Hempnall FC

On Saturday, we played local rivals Long Stratton in our final game of the season.

Once again we struggled to get a side out due to injuries and a couple of players watching Norwich. The Reserves had an important match to try and secure second place in their division, so we did notraid them hard.

We started with Davis in goal, a back four of Tupper, Trett, Aaron Clarke and Kelly, midfield 5 of Watts, Bunno, Womack, Etherington and Adam Clarke with Mortimer up top as the lone striker.

Stratton took an early lead after 5 minutes, but this seemed to spur on Hempnall who soon started to take the game to Stratton and started to look dangerous, but it was Stratton who took a 2-0 lead against the run of play and just before the half time whistle took a 3-0 lead. Unfair to Hempnall on balance of play but that’s football.

The half time team talk was encouraging and from the second half whistle, the attitude was very positive, everybody came out and battled for everything and dominated the game.

10 minutes into the second half, the referee awarded a Hempnall penalty only for the Stratton linesman to tell the referee that the foul took place outside the box, although the referee was 5 yards away. The free kick was not converted and Hempnall felt aggrieved.

Five minutes later, the referee once again awarded a Hempnall penalty after Mortimer was fouled, this time there was no dispute and Mortimer cooly slotted home the penalty,.

From here, Hempnall were largely camped in the Stratton half and created great attacks and several half chances and chances, not converted, but on 75 minutes, after some ping pong in the Stratton penalty area, the ball came across for Tupper to head home and get on the score sheet, to make it 3-2.

empnall continued to dominate but unable to get the equaliser they deserved.

A great battling performance considering the players we had missing and the fact we played with both Managers and another veteran, Tupper, all of which had very solid games.

M.O.M all 11 players for never giving up.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every player who has worn the Hempnall shirt this season and a huge thanks to Lesley Kelly, Mr and Mrs Davis for their support and help and a big thanks to Trevor for your support on and off the field.

I know we give you headaches some weeks, but without you there simply wouldn't be a Hempnall FC.

See you all next season.