Hempnall FC

Hempnall came into this game full of confidence, at least that’s how it whould have been, after two or three excellent perfomances and results recently. A win would mean they were pretty well safe from the drop, and after their narrow 2-3 defeat away to the same opposition, the managers were confident the team would come through.

Unfortunately, the predictions of a good performance were wide of the mark, and the team regressed into that seen in previous matches – inconsistency.

Against Beccles Caxton with their speedy and skilful front players, their long ball game, bypassing the midfield, proved too much for Hempnall who were frequently caught flat footed and unable to cope, though defensively, when faced with the more passing game, they were a match.

However, with Kelly, Clarke and Mortimer up front, we always felt that the speed they provided would sooner or later pay dividends, but, whilst the opposition were clearly the better team on the night, every loose ball and richochet fell their way.

A typical example led to a Caxton goal following a Bunn save but a similar richochet the other end fell to a Caxton player.

Hempnall hit the bar and tried hard, but tonight was not theirs’.

The second half performance was a bit better than the first, but still they conceded two goals without replying.

All in all, very frustrating, meaning they must achieve a result in their final match against relegation rivals, Blofield Utd Reserves, whose first team are out of danger so we can expect them to send a strong team to Hempnall.

Other teams also in danger are likely to pick up points in their final games, so it is down to us.

We hope that we can go back to the recent confidence and show our quality.

Whilst Hempnall conceded four goals, without Shaun Kelly at the back, it may have been more, and he is my MOM this week.