Hempnall FC

Hempnall welcomed Aylsham Reserves to Hempnall. After some decent results and performances recently, Hempnall were looking to repeat the reverse fixture earlier in the season, when they comfortably defeated Aylsham 1-5. 

The game started fairly evenly on a typical end of season bouncy pitch, both teams looked lively with end to end football being played, and for the first half an hour, the teams looked quite evenly matched.

Both teams were threatening, with Davis in the Hempnall goal making a couple of saves and interceptions to thwart the opposition, but largely, Hempnall were looking the more threatening and Billy Kelly called the keeper into action with a stinging shot , well saved. 

Again the most senior player, Dowling, was looking the best player on the park, though all of the team were looking positive.

With the back four looking balanced, Hempnall were having little difficulty keeping the Aylsham shots from long range, though Davis did make a couple of good stops.

Hempnall took the lead before half time, a stunning half volley from Dowling was ruled out as the ref had simultaneously blown for a penalty, so one of the goals of the season deleted. The penalty was well despatched by Ringer.

Hempnall went into the half time break just about deservedly one up.

The second half was a different story, with Hempnall’s dominance being even more obvious, the Hempnall midfield and forwards were pressurising the young Aylsham team, and after a number of attempts, Dowling again put the ball into the net, and once again, the goal was ruled out for exactly the same reason as the first – never before seen I would suggest. Again, Ringer stepped up to confidently despatch for 2-0.

Hempnall then, in truth, overwhelmed Aylsham, with further goals from Ringer for his hat trick, Herbert and Dale finishing what was one of Hempnall’s best performances of the season.

A word for the officials – the referee had a very good game, and the opposition linesman was the best seen at Hempnall this season.

Also, whilst the scoreline did reflect Hempnall’s overall dominance, Aylsham’s keeper made some splendid saves and interventions, he certainly saved them from a far heavier defeat.

All of the Hempnall players put in a shift, there were no poor performances, it’s very difficult to pick out a MOM, and for me it was between Dowling and Blake, with Blake being my pick for his tremendous performance at centre half.