub of the green went against Hempnall, with results not really reflecting the overall level of perfomance, Hempnall came into this game against the reserve team of the Premier Division leaders, in good spirits.

The squad looked strong, and with the returning injured players now available to Managers Trett and Bunn, we looked forward to an entertaining game, which is exactly what we got.

From the off, Hempnall looked to attack the opposition with pace, and only a few minutes in, Tom Griffiths, with a bit more luck, could have put the ball into the net, but it ended up in the side netting.

Billy Kelly had a couple of half chances, but the defence held out. Kelly was running the defence ragged, and Griffiths was at his most mobile, so it was looking good.

Hempnall played some good football, though CEYMS were making it a good match, the Hempnall keeper dealing with any threats very competently, and he too is looking a very good signing for Hempnall.

With the midfield gelling very well, Bellingham continuing his good form and putting in a very good shift, it was a midfield thrust that saw Bennett strike from 22 yards to see the ball sail into the net for Hempnall’s first.

With the back four again looking solid and looking a unit, Shaun Kelly was arguably having his best game and George Watts was also treating us to another exceptional performance.

Hempnall gave away a bit of a soft penalty, which was blasted over, otherwise it might have been a different story.

At the half hour mark, Tom Griffiths did what he had been threatening, finishing well from 10 yards out to put Hempnall two up.

The game was still very competitive, CEYMS looked capable of getting back into it, but Kelly, Griffiths and Bennett were all looking very threatening every time Hempnall went forward, Bennett bringing the keeper into action with a decent save, and just before half time, Kelly made a fine run, and finished off superbly, to effectively seal the match.

3-0 at half time is something we haven’t seen at Hempnall for quite a while, so the half time cuppa was more satisfying than usual.

The second half didn’t start quite so well, Hempnall were a little complacent, though CEYMS came out in a more determined mood and looked far more threatening.

Hempnall withstood the early pressure and again got back into it, Kelly causing havoc and drawing a number of fouls.

The Hempnall keeper had to deal with the odd threat, but most of the action was in the opposition’s half.

A cross shot from Clarke soared over the crossbar, and another shot from the same player had the same result.

Then goalmouth action involving all Hempnall’s front players led to a good chance which the keeper stifled, then Jamie Bennett and Kelly combined to set up a chance that Griffiths put away with aplomb.

Hempnall were now fully in control, and a good move ended with Adam Clarke heading in well to make it 5-0, perhaps a little unjust on CEYMS, though Hempnall at last got the result they deserved.

We were glad to see Vince Roper as the referee, we knew that his performance would be that of a referee who likes to talk to players without reverting to the book, it makes the game so much more enjoyable, an object lesson in how to control a match.

There were several excellent performances from all areas of the pitch, in fact from all of the team, though for the Secretary, the stand out performance was from Billy Kelly, who ran the CEYMS defence ragged, and managed at least one assist, plus some good final balls. Amy will be very happy, Billy…..