Hempnall FC

Hempnall Reserves came into their final match of the season against Celt Rangers, the best team in the league by a street, looking to at least give the manager a positive performance, and in my opinion, that’s exactly what they gave despite the 1-6 scoreline.

After all, the opposition came to Bungay Road with a goal difference of plus 126, having lost one league game all season, and scoring 18, 15, 13, 11 and 10 goals in various matches this season, so it was reasonable to think Hempnall, again with a number of forced changes, might succumb by a significant scoreline against.

Celt certainly looked a cut above, and when Hempnall conceded three goals by the 20th minute, from memory all of which were following corners or set plays, the writing was on the wall, yet the team, in the words of the manager, did not capitulate, and we were treated to what was possibly one of the best perfomances by the Reserves all season.

Hempnall maintained their fighting spirit throughout the game, the forward Elton and Shaen-Carter being the oulet, doing their best to run against a well marshalled defence.

Despite the 0-3 scoreline, Hempnall were well in the game, giving the opposition something to think about, probably something they haven’t had to do for most of the season judging by their massive goal difference.

In the latter stages, Hempnall were tiring a bit, but the defence with the ever running Batterham and Bradley intercepting well, really did well against their free scoring, skillful opposition.

Whilst Hempnall were not able to regularly pierce the Celt back four, one attack did result in a strange goal from a lack of concentration from the Celt keeper, and with a bit of luck may have had another one or two, though we can’t take anything away from an excellent Celt side.

This week, the entire team worked exceptionally well from back to front, they were simply up against a better team, though we are all proud of the effort – had they played like that every week, the team would have won a lot more matches.

Whilst it is difficult to pick a MOM, the Secretary’s MOM this week is Ross Shaen-Carter, he showed exceptional endeavour and a fair amount of skill.

As a final comment this season on the Reserves, I would say that the recent positive vibe under the new manager has continued, and we are very pleased that Dan Roche will lead the team again in the forthcoming season, players already committing themselves.

Already, several are looking forward to pre-season!